JP7460195B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

There are known gaming machines that execute a cut-in effect in which an insert image (cut-in image) is displayed superimposed on the output video (see, for example, FIG. 8 of Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-146587

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the taste of a performance (specific performance) in which an inserted image is displayed.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, comprises a display means having a display area, and a performance execution means for executing a specific performance that leads to an advantageous ending advantageous to the player or an unfavorable ending that is an ending in the event that the advantageous ending is not reached after a predetermined performance image is displayed in the display area, and the specific performance may display one of a plurality of types of insert images midway before reaching the ending, suggesting the probability of reaching the advantageous ending, and the display pattern of the insert image in the specific performance is a non-changing pattern in which the basic state in which the performance image is displayed without displaying any of the plurality of types of insert images becomes an insert state in which a certain type of insert image is displayed, then returns to the basic state, and then leads to the ending, and a special changing pattern in which the basic state becomes a previous insert state in which a certain type of insert image is displayed as a previous insert image, then returns to the basic state, and then a subsequent insert state in which a type of insert image different from the previous insert image is displayed as a subsequent insert image, and then leads to the ending.

The gaming machine of the present invention can improve the intrigue of the presentation (specific presentation) in which an insert image is displayed.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. It is a diagram for explaining a gaming state (transition of a gaming state). FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an inserted image. It is a diagram for explaining specific effects. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific rendering of a non-changing pattern (a continuation of FIG. 5). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific effect of a special change pattern (a continuation of FIG. 5). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which an inserted image is displayed and deleted. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-5. It is a figure for explaining the aspect of a pending symbol. It is a diagram showing an example of a specific ready-to-win performance (a case where the pending symbol is in a special mode during fluctuation). FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining forced downgrade control (a continuation of FIG. 14(d-2)). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the production style (stage) and style image. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a style image change effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3 (another example than FIG. 25). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a target image presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-6. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a countdown effect. 13 is a diagram for explaining numerical effects (normal patterns, special patterns). FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-4. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-5.

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. Note that in the following description, images include not only still images but also moving images.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and has a guide rail 903 that is substantially arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91 which is the main display device, a starting area 904, a big prize area 906, an outlet, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion which can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 is also provided with a number of game pegs which act as obstacles against which the game balls collide and which change the way the game balls flow down. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pegs.

In such a gaming machine 1, gaming balls are launched toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning area such as the starting area 904 or the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of 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 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 a game ball lands in 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 value, it is a jackpot, and if different, it is a miss. becomes. In this embodiment, the notification of the winning lottery results will start in the order in which the numerical values are acquired, but if there is winning lottery information for which the notification of the winning lottery results has not yet been completed, the notification of the winning lottery results will be newly acquired. The winning lottery information is stored as pending information (strictly speaking, pre-change pending information to be described later) in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown).

In this embodiment, as the reserved pattern 70, a reserved pattern 71 (a pattern indicating the existence of the so-called "reserved change") corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information during change) in which the during-change performance (from the start of the change of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) to the complete stop of the combination indicating the winning/losing lottery result, which is the so-called performance during one change. Hereinafter, it may be referred to simply as "change" or "rotation") that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has started, but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and a reserved pattern 72 before the change corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information before the change) in which the during-change performance that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has not started (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 71 before the change is displayed larger than the reserved pattern 72 before the change, but the basic form of both is the same. The basic form of the reserved pattern 71 before the change and the reserved pattern 72 before the change may be completely different. In addition, the pending pattern 71 (pending pattern during change) is not strictly speaking a "pending" (pending information), but is generally referred to as the "pending pattern in question" (recognized as a type of pending), and is therefore included in the concept of "pending". Also, the order in which the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the pending pattern before change 72 are notified (the so-called "pending order") is earlier the further to the right it is.

The maximum number of pre-change reserved information is limited. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with respect to the reserved pattern 70 corresponding to one of the special charts 1 and 2, one reserved pattern 71 during change and up to four pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed (see FIG. 2). The pre-change reserved pattern 72 is set so that if the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (normal game state to be described later), the first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 72, and if the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (special game state to be described later), the second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 72. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 72 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (up to eight pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed).

In the present embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the winning/losing lottery results are notified to the player by the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the decorative pattern group 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, middle decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative patterns 80 starts to fluctuate, and finally each decorative pattern group 80g The first decorative pattern 80 is selected and stopped. If you have won a jackpot, the combination of the decorative symbols 80 (left decorative symbol 80L, middle decorative symbol 80C, right decorative symbol 80R) selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stopped is a predetermined combination (realistic symbol group 80g). In the embodiment, it is a set of three decorative patterns 80 of the same type. If it is a loss, another combination (other than the combination that results in a jackpot) will be used. The decorative pattern 80 may be a combination of numbers, characters, and the like.

Note that an image (a so-called "small pattern" or the like) indicating various information may be displayed inconspicuously near the outer edge of the display area 911 (the image is not shown in each figure). Players can now enjoy games without being aware of these types of images. That is, basically, it is possible to grasp the winning/failure lottery result by looking at the decorative pattern 80.

In this embodiment, a normal game state and a special game state are set as game states (see FIG. 3). The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low base state (low probability, no time reduction) in which the game ball is unlikely to enter the starting area 904. The special game state is a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is a high base state (high probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. In the normal game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, a so-called "left hit" is performed. In the special game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, a so-called "right hit" is performed. The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b, which is triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting area 904b.

In this embodiment, the special game state is entered after all jackpot games have ended. The special game state ends when the winning/losing lottery results are a miss a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment). When the special game state ends, the normal game state is entered. If the jackpot is won before the predetermined number of consecutive misses after the transition to the special game state, the game state will transition again to the special game state (the count of the predetermined number of times will be reset). In other words, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called ST machine in which the condition for consecutive wins is to win a jackpot before the predetermined number of consecutive misses after the transition to the special game state. Note that, unless otherwise specified in the following description, the game characteristics (specifications) are merely one example. For example, it may be a so-called probability loop machine. It may also be a V probability machine. It may also be a gaming machine (one-type/two-type mixed machine) equipped with a so-called small win, in which a jackpot can be won by a game ball entering a predetermined area when the small win is won. In addition, a game state different from the normal game state and the special game state may be set, for example, a low probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and a high base state (low probability, with time reduction) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the starting area 904.

When the winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed. A jackpot game is a unit game in which the jackpot area 906 (see FIG. 1; the jackpot area 906 is normally closed) is opened one or more times until a predetermined closing condition is established. The closing condition is established when either a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the jackpot after the jackpot area 906 is opened (winning condition) or a predetermined time has passed after the jackpot area 906 is opened (time condition). In this embodiment, if game balls are continuously shot toward the jackpot area 906 in a jackpot game, the winning condition is established before the time condition is established. In other words, 10 game balls enter the jackpot area 906 in one unit game. A unit game is also called a round (game). The number of unit games (number of rounds) included in a jackpot game can be set appropriately. In this embodiment, all jackpots are 10-round jackpots.

2) Hereinafter, the effects and the like (contents and control of effects) that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which only a part of the effects described below can be executed. Further, in some of the drawings for explaining the effects, etc., illustration of the reserved symbols 70 and decorative symbols 80 may be omitted.

2-1) Specific Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing specific effects (see FIGS. 5 to 7) as effects constituting the during-change effects. In the following description of specific effects, during-change effects including specific effects are referred to as target during-change effects (target changes), and the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the target change (the winning/losing lottery result notified by the target change) is referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result. The specific effects in this embodiment are a type of reach effect (super reach effect), and after an image (performance image) dedicated to the effect is output, the player is led to an advantageous ending (see FIG. 6(b-1), FIG. 7(d-1)) in which an image indicating that a favorable situation has been reached is displayed, or an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 6(b-2), FIG. 7(d-2)) in which an image indicating that an advantageous ending has not been reached is displayed (note that the advantageous ending of the specific effect includes a so-called reversal pattern in which an unfavorable ending is assumed to have been reached but is then reversed). The player may be prompted to operate an operating means such as a push button (see FIG. 1), and the operation may be used as a trigger to transition to the ending. The specific performance leads to a favorable ending when the target winning/losing lottery result is a big win, and leads to an unfavorable ending when the target winning/losing lottery result is a loss. The specific performance in this embodiment is a so-called battle performance in which an ally character (indicated with "ally" in the drawings) and an enemy character (indicated with "enemy" in the drawings) fight each other, and the victory of the ally character (the defeat of the enemy character) is considered to be a favorable ending, and the defeat of the ally character (the victory of the enemy character) is considered to be an unfavorable ending. The performance image output until the specific reach performance reaches its ending is an image in which the ally character and the enemy character are fighting. In other words, the performance image can be said to be an image indicating that the specific performance is progressing toward the ending. The same performance image is output every time, except for the part indicating the occurrence of a so-called chance up. If the reserved pattern 70 and the decorative pattern 80 are displayed during the specific performance, the reserved pattern 70 and the decorative pattern 80 are displayed superimposed on the performance image.

In the specific performance, one of the plurality of types of insert images 15 (see FIG. 4) may be displayed at an intermediate stage before reaching the conclusion. In this embodiment, one of the plurality of types of insertion images 15 is displayed without exception in the specific effect. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a specific effect in which the inserted image 15 is not displayed may occur. In this embodiment, the plurality of types of insertion images 15 include a first insertion image 151 (see FIG. 4(a)), a second insertion image 152 (see FIG. 4(b)), and a third insertion image 152 (see FIG. 4(b)), which are different from each other. Three types of images 153 (see FIG. 4(c)) are provided. The specific aspect of each insertion image 15 may be of any kind. In this embodiment, the various insertion images 15 are images in which ally characters are enlarged and the background colors of the ally characters are different from each other. Specifically, the first inserted image 151 has a "green" background, the second inserted image 152 has a "purple" background, and the third inserted image 153 has a "red" background. The details will be described later, but the probability that a specific performance will lead to an advantageous outcome, that is, the probability that the target winning/failure lottery result will be a jackpot (so-called (jackpot) reliability), basically increases in this order (third insert image 153 is the highest). A configuration may also be provided in which an insert image 15 of a type that confirms a jackpot when displayed is provided.

In this embodiment, one of multiple types of insert images 15 is displayed just before a specific effect reaches its conclusion. By looking at the type of insert image 15, the player can get a sense of how likely it is to reach a favorable ending before moving on to the ending. In this embodiment, the insert image 15 is displayed in part of the display area 911 so as to overlap in front of the effect video. Therefore, even when the insert image 15 is displayed, part of the effect video is displayed in the area where the insert image 15 does not overlap (the area in the display area 911 where the insert image 15 is not displayed) (see FIG. 5(c) etc.). In other words, even when the insert image 15 is displayed, part of the effect video is visible.

As the display pattern of the insert image 15 in the specific performance, a non-change pattern and a special change pattern can occur. Each pattern will be explained below. The state in which the performance image is displayed without the insert image 15 being displayed is the basic state. The non-change pattern is a state in which a certain type of insert image 15 is displayed (hereinafter, the state in which the insert image 15 is displayed is referred to as the "inserted state") from the basic state (see FIG. 5(b)) (see FIG. 5(c)). After the inserted state, the basic state is returned to (see FIG. 5(d), FIG. 6(a)), and the result (advantageous result (see FIG. 6(b-1)) or unfavorable result (see FIG. 6(b-2))) is reached. In this way, the non-change pattern is one in which the insert image 15 is displayed only once (only one type) throughout a series of specific performances (displayed only once at the timing of FIG. 5(c)). Depending on the type of insert image 15 displayed here, the probability of reaching an advantageous result (the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result) differs. The likelihood of a favorable outcome is higher when the second insert image 152 is displayed than when the first insert image 151 is displayed, and higher when the third insert image 153 is displayed than when the second insert image 152 is displayed.

