JP7481031B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

In the technical field of gaming machines, various attempts have been made to enhance the entertainment value of games by making ingenious efforts in the images displayed as part of the effects. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a gaming machine that displays an image that can be viewed in three dimensions (naked-eye stereoscopic image) is known.

JP 2012-170503 A

The present invention aims to improve the entertainment value of gaming machines equipped with a display device that displays images for special effects.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized by comprising a display device having a display area, and a presentation execution means for executing a stereoscopic display presentation in which a reference image is displayed across the entire display area, and the reference image is displayed as if it is gradually displacing further back, while a depth image representing depth is displayed as if it is gradually expanding between the outer edge of the displacing reference image and the outer edge of the display area.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of the game.

1 is an overall view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an identification pattern displayed in a display area. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an overview of stereoscopic display performance. This is the second diagram to explain the outline of the stereoscopic display performance. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of three-dimensional presentation. This is a diagram showing a first presentation in which both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are displayed, and a second presentation in which only three-dimensional images are displayed. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a three-dimensional image and a two-dimensional image have shapes that appear to be interdigitated with each other at the boundary portion of the image; FIG. A diagram to explain the outline of the background change effect (successful ending). 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the background change effect (failed ending). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which, when a progression conclusion occurs in a background change presentation, part of the previous background image changes as if it has become semi-transparent. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which whether or not a part of a previous background image changes to a part of a subsequent background image is indicated each time the variation of the identification pattern group stops or pseudo-stops. A figure showing an example in which part of the subsequent background image is visible through an identification pattern whose variation has stopped or pseudo-stopped. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the combination of identification symbols becomes a predetermined combination (chance combination) when the background change performance ends successfully. This is a diagram to explain an overview of the introductory performance and the subsequent operation performance. A figure to explain an example in which the manner of operation presentation changes depending on whether or not an introduction presentation has been performed. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting in which an operation performance is not necessarily generated even if an introduction performance occurs.

1) Overall Configuration Hereinafter, an embodiment of a 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.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and includes a guide rail 903 that is provided in a substantially arc shape and that constitutes a passageway that guides gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902. The gaming area 902 includes a start winning hole 904, a big winning hole 906, an outlet hole 907, and the like.

The display area 11 of the display device 10 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. In this embodiment, the display area 11 is approximately square (horizontally long rectangular). The size and shape of the display area 11 can be changed as appropriate.

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.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing determination means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904 (there may be a plurality of such starting winning holes 904). Specifically, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904, a numerical value (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as winning/losing determination information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined winning numerical value, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, when a big win occurs, it is notified by the identification pattern 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed on the display area 11 of the display device 10 becoming a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same pattern), and if any other combination is displayed, it is a loss. Note that in some figures, the illustration of the identification pattern 80 is omitted, but basically, the identification pattern 80 (group of identification patterns 80) continues to be displayed while the notification performance for notifying the winning/losing determination result is being executed. Each identification design 80 may include an image representing a character, etc.

In this embodiment, the results of the winning/losing judgment are announced in the order in which the numerical values for the winning/losing judgment are acquired (the identification pattern 80 (group of identification patterns 80) starts to change), but when a numerical value is acquired and the winning/losing judgment result based on a numerical value acquired before that is announced, the numerical value is stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown) until the announcement of the winning/losing judgment result based on that numerical value starts. The maximum number of numbers (the numerical values corresponding to each of the numerical values are "reserved (information)". Reserved (information) can be said to be a sub-concept of winning/losing judgment information) that have not yet started to be announced (maximum number of reserved) can be set appropriately. The maximum number of reserved numbers that the storage means in this embodiment can store is four for one type of starting winning slot 904. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the acquired numerical value is a jackpot value or not at the time when the announcement of the winning/losing judgment result starts, but it is also possible to make a winning/losing judgment when the numerical value is acquired and store the winning/losing judgment result itself. The obtained numerical value is also used to determine the specific content of the presentation that notifies the winner.

