JP7475694B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

In gaming machines that are equipped with a player-operable operation means such as a push button and that can execute operation effects using the operation means, an effective operation period is set during which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effects (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-153056 A

The present invention aims to improve the appeal of the operation presentation that encourages players to operate the operation means in a gaming machine equipped with an operation means that can be operated by the player.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a gaming machine capable of executing an operation presentation in which the player is prompted to operate an operation means, and the operation presentation has a first mode in which the player is prompted to operate a first operation means, which is one type of the operation means, and a second operation mode in which the player is prompted to operate a second operation means, which is a different type of the operation means from the first operation means, and an image preview presentation occurs before the operation presentation, and if the first operation image representing the first operation means changes to a second operation image representing the second operation means in the image preview presentation, the operation presentation that occurs thereafter will be the second operation mode, whereas if the image does not change to the second operation image, the operation presentation that occurs thereafter will be the first mode.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to improve the intrigue of the operation presentation that encourages the player to operate the operating means.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the general flow of the operation presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing types of operation images. A diagram showing the relationship between the image preview performance and the operation image displayed in the operation performance. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fifth modified example and a sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a first diagram for explaining the seventh modified example. FIG. 23 is a second diagram for explaining the seventh modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a ninth modified example.

Below, one embodiment of the gaming machine 1 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. 1.

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, a start winning hole 904, a big winning hole 906, an outlet hole 907, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Note that in some of the drawings, the display area 911 is roughly depicted, but its shape, etc. can be changed as appropriate (the shape, etc. of the display area 911 can be changed by changing the shape and size of the opening 901, or the shape and size of the display device 91 itself).

In addition, the play area 902 is provided with multiple game pegs as obstacles that change the way the game ball flows down when the game ball collides with them. The game ball flowing down the play area 902 changes into various forms depending on the conditions when it collides 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 hole such as the start winning hole 904 or the big winning hole 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that we will not explain components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays that store the gaming balls. These components can have the same structure as known gaming machines.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a win/lose determination means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904 (there may be multiple such start winning holes). Specifically, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904, a number is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined big win number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. Since this is similar to known gaming machines, a description will be omitted, but if there is a big win, it is notified when a discrimination pattern (a pattern for notifying the win/lose determination result) (not shown) becomes a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same pattern), and if any other combination is displayed, it is a loss.

The various effects, such as the operational effects described below, may be determined based on the results of the actual win/loss judgment, or may be determined by a numerical value obtained from a random number source rather than the result of the win/loss judgment. In either case, there is essentially no difference (from the player's perspective) in determining the effects based on the win/loss judgment, so the following explanation will be written as if the effects are determined based on the win/loss judgment, but this is not intended to exclude from the present invention a configuration in which the effects are determined by a numerical value obtained from a random number source.

The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing an operation presentation using multiple types of operation means 10 that can be operated by the player as a type of presentation that suggests whether the player has won or lost. The operation presentation will be described in detail below. Note that the scene and timing of the operation presentation may be any as long as the presentation suggests whether the player has won or lost. In addition, the various images in the following description are not limited to still images, but are a concept that includes moving images that have at least some movement (change).

In this embodiment, a first operation means 11 and a second operation means 12 that can be operated by a player are provided as multiple types of operation means 10 used for the operation presentation (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the first operation means 11 is a push button that can be operated by pushing it downward. The second type of operation means is an operation unit that can be operated by pushing it toward the back. Note that the first operation means 11 and the second operation means 12 may be any type as long as they can be operated by a player and can be operated independently, so detailed descriptions of each operation means 10 are omitted. The first operation means 11 and the second operation means 12 may be capable of operations other than the above-mentioned pushing operation (for example, a rotating operation). In addition, a configuration in which multiple operation means are set as the first operation means 11 and the second operation means 12 may be used. For example, a configuration in which multiple push buttons are provided and all of the multiple push buttons function as the first operation means 11 described below may be used.

Operation of each operating means 10 is detected by a control means (a control circuit formed on a control board) not shown. At least in the operation presentation described below, the operation of the first operating means 11 and the operation of the second operating means 12 are distinguished. However, it may be possible to execute a different operation presentation in which the operation of the first operating means 11 and the operation of the second operating means 12 are not distinguished (a setting in which either operation is valid).