On the other hand, the special change pattern progresses as follows. First, it transitions from the basic state (see FIG. 5(b)) to an inserted state (see FIG. 5(c)) in which a certain type of insertion image 15 is displayed. After this inserted state, it returns to the basic state (see FIG. 5(d) and FIG. 7(a)). Up to this point, the flow is the same as the non-change pattern. In other words, even in the case of a special change pattern, up to this point, it appears to the player that a reliability suggestion is being made by the display of a certain type of insertion image 15, just like in the non-change pattern (reliability suggestion by the insertion image 15 displayed at the time of FIG. 5(c)).

In the special change pattern, after returning to the basic state, the insertion image 15 is displayed again (see FIG. 7(b)). In other words, after returning to the basic state, the state transitions again to the insertion state. Then, after the insertion state, the state transitions back to the basic state (see FIG. 6(c)) and transitions to an ending (a favorable ending (see FIG. 7(d-1)) or an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 7(d-2))). If the first inserted image 15 (insertion image 15 displayed at a specified timing) is the first inserted image 15a, the second inserted image 15 is the second inserted image 15b, and the state in which the first inserted image 15a is displayed is the first inserted state, and the state in which the second inserted image 15b is displayed is the second inserted state, the special change pattern progresses as follows: basic state (see Figure 5(b)) → first inserted state in which the first inserted image 15a is displayed (see Figure 5(c)) → basic state (see Figures 5(d) and 7(a)) → inserted state after the second inserted image 15b is displayed (see Figure 7(b)) → basic state (see Figure 7(c)) → conclusion (see Figures 7(d-1) and (d-2)). The non-changing pattern transitions from the basic state (see FIG. 5(b)) → the inserted state in which the inserted image 15 is displayed (see FIG. 5(c)) → the basic state (see FIG. 5(d) and FIG. 6(a)) → the conclusion (see FIG. 6(b-1) and (b-2)). (The non-changing pattern does not have the concept of a previous inserted state or a later inserted state, or a previous inserted image 15a or a later inserted image 15b.)

Here, in the special change pattern, the type of the previous insertion image 15a (see FIG. 5(c)) and the subsequent insertion image 15b (see FIG. 7(b)) are different. In this embodiment, the subsequent insertion image 15b is made to have a higher reliability than the previous insertion image 15a. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a special change pattern is generated, the first insertion image 151 or the second insertion image 152 can be displayed as the previous insertion image 15a (see FIG. 5(c)), and the third insertion image 153 is not displayed (because the third insertion image 153 has the highest reliability). From another perspective, if a configuration is used in which an insertion image 15 with a higher reliability than the third insertion image 153 is provided, the third insertion image 153 can be displayed as the previous insertion image 15a.

In the case of a special change pattern, either the second insertion image 152 or the third insertion image 153 can be displayed as the later insertion image 15b (see FIG. 7(b)), and the first insertion image 151 is It is never displayed (because the first inserted image 151 has the lowest reliability). The type of the insert image 15 displayed as the subsequent insert image 15b suggests the probability of reaching an advantageous outcome (reliability of jackpot of target winning lottery result). The probability of an advantageous outcome is higher in the case where the third insert image 153 is displayed than in the case where the second insert image 152 is displayed as the subsequent insert image 15b. In this embodiment, the inserted image 15a displayed in the special change pattern is a "temporary" one (a "sham" one), and the reliability is determined by the type of the later inserted image 15b to be displayed. is suggested.

In addition, considering that any of the first insertion image 151 to third insertion image 153 can be displayed as the insertion image 15 (insertion image 15 that is displayed once) that suggests the reliability in the non-change pattern, the reliability The special change pattern in which the first insertion image 151 is not displayed as the insertion image 15b after the suggestion is a so-called chance-up pattern (the non-change pattern is the "default", and the special change pattern is "chance-up"). It can be said that there is). When a specific performance occurs, it is preferable to set the probability that it will be a "default" non-changing pattern to be higher than the probability that it will be a special changing pattern that is "chance up". In this embodiment, when a specific effect occurs, the probability that it will be a non-changing pattern is 90% or more. Therefore, when a specific effect occurs, most of the effects are non-changing patterns, and it is rare for the player to come into contact with a special changing pattern.

In this way, the specific presentation in this embodiment suggests the probability of a favorable outcome (the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result) depending on the type of the inserted image 15. Presentations in which an image suggesting reliability changes to suggest an increase in reliability are well known, and the special change pattern in this embodiment returns to the basic state once (see Fig. 5(d) and Fig. 7(a)) after a certain type of inserted image 15 (previous inserted image 15a) is displayed (previous inserted state) (see Fig. 5(c)), so the player feels that the type of inserted image 15 will not change at that point. In other words, since the player is likely to feel that the display of the inserted image 15 has ended and that the type of inserted image 15 will not change (previous inserted image 15a is the final reliability suggestion) since the player then moves to a state in which a different type of inserted image 15 (later inserted image 15b) is displayed (later inserted state), this can be a presentation form that is surprising to the player (who did not expect the change).

The timing at which the inserted image 15 is displayed and the timing at which it is deleted in the non-change pattern and the special change pattern may be set as follows. In either pattern, these timings are controlled based on the performance video. In other words, it is assumed that the times when one frame of the performance video (the same part of the performance video) at which the player is recognized to be in the same state are outputted are at the same timing (see FIG. 8(a)). In other words, it is assumed that the points in time at which the progress of the performance images are the same are the same timing.

The timing at which the inserted image 15 is displayed in the non-changing pattern (transitioning from the basic state to the inserted state) and the timing at which the previous inserted image 15a is displayed in the special changing pattern (transitioning from the basic state to the previous inserted state) ) The timings match (timing T1 in FIG. 8). In other words, whether it is a non-changing pattern (see Figure 8 (b-1)) or a special changing pattern (see Figure 8 (b-2)), the production video must progress to a certain point. Insert image 15 is displayed in response to this. In other words, depending on the display timing of the inserted image 15, it is impossible to tell whether the inserted image 15 is a non-change pattern or a special change pattern.

In addition, the timing at which the inserted image 15 is erased in the non-change pattern (returning from the inserted state to the basic state) coincides with the timing at which the previous inserted image 15a is erased in the special change pattern (returning from the previous inserted state to the basic state) (timing T2 in FIG. 8). In other words, the part (one frame) of the performance image displayed at the time the inserted state ends in the non-change pattern is the same as the part (one frame) of the performance image displayed at the time the previous inserted state ends in the special change pattern (the image (one frame) showing the same scene is displayed). Because of this configuration, even in the case of a special change pattern, at the time the previous inserted image 15a is erased (timing T2), it is indistinguishable from the non-change pattern. For example, if a player has encountered a non-change pattern but not a special change pattern, they would likely predict that even in the case of a special change pattern, after the insertion image 15 (first insertion image 15a) is erased and the game returns to the basic state, it will move straight to the conclusion. Therefore, the transition to a state in which the insertion image 15 (second insertion image 15b) is displayed again (second insertion state) will be a surprising event that the player did not anticipate.

In the case of a non-changing pattern, after the inserted image 15 is erased (after timing T2 in FIG. 8 is reached), the game ends in the basic state (see FIG. 8(a) and (b-1)). In the case of a special changing pattern, after the previous inserted image 15a is erased (after timing T2 in FIG. 8 is reached), the next inserted image 15b is displayed upon timing T3 being reached, and the next inserted image 15b is erased upon timing T4 being reached. After it is erased, the game ends in the basic state (see FIG. 8(a) and (b-2)).

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, embodying, modifying, etc. the matters related to the above-mentioned specific 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.

〇Specific example 1-1
The configuration is such that a direct change pattern can occur as a display pattern of the inserted image 15 in a specific performance. The direct change pattern is similar to the special change pattern in that the type of the inserted image 15 once displayed changes (changes from the first inserted image 15a to the next inserted image 15b). If the types of insert images 15 that do not change in a series of specific effects are called non-changing patterns, and those that change are called changing patterns, the concepts included in the changing patterns include the special changing patterns explained in the above embodiment, and the actual changing patterns. This means that there is a direct change pattern that will be explained in the example.

The direct change pattern transitions from a basic state (see FIG. 9(a)) to a previous insertion state in which a previous insertion image 15a is displayed (see FIG. 9(b)). Thereafter, without returning to the basic state, the pattern transitions to a later insertion state in which a later insertion image 15b is displayed (see FIG. 9(c)). The special change pattern and the direct change pattern differ in whether or not a basic state exists between the previous insertion state and the later insertion state. It is preferable that the probability of a direct change pattern occurring (the probability of that pattern occurring in one specific performance) is higher than the probability of a special change pattern occurring. In other words, it is preferable to set the probability of encountering a direct change pattern higher than that of a special change pattern.

By making it possible for such a direct change pattern to occur, a player who comes into contact with a direct change pattern can change the type of insertion image 15 from one type of insertion image 15 to another type when the type of insertion image 15 changes in a specific effect. There is a high probability that the change to image 15 will occur directly (occur without any pause). In such a situation, if a special change pattern occurs in another specific effect, the state in which a certain type of inserted image 15 (previous inserted image 15a) is displayed (previous inserted state) returns to the basic state. Therefore, there is a high probability that the player feels that the inserted image 15 will not change, but since a different type of inserted image 15 (later inserted image 15b) will be displayed (later inserted state), the game This will greatly deviate from people's predictions. In other words, the presence of the direct change pattern can contribute to a game experience that further increases the player's surprise when the special change pattern occurs.

〇Specific example 1-2
It has been explained that the special change pattern in the above embodiment returns to the basic state after the later inserting state in which the later inserting image 15b is displayed, and then shifts to the ending, but after the later inserting state, the basic state It may also be configured to move to the ending without returning to . Since the change in the inserted image 15 is shown to the player by displaying the later inserted image 15b, it is not necessary to return to the basic state and the game may proceed directly to the ending.

Specific example 1-3
When comparing cases in which the type of the insertion image 15 displayed in the non-changing pattern is the same as the type of the insertion image 15b displayed after the special changing pattern, the latter is set to be more reliable than the former. In the case where the second insertion image 152 is displayed in the non-changing pattern and the case where the first insertion image 151 is changed to the second insertion image 152 (later insertion image 15b) in the special changing pattern, the final displayed insertion image 15 is the same in that it is the second insertion image 152, but the special changing pattern is set to be more reliable than the non-changing pattern (in the example shown in FIG. 10, the former has a reliability of 20% and the latter has a reliability of 35%). In addition, when the third insertion image 153 is displayed in a non-changing pattern and when the first insertion image 151 or the second insertion image 152 (the previous insertion image 15a) changes to the third insertion image 153 (the later insertion image 15b) in a special changing pattern, the final insertion image 15 displayed is the third insertion image 153, which is the same in that the special changing pattern has a higher reliability than the non-changing pattern (in the example shown in Figure 10, the former has a reliability of 50% and the latter has a reliability of 75%).