In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, reserved symbols (not shown), which are marks corresponding to the acquired numerical values (win/lose judgment information) stored in the storage means for which notification of the win/lose judgment result has not yet begun, are displayed in the display area 11 of the display device 10. In this embodiment, the numbers are displayed in order from the earliest timing of acquisition (so-called earliest reserved consumption) from the left. A dedicated display device for displaying reserved symbols may be provided. The reserved symbol appearance may always be the same, or one or more types of special symbols may be set that are different from the normal reserved symbols and suggest that the probability that the corresponding win/lose judgment result will be a jackpot (hereinafter sometimes referred to as (jackpot) reliability) has increased.

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.

2) Effects using a display device (display area) Effects using an image (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "image" includes both moving images and still images) displayed on the display device 10 (display area 11) will be described. Only one of the effects described below may be executed, or multiple effects may be executed.

2-1) Stereoscopic Display Performance This is a performance that makes the image displayed in the display area 11 appear three-dimensional. Basically, this performance transitions from a reference state (sometimes referred to as an initial state) in which the reference image 20 is displayed over the entire display area 11 to a stereoscopic display state in which the image is displayed in a stereoscopic manner, and then returns to the reference state.

In this embodiment, in the standard state, a reference image 20 that appears three-dimensional (a naked eye stereoscopic image, hereinafter also referred to as a three-dimensional image) is displayed to the player (see FIG. 3(a)). Methods for making flat images appear three-dimensional are well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. A method for making an image appear three-dimensional by combining and displaying an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be used. In the initial state, the reference image 20 (which is a moving image in this embodiment, but each drawing is depicted as a still image to make the drawings easier to understand) provides the player with a performance using a three-dimensional image.

The three-dimensional display state is a state in which the reference image 20 displayed in the initial state is displayed as if it had been displaced to the back. Specifically, the size of the reference image 20 is gradually reduced, and the image is displayed so that a gap is created between the outer edge of the display area 11 and the outer edge of the reference image 20. In this embodiment, the reference image 20 is displayed so that a gap is created between the outer edge of the display area 11 all around. The reference image 20 is an image displayed in the entire display area 11, which is approximately rectangular in the initial state, so its shape is rectangular. In the three-dimensional display state, the size of the reference image 20 is gradually reduced while maintaining its rectangular shape. However, a situation may occur in which the reference image 20 in the initial state and the reference image 20 in the three-dimensional display state are not similar in shape. The reference image 20 in this embodiment is a moving image, and even when the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has been displaced to the back (gradually becoming smaller), the continuity of the reference image 20 (continuity as a "moving image") is maintained.

In the stereoscopic display state, a depth image 21 is displayed between the outer edge of the reference image 20 and the outer edge of the display area 11 (see Figures 3(b) to (f)). In other words, the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has been displaced to the back, and the depth image 21 is displayed between the resulting outer edge of the reference image 20 and the outer edge of the display area 11. The reference image 20 is displayed so that it gradually becomes smaller, and therefore the size of the depth image 21 (the area in which the depth image 21 is displayed) increases accordingly.

The area in which the depth image 21 is displayed is roughly divided into four areas. Specifically, imaginary lines are assumed to extend from the four corners of the roughly rectangular display area 11 to the four corners of the roughly rectangular reference image 20, and the area is divided into four areas by these imaginary lines. In the following description, the upper area of the reference image 20 is sometimes referred to as the upper area 11A, the lower area as the lower area 11B, the left area as the left area 11C, and the right area as the right area 11D.

A depth image 21 is displayed in each of these regions. Specifically, the depth image 21 includes an upper portion displayed in the upper region 11A, a lower portion displayed in the lower region 11B, a left portion displayed in the left region 11C, and a right portion displayed in the right region 11D. Since there is a boundary between each portion that follows the virtual line (which may be a boundary that follows the virtual line exactly, or may be a boundary that follows the virtual line roughly), the sense of depth of the reference image 20, which is displayed as if it has been displaced to the back by the depth image 21, is emphasized.