The operation presentation, the outline of which is shown in FIG. 2, is a presentation that prompts the player to operate either the first operation means 11 or the second operation means 12. An effective operation period during which the operation of the operation means is effective is set, and the player is prompted to operate the corresponding operation means 10 (see FIG. 2(b)), and the operation of the operation means 10 during the effective operation period is reflected in the presentation. During the effective operation period, a meter indicating the remaining time (or elapsed time) of the effective operation period may be displayed (see FIG. 2(b)). In this embodiment, the length of the effective operation period that may occur at a specific timing in a certain type of operation presentation is the same every time (the length of the effective operation period of a certain type of operation presentation and that of another type of operation presentation may be different. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the effective operation period can be set multiple times in the same operation presentation, the length of the effective operation period that occurs at a certain timing and that of another timing may be different). Any specific form of the operation presentation may be used as long as it is such a presentation. In this embodiment, the operation presentation may be executed at the final stage of the presentation that notifies the result of the hit/miss judgment (the presentation in which the friendly character and the enemy character fight (see FIG. 2(a))). If the result of the win/loss determination is a jackpot, a presentation (success presentation) is executed to indicate that the outcome is favorable to the player, triggered by the detection of operation of the operation means 10 during the valid operation period (this success presentation includes a presentation in which the outcome is not successful but is then overturned (so-called reversal presentation, revival presentation)). On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss determination is a miss, a presentation (failure presentation) is executed to indicate that the outcome is unfavorable to the player, triggered by the detection of operation of the operation means 10 during the valid operation period (see FIG. 2(c)). Note that if no operation of the operation means 10 is detected during the valid operation period, one of the success presentation or failure presentation is executed after the valid operation period, based on the result of the win/loss determination.

In this embodiment, the player is required to operate the corresponding operation means 10 only once during the operation valid period (see FIG. 2(b)), but the configuration may also be such that the player is required to operate in other ways (for example, so-called repeated taps or long presses, etc.). Also, the configuration may be such that the operation manner of the operation means 10 required of the player may be different for each operation presentation.

During the operation effective period in the operation presentation, an operation image 20 is displayed to prompt the player to operate the operation means 10 (indicating that the operation means 10 should be operated) (see FIG. 2(b)). The operation image 20 is an image that imitates the corresponding operation means 10. In other words, when the operation of the first operation means 11 is prompted in the operation presentation, an operation image 20 that imitates the first operation means 11 is displayed, and when the operation of the second operation means 12 is prompted, an operation image 20 that imitates the second operation means 12 is displayed. The player can see the operation image 20 and understand which operation means 10 to operate. Note that the "imitated" image does not mean that it is limited to an image that precisely depicts the operation means 10. It may be an image that is deformed to the extent that the player can understand that it represents each operation means 10. In addition, a part of the operation image 20 may imitate the corresponding operation means 10. In other words, the operation image 20 may include a part that imitates the corresponding operation means 10.

In this embodiment, two types of images, a first normal operation image 211 and a first large operation image 212 (see Figs. 3(a) and (b)), are set as images corresponding to the first operation means 11, and one type of image, a second operation image 22 (see Fig. 3(c)), is set as an image corresponding to the second operation means 12. The first normal operation image 211 and the first large operation image 212 are both images that include a portion that imitates the first operation means 11, and therefore have similar (analogous) shapes, but the second large instruction image is displayed larger than the first normal operation image 211. In other words, the first normal operation image 211 and the second large instruction image are images that include a portion that imitates the same operation means, the first operation means 11, but have different forms (different sizes in this embodiment).

As described above, the operation presentation according to this embodiment is a presentation that notifies the result of the win/lose judgment depending on the outcome. It can also be said that the outcome indicates whether or not a situation advantageous to the player will occur. The probability of such a situation advantageous to the player (probability of a successful presentation, hereinafter also referred to as reliability) is suggested by the type of operation image 20 displayed in the operation presentation. In this embodiment, the reliability is set higher when the first large operation image 212 is displayed than when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed. Also, the reliability is set higher when the second operation image 22 is displayed than when the first large operation image 212 is displayed (see FIG. 3). In other words, from the perspective of the two types of operation means 10, the first operation means 11 and the second operation means 12, the reliability is higher when the operation of the second operation means 12 is prompted than when the operation of the first operation means 11 is prompted. Also, even when the operation of the same first operation means 11 is prompted, the reliability is higher when the first large operation image 212 is displayed than when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed. Players will hope that a more reliable operation image 20 will be displayed during the operation presentation.