By doing this, it becomes possible to create a presentation form in which a certain type of insert image 15 is displayed as a result of a change in the insert image 15 (special change pattern) is more advantageous to the player than a certain type of insert image 15 being displayed from the beginning (non-change pattern).

Specific example 1-4
In the special change pattern, even if the type of the subsequent insertion image 15b is the same, if the type of the previous insertion image 15a is different, the reliability is set to be different. For example, in a configuration in which three types of the first insertion image 151 to the third insertion image 153 are provided as the insertion image 15 as in the above embodiment, the reliability is set to be different when a special change pattern occurs in which the previous insertion image 15a is the first insertion image 151 and the subsequent insertion image 15b is the third insertion image 153, and when a special change pattern occurs in which the previous insertion image 15a is the second insertion image 152 and the subsequent insertion image 15b is the third insertion image 153 (see FIG. 11). In other words, although the two are the same in that the third insertion image 153 is displayed as the subsequent insertion image 15b, the reliability is different because the image displayed as the previous insertion image 15a is different.

In this example, the larger the difference in reliability between the first inserted image 15a and the next inserted image 15b (difference in reliability when displayed in the non-changing pattern), the higher the reliability. good. In the above example, when a special change pattern occurs in which the previous inserted image 15a is the first inserted image 151 and the later inserted image 15b is the third inserted image 153, the previous inserted image 15a is is the second inserted image 152 and the later inserted image 15b is the third inserted image 153. The latter has a confidence level of 80%, and the latter has a confidence level of 50%). By doing so, the performance form is such that the greater the degree of reliability increased by changing from the earlier inserted image 15a to the later inserted image 15b, the more advantageous it is to the player.

Specific example 1-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the insert image 15 (second insert image 152, third insert image 153) that can be displayed as the later insert image 15b in the special change pattern can also be displayed in the non-change pattern, but the image displayed as the later insert image 15b in the special change pattern is a "dedicated special image" that is not displayed in the non-change pattern (hereinafter, the image is referred to as the special insert image 15S). For example, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the first insert image 151 is "green", the second insert image 152 is "purple", and the third insert image 153 is "red", but the special insert image 15S of "gold" that is different from any of these insert images 15 is displayed as the later insert image 15b (see FIG. 12(d)). In this way, when a special change pattern occurs, the special insert image 15S that is not displayed in the non-change pattern is displayed, so that the occurrence of the special change pattern is more clearly indicated to the player. In this example, a configuration can be adopted in which a third insertion image 153 (the most reliable image among the insertion images 15 that can be displayed in the non-changing pattern) can be displayed as the previous insertion image 15a (see FIG. 12(b)). This is because, even if the third insertion image 153 is displayed as the previous insertion image 15a, a performance mode can be created in which the third insertion image 153 changes to the special insertion image 15S.

When doing as in this example, it is preferable to make the special change pattern more reliable than the non-changing pattern, regardless of the type of insertion image 15 displayed in the non-changing pattern. As described above, the special change pattern displays a special image (special insertion image 15S) that is not displayed in the non-changing pattern, so making it more reliable than the non-changing pattern makes the game easier to understand (the special insertion image 15S functions as a special image that suggests it is more reliable than any of the first insertion image 151 to the third insertion image 153). Note that when a special change pattern occurs, it may be set to confirm a jackpot. In other words, the special insertion image 15S may be set to function as a premium image that confirms a jackpot.

2-2) Forced Downgrade Control In this embodiment, the reliability of the winning/failure lottery result corresponding to the pending symbol 70 is suggested by the aspect of the pending symbol 70. One or more types of normal modes 70n and one or more types of special modes 70s are set as modes that the pending symbol 70 can take (see FIG. 13). Incidentally, since the configuration itself in which the reliability is suggested by the aspect of the reserved symbol 70 is well known, it will be briefly explained below. The normal mode 70n is the normal mode of the reserved symbol 70. That is, the pending symbol 70 has the highest probability of being set to the normal mode 70n. The special mode 70s is a mode that suggests that the probability that the corresponding lottery result will be a jackpot is higher (higher reliability) than when it is in the normal mode 70n. In this embodiment, three special modes 70s are provided: a first special mode 71s, a second special mode 72s, and a third special mode 73s, and the reliability increases in this order (the third special mode 73s is highest). A special jackpot confirmation mode 70s may be provided in which it is decided that the corresponding winning/failure lottery result will be a jackpot. However, in the case where such a special mode 70s of jackpot confirmation is provided, if the fluctuating pending symbol 71 becomes the special mode 70s of jackpot confirmation, the forced downgrade control, which will be described in detail later, is executed. never be done. A configuration may be adopted in which the specific aspects of the normal aspect 70n and the special aspect 70s change depending on the so-called stage (mode) (it may also be a configuration in which the normal aspect 70n and the special aspect 70s are provided depending on the stage (mode)). ). In this embodiment, the normal aspect 70n is "white," the first special aspect 71s is "blue," the second special aspect 72s is "green," and the third special aspect 73s is "red." The color of the aspect 70s is indicated by letters, and the normal aspect 70n is left unmarked). A well-known pending change effect in which the aspect of the pending symbol 70 changes in a direction that increases the reliability may also occur (note that the forced downgrade control, which will be described in detail later, is a change in the direction that the reliability decreases, so to speak. (It is not included in the relevant pending change performance). In this embodiment, both the pending symbol during fluctuation 71 and the pending symbol before fluctuation 72 can be the normal mode 70n and the special mode 70s.

A specific reach effect may occur as an effect that constitutes the during-change effect. In the following description of the forced downgrade control, the during-change effect including the specific reach effect is referred to as the target during-change effect, and the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the target during-change effect is referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result. Note that multiple types of effects may occur as the specific reach effect. The specific reach effect leads to an advantageous ending (see FIG. 14(c-1)) in which an image indicating that the player has become in an advantageous situation is displayed, or an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 14(c-2)) in which an image indicating that the player has become in an unfavorable situation is displayed, which is the ending in the case where the advantageous ending is not reached. When the specific reach effect leads to an advantageous ending, the target winning/losing lottery result is determined to be a jackpot (see FIG. 14(d-1)). When the specific reach effect leads to an unfavorable ending, the target winning/losing lottery result is determined to be a loss, except in the case where a reversal effect occurs as described below (see FIG. 15(b)). In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the term "unfavorable ending" refers to a case where a reversal effect does not occur (a case where the target win/loss lottery result is a miss). The specific reach effect may take any form. In this embodiment, the specific reach effect is one in which a specified character attempts a mission (see Figures 14(a) and (b)), and success results in a favorable ending (see Figure 14(c-1)), and failure results in an unfavorable ending (see Figure 14(c-2)). In addition, a battle effect in which a player's character fights an enemy character may be considered as a specific reach effect.

When the specific reach performance is executed, a forced downgrade control may be executed for the changing reserved symbol 71. The forced downgrade control will be described below. The forced downgrade control is as follows:
It can be executed when the following two conditions are met: (1) the fluctuating reserved pattern 71 is in a special mode 70s (in this embodiment, any one of the first special mode 71s to the third special mode 73s) before the specific reach performance reaches its conclusion (before the advantageous/unfavorable ending is determined), and (2) the specific reach performance reaches an unfavorable ending. In other words, it is not executed if the fluctuating reserved pattern 71 is not in the special mode 70s (normal mode 70n) before the specific reach performance reaches its conclusion (the fluctuating reserved pattern 71 cannot be "downgraded" in the first place), and it is not executed if the specific reach performance reaches a favorable ending.

The reserved change effect (different from the reserved downgrade control) that changes the state of the reserved pattern 70 only changes in the direction of increasing reliability, so if the reserved pattern 70 is in the special state 70s when the specific reach effect starts, the condition that the changing reserved pattern 71 is in the special state 70s before the specific reach effect reaches its conclusion (condition (1) above) is met. Also, although not shown, in this embodiment, a reserved change effect can occur even during a specific reach effect. Therefore, even if the changing reserved pattern 71 is in the normal state 70n at the start of the specific reach effect, a reserved change effect occurs for the changing reserved pattern 71 during the specific reach effect (before the end is reached), and as a result, the changing reserved pattern 71 may become the special state 70s (condition (1) above may be met midway through the specific reach effect).

If the target success/failure lottery result is a loss, the specific reach effect will lead to an unfavorable outcome. In other words, an unfavorable ending is reached in which an image indicating that an unfavorable ending has been reached is displayed when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the special mode 70s (see FIG. 14(b)) (see FIG. 14(c-2)). It turns out. In addition, in this embodiment, even in the state where the image indicating that the disadvantageous outcome has been reached is displayed, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 in the special mode 70s is displayed (.

After that, the scene change image 20 is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 14 (d-2)). When the scene change image 20 is displayed, the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed. In this embodiment, when the scene change image 20 is displayed, the pre-change reserved pattern 72 is not displayed either. Note that when the scene change image 20 is displayed, the reserved number or the like is displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911, this does not constitute the display of the reserved pattern 70. In other words, the reserved pattern 70 (changing reserved pattern 71, changing reserved pattern 71) is not displayed here refers to the reserved pattern 70 that is the subject of the reserved change performance not being displayed, and does not refer to the display or non-display of the reserved pattern 70 that is displayed small so as not to be noticeable to the player (hereinafter, the same applies when referring to the display or non-display of the reserved pattern 70). The specific form of the scene change image 20 may be any. In this embodiment, a solid black image is displayed in the entire display area 911 as the scene change image 20. The time for which the scene change image 20 is displayed is about one second.

After the scene switching image 20 is erased, the three decorative patterns 80 constituting the combination indicating that the target lottery result is a loss are in a pseudo-stopped state (see FIG. 15(a)). Note that pseudo-stopping refers to a state where the game appears to be stopped to the player, although it is not completely stopped (for example, the game is slightly swaying). In this embodiment, the specific reach effect is a reach effect, so the three decorative patterns 80 are pseudo-ready due to the out-of-reach combination (a combination in which two of the three are the same type of decorative pattern 80 and one is a different decorative pattern 80). It is in a stopped state. After this, the three decorative patterns 80 completely stop (see FIG. 15(b)). This means that the performance during target variation ends when the object is "completely stopped." If there is pre-fluctuation pending information (pre-fluctuation pending symbol 72), after the target fluctuating performance (target fluctuation) ends, the next fluctuating performance (next fluctuation) will start one after another ( (See FIG. 15(c)). Although not shown, if there is no pre-fluctuation pending information (pre-fluctuation pending symbol 72), the next fluctuating production (next fluctuating) will be started with the next start winning as an opportunity. In this way, the period after the scene switching image 20 is erased until the end of the target change can be said to be a waiting period in preparation for the start of the next change (the waiting period is the end of the effect during the target change). (also the last period that includes the point in time (terminal period)). Therefore, during the waiting period, an image of the same type as the background image 29 displayed at the start of variation (an image that is the same for the player) as the background of the three decorative symbols 80 (decorative symbols 80 constituting the out-of-reach combination) is displayed. (In some drawings, illustration of the background image 29 is omitted). In this embodiment, the length of the waiting period is also about 1 second.