In the stereoscopic display state, the depth image 21 changes as follows. Each of the upper, lower, left, and right parts of the depth image 21 is composed of one or more unit images. Each unit image has the same appearance as a part of the reference image 20 as an image. Here, the same appearance as an image means that differences in shape and size are allowed as long as the player can understand that the image represents the same content (hereinafter, when the phrase "the appearance is the same" is used, it means that the appearance as the image is the same). In this embodiment, the unit images are moving images, and the appearance of the unit images changes according to changes in the moving images (that is, each unit image is also a moving image). In this embodiment, the reference image 20 is a three-dimensional image, and the unit images corresponding to parts of the reference image 20 are also three-dimensional images. In a state in which multiple unit images are displayed in the same area among the upper area 11A, the lower area 11B, the left area 11C, and the right area 11D, the appearances of the multiple unit images displayed in the same area are the same. However, since each of upper region 11A, lower region 11B, left region 11C, and right region 11D is an area whose width (this means the horizontal size for upper region 11A and lower region 11B, and the vertical size for left region 11C and right region 11D) gradually increases (widens) as it moves away from reference image 20, when multiple unit images are displayed in the same area, the width of the unit images increases the further they are from reference image 20. In other words, multiple unit images displayed in the same area have the same appearance, but different overall image shapes (sizes).

As time passes, the number of unit images displayed in each area gradually increases. In this embodiment, the number of unit images in the upper area 11A and the lower area 11B increases (see FIG. 3(b)(d)) and the number of unit images in the left area 11C and the right area 11D increases (see FIG. 3(c)(e)). Specifically, from a reference state in which the reference image 20 is displayed over the entire display area 11, one unit image is displayed in each of the upper area 11A and the lower area 11B, and the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has moved back (as if it has become smaller) (see FIG. 3(b)). After that, one unit image is displayed in each of the left area 11C and the right area 11D, and the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has moved back (see FIG. 3(c)). Then, one more unit image is added and displayed in each of the upper region 11A and the lower region 11B (two unit images are displayed in total), and the display is made as if the reference image 20 has moved back by that amount (see FIG. 3(d)). After that, one more unit image is added and displayed in each of the left region 11C and the right region 11D (two unit images are displayed in total), and the display is made as if the reference image 20 has moved back by that amount (see FIG. 3(e)). By repeating this, the number of unit images displayed in each region increases, and the display is made as if the reference image 20 has moved back by that amount. In this embodiment, the unit images increase until four unit images are displayed in each of the upper region 11A, the lower region 11B, the left region 11C, and the right region 11D (the state in which four unit images are displayed in each region is the maximum unit image display state) (see FIG. 3(f)). As described above, in this embodiment, the number of unit images increases first in the upper region 11A and the lower region 11B, but the number of unit images may also increase first in the left region 11C and the right region 11D.

After a predetermined time has elapsed from the maximum unit image display state, the unit images are controlled to decrease (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the unit images are decreased in the reverse order of the unit images. Specifically, one unit image (unit image on the reference image 20 side) is erased from each of the left side area 11C and the right side area 11D, and the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has moved forward (as if it has become larger) (see FIG. 4(b)(d)). After that, one unit image (unit image on the reference image 20 side) is erased from each of the upper area 11A and the right side area 11D, and the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has moved forward (as if it has become larger) (see FIG. 4(c)(e)). This is repeated until the number of unit images displayed in each area becomes 0, and the display returns to the state in which unit images are displayed in the entire display area 11, that is, the reference state (see FIG. 4(f)). As described above, in this embodiment, the unit images are reduced first in the left region 11C and the right region 11D, but the unit images may be reduced first in the upper region 11A and the lower region 11B. It is sufficient that the basic manner of increase/decrease is the same. In this embodiment, the upper region 11A and the lower region 11B are considered as one set, and the left region 11C and the right region 11D are considered as another set, and it can be said that the basic manner of increase/decrease is the same in that the increase or decrease of unit images occurs alternately in each set.

In this way, the stereoscopic display effect is such that the reference image 20 is displayed as if it has been displaced to the back, and a depth image 21 representing the depth is displayed in the resulting area, so that the three-dimensional depiction of the reference image 20 being displaced to the back can be realistically expressed, improving the entertainment value of the game (effect).

In addition, the depth image 21 is displayed in the upper, lower, left and right areas of the reference image 20 (upper area 11A, lower area 11B, left area 11C, right area 11D), which further enhances the three-dimensional depiction effect.