In this embodiment, the presentation executed as the conclusion of the operation presentation is set as a success presentation in which the ally character wins a battle between the ally character and the enemy character (see the left side of FIG. 2(c)), and as a failure presentation in which the ally character loses (the enemy character wins) (see the right side of FIG. 2(c)). Before the operation image 20 is displayed (the effective operation period is set), a video of the ally character and the enemy character fighting is displayed (see FIG. 2(a)). The operation image 20 that is finally displayed suggests the likelihood that the ally character will win.

The operation presentation in this embodiment includes an image preview presentation that suggests what type of operation image 20 will be shown during the operation valid period. The image preview presentation will be described below. Note that the image preview presentation may always occur during the operation presentation, or may not occur. If the configuration is set so that the image preview presentation may not occur, it is preferable that the player is more likely to be in an advantageous situation after the operation presentation when the image preview presentation occurs compared to when the image preview presentation does not occur.

The image preview effect is executed when the video of the friendly character and the enemy character fighting is displayed, before the operation image 20 is displayed (the effective operation period is set). In this embodiment, the video of the image preview effect is displayed in an area near the corner of the display area 911 (the right corner in this embodiment), so as to overlap with the video of the friendly character and the enemy character fighting (see FIG. 2(a)). The image preview effect is an effect that indicates the possibility that the aspect of the operation image 20 will change to one that is advantageous to the player.

In the image preview performance, a candidate image 30 is displayed, which suggests what the operation image 20 displayed during the operation valid period will be (see FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 4). In this embodiment, an image that is the same in form as each operation image 20 displayed during the operation valid period and is smaller than it is displayed as the candidate image 30. In the initial state of the image preview performance, the first normal operation image 211 is displayed as the candidate image 30. The operation image 20 corresponding to the candidate image 30 finally displayed in the image preview performance will be displayed during the operation valid period (see FIG. 4). In the image preview performance in this embodiment, a character is displayed together with any of the operation images 20, and a video of the character trying to change the operation image 20 is displayed. In other words, a change suggestion notice is executed, which indicates that the type of the operation image 20 displayed as the candidate image 30 may change. As the ending of the change suggestion notice, an ending that is favorable to the player, in which the candidate image 30 changes to one with a higher reliability, and an ending that is unfavorable to the player, in which the current type of the candidate image 30 is maintained, are set. In other words, the change in the candidate image 30 in the image preview performance is limited to a change in the direction of increasing the reliability of the corresponding operation image 20, and is set not to cause a change in the direction of decreasing the reliability. In this embodiment, the possible modes of the image preview performance can be roughly divided as follows.
First Mode: A mode in which the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the candidate image 30 in the initial state does not change and continues to be displayed until the valid operation period. The operation image 20 displayed during the valid operation period becomes the first normal operation image 211 (see FIG. 4A).
Second Mode: A mode in which the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the candidate image 30 in the initial state changes to a first large operation image 212 midway, and the first large operation image 212 continues to be displayed until the valid operation period. The operation image 20 displayed during the valid operation period becomes the first large operation image 212 (see FIG. 4B).
Third Mode: A mode in which the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the candidate image 30 in the initial state changes to a first large operation image 212 midway, and the first large operation image 212 further changes to a second operation image 22 midway, and the second operation image 22 continues to be displayed until the valid operation period. The operation image 20 displayed during the valid operation period becomes the second operation image 22 (see FIG. 4(c)).

Note that this division is merely one example. For example, in the initial state, an operation image 20 other than the first normal operation image 211 may be displayed as a candidate image 30. Also, the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the candidate image 30 may suddenly change (without passing through the first large operation image 212) to the second operation image 22 (a step-up of two or more steps may occur).