Here, during the standby period, the mode of the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is the normal mode 70n (see FIG. 15(a)). That is, the floating pending symbol 71, which was in the special mode 70s before the scene switching image 20 was displayed, is "downgraded" to the normal mode 70n in the waiting period after the scene switching image 20 is erased. (reliability is changing in the direction of decreasing). In other words, although the fluctuating pending symbol 71 was in the special mode 70s before the specific reach performance reached its conclusion, at the end of the target fluctuating performance (at the time when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is erased) , the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation is controlled to be in the normal mode 70n (see FIG. 15(b)). This is forced downgrade control.

The reason for this forced downgrade control is as follows. When the changing reserved pattern 71 becomes the special pattern 70s, it means that the target hit/miss lottery result is more likely to be a jackpot than when it is in the normal pattern 70n (when it is in the normal state), so the player hopes that the specific reach performance will lead to a favorable ending. However, if the specific reach performance leads to an unfavorable ending contrary to that expectation, the player will be disappointed. If the changing reserved pattern 71 of the special pattern 70s is displayed even after the failure ending is reached (if the changing reserved pattern 71 of the special pattern 70s is displayed in the state of FIG. 15(a)), the player who sees this may become even more depressed (irritated) (the player may realize (remember) that the jackpot did not result even though the reserved pattern of the special pattern 70s was displayed, and may feel even more regretful). To prevent this situation from occurring, after a failed ending is reached, the variable reserved pattern 71 is forcibly downgraded to the normal mode 70n by forced downgrading control, so that the player is not reminded that the variable reserved pattern 71 in the special mode 70s was displayed.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even when forced downgrade control is performed, there is a state in which the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation in the special mode 70s is displayed and a state in which the pending symbol 71 in the normal mode 70n is displayed. In between, there is a state in which the changing pending symbol 71 is not displayed (a state in which the scene switching image 20 is displayed) (see FIG. 14(d-2)). Therefore, it is not a control (performance) that shows that the fluctuating pending symbol 71 directly changes from the special mode 70s to the normal mode 70n. That is, this is a control in which the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is set to the normal mode 70n so as not to be noticeable.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications of the above-mentioned forced downgrade control. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created in which multiple techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

〇Specific example 2-1
As explained in the above embodiment,
(1) Before the specific reach effect reaches the conclusion, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the special mode 70s. (2) Even if the specific reach effect leads to an unfavorable ending, even if two conditions are met, the forced The configuration is such that downgrade control may not be executed. Specifically, if the target lottery result is a jackpot, the forced downgrade control is not executed.

In the case of a specific reach performance, if a favorable ending is reached, the target winning/losing lottery result is determined to be a jackpot. On the other hand, if an unfavorable ending is reached, basically (in most cases) the target winning/losing lottery result is a miss, but there are cases where a reversal effect occurs in which the unfavorable ending is overturned and the target winning/losing lottery result is announced to be a jackpot (see FIG. 16(d)). In short, an unfavorable ending without a reversal effect (a normal unfavorable ending) is set to be a "miss," and an unfavorable ending with a reversal effect (a special unfavorable ending) is set to be a "jackpot." Note that this type of reversal effect itself is well known, and various types of reversal effects have been proposed, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The reversal effect occurs after the scene switching image 20 (see FIG. 16(b)) is erased, and then the reach-losing combination in a pseudo-stop state is displayed together with the changing pending pattern 71 (see FIG. 16(c)). (See FIG. 16(d)) After the reversal effect begins, the winning combination indicating that the result of the target winning/losing lottery is a jackpot is displayed as confirmed (displayed in a completely stopped state), and the target changing effect ends.

Although the above conditions (1) and (2) are met, if the target lottery result is a jackpot (that is, if a reversal effect occurs), the forced downgrade control is not executed (Figure 16 (a) (see (c)). As mentioned above, the forced downgrading control is performed to prevent the player from becoming further discouraged by seeing the fluctuating pending symbol 71 in the special mode 70s regarding the result of the target lottery being rejected. Therefore, it can be said that there is no need to execute the forced downgrade control even when a reversal effect occurs and the target lottery result becomes a jackpot. In addition, in this case, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 becomes the special mode 70s before the specific reach effect reaches its conclusion (satisfying the condition (1) above), and the specific reach effect ends in failure. When the above condition (2) is satisfied), after the scene switching image 20 (see FIG. 16(b)) is erased, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 changes to the special mode 70s instead of the normal mode 70n. If there is (if the state is as shown in FIG. 16(c)), a reversal effect occurs (see FIG. 16(d)). In other words, a player who knows these "rules" can know whether or not a reversal effect will occur by paying attention to the state of the fluctuating pending symbol 71 after the scene switching image 20 is erased. It is a form of production that allows you to do the same.

The configuration may be such that a reversal effect can occur even when forced rank down control is executed. In this case, even if the changing reserved pattern 71 is in the normal state 70n after the scene change image 20 is erased, there is a possibility that a reversal effect will occur and it will be announced that the target hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot.

〇Specific example 2-2
A configuration is adopted in which not all of the multiple types of special modes 70s but some of them are subject to the compulsory downgrade control (the other part is not subject to the compulsory downgrade control). Specifically, among the multiple types of special modes 70s, some counted from those with high reliability are special modes 70s that are subject to the compulsory downgrade control (hereinafter referred to as target special modes), while the rest are special modes 70s that are not subject to the compulsory downgrade control (hereinafter referred to as non-target special modes).

For example, as in the above embodiment, in a case where three types of special aspects 70s, first special aspect 71s to third special aspect 73s, are provided, the third special aspect 73s is the target special aspect, but the first special aspect 73s is the target special aspect. The aspect 71s and the second special aspect 72s are configured to be non-target special aspects. In this case, when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is the third special mode 73s, forced downgrade control is executed if the specific reach effect reaches an unfavorable ending (fluctuating at the end of the target fluctuation) The pending symbol 71 is in the normal mode 70n) (see FIG. 17(a) → (b) → (c-2)), but when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the first special mode 71s or the second special mode 72s. , even if the specific reach performance reaches an unfavorable ending, forced downgrade control is not executed (at the end of the target variation, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the first special mode 71s or the second special mode 72s) (Fig. 17 ( (See a) → (b) → (c-1)).

The forced rank down control is intended to prevent the player from being further disappointed when the target winning/losing lottery result is a loss (the specific reach performance has reached an unfavorable ending), and it is possible to consider this as an example, assuming that the player will not be so disappointed if a special mode 70s with a relatively low reliability is displayed (the player will be greatly disappointed if a special mode 70s with a relatively high reliability is displayed). From this perspective, it is necessary to thoroughly consider which special mode 70s will cause the player to be greatly disappointed when the result is a loss (reach an unfavorable ending), along with the reliability of each special mode 70s. If it is considered that the player may be greatly disappointed even with the second special mode 72s (green), it is sufficient to configure not only the third special mode 73s but also the second special mode 72s as the target special mode.

Specific example 2-3
As described in the above embodiment,
(1) Before the specific reach performance reaches a conclusion, the changing reserved pattern 71 is in the special mode 70s. (2) When the specific reach performance reaches an unfavorable conclusion, the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed (see FIG. 18(c)) after the unfavorable conclusion is reached (see FIG. 18(a)). That is, unlike the forced downgrade control of the above embodiment, the changing reserved pattern 71 is not forced to be downgraded from the special mode 70s to the normal mode 70n, but is not displayed until the target variation ends after the changing reserved pattern 71 that was in the special mode 70s reaches a failure conclusion (the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed at the position where the changing reserved pattern 71 is originally displayed). If the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed, the player will not be able to recognize that the changing reserved pattern 71 was in the special mode 70s after the failure conclusion is reached, so that the player's regret can be prevented from increasing.

However, if this example is used, there is a risk that the player will feel uncomfortable in the situation where the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed and will remember that the changing reserved pattern 71 was in the special pattern 70s. On the other hand, the above-mentioned forced downgrade control displays the changing reserved pattern 71 in the normal pattern 70n after a failed ending is reached, so the player will not feel uncomfortable that the changing reserved pattern 71 is not displayed, and in that respect it can be said to be superior to this example.

〇Specific example 2-4
During the specific reach, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is not displayed (see FIGS. 19(b) and 19(c)). It is preferable that not only the pending symbols 71 during variation but also the pending symbols 72 before variation are not displayed (that is, the pending symbols 70 are not displayed). Then, the forced downgrade control is performed when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the special mode 70s at the time when the specific reach effect is started (the fluctuating pending symbol 71 immediately before developing (transitioning) to the specific reach effect is in the special mode 70s. (see FIG. 19(a)). In other words, in the target variation, before the specific reach effect reaches its conclusion, the last point in time when the pending symbol 71 during variation is displayed is the time when the specific reach effect starts (immediately before the start). Forced downgrade control can be executed when the mode of the fluctuating pending symbol 71 at that time is a special mode 70s. Then, after the specific reach effect reaches a failure conclusion (see FIG. 19(c)), during the waiting period in preparation for the start of the next variation, the pending symbol 71 during variation is set to the normal mode 70n ( (see FIG. 19(d)).

In this way, if the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is not displayed during the specific reach performance, if the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the special mode 70s at the final time when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is displayed in the target variation, The configuration may be such that forced downgrade control can be executed. Furthermore, in the case of this example, since the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is not displayed during the specific reach effect, there is no need to provide a state in which the scene switching image 20 is displayed as in the above embodiment. There is an advantage. That is, even if the state is directly shifted to the standby period after the image leading to the unfavorable outcome is displayed, the state in which the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation of the special mode 70s is displayed (see FIG. 19(a)) and the state in which the fluctuating pending symbol 71 of the normal mode 70n is displayed (see FIG. 19(d)) is a state in which a specific reach effect is executed (the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is not displayed). (See FIGS. 19(b) and 19(c)), therefore, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 does not directly change from the special mode 70s to the normal mode 70n. In other words, the specific ready-to-reach effect also functions as a state (a state in which the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is temporarily hidden) between the special mode 70s and the normal mode 70n.

〇Specific example 2-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is displayed even in a state where an unfavorable outcome has been reached (a state where an image indicating that an unfavorable outcome has been reached) is displayed, but when an unfavorable outcome has been reached, Then, the pending symbol 71 is not displayed during fluctuation. It is preferable that not only the pending symbols 71 during fluctuation but also the pending symbols 72 before fluctuation are not displayed. In other words, in the specific reach effect, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is displayed until the conclusion is reached (see FIG. 20(a)), but the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is hidden once the conclusion is reached (see FIG. 20(a)). (see FIG. 20(b)) configuration. In this case, if the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is in the special mode 70s at the final point in time when the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is displayed, and an unfavorable outcome is reached, forced downgrade control is executed (FIG. 20(c) )).

In the case of this example, the fluctuating pending symbol 71 will not be displayed when an unfavorable outcome has been reached (an image indicating that an unfavorable outcome has been reached). There is an advantage that there is no need to provide a state in which the scene switching image 20 is displayed as in the embodiment. In other words, even if the transition is made directly to the standby period after the image leading to the unfavorable outcome is displayed, the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation of the special mode 70s is displayed (see FIG. 20(a)). and the state where the fluctuating pending symbol 71 of the normal mode 70n is displayed (see FIG. 20(c)), and the state where the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is not displayed (an image indicating that an unfavorable outcome has been reached is displayed) (see FIG. 20(b)), the fluctuating pending symbol 71 does not directly change from the special mode 70s to the normal mode 70n. In other words, the unfavorable outcome also functions as a state (a state in which the fluctuating pending symbol 71 is temporarily hidden) between the special mode 70s and the normal mode 70n.