In addition, the images displayed in each area (upper area 11A, lower area 11B, left area 11C, right area 11D) as the depth image 21 include one or more unit images that have the same aspect as a portion of the reference image 20, further enhancing the three-dimensional depiction effect.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, by alternately increasing and decreasing the number of unit images in the upper area 11A and the lower area 11B and increasing and decreasing the number of unit images in the left area 11C and the right area 11D, an interesting change in the image can be achieved.

The above configurations for stereoscopic display effects are merely examples. For example, they may be modified, improved, or realized as follows. Note that the configurations may apply a combination of multiple items (technologies) shown in the following examples.

a) Although it has been explained that the reference image 20 is a three-dimensional image (naked-eye stereoscopic image), it may be a two-dimensional image. In this case, the unit images that have the same aspect as a portion of the reference image 20 are also two-dimensional images. In this way, even if the reference image 20 itself and the unit images themselves are two-dimensional images, the image displayed in the display area 11 in the stereoscopic display state appears three-dimensional due to the reference image 20 and the depth image 21 displayed around it, making it interesting.

b) In the above example, the upper region 11A and the lower region 11B are treated as one set, and the left region 11C and the right region 11D are treated as another set, and it has been explained that the number of unit images increases or decreases alternately in each set, but the order of the increase/decrease can be changed. Also, as in the above example, unit images may be increased in multiple regions at once, or unit images may be increased sequentially in one region. Also, the manner in which unit images increase (e.g., the order in which they increase) and the manner in which they decrease (e.g., the order in which they decrease) may be different.

For example, it is possible to configure the number of unit images to increase along the circumferential direction of the reference image 20, such as clockwise (in the order of upper region 11A, right region 11D, lower region 11B, left region 11C, upper region 11A, etc.) or counterclockwise (in the order of upper region 11A, left region 11C, lower region 11B, right region 11D, upper region 11A, etc.). In this way, the image can be changed in such a way that it appears as if the reference image 20 is being drawn into a spiral and displaced toward the back.

It is also possible to configure the game so that the unit images increase one by one in the following order: upper area 11A, lower area 11B, left area 11C, right area 11D, upper area 11A, etc. In this way, by varying the manner in which the unit images increase and decrease, it is possible to change the impression given to the player.

c) In the above example, it has been described that areas (upper area 11A, lower area 11B, left area 11C, right area 11D) in which the depth image 21 is displayed are provided around the reference image 20, but the shapes of these areas can be changed as appropriate. For example, the lower area 11B in the above example may not be provided. Even in this case, a three-dimensional depiction effect of the reference image 20 being displayed as if displaced to the rear side is achieved.

d) In the above example, the number of unit images increases from the reference state to the maximum unit image display state, and then the number of unit images decreases to return to the reference state. However, it is also possible to configure the display so that all unit images are erased at once from the maximum unit image display state and return to the reference state. In other words, it is also possible to prevent a change in which the number of unit images gradually decreases. It is also possible to configure the display so that the maximum unit image display state is suddenly displayed without a change in which the number of unit images gradually increases from the reference state.

e) In the above example, it has been described that the unit image has the same configuration as a part of the reference image 20, but the configuration of the unit image may be different from any part of the reference image 20. The configuration of the unit image may be completely unrelated to the reference image 20.

In contrast, the aspect of the unit image may be related to the reference image 20. For example, one of the unit image and a part of the reference image 20 may be a color image, and the other may be a monochrome image (with the image contents, etc., matching).

It is also possible to configure the reference image 20 to be a moving image, while the unit images are still images. A portion of the reference image 20 at the time each unit image is displayed is displayed as the unit image (still image). In this way, while the reference image 20 changes over time, the unit images maintain the appearance at the time they are displayed, making it possible to create a presentation that gives the player a different impression.

2-2) Three-dimensional Presentation This is a presentation in which an image that is viewed three-dimensionally (three-dimensional image 30) and an image that is viewed two-dimensionally (two-dimensional image 31) are displayed at the same time (at the same time) in the display area 11 (a single area) of the display device 10. The three-dimensional image 30 in this embodiment is a known naked eye stereoscopic image. In this way, when the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed, the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed together, so that the three-dimensional image 30 is easier to see. In particular, when the three-dimensional image 30 is a naked eye stereoscopic image, whether or not the image is viewed three-dimensionally varies from person to person, but by displaying the two-dimensional image 31 together, the naked eye stereoscopic image is easier to view three-dimensionally.