In this way, the image preview performance may cause the candidate image 30 (operation image 20) to step up, and the operation image 20 corresponding to the candidate image 30 that was last displayed is displayed during the effective operation period. In this embodiment, the image preview performance is executed in an area near the corner of the display area 911, and the operation image 20 displayed during the effective operation period is set to be displayed in an area approximately in the center of the display area 911. The candidate image 30 that was last displayed in the image preview performance (the candidate image 30 displayed in the corner of the display area 911) moves to approximately the center of the display area 911 while being enlarged, and is displayed as the operation image 20 that prompts the player to operate the operation means 10. In other words, the candidate image 30 is displayed smaller than the corresponding image displayed during the effective operation period.

In this way, according to the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, an image preview effect is executed that suggests what the operation image 20 shown during the operation valid period will be. Therefore, the player will pay close attention to the image preview effect in the hope that a more advantageous operation image 20 will be displayed, which makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of the operation effect.

Below, we will explain modified examples of the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment, which are improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc. Note that the configuration may also apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following modified examples.

First Modification In the above embodiment, it has been described that multiple types of operation means 10 (first operation means 11, second operation means 12) are provided, but the same technical idea can be applied to a configuration in which only one type of operation means 10 is provided. As the operation image 20 displayed to prompt the operation of the type of operation means 10 during the effective operation period of the operation performance, multiple types of operation images with different reliability when displayed may be set. In addition, a configuration in which three or more types of operation means 10 are provided may be used. In addition, in a configuration in which multiple types of operation means 10 are provided, a configuration in which only one type of operation image 20 is set as the operation image 20 corresponding to each operation means 10 may be used.

Second Modification In the above embodiment, the candidate image 30 displayed during the image preview performance is the operation image 20 itself (having the same form as the operation image 20), but it is sufficient that each candidate image 30 is an image that allows the player to understand that it corresponds to each operation image 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the characters "small button" are displayed as the candidate image 30 corresponding to the first normal operation image 211 (see FIG. 5(a)), the characters "large button" are displayed as the candidate image 30 corresponding to the first large operation image 212 (see FIG. 5(b)), and the characters "○○" (○○ is the name of the second operation means 12. The name is shown to the player in the performance or game guide) are displayed as the candidate image 30 corresponding to the second operation image 22 (see FIG. 5(c)). In other words, the form of the candidate image 30 may be any form as long as it is a display form that allows the player to understand that each of the candidate images 30 indicates one of the operation images 20.

Third Modification In the above embodiment, it has been described that the operation effective period during which the operation of the operation means 10 is valid is set in the operation presentation, but a configuration in which a case in which the operation effective period is not set (a case in which the operation of the operation means 10 is not prompted) may occur. In other words, a configuration in which a state in which the operation image 20 is displayed and the player is prompted to operate the operation means 10 before the conclusion of the operation presentation (success presentation, failure presentation) is reached (a state in which the conclusion is reached automatically) may occur. In this case, it is sufficient that the ending of the image preview presentation is set so that a case in which the candidate image 30 is not displayed (the operation image 20 is not displayed during the operation effective period) may occur. In the operation presentation, if the reliability is set to be lower when the operation of the operation means 10 is not prompted compared to when the operation of the operation means 10 is prompted, the initial state of the image preview presentation may be a state in which the candidate image 30 is not displayed. In other words, if the image preview presentation ends without displaying the candidate image 30, a form of preview may be used that suggests that the operation presentation will be a presentation mode in which the operation of the operation means 10 is not prompted (the lowest reliability).

Fourth Modification Before the operation effective period in the operation presentation starts, one of the multiple types of operation images 20 set is displayed as a preliminary image 40 (see FIG. 6(a)). The preliminary image 40 in this embodiment has the same form as the operation image 20, but is displayed in a less clear manner than when it is displayed as the operation image 20. The preliminary image 40 in this embodiment is semi-transparent (depicted by dotted lines in FIG. 6(a)) so that the background image can be seen through. The position where the preliminary image 40 is displayed is set to be the same as the position where it is displayed as the operation image 20. In this embodiment, the preliminary image 40 is displayed approximately in the center of the display area 911. By displaying such a preliminary image 40 before the operation effective period, the player understands that there is a possibility that he or she will be prompted to operate the operation means 10 in the future.