2-3) Style image change performance The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a style image change performance as a performance constituting the during-change performance. The style image change performance is a performance that utilizes the style image 30 that is normally displayed in the display area 911. The during-change performance during the normal game state has a different basic form depending on which of the multiple performance styles (see FIG. 21(a)) is set. The performance style is generally called a stage or mode (the concept of such a stage or mode is publicly known). In this embodiment, three types of performance styles are provided: A stage (see FIG. 21(a-1)), B stage (see FIG. 21(a-2)), and C stage (see FIG. 21(a-3)). The basic form of the during-change performance when each stage is set may be any. In this embodiment, the A stage is based on the motif of character A, the B stage is based on character B, and the C stage is based on character C (A, B, and C are the names (names) of each character). When a certain stage is set, a basic mode of the performance during the change is that a dedicated background image (an image displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80) corresponding to the stage is displayed, and a corresponding character frequently appears. In addition, the stage may be associated with a place (city, country, etc.) or a time (morning, noon, night, etc.).

The style image 30 is an image (see FIG. 21) that is normally displayed in the display area 911 to indicate the currently set performance style (stage). In this embodiment, the style image 30 includes the characters "○○ stage" which is the name of the corresponding stage. That is, during a fluctuating performance where the A stage is set, the style image 30 (see FIG. 21 (a-1)) including the characters "A stage" is displayed as "A stage" during a fluctuating performance where the B stage is set. The style image 30 (see FIG. 21 (a-2)) containing the words "B stage" is changed to the style image 30 (see FIG. -3)) is displayed in the display area 911. It can be said that the plural types of style images 30 have unique parts 31 that are different from each other and common parts 32 that are common to each other. The unique part 31 is a part representing names unique to various production styles (stages), that is, parts "A", "B", and "C", and the common part 32 is a part "stage" (see FIG. 21). b)). The player can grasp the current performance style using the unique section 31. Further, the common part 32 recognizes that each style image 30 represents the name of a "stage".

Of course, a certain style image 30 is not displayed in a state where a stage that does not correspond to the certain style image 30 is set (for example, when an A stage is set). In this state, the style image 30 of "B stage" or "C stage" is not displayed). In this embodiment, the style image 30 is displayed near the outer edge of the display area 911. Although it is preferable that the style image 30 is displayed from the start to the end of the fluctuating effect, it is allowed that the style image 30 is temporarily not displayed. In this embodiment, the style image 30 is not displayed during the super reach performance (the style image 30 is deleted when the super reach is developed), and the style image 30 is displayed in other states. That is, the style image 30 is displayed at least in a state in which it is not known whether or not a reach (two of the three decorative patterns 80 indicating the winning/failure lottery results are of the same type) will be established.

The style image change performance is a performance that changes the style image 30 to the suggestion image 35 (see FIG. 22). The suggestion image 35 indicates the probability that the winning lottery result (hereinafter referred to as the target winning lottery result) corresponding to the fluctuating performance including the style image changing performance (hereinafter referred to as the target fluctuating performance (target fluctuation)) will be a jackpot ( This is a so-called chance-up effect that suggests that the (jackpot) confidence level has increased (the confidence level is higher than when the style image change effect does not occur). The suggestion image 35 in this embodiment is an image including the words "Chance Stage". As described above, the style image 30 is an image including the unique parts 31 of "A" to "C" and the common part 32 of "Stage". The suggestion image 35 maintains the common part 32 of the form image 30, but changes any of "A" to "C" in the unique part 31 to "chance" (characters that suggest the result of the target lottery). (See FIG. 22(c)).

In this embodiment, the start of the style image change performance is approximately simultaneous with the start of the target change performance. That is, the start of the target change performance triggers the style image 30 to change to the suggestion image 35. However, there is no change in the performance style between the target change performance and the previous change performance (hereinafter referred to as the previous change performance (previous change)). That is, it is assumed that no stage change occurs between the previous change and the target change, and the style image change performance may occur at the boundary between the previous change and the target change. That is, even though no stage change has occurred, an event occurs in which the style image 30 changes (to the suggestion image 35) (see FIG. 22 (b) → (c)). Note that the style image change performance may be configured to start during the change, rather than between changes (between the previous change and the target change) as in this embodiment.

In this way, the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment can execute an interesting presentation (a style image change presentation) that gives players hope for the outcome of the lottery, by changing the style image 30, which normally indicates the current presentation style, to a suggestion image 35 (see Figures 22 (b) and (c)).

In particular, in the present embodiment, the style image change presentation is configured so that the suggestion image 35 is created by changing the unique part 31 of the style image 30 while maintaining the common part 32, so that the player is unlikely to notice that the change is occurring (the suggestion image 35 is being displayed). In other words, this is a presentation form in which not everyone notices that something is happening (only certain players notice that something is happening). In addition, the presentation can be executed in any situation where any of the multiple types of style images 30 is displayed (since the suggestion image 35 is created by changing the unique part 31 of the style image 30 while maintaining the common part 32 (see Figures 21(b), 22(b)(c)), any of the multiple types of style images 30 can be changed to the suggestion image 35).

In addition, the style image change presentation in this embodiment occurs when the start of a target change occurs when there is no change in presentation style from the previous change (see Figures 22(b) and (c)). In other words, the style image 30 changes to the suggestion image 35 as the change begins in a situation where the presentation style is maintained, so the change in the suggestion image 35 is difficult for players to notice (only certain players will notice it).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned aspects of the style image change presentation. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 3-1
The configuration is such that a plurality of types of suggestion images 35 are provided as the suggestion images 35. For example, a configuration in which a first suggestion image 351 (see FIG. 23 (b-1)) and a second suggestion image 352 (see FIG. 23 (b-2)) that is different from the first suggestion image 351 are provided. do. The plurality of types of suggestion images 35 all have the same portion as the common portion 32 of the style image 30, and the portions formed by changing the unique portion 31 of the style image 30 are different from each other. For example, if images of "A stage", "B stage", and "C stage" are displayed as the style image 30 as in the above embodiment, while maintaining the "stage" which is the common part 32, The first suggestion image 351 is the one in which the part 31 (any of "A" to "C") is changed to "chance", and the second suggestion image 352 is the one in which the unique part 31 is changed to "extreme heat". shall be.

When a style image change effect occurs, the reliability of the lottery result will differ depending on the type of suggestion image 35 that is displayed. For example, the reliability is set to be higher when the second suggestion image 352 is displayed (see FIG. 23(b-2)) than when the first suggestion image 351 is displayed (see FIG. 23(b-1)). In this way, a player who notices the occurrence of a style image change effect will likely pay attention to what type of suggestion image 35 is being displayed.

Specific example 3-2
The style image 30 has a character portion 30a (characters such as "A stage") representing the production style described in the above embodiment, and a main portion 30b displayed as a background of the character portion 30a (see FIG. 24(a)). The character portion 30a can be said to include the unique portion 31 and the common portion 32 described above. In this way, the style image 30 has a form in which the character portion 30a representing the production style is drawn on the main portion 30b that serves as the base. For example, if the main portion 30b is in a form such as a "signboard" (signboard body), the configuration will look like the characters representing the stage are drawn on the "signboard". From another perspective, the main portion 30b can be said to indicate the range in which the character portion 30a representing the production style is displayed. It is preferable that the form of the main portion 30b is maintained even if the production style changes (even if a stage change occurs). In other words, when the production style changes, the production form is such that the main portion 30b is maintained while the character portion 30a drawn on the main portion 30b changes.

Similarly, the suggestion image 35 has a text portion 35a (such as "Chance Stage") indicating that there is a chance of an increase, and a main body portion 35b displayed as the background of the text portion 35a (see FIG. 24(b)). Here, the appearance of the main body portion 35b of the suggestion image 35 is the same as the appearance of the main body portion 30b of the style image 30. As described above, if the main body portion 30b of the style image 30 is in the form of a "signboard," the appearance of the main body portion 35b of the suggestion image 35 will also be the same.

Because of this configuration, when a style image change effect occurs (when a change from the style image 30 to the suggestion image 35 occurs), although the mode of the main body parts 30b and 35b is maintained, the main body The character drawn in the portions 30b and 35b changes (changes from the character portion 30a as the style image 30 to the character portion 35b as the suggestion image 35). Even if a change to the suggestion image 35 occurs, the aspect of the body portion 35b of the suggestion image 35 is the same as the aspect of the body portion 30b of the form image 30, so the change from the style image 30 to the suggestion image 35 has occurred. It is possible to create a performance form that is difficult for players to notice.

Specific example 3-3
When the style image change effect occurs, an image acting on the style image 30 (hereinafter, action image 38) is displayed. That is, as a result of the action image 38 acting on the style image 30, the style image 30 appears to have changed to the suggestive image 35. For example, an object displaced toward the style image 30 is displayed as the action image 38, and as a result of the collision of the object (see FIG. 25(a)), the style image 30 appears to have changed to the suggestive image 35 (see FIG. 25(b)). By displaying such an action image 38, the player can easily notice the occurrence of the style image change effect. That is, if it is desired to make it easier for the player to notice the occurrence of the style image change effect, it is sufficient to display the action image 38 as in this example and then cause the change to the suggestive image 35 to occur, and if it is desired to make it difficult for the player to notice the occurrence of the style image change effect (to make it so that only certain players notice), it is sufficient to make the change to the suggestive image 35 occur without warning as in the above embodiment.

As another example, it is also conceivable to use a presentation form in which a character that "rewrites" characters is displayed as the effect image 38. In other words, since the change from the style image 30 to the suggestion image 35 is a change in the character (it is a change in the unique part 31 of the style image 30), a character that performs an action to "rewrite" the character is displayed. (See FIG. 26(b)). As explained in the above specific example 3-2, if the main body parts 30b and 35b (for example, "signboard") are displayed, the characters drawn on the main body parts 30b and 35b are The effect is such that it looks like it is being rewritten (the characters on the "signboard" are being rewritten) (see FIG. 26). By doing this, it is possible to clearly convey to the player that the characters are changing.

〇Specific example 3-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the suggestion image 35 and the style image 30 have the same character (the word "stage" in the above embodiment), but they do not have to have the same character. . For example, an image including the words "Your chance has come" may be displayed as the suggestion image 35. In this way, even if the suggestion image 35 and the style image 30 do not have the same characters, the suggestion image 35 is displayed at the position where the style image 30 is normally displayed when the style image change effect occurs. If so, the player can understand that the suggestion image 35 is a variation of the style image 30.

In particular, if the main body parts 30b, 35b (e.g., a "signboard") are displayed as described in Specific Example 3-2 above, the text of the style image 30 and the text of the suggestion image 35 are both drawn against the background of the main body parts 30b, 35b, so the player can easily understand that the suggestion image 35 is a variation of the style image 30.