In the three-dimensional presentation in this embodiment, the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed so as to surround the three-dimensional image 30 (see FIG. 5). That is, the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed in the center of the display area 11, and the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed on the outer edge of the display area 11 (along the outer edge). In this way, it is possible to give the impression that the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed in the entire display area 11. In other words, displaying the three-dimensional image 30 means executing a presentation that makes the three-dimensional image 30 stand out, so while the two-dimensional image 31 would normally be considered a nuisance, by displaying the two-dimensional image 31 as a "frame" for the three-dimensional image 30, it is possible to enhance the effect of making the image appear three-dimensional while decorating the three-dimensional image 30 with the two-dimensional image 31.

When the image displayed in the display area 11 is configured to be composed of multiple layers (image layers), the layer on which the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed and the layer on which the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed can be separate, and the layer on which the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed can be set in front of the layer on which the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed. In this way, the display mode is such that the three-dimensional image 30 is covered by the two-dimensional image 31 in the portion where the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed (it is not actually output).

The above configurations for three-dimensional effects are merely examples. For example, they may be modified, improved, or realized as follows. Note that the configurations may apply a combination of multiple items (technologies) shown in the following examples.

a) In the above example, it has been described that the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed around the three-dimensional image 30, but the shapes of the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31, and the relative positions of the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 in the display area 11 can be changed as appropriate. However, it is preferable that neither the three-dimensional image 30 nor the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed separately in the display area 11. If at least one of the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 is separated (one part of the image is discontinuous with the other part), the effect of appearing three-dimensional is weakened, so it is preferable that the entire three-dimensional image 30 is continuous and the entire two-dimensional image 31 is continuous, as in the above example.

b) As in the above example, a performance in which a three-dimensional image 30 is displayed together with a two-dimensional image 31 in the display area 11 (hereinafter, formally referred to as a first performance) (see FIG. 6(a)) and a performance in which a three-dimensional image 30 is displayed over the entire display area 11 (hereinafter, formally referred to as a second performance) (see FIG. 6(b)) can occur. The three-dimensional image 30 displayed during the first performance and the three-dimensional image 30 displayed during the second performance are assumed to have at least a partial aspect that is the same. Specifically, the portion of the three-dimensional image 30 displayed during the second performance that is displayed in an area excluding the area in which the two-dimensional image 31 is displayed during the first performance is assumed to be the same as the three-dimensional image 30 displayed during the first performance.

Then, when the first effect occurs, the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring is higher than when the second effect occurs. An example of an event advantageous to the player is when the result of the win/loss judgment is a jackpot. In this case, it can be said that whether the first effect or the second effect occurs indicates the so-called reliability of the jackpot. In this way, it is possible to realize a game that is more pleasing to the player when the three-dimensional image 30 is more clearly seen three-dimensionally by the two-dimensional image 31 than when the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed alone. Note that this does not deny the opposite setting to this example, that is, setting so that the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring is higher when the second effect occurs than when the first effect occurs.

As a different example, it is possible to create a series of effects that transitions continuously from the second effect to the first effect. In other words, an effect is created that transitions from a state in which the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed alone to a state in which the three-dimensional image 30 is emphasized by the two-dimensional image 31. This series of effects makes the effect of the two-dimensional image 31 emphasizing the three-dimensional image 30 more clear. In other words, the player can visually recognize the change from a state in which only the three-dimensional image 30 is displayed to a state in which the three-dimensional image 30 is emphasized, and therefore can more clearly feel the effect of the two-dimensional image 31.

c) The boundary between the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 is not a straight line. For example, at the boundary between the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31, one image has a portion that protrudes toward the other side, and the protruding portions are shaped as if they are interleaved. Specifically, assuming a virtual line parallel to the outer edge of the display area 11, which is approximately rectangular (if the display area 11 is rectangular, the virtual line will also be rectangular), when viewed along the virtual line, the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 are shaped to alternate (see FIG. 7).