As described in the above embodiment, the candidate image 30 finally displayed in the image preview performance corresponds to the operation image 20 displayed in the operation effective period, but in this example, the operation image 20 displayed as the preliminary image 40 and the operation image 20 displayed in the operation effective period are set to be different. For example, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed as the preliminary image 40 (see FIG. 6(a)), if the candidate image 30 of the second operation image 22 is finally displayed in the image preview performance, the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the preliminary image 40 will be replaced with the second operation image 22 in the operation effective period (see FIG. 6(c)). Specifically, the candidate image 30 finally displayed in the image preview performance is displayed to move toward the preliminary image 40, and then the replacement occurs. In this embodiment, the character displayed in the image preview performance is displayed as if it were throwing the candidate image 30 finally displayed toward the preliminary image 40 side (approximately the center of the display area 911 in this embodiment) (see FIG. 6(b)), and the replacement occurs (see FIG. 6(c)). Since the candidate image 30 is displayed smaller than the operation image 20, it is preferable to display the image so that the size of the image gradually increases as the candidate image 30 moves toward the preliminary image 40. With this configuration, from the player's point of view, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed during the operation valid period and the player expects to be prompted to operate the first operation means 11, the operation image is replaced with the second operation image 22 with the start of the operation valid period, and the player is prompted to operate the second operation means 12, which is an interesting presentation mode. Note that the candidate image 30 may be displayed (appear) before the preliminary image 40. If the candidate image 30 is displayed (appears) first, when the preliminary image 40 is subsequently displayed, the type of the preliminary image 40 is compared with the type of the candidate image 30, and if the preliminary image 40 has a lower reliability than the candidate image 30, it is possible to provide a presentation mode that makes the player expect a change (step-up) in the type of the candidate image 30 in the direction of increasing reliability.

A performance mode in which the above replacement is not realized may occur. In this case, the preliminary image 40 will be displayed as the operation image 20 during the operation valid period. In accordance with the example shown in FIG. 6, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed as the preliminary image 40, if the candidate image 30 of the second operation image 22 is finally displayed in the image preview performance, a performance (failure performance) in which the replacement of the first normal operation image 211 displayed as the preliminary image 40 with the second operation image 22 fails may occur. Any specific mode of the failure performance may be used. For example, it is possible to consider a performance mode in which the candidate image 30 moves to the preliminary image 40 side, but is bounced back by the preliminary image 40 and the replacement fails. With this configuration, even if the type of candidate image 30 displayed in the image preview performance is stepped up, it is possible to create an interesting performance mode in which it is not necessarily displayed as the operation image 20 during the operation valid period.

In addition, a presentation mode may occur in which the operation image 20 displayed as the preliminary image 40 and the operation image 20 displayed during the operation valid period are the same. For example, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed as the preliminary image 40, if the candidate image 30 for the first normal operation image 211 is finally displayed in the image preview presentation, the first normal operation image 211 that was displayed as the preliminary image 40 will be displayed as it is (changing from an unclear state to a clear state) as the operation image 20.

Fifth Modification In the above embodiment, it has been described that the length of the operation effective period set at a specific timing in a certain operation presentation is always the same, but it may be configured to be different. In other words, it is configured that a plurality of types of operation effective periods are stored in advance in a storage means not shown, and the type of operation effective period to be set is determined by lottery every time the operation presentation occurs. In such an operation presentation in which the length of the operation effective period can change (hereinafter, also referred to as a specific operation presentation), the length of the operation effective period may be configured to suggest reliability. For example, it is conceivable to set the operation effective period in a specific operation presentation so that the longer the length of the operation effective period set in the specific operation presentation, the higher the reliability (see FIG. 7(a)). With such a configuration, the player will also pay attention to the length of the operation effective period.

Sixth Modification (an example of a further development of the fifth modification)
Each of the multiple types of operation images 20 that may be displayed during the operation valid period of the operation presentation is associated with one of multiple types of operation valid periods having different lengths (see FIG. 7(b)). In other words, the type of operation image 20 displayed during the operation valid period is linked to the length of the operation valid period. With this configuration, the operation image 20 indicates not only the reliability but also the length of the operation valid period, making the presentation easier to understand.