〇Specific example 3-5
It is assumed that the mode of the suggestion image 35 differs depending on the presentation style that is set when the style image change presentation occurs. If three types of production styles (stages) are provided, such as A stage, B stage, and C stage, as in the above embodiment, suggestion images 35 of mutually different modes are associated with each of the three production styles. The configuration is such that It is assumed that a suggestion image A is provided as an image corresponding to the A stage, a suggestion image B is provided as an image corresponding to the B stage, and a suggestion image C is provided as an image corresponding to the C stage (see FIG. 27). By doing this, a style image change performance will occur in a manner that corresponds to the current performance style.

When doing as in this example, the various suggestion images 35 can be configured by changing the common part 32 of the form image 30 to different characters (characters suggesting the lottery result). For example, if a form image 30 containing the characters "A stage", "B stage", and "C stage" is displayed as in the above embodiment, suggestion image A can contain the characters "A chance", suggestion image B can contain the characters "B chance", and suggestion image C can contain the characters "C chance" (see Figure 27).

2-4) Target image performance The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute a target image performance as a performance constituting a during-change performance. In the following description of the target image performance, a during-change performance including the target image performance will be referred to as a target during-change performance (target change), and a winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the target during-change performance will be referred to as a target winning/losing lottery result.

The target image rendering is a rendering in which a rendering image 40 representing a predetermined rendering target is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 28(a)). The effect image 40 in this embodiment includes a predetermined character (hereinafter referred to as a target character) and its background. As will be described later, the target image rendering is a rendering in which the aspect of the rendering image 40 changes over time, but through rendering, the rendering image 40 represents a predetermined rendering target (in this embodiment, the target character and its background). A state in which the player can recognize that this is maintained is maintained.

The performance image 40 includes a first image portion 41, a second image portion 42, and a boundary portion 43 (see FIG. 28(a)). In this embodiment, the target image performance is divided into a pre-stage, which is the stage (state) before the conclusion, and a conclusion stage, which is the stage (state) after the conclusion is reached, and the performance image 40 is displayed in the pre-stage. In other words, the state in which the performance image 40 having the first image portion 41, the second image portion 42, and the boundary portion 43 is displayed is a pre-stage in which the conclusion has not yet been reached.

In this embodiment, in the preliminary stage, the performance image 40 is displayed in the entire display area 911. However, this does not deny the possibility of displaying the performance image 40 in part of the display area 911. One part of the performance image 40 is the first image portion 41, and the other part is the second image portion 42. In other words, the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 are displayed in different locations in the display area 911. As described below, the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 are in a relationship in which when one becomes larger, the other becomes smaller, and therefore the two are not displayed in the same location in the display area 911.

A boundary portion 43, which is a linear image, exists between the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 (see FIG. 28(a)). That is, it can be said that the boundary portion 43 is an image that separates the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42. A performance image 40 is an image representing a predetermined performance target divided by a boundary part 43 (a linear image), with a first image part 41 on one side and a second image part 42 on the other side. I can say that. Both the first image section 41 and the second image section 42 represent the above-mentioned predetermined object, but have different colors. In this embodiment, the first image section 41 is assumed to exhibit a "blue" color, and the second image section 42 is assumed to exhibit a "red" color. Note that the portion to which the "color" is attached can be selected as appropriate. It is sufficient that the "color" is given to such an extent that the player can roughly understand that the former is blue and the latter is red. In addition, in the drawing, the first image part 41 (blue) is shown by a dotted line, and the second image part 42 (red) is shown by a solid line.

In this embodiment, the boundary 43 is "annular" (see FIG. 28(a)). Therefore, it can be said that the boundary 43 divides the area into an inner region and an outer region. That is, one of the inner and outer regions of the boundary 43 is the first image portion 41, and the other is the second image portion 42. In this embodiment, the inner side of the boundary 43 is the first image portion 41, and the outer side is the second image portion 42. Therefore, in the preliminary stage, the central side of the display area 911 is "blue" and the outer side is "red", and the image as a whole represents the target of the performance.

In the preliminary stage of target image rendering, the boundary portion 43 of the rendered image 40 is displaced. Although the boundary portion 43 in this embodiment is annular, the size of the "ring" may be increased (changes as shown in FIG. 28 (a-1) → (a-2) will occur), The boundary portion 43 is displaced so as to reduce the size (a change such as that shown in FIG. 28(a-2)→(a-1) occurs). When the boundary portion 43 (ring) becomes larger, the first image portion 41 on the inside thereof becomes larger, while the second image portion 42 on the outer side thereof becomes smaller. On the other hand, when the boundary part 43 (ring) becomes smaller, the first image part 41 inside it becomes smaller, while the second image part 42 inside it becomes larger. Even if the size of the boundary portion 43 (ring) changes in this way, the state in which the rendering target is represented by the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 is maintained. If the colors of the first image part 41 and the second image part 42 are made different as in this embodiment, the size of the colored range of each image part changes, but the size of the boundary part 43 changes. No matter what happens, a state in which the player can recognize that the image portions represent the performance target (target character) shall be maintained. From another perspective, the state in which one character (target character) is represented by the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 separated by the boundary portion 43 is maintained.

In this way, changes such as "the first image part 41 becomes larger and the second image part 42 becomes smaller" and changes such as "the first image part 41 becomes smaller and the second image part 42 becomes larger" are repeated. This is the preliminary stage (see FIG. 28(a)). As will be described later, in the final stage, one of the first image part 41 and the second image part 42 is enlarged until it becomes such that it constitutes the entire effect image 40. It can be said that this is the stage of "exciting" (exciting effect) to the player in advance that either the image section 41 or the second image section 42 will become larger.

After the preliminary stage, a final stage (see FIG. 28(b)) is reached in which the boundary 43 disappears. The conclusion stage is a first conclusion (see FIG. 28(b-1)) or a second conclusion (see FIG. 28(b-2)). The first ending and the second ending are different in the manner in which the boundary portion 43 is erased. The first outcome is a conclusion reached through a change in which the boundary portion 43 gradually becomes larger, making it appear as if the boundary portion 43 has moved outside the display area 911. The fact that the border section 43 becomes larger means that the first image section 41 inside the border section 43 becomes larger, so that the first image section 41 looks as if it has been expanded to cover the entire display area 911. It means that it will occur. Since the first image portion 41 in this embodiment is blue, it can be said that the first ending is a state in which an image in which the rendering target is displayed in blue is displayed.

On the other hand, the second outcome is a conclusion reached through a change in which the boundary portion 43 gradually becomes smaller and appears to have disappeared. Since the boundary portion 43 becomes smaller, it means that the second image portion 42 outside the boundary portion 43 becomes larger. Therefore, the change in which the second image portion 42 looks as if it has been expanded to cover the entire display area 911 is caused. It means that it will occur. Since the second image portion 42 in this embodiment is red, it can be said that the second ending is a state in which an image in which the rendering target is displayed in red is displayed.

In this way, the first ending is an ending in which the border 43 becomes larger, causing the image corresponding to the first image portion 41 in the preliminary stage to expand (remain) and reach a state in which the performance target is represented by said image, and the second ending is an ending in which the border 43 becomes smaller, causing the image corresponding to the second image portion 42 in the preliminary stage to expand (remain) and reach a state in which the performance target is represented by said image. As in this embodiment, by making the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 different colors, both endings have in common the fact that the border 43 is erased and the image representing the performance target is displayed, but because the color of the image representing the performance target is different, the player can clearly distinguish that the two are different endings.

The first and second endings are considered to be more advantageous events for the player than the other. In this embodiment, the probability (reliability) that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot is higher when the second ending is reached than when the first ending is reached (see FIG. 28(b)). In other words, the presentation is such that there is a higher chance of a jackpot when the ending shows a "red" image representing the performance target than when the ending shows a "blue" image representing the performance target. It may be set so that a loss is confirmed when the first ending is reached. It may also be set so that a jackpot is confirmed when the second ending is reached.

In this way, the target image presentation (preliminary stage) in this embodiment is an interesting presentation in which the presentation image 40 showing the presentation target (target character) is divided into a first image portion 41 and a second image portion 42 by a boundary portion 43, and the displacement of the boundary portion 43 causes a change in which one of the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 becomes larger while the other becomes smaller.

In particular, in this embodiment, the boundary portion 43 is annular, so that as the inner portion (first image portion 41) becomes larger, the outer portion (second image portion 42) becomes smaller, and, as the outer portion (second image portion 42) becomes larger, the inner portion (first image portion 41) becomes smaller, creating an interesting effect.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned target image presentation. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created in which multiple techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

Specific example 4-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 have different colors, but the method of emphasizing the difference between the first image portion 41 and the second image portion 42 is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt an embodiment in which the lines representing the performance target (lines representing the performance target) are thicker in the second image portion 42 than in the first image portion 41 (see FIG. 29). Although not shown, it is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the first image portion 41 is a light image (an image that appears translucent) and the second image portion 42 is a dark image.

〇Specific example 4-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the boundary part 43 is annular, but it may be in a different form. For example, a boundary portion 43 that bisects the display area 911 (a boundary portion 43 extending from one outer edge of the display area 911 to another outer edge) is used, and the first image portion 41 is placed on one side of the boundary portion 43 and the first image portion 41 is placed on the other side. A configuration may also be adopted in which the second image section 42 is provided. However, when the boundary part 43 is annular as in the above embodiment, the first image part 41 and the second image part 42 expand when the boundary part 43 is displaced (the first image part 41 It can be said that it is easier to understand (more emphasized) that the second image portion 42 is narrower, and that it is advantageous to make the boundary portion 43 annular in this respect.

Specific example 4-3
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the conclusion stage is when the boundary portion 43 is erased and an image corresponding to the first image portion 41 is displayed, or when an image corresponding to the second image portion 42 is displayed, but the game may end without reaching such a state. For example, the game may be configured such that the performance image 40 including the first image portion 41, the second image portion 42, and the boundary portion 43 is abruptly erased, and the target image performance ends (abruptly ends).

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a state in which the boundary portion 43 is erased is an advantageous outcome for the player, and an abrupt end is a disadvantageous outcome for the player. For example, reaching a state in which an image corresponding to the second image portion 42 (red) is displayed is considered to be an advantageous ending for the player, whereas if the player does not reach the advantageous ending, then the effect image 40 (first A configuration may also be adopted in which the image portion 41, the second image portion 42, and the boundary portion 43) are suddenly erased, resulting in an unfavorable outcome in which the performance ends.

〇Specific example 4-4
The configuration is such that a plurality of types of aspects of the boundary portion 43 are provided. For example, the first boundary part 431 may be displayed, and the second boundary part 432 (different in form from the first boundary part 431) may be displayed. Then, when one of the first boundary part 431 and the second boundary part 432 is displayed, the outcome is more advantageous to the player (the second outcome in the above embodiment) when the other is displayed. The setting should be such that there is a high probability that this will occur. By doing this, the mode of performance becomes such that the player will also pay attention to the aspect of the boundary portion 43.

Various methods can be considered for setting the difference in the aspect between the first boundary part 431 and the second boundary part 432. Although not shown, for example, it is possible to make the first boundary part 431 and the second boundary part 432 different in color. Additionally, it is also possible to set a difference in the aspect by using the unique form of the boundary part 43 (the form of a "linear" image for "separating" the first image part 41 and the second image part 42). It will be done. Specifically, the first boundary part 431 and the second boundary part 432 are configured to have different thicknesses (see FIG. 30).