If the boundary between the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 is linear, the boundary between the two images becomes clear. In that case, the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 will appear as separate and independent images, and the effect of the two-dimensional image 31 making the three-dimensional image 30 appear three-dimensional may be weakened. In contrast, if the boundary between the two images is such that the two images appear to be embedded in each other, as in this example, the boundary between the two images will be blurred, increasing the sense of unity between the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31, and enhancing the effect of the two-dimensional image 31 making the three-dimensional image 30 appear three-dimensional. Note that the boundary between the three-dimensional image 30 and the two-dimensional image 31 may be such that the two images appear to be embedded in each other only in a portion of the boundary, rather than over the entire area of the boundary.

2-3) Background change effect This effect indicates whether or not the background image displayed as the background of the identification pattern 80 indicating the result of the win/lose judgment changes. In this embodiment, the background image may be displayed while all of the identification patterns 80 are changing (see FIG. 2, etc.). The background image is basically an image that is displayed as if it exists behind the identification pattern 80, so the part where the identification pattern 80 is displayed is displayed so that it is covered by the pattern and cannot be seen. The background image may be a video or a still image.

The background images that are the subject of the background change effect are the previous background image 41 and the next background image 42. In other words, the background change effect is an effect that indicates whether or not the previous background image 41 will change to the next background image 42. A case in which the previous background image 41 switches to the next background image 42 is sometimes called a successful ending, and a case in which the switch does not occur is sometimes called a failed ending. The form of each background image can be any form, so explanation is omitted.

In the background change presentation, the previous background image 41 is divided into multiple parts. Note that when the previous background image 41 is displayed in its entirety, no lines or the like dividing each part are displayed (for the sake of explanation, the lines are shown as dotted lines in the drawings). In other words, when the previous background image 41 is displayed in its entirety, the player cannot distinguish between each part. In this embodiment, it is divided into a part displayed on the left side of the display area 11 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous left part 41L), a part displayed in the center (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous middle part 41C), and a part displayed on the right side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous right part 41R) (see Figures 8 and 9).

The later background image 42 is also divided into a plurality of parts. When the later background image 42 is displayed in its entirety (after a successful ending), lines or the like dividing each part are not displayed. In other words, when the later background image 42 is displayed in its entirety, the player cannot distinguish each part. In this embodiment, the display area 11 is divided into a part displayed on the left side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the later left part 42L), a part displayed on the center side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the later middle part 42C), and a part displayed on the right side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the later right part 42R). The later left part 42L corresponds to the earlier left part 41L, the later middle part 42C corresponds to the earlier middle part 41C, and the later right part 42R corresponds to the earlier right part 41R. The size and displayed area (the part displayed relative to the entire display area 11) of the trailing left portion 42L and the leading left portion 41L, the trailing middle portion 42C and the leading middle portion 41C, and the trailing right portion 42R and the leading right portion 41R are the same (see Figures 8 and 9).

In the background change performance, it is shown in order whether each of the above parts (the previous left part 41L, the previous middle part 41C, the previous right part 41R) that are part of the previous background image 41 will change to each of the above parts (the later left part 42L, the later middle part 42C, the later right part 42R) that are part of the corresponding later background image 42. Specifically, it is shown whether the previous left part 41L will change to the later left part 42L. When this change occurs (see FIG. 8(b)), it is shown whether the previous right part 41R will change to the later right part 42R. When this change occurs (see FIG. 8(c)), it is shown whether the previous middle part 41C will change to the later middle part 42C. When the previous middle part 41C finally changes to the later middle part 42C (see FIG. 8(d)), it is a successful ending in which the change from the previous background image 41 to the later background image 42 is realized. In other words, the background change presentation consists of multiple stages (three stages in this embodiment), and if the end result of all stages is that a part of the previous background image 41 changes into a corresponding part of the next background image 42 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a progression end), the final end is a successful end.

On the other hand, if no change occurs between a part of the previous background image 41 and a corresponding part of the subsequent background image 42 (an example is shown in FIG. 9), this results in a failed ending in which the change from the previous background image 41 to the subsequent background image 42 is not realized. In the case of a failed ending (see FIG. 9(d)), the previous background image 41 is returned to being displayed (see FIG. 9(e)).