As in the above embodiment, if multiple operation means 10, namely, a first operation means 11 and a second operation means 12, are provided and a corresponding first operation image (first normal operation image 211, first large operation image 212) and second operation image 22 are set, the length of the operation effective period will differ depending on the type of operation means 10 that prompts the operation, improving the ingenuity of the presentation.

If it is believed that the more reliable the operation image 20 displayed, the longer the player will take to operate the operation means 10 in the hope of finding an advantageous situation, then it is advisable to set the effective operation time to be longer when the more reliable the operation image 20 displayed. For example, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 3 seconds, when the first large operation image 212 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 5 seconds, and when the second operation image 22 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 7 seconds (see FIG. 7(b)).

However, this does not mean that it is negated to set it in the opposite way to the above. In other words, if it is considered that the more reliable the operation image 20 is displayed, the more likely the player is to operate the operation means 10 without wasting time in the hope of finding an advantageous situation, then it is preferable to set the effective operation time to be shorter when the more reliable the operation image 20 is displayed. For example, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 7 seconds, when the first large operation image 212 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 5 seconds, and when the second operation image 22 is displayed, the effective operation period is set to 3 seconds.

Seventh Modification (an example of a further development of the fifth or sixth modification)
The mode of the period display 50 indicating that the operation is valid is changed depending on the length of the operation valid period. Examples of the period display 50 include a meter 51 (see FIG. 8) showing the remaining time or elapsed time of the operation valid period, and a display of the operation mode of the operation means 10 required of the player (such as text "Press the button"; hereinafter, referred to as operation mode display 52) (see FIG. 9).

If a meter 51 showing the remaining time or elapsed time of the valid operation period is displayed as the period display 50, it is preferable that the size of the meter 51 (the size displayed at the start of the valid operation period) is set to be larger the longer the valid operation period. For example, if the meter 51 is composed of an outer frame and elements displayed inside it that decrease or increase over time (elements that are displayed as if the outer frame is filled), it is preferable that the length of the element that decreases or increases over time in the decrease or increase direction (horizontal in this embodiment) (length of the outer frame) is set to be longer (see FIG. 8). In this way, the player can visually grasp the length of the valid operation period.

The size of the meter 51 may be set to a size according to the time difference of the actual operation valid period. For example, when the first normal operation image 211 is displayed, the length of the operation valid period is set to 3 seconds, when the first large operation image 212 is displayed, the length of the operation valid period is set to 5 seconds, and when the second operation image 22 is displayed, the length of the operation valid period is set to 7 seconds. In this case, the size of the meter 51 (see FIG. 8(b)) displayed together with the first large operation image 212 is set to 5/3 times the size of the meter 51 (see FIG. 8(a)) displayed together with the first normal operation image 211, and the size of the meter 51 (see FIG. 8(c)) displayed together with the second operation image 22 is set to 7/3 times the size of the meter 51 (see FIG. 8(a)) displayed together with the first normal operation image 211. In other words, the size of the meter 51 displayed when the shortest operation valid period is set is set as a standard, and the size of the meter 51 displayed when the other operation valid periods are set is set to be larger in proportion to the length of the actual operation valid period. This links the length of the actual valid operation period to the size of the meter 51, making it easier to grasp the length of the actual valid operation period.

When a meter 51 is displayed as the period display 50, it is preferable that the rate at which the elements displayed inside the outer frame that decrease or increase over time decrease or increase during the effective operation period is the same (regardless of the size of the meter 51).

When the operation mode display 52 is displayed as the period display 50, it is possible to configure it so that the size of the characters changes depending on the length of the valid operation period. For example, in a configuration in which three different lengths of the valid operation period are set, the characters are displayed larger as the valid operation period becomes longer (see FIG. 9). In this way, the player can visually grasp the length of the valid operation period. Another possible configuration is to configure it so that the color of the characters changes according to the length of the valid operation period.

It is also possible to configure both the meter 51, which indicates the remaining time and elapsed time of the valid operation period, and the operation mode display 52 of the operation means 10 required of the player to change according to the length of the valid operation period, or to configure only one of them to change.