〇Specific example 4-5
The configuration is such that an image (hereinafter referred to as an opportunity image 48) suggesting that the probability that the target image performance will lead to an advantageous outcome is increased can be displayed. In the preliminary stage, the outcome is more advantageous to the player when the opportunity image 48 is displayed (see FIG. 31(b)) than when the opportunity image 48 is not displayed (see FIG. 31(a)). The setting should be such that there is a high probability that this will occur.

The opportunity image 48 may be an image that encourages the boundary 43 to move in a direction that leads to a favorable outcome. If, as in the above embodiment, the second outcome in which the boundary 43 becomes smaller and disappears is considered to be a more favorable outcome for the player than the first outcome in which the boundary 43 becomes larger and disappears, then the opportunity image 48 indicating that the boundary 43 is about to be moved in a direction that leads to a smaller outcome may be displayed (see FIG. 31(b)). Although not shown, if, as opposed to the above embodiment, the first outcome in which the boundary 43 becomes larger and disappears is considered to be a more favorable outcome for the player than the second outcome in which the boundary 43 becomes smaller and disappears, then the opportunity image 48 indicating that the boundary 43 is about to be moved in a direction that leads to a larger outcome may be displayed.

〇Specific example 4-6
The configuration is such that an introduction stage (see FIG. 32(a)) in which the border part 43 is not displayed is provided before a preliminary stage (see FIG. 32(b)) in which the effect image 40 including the border part 43 is displayed. Specifically, it is assumed that the introductory image 49 is an image (introductory image 49) that represents the performance target and does not include the boundary portion 43 (see FIG. 32(a)). By doing this, the transition from the introduction stage to the preliminary stage is as if the image representing the performance target had been divided at the boundary part 43 and divided into the first image part 41 and the second image part 42. It becomes a visible performance form.

The introduction image 49 may be in the same form as the image displayed at the conclusion stage (a form that is viewed as the same by the player). For example, the image displayed when the introductory image 49 (see FIG. 32(a)) reaches the first ending (the blue image representing the performance target corresponding to the first image portion 41) (FIG. 32(c- It is conceivable to use the same mode as in 1). By doing this, the effect target changes from blue (introductory image 49) (see FIG. 32(a)) to red (see FIG. 32(c-2)), which is an advantageous outcome for the player. , returning to the blue image (see FIG. 32(c-1)) is an effect form that is disadvantageous to the player. Although not shown, the configuration is the opposite of this, that is, the introductory image 49 is the same as the image displayed when the second ending is reached (the red image representing the effect target corresponding to the second image portion 42). It is possible to do so. By doing this, the introduction image 49 provides an effect in which an image (target image) that will result in an advantageous outcome for the player is shown in advance.

2-5) Numerical Presentation As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called ST machine, and the special gaming state (high probability/high base state) ends when a predetermined number of consecutive misses occur. In this embodiment, the predetermined number (so-called ST number) is 100 times. In the following description, the remaining number of times in the special gaming state may also be referred to as the remaining number of times. In other words, the remaining number of times is a value that decreases each time the win/lose lottery result in the special gaming state is a miss, and when it reaches 0, the special gaming state ends.

In the special game state, when the remaining number of times reaches a specified value, a "countdown effect" is executed to emphasize that the remaining number of times is small. In this embodiment, the countdown effect is executed when the remaining number of times is 10 (the countdown starts from "10"). Specifically, when a new in-fluctuating effect is started, the remaining number of times (remaining number of times image) is displayed large in the center of the display area 911 (see Fig. 33 (b) and (d)). If the number representing the remaining number of times is the effect value 50, the effect value 50 that decreases each time the specified condition that a new fluctuation starts is met is displayed. Note that in the special game state, the remaining number of times is displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911 before the countdown effect starts (see Fig. 33 (a)). It is assumed that the remaining number displayed before the countdown effect starts does not correspond to the effect value 50.

The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a performance (hereinafter referred to as a numerical performance) that suggests a winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result) by using the remaining number of times (performance value 50). The numerical performance is divided into a normal pattern (default mode) and a special pattern (special mode). The occurrence of a special pattern is considered to be a so-called chance up, which suggests that the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot has increased. In this embodiment, when a numerical performance of a special pattern occurs, it is confirmed that the target winning/losing lottery result notified through a variable performance including the numerical performance will be a jackpot. In other words, when the numerical performance becomes a special pattern, it is considered to be a so-called premium performance. However, it may be set so that the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot is higher in the case of a special pattern than in the case of a normal pattern, and a jackpot is not confirmed when a special pattern occurs. In addition, even if the numerical performance becomes a normal pattern, there is a possibility that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot (it is not confirmed that it will be a miss). In this embodiment, even if the result of the lottery for the variation that is the subject of the countdown performance is a jackpot, it is set so that 90% or more of the time it will be the normal pattern, and it is extremely rare for it to be a special pattern.

When a countdown effect occurs (when the remaining number of times is 10 or less), the point at which the during-variation effect begins is the point at which the specified condition is met. In other words, if the specified condition is that the remaining number of times decreases by 1, then the point at which the specified condition is met is the fluctuation start point. The numerical effect controls the timing of the display of the remaining number of times (the point at which the display starts) based on the fluctuation start point.

In the normal pattern, the remaining number of times starts to be displayed when the normal time point, which is the time when T1 time has passed from the start of the fluctuation, is reached (see FIG. 34(a)). In the special pattern, the remaining number of times starts to be displayed when the special time point, which is the time when T2 time (T1 ≠ T2) has passed from the start of the fluctuation, is reached (see FIG. 34(b)). In this embodiment, T1 < T2. In other words, the special pattern is one in which the timing at which the remaining number of times is displayed is delayed compared to the normal pattern. It is preferable that the difference between T1 and T2 is 1 second or less. In other words, the special pattern is one in which the timing at which the remaining number of times is displayed is delayed to the extent that the player feels uncomfortable (a delay that not all players notice). In this embodiment, T1 = 0.1 seconds, T2 = 0.6 seconds. In other words, the special pattern is one in which the timing at which the remaining number of times is displayed is delayed by 0.5 seconds (T2 - T1 seconds) compared to usual (normal pattern). Because of this delay, even in the case of a special pattern variation, the remaining number of times is displayed (see FIG. 34(b-2)) before the three decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 34(b-1)) that notify the result of the previous variation (win/lose) of the lottery start to vary and move out of the display area 911 (when the player can grasp the three decorative symbols 80). Note that the length of time that the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is displayed is the same for normal patterns and special patterns (in this embodiment, the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is erased 1 second after the display starts in both normal and special patterns). In other words, for normal and special patterns, there is a gap (delay) of T2-T1 seconds (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) between the time when the display of the remaining number of times (performance value 50) starts and the time when it is erased.

Note that T1 = 0, i.e. the remaining number of times (performance value 50) may start to be displayed at the same time as the start of the fluctuation. In this case, the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is displayed at the same time as the start of the fluctuation for the normal pattern, and the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is displayed after a delay from the start of the fluctuation for the special pattern, resulting in a clearer difference between the normal pattern and the special pattern than when T1 ≠ 0 as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, if the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is the same, the appearance (font, size, color, and display position in the display area 911 of the characters representing the number) is the same whether it is a normal pattern (when displayed at a normal time) or a special pattern (when displayed at a special time). In other words, there is no difference in the display appearance of the remaining number of times (performance value 50) itself between the state of FIG. 34(a-2) and the state of FIG. 34(b-2), so it is not possible to tell from the display appearance of the remaining number of times (performance value 50) whether a normal pattern or a special pattern has occurred. From another perspective, in a certain variation in which a countdown performance is executed (a variation in which the remaining number of times is N), the element by which the player distinguishes between a normal pattern and a special pattern (the difference between the two patterns) is basically only the timing at which the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is displayed.

As described above, in this embodiment, based on the point in time when the specified conditions are met, the performance value 50 (remaining number of times) may be displayed after T1 time has elapsed (this is considered a normal pattern), and the performance value may be displayed after T2 time has elapsed. It is possible to perform an interesting effect (numerical effect) in which the numerical value 50 (remaining number of times) is displayed (as a special pattern).

In addition, in this embodiment, the numerical effects start at the time when the specified conditions are met (reference time), so it is easier for players to notice the occurrence of special patterns (compared to when other times are used as the reference time).

In addition, in the numerical performance in this embodiment, since the performance numerical value 50 (remaining number of times) is the same if the numerical value expressed is the same, it is basic to distinguish whether it is a normal pattern or a special pattern. In short, this is a form of performance that can only be performed by the display timing of the performance value 50 (remaining number of times).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned numerical performance-related matters. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be made that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 5-1
In the above embodiment, it was explained that a numerical effect occurs when the remaining number of times in the special game state (ST) becomes less than 10 and a countdown effect is executed, but the configuration may be such that a numerical effect can occur regardless of the remaining number of times.

〇Specific example 5-2
It has been explained that the effect value 50 in the above embodiment is the remaining number of STs, but if it is a value that decreases each time a certain condition (prescribed condition) is met, then a numerical effect with other values as effect value 50 can be used. can be executed. For example, in a performance where a numerical value is displayed that counts down to the timing at which a certain event occurs, a numerical performance using the counted down numerical value may be generated.

Furthermore, instead of a countdown, in a performance in which a numerical value to be counted up is displayed, a numerical performance using the numerical value to be counted up may be executed. For example, after a predetermined reset condition (previous jackpot or power ON) is established, a numerical performance using a numerical value representing the number of fluctuations up to the present may be executed.

Specific example 5-3
The performance value 50 does not have to be displayed continuously. The performance value 50 may be displayed when a predetermined "break count" is reached. For example, if the remaining number of times in the special game state is displayed as the performance value 50 as in the above embodiment, the remaining number of times (performance value 50) is displayed when the remaining number of times in the special game state reaches a predetermined "break count" (for example, at a change (break count) where the remaining number of times is 0 in the ones digit, such as 90 times, 80 times, 70 times, etc.). In such a configuration, a special pattern may be generated as a chance-up performance (which may be a premium performance as in the above embodiment) that suggests that the probability that the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the break count is a jackpot has increased. However, in this case, the reliability suggestion by the numerical performance can only be performed at the break count.

〇Specific example 5-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that T1<T2, but a configuration may be adopted in which T1>T2 (T1≠0). In this case, the special pattern (see FIG. 35(b)) is configured such that the remaining number of times is displayed "earlier" than the normal pattern (see FIG. 35(a)). In other words, it is a performance form in which the chance is increased (premier) when the remaining number of times is displayed earlier than usual. Note that, similarly to the above embodiment, the difference between T1 and T2 is preferably 1 second or less.

Specific example 5-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the effect value 50 (remaining number of times) has the same appearance regardless of whether it is a normal pattern or a special pattern as long as the number it represents is the same, but the appearance may be different between the normal pattern and the special pattern. For example, when displaying the remaining number of times "N", the color of the characters representing the number "N" is black in the normal pattern (see FIG. 36(a-2)), while the color of the characters representing the number "N" is red in the special pattern (see FIG. 36(b-2)).

By doing as in this example, the difference between the normal pattern and the special pattern is not only expressed as a difference in the timing of the display of the effect value 50 (remaining number of times), but also as a difference in its appearance, so it can be said that it is easier for players to notice the occurrence of a special pattern than in the above embodiment. If you want a presentation format in which only certain players notice the occurrence of a special pattern (not many players notice the occurrence of a special pattern), then as in the above embodiment, you can configure the effect value 50 (remaining number of times) to have the same appearance regardless of whether it is a normal pattern or a special pattern, as long as the numerical value it represents is the same.