In this way, in specific operation presentations, which are operation presentations in which the length of the effective operation period can change, the appearance of period display 50 changes depending on the length of the effective operation period, while in other types of operation presentations (operation presentations other than specific operation presentations), it is preferable that the appearance of the display indicating that the operation period is in question does not change depending on the length of the effective operation period. For example, in operation presentations other than specific operation presentations, the size of meter 51 indicating the remaining time and elapsed time of the effective operation period is constant regardless of the length of the set effective operation period, while in specific operation presentations, the size of meter 51 can change depending on the length of the set effective operation period. In this way, it is possible to enhance the impression of the change in size of meter 51 in specific operation presentations.

Eighth Modification (an example of a further development of any of the fifth to seventh modifications)
During the effective operation period of the specific operation presentation, the operation mode of the operation means 10 that the player is prompted to operate is to operate the operation means 10 continuously (in the specific operation presentation, a mode that requires the player to operate the operation means 10 only once is avoided). Examples of the operation mode that requires the player to operate the operation means 10 continuously include a mode in which the operation means 10 is operated multiple times (so-called "repeated taps", etc.) and a mode in which the operation means 10 is maintained in an operated state (so-called "long press", etc.) (see FIG. 10).

As described above, the length of the effective operation period may change in a specific operation presentation. However, there is little point in changing the length of the effective operation period if only one operation of the operation means 10 is required during the effective operation period. Therefore, as in this example, the operation means 10 may be set to be continuously operated during the effective operation period of the specific operation presentation.

Ninth Modification The operation means 10 in the above embodiment is described as a physical structure that moves by the force of the player, but is not limited to this. A sensor for detecting an object may be provided, and the "operation of the operation means" may be the player holding his/her hand or the like so that it is detected by the sensor. In this case, a configuration is made in which a plurality of different types of hand movements are set as operation modes required of the player during the operation valid period, and an operation image 20 corresponding to each mode is displayed during the operation valid period. For example, the player may be required to perform an operation mode of moving the hand up and down and an operation mode of moving the hand left and right (each operation mode has a different reliability), and the size and color, etc. of the "hand" displayed when encouraging each mode (the image of the "hand" corresponds to the operation image 20) are different (see FIG. 11). The state of the "hand" indicates the so-called reliability. In this case, the image preview performance suggests which operation image 20 will be displayed during the operation valid period (what the size, color, etc. of the "hand" will be).

Tenth Modification The reliability is different depending on the length of the image preview performance. Specifically, the longer the image preview performance, the easier it is to step up the type of the candidate image 30 to a more reliable one. If this example is applied to a configuration in which an operation performance is generated at the final stage of a series of performances (such as a so-called super reach performance), the earlier the timing at which the image preview performance starts (occurs) in the series of performances, the easier it is to step up the type of the candidate image 30 to a more reliable one. With this configuration, it is possible to draw attention to the time when the image preview performance occurs. For example, as explained in the fourth modification (FIG. 6), in a configuration in which the candidate image 30 may be displayed before the preliminary image 40, the earlier the timing at which the candidate image 30 is displayed (based on the timing at which the preliminary image 40 is displayed), the higher the sense of expectation can be.

However, this does not mean that we are denying the opposite setting, that is, a configuration in which the shorter the image preview performance, the easier it is for the types of candidate images 30 to be upgraded to more reliable ones.

Eleventh Modification: Although it has been explained that the operation presentation in the above embodiment indicates the result of the winning/losing judgment by its conclusion, this is merely an example. It is sufficient if the conclusion of the operation presentation indicates whether or not the player will move to a situation advantageous to the player. For example, in a gaming machine equipped with a movable body that indicates an increased probability of winning by moving, the conclusion of the operation presentation may be configured to be linked to the presence or absence of the movement of the movable body.

The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention (and their variations); however, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the gaming machine in the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, but the same technical concept can be applied to other gaming machines, such as rotary gaming machines, as long as they are equipped with an operating means that can be operated by a player.

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

Means 1
An operation means operable by a player;
an operation performance execution means capable of executing one or more types of operation performances in which an operation effective period during which the operation of the operation means is effective is set;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that a plurality of types of operation valid periods having different lengths are set as the operation valid period that can be set in a specific operation presentation which is at least one of the one or more types of operation presentation.
According to the gaming machine relating to the above-mentioned means 1, it is possible to realize an interesting presentation mode in which the length of the operation effective period can change each time, even if the same type of operation presentation (specific operation presentation) is performed.

Means 2
The gaming machine described in means 1 is characterized in that a plurality of types of operation images that may be displayed during the valid operation period are set, and each of the plurality of operation images is associated with one of the plurality of valid operation periods having different lengths.
In this way, if the type of operation image and the length of the valid operation period are associated with each other, it is easy to understand that the length of the valid operation period can be changed.

Means 3
The gaming machine described in means 2 is characterized in that each of the multiple types of operation images has a different reliability, which is the probability that a situation advantageous to the player will occur after the specific operation presentation when displayed in the specific operation presentation.
In this way, if the length of the operation valid period is related to the reliability, it is possible to further increase the ingenuity of the operation presentation.

Means 4
The gaming machine described in means 3, characterized in that the higher the reliability of the operation image, the longer the operation valid period that is set when it is displayed in the specific operation presentation.
Based on the premise that when a more reliable operation image is displayed, the player will take more time to operate the operation means in the hope of finding an advantageous situation, it is preferable that the effective operation time be set to be longer when a more reliable operation image is displayed, as in the above configuration.

Means 5
The gaming machine described in means 3, characterized in that the lower the reliability of the operation image, the longer the operation valid period that is set when it is displayed in the specific operation presentation.
If it is considered that when a highly reliable operation image is displayed, the player will expect to be in a more advantageous situation and will therefore operate the operation means without wasting time, it is preferable to set the effective operation time to be shorter when a highly reliable operation image is displayed, as in the above configuration.

Means 6
The operation means includes a first operation means and a second operation means different from the first operation means,
As the plurality of types of operation images,
A first operation image including a portion simulating the first operation means;
A second operation image including a portion simulating the second operation means;
A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, characterized in that:
Means 7
The gaming machine described in means 6 is characterized in that, in the specific operation presentation, the length of the effective operation period set when the first operation image is displayed is different from the length of the effective operation period set when the second operation image is displayed.
With this configuration, it is possible to realize a presentation in which the length of the effective operation period changes depending on the type of operating means that is prompted to be operated.

Means 8
During the operation valid period in the specific operation presentation, a period display indicating that the operation is within the period is displayed,
A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, characterized in that the manner in which the period display is displayed changes depending on the length of the effective operation period.
With this configuration, it is possible to make the change in length of the operation valid period (the difference in length) easier to understand.

Means 9
The gaming machine described in means 8, characterized in that the longer the operation valid period, the larger the size of the period display.
With this configuration, it is possible to make the change in length of the operation effective period (the difference in length) even easier to understand.

Means 10
The manner in which the period display is displayed in the specific operation presentation changes depending on the length of the operation effective period,
A gaming machine as described in means 8 or 9, characterized in that a display indicating that a period is in which operation of the operating means is valid in a type of operation presentation other than the specific operation presentation does not change according to the length of the period.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the impression of the change in size of the period display during the specific operation presentation.

Means 11
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the specific operation presentation is a presentation that encourages the player to continuously operate the operation means.
In a specific operation presentation, the length of the valid operation period may change, and since there is little point in changing the length of the valid operation period simply by requesting operation of the operation means once during the valid operation period, it is preferable that the specific operation presentation be configured so that continuous operation of the operation means is required during the valid operation period, as in the above configuration.

1 Gaming machine 10 Operation means 11 First operation means 12 Second operation means 20 Operation image 211 First normal operation image 212 First large operation image 22 Second operation image 30 Candidate image 40 Preliminary image 50 Period display 51 Meter 52 Operation mode display

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing an operation presentation that prompts a player to operate an operation means,
As the operation presentation mode, a first operation mode in which an operation of a first operation means which is one type of the operation means is prompted, and a second operation mode in which an operation of a second operation means which is a type of the operation means different from the first operation means is prompted, are set;
A gaming machine characterized in that an image preview performance occurs before the operation performance, and if a first operation image representing the first operation means changes to a second operation image representing the second operation means in the image preview performance, the operation performance that occurs thereafter will be in the second operation mode, whereas if the first operation image does not change to the second operation image, the operation performance that occurs thereafter will be in the first operation mode.
However, during the image preview performance, it is not a valid operation period , and even if a change occurs from the first operation image to the second operation image, the change does not occur as a result of operation of the operating means.

Images