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.

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a reel-type gaming machine, except that the configuration unique to the pachinko gaming machine is utilized.

In the embodiment described above, a jackpot and a loss are set as the form of the lottery result, and a jackpot is obtained by a jackpot (a jackpot game is executed), but a jackpot can be obtained via a so-called small win. It can also be used as a thing. As such, machines with a gaming feature that allows you to win a jackpot via a small jackpot (the so-called "second-class gaming machine" gaming feature) are well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted, but for example, if you win a small jackpot, (Excluding cases where irregular events such as a malfunction of the gaming machine or the player not playing the game as instructed) will lead to winning the jackpot (substantially, small winnings and jackpot winnings are the same) If the setting is such that the player can see the winnings, the winning of the jackpot explained in the above embodiment includes winning the small winning.

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

・Method 1-1
a display means having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing a specific effect that leads to an advantageous ending advantageous to the player after a predetermined effect image is displayed in the display area, or an unfavorable ending which is an outcome if the advantageous ending is not reached, wherein the specific effect may display one of a plurality of types of insert images midway before reaching the outcome, suggesting the likelihood of reaching the advantageous ending, and the display patterns of the insert images in the specific effect include a non-changing pattern in which a basic state in which none of the plurality of types of insert images are displayed and the effect image is displayed changes to an insert state in which a certain type of insert image is displayed, then returns to the basic state, and then leads to the outcome, and a special changing pattern in which a previous insert state in which a certain type of insert image is displayed as a previous insert image changes from the basic state, then returns to the basic state, and then changes to a subsequent insert state in which a different type of insert image from the previous insert image is displayed as a subsequent insert image, and then leads to the outcome.
When a certain type of insert image is displayed and then the game returns to the basic state, there is a high probability that the player will not predict that the certain type of insert image will change. The special change pattern is an interesting presentation form in which a later insert image is displayed to a player who is highly likely not to have predicted the change in the insert image.

・Method 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the same part of the presentation image is displayed at the time when the insertion state of the non-changing pattern ends and the time when the previous insertion state of the special changing pattern ends.
By doing this, even if a special change pattern occurs, it is indistinguishable (or difficult to distinguish) from a non-change pattern at the time when the previous insertion state ends (at the time when the previous insertion image is erased).

・Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 or 1-2 is characterized in that, as a display pattern of the insertion image in the specific presentation, a direct change pattern is provided in which the insertion image changes from the basic state to a previous insertion state in which a certain type of insertion image is displayed as a previous insertion image, and then, without returning to the basic state, the insertion state changes to a subsequent insertion state in which a different type of insertion image from the previous insertion image is displayed as a subsequent insertion image, and then the conclusion is reached.
By doing this, a player who comes into contact with a direct change pattern is highly likely to recognize that the change in the type of inserted image occurs directly (without returning to the basic state). Since a special change pattern betrays the predictions of a player with such a recognition, it is expected that the surprise received by the player will be even greater.

・Means 2-1
A win/fail lottery means that executes a win/fail lottery based on win/fail lottery information obtained when a game ball enters a predetermined area, and a decorative pattern from when it starts changing until it stops in a manner according to the win/fail lottery result. A display for displaying the existence of the winning/failure lottery information that has started but has not yet been completed as a pending symbol while the fluctuating performance has started for the corresponding win/fail lottery result. means, as the mode of the pending symbol during fluctuation, one or more types of normal mode, and one or more indicating that the probability that the corresponding winning/failure lottery result will be a win is higher than when in the normal mode. A special aspect of the seed is set, and as a production that constitutes the fluctuating production, it is a production that leads to an advantageous ending or an unfavorable ending that is the outcome when the favorable ending is not reached, and when the favorable ending is reached. It is possible to execute a specific reach effect in which it is certain that the winning/failure lottery result is a win, and in the fluctuating effect in which the specific reach effect occurs, before the specific reach effect reaches its conclusion. When the fluctuating pending symbol is set to the special mode, forced downgrade control to display the fluctuating pending symbol in the normal mode is possible after the specific reach effect reaches the unfavorable outcome. A gaming machine with special features.
By executing the above-mentioned forced downgrade control, the fluctuating pending symbol will be displayed in the normal mode after the specific reach effect reaches a failure ending, even though the fluctuating pending symbol was in a special mode. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the player will become irritated (increased regret) by emphasizing that the player has reached an unfavorable outcome.

・Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that, as an effect that can occur when the result of the win/lose lottery is a win, after the specific reach effect reaches an unfavorable ending, a reversal effect can be executed in which the specific reach effect is overturned, and when the pending symbol during fluctuation is set to the special mode before the specific reach effect reaches its ending, if the forced downgrade control is not executed after the specific reach effect reaches the unfavorable ending, the reversal effect occurs.
In this way, an interesting gameplay can be realized in which the fact that the forced downgrade control is not executed (the pending pattern during the change is not set to the normal state after a failure ending is reached) functions as a hint (warning) of a reversal performance.

・Means 3-1
A display means having a display area; and a performance execution means for performing a fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate to when it stops in a manner according to a win/fail lottery result, wherein the fluctuating performance includes a plurality of fluctuating performances. The basic form differs depending on which of the production styles is set, and by changing the style image showing the currently set production style to a suggested image, the lottery result becomes a win. A game machine characterized by being capable of performing a style image change effect that suggests probability.
The gaming machine described above can perform an interesting performance (style image changing performance) using a style image that is an image indicating a performance style.

・Means 3-2
The style images corresponding to each of the plurality of types of presentation styles have unique parts that are different from each other and common parts, and the suggestion image is a variation of the unique parts of the style images. The gaming machine according to means 3-1.
By doing this, it is possible to create a performance form in which a player is unlikely to notice the occurrence of a style image change performance (a change from a style image to a suggested image) (a performance form in which only a specific player notices the occurrence). .

・Means 3-3
When a certain fluctuating production ends and the next fluctuating production is started without changing the production style, the style image changes to the suggestion image with the start of the next fluctuating production as a trigger. The gaming machine according to means 3-1 or 3-2, characterized in that the gaming machine can play a game.
By doing this, the style image will change to the suggestion image as soon as the change starts in a situation where the style of performance is maintained, so the style image change performance will be difficult for the player to notice. (a presentation form in which only the person concerned notices the occurrence) can be used.

・Method 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing a target image effect in which an effect image representing a predetermined effect target is displayed in the display area, the effect image including a first image portion, a second image portion, and a boundary portion existing between the first image portion and the second image portion, and the target image effect is an effect that includes a mode in which the boundary portion is displaced while maintaining a state in which the effect target is represented by the first image portion and the second image portion.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to execute an interesting effect in which one of the first image portion and the second image portion, which represent the effect target, becomes larger while the other becomes smaller.

Measure 4-2
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the boundary portion is annular, one of the first image portion and the second image portion being inside the boundary portion and the other being outside the boundary portion.
By doing this, an interesting presentation is created in which as the inner portion (first image portion) becomes larger, the outer portion (second image portion) becomes smaller, and vice versa.

Measure 4-3
The gaming machine described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the target image presentation begins with a preliminary stage in which the boundary portion is displaced while maintaining the state in which the presentation target is represented by the first image portion and the second image portion, and then leads to a conclusion stage in which the boundary portion is erased, and that the fact that the first image portion is expanded to erase the boundary portion and reach the conclusion stage is considered to be an event more advantageous to the player than the fact that the second image portion is expanded to erase the boundary portion and reach the conclusion stage.
This results in a presentation that will draw the player's attention to whether the first image portion or the second image portion is expanding.

・Means 5-1
A gaming machine that displays a performance numerical value that decreases or increases each time a specified condition is satisfied, and the performance numerical value is displayed when a normal time point, which is T1 hours after the specified condition is satisfied, is reached. The probability that an event advantageous to the player will occur is higher in the case where the effect value is displayed upon reaching a certain special point T2 hours after the establishment of the specified condition than in the case where the specified condition is established. A gaming machine characterized by: However, it is assumed that T1≠T2.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to realize an interesting gaming experience in which the probability that an event advantageous to the player will occur is suggested by the timing at which the effect value is displayed.

・Means 5-2
There are a normal gaming state and a special gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state as gaming states in which you play with the aim of winning the lottery result. It is a game state that ends when the lottery result is a loss, and the performance numerical value is a value that decreases every time the winning lottery result becomes a loss in the special game state, and the time when the specified condition is satisfied is the The gaming machine according to means 5-1, characterized in that in the special game state, the variation start point is when the decorative symbols for notifying the win/fail lottery result start to fluctuate.
In this way, by setting the fluctuation start time as the time when the specified condition is satisfied, it becomes easy to understand whether the display timing of the performance numerical value is delayed or early.

・Means 5-3
The performance numerical value that is displayed upon reaching the normal time point and the performance numerical value that is displayed upon reaching the special time point are the same if they have the same numerical value. The gaming machine according to means 5-1 or 5-2, characterized in that:
By doing so, it becomes impossible to determine whether the performance value is displayed at a normal time or a special time due to the difference in the form of the performance value. )

1 Gaming machine 10 Performance image 15 Insertion image (15a Previous insertion image 15b Next insertion image)
20 Scene switching image 30 Format image 31 Unique part 32 Common part 35 Suggestion image 40 Performance image 41 First image part 42 Second image part 43 Boundary part 50 Performance value 70 Reserved pattern (71 Reserved pattern during change 72 Reserved pattern before change)
70n Normal mode 70s Special mode (71s to 73s First special mode to third special mode)
80 Decorative pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (3)

a display means having a display area;
a special effect image is displayed in the display area, and after the effect image is displayed, a special effect is executed to reach an advantageous ending favorable to the player or an unfavorable ending which is an ending in the case where the advantageous ending is not reached;
Equipped with
In the specific performance, before the conclusion, one of a plurality of insertion images may be displayed to suggest the probability of reaching the advantageous conclusion,
As a display pattern of the insertion image in the specific performance,
A non-changing pattern in which the basic state in which the performance video is displayed without displaying any of the multiple types of insertion images is changed to an insertion state in which a certain type of insertion image is displayed, then the game returns to the basic state, and then the game reaches a conclusion;
A special change pattern in which the basic state changes to a previous insertion state in which a certain type of the insertion image is displayed as a previous insertion image, then the basic state is returned to, and the subsequent insertion state changes to a subsequent insertion state in which a type of the insertion image different from the previous insertion image is displayed as a subsequent insertion image, and then the change pattern reaches a conclusion;
A gaming machine comprising:
However, the specific effect is an effect in which a set of reach symbols is displayed together with the effect video, and there is no indication in advance that the insert image may be displayed multiple times. A claim characterized in that the point in time when the insertion state of the non-change pattern ends and the point in time when the previous insertion state of the special change pattern ends are in a state in which the same part of the effect image is displayed. The gaming machine according to item 1. As a display pattern of the inserted image in the specific performance,
After changing from the basic state to a previous insertion state in which a certain type of insertion image is displayed as a previous insertion image, the insertion image of a different type from the previous insertion image does not return to the basic state. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a direct change pattern in which a character is displayed as a later insertion image, the image is displayed as a later insertion image, and then a result is reached.

Images