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, whether or not a change will occur is indicated in the order of left → right → middle, but this order can be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the successful conclusion of the background change presentation is set as an event advantageous to the player. An example of an event advantageous to the player is when the occurrence of a background change presentation is set as an indication that the probability of the hit/miss determination result being a jackpot has increased. However, the background change resulting from the successful conclusion of the background change presentation may also be set as a simple change in presentation.

In this way, in the background change presentation in this embodiment, whether or not a change will occur from the previous background image 41 to the next background image 42 is not indicated all at once, but rather, whether or not a part of the previous background image 41 (the previous left portion 41L, the previous middle portion 41C, the previous right portion 41R) will change to a part of the next background image 42 (the next left portion 42L, the next middle portion 42C, the next right portion 42R) is indicated in sequence (step by step), and when the entire part of the previous background image 41 has changed to a part of the next background image 42, the change from the previous background image 41 to the next background image 42 actually occurs. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ingenuity of the presentation that indicates whether or not a change will occur in the background image.

The above configurations for background change effects are merely examples. For example, they may be modified, improved, or realized as follows. Note that the configurations may apply a combination of multiple items (techniques) shown in each of the following examples.

a) The background change presentation in the above example sequentially (step by step) indicates whether or not a part of the previous background image 41 (the previous left portion 41L, the previous middle portion 41C, the previous right portion 41R) changes to a part of the subsequent background image 42 (the subsequent left portion 42L, the subsequent middle portion 42C, the subsequent right portion 42R), and it has been explained that the ending of the progression is set to be a complete change of a part of the previous background image 41 to a corresponding part of the subsequent background image 42, but the display mode at the time of the ending of the progression is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a progression ending, a part of the previous background image 41 changes as if it has become semi-transparent (in the drawing, the part of the previous background image 41 that has become semi-transparent is shown by a dotted line), and the part of the previous background image 41 is displayed so that the corresponding part of the subsequent background image 42 can be seen through the part of the previous background image 41. In other words, the part of the previous background image 41 becomes semi-transparent, so that the aspect of the corresponding part of the subsequent background image 42 can be grasped. In the case of a successful ending, the display mode is such that the entirety of the subsequent background image 42 can be seen through the previous background image 41. In this way, in the case of a progression ending, it is not necessary to configure the configuration so that a part of the previous background image 41 is completely erased. It is sufficient as long as the display mode gives the impression that a part of the subsequent background image 42 has been displayed in place of a part of the previous background image 41. In other words, as in this example, even if the display mode is such that a part of the subsequent background image 42 can be seen by changing the previous background image 41 as if it has become semi-transparent, as in the case of a display mode in which a part of the previous background image 41 has become semi-transparent, it is considered that a part of the previous background image 41 has been "replaced" by a part of the subsequent background image 42.

b) Each time the change in the group of identification patterns 80 stops or pseudo-stops, it is indicated whether or not a part of the previous background image 41 will change (be replaced) with a part of the subsequent background image 42. In other words, the outcome of each stage of the background change performance (whether or not it results in a progression outcome) is linked to the stop or pseudo-stop of the change in the identification patterns 80.

As described above, the identification symbols 80 (group of identification symbols 80) start to change when the performance that notifies the result of the target's winning/losing judgment starts, and stop in a combination that indicates the result of the target's winning/losing judgment. Based on the result of the target's winning/losing judgment, one identification symbol 80 is selected from each group of identification symbols 80 and stops. Note that a "pseudo stop" refers to a state in which the variation of the identification symbols 80 group (identification symbols 80) appears to the player as if it has stopped. For example, a state in which it is slightly shaking can be set as a "pseudo stop." A "pseudo stop" is used when it appears as if one identification symbol 80 selected from the group of identification symbols 80 has been selected and stopped, while there is a possibility that it will change to a different type of identification symbol 80 in the future. However, both "stop" and "pseudo stop" are the occurrence of an event in which one identification symbol 80 is selected from the group of identification symbols 80.

As described above, in this embodiment, three groups of identification patterns 80 are displayed. In the following description, the group of identification patterns 80 displayed on the left side of the display area 11 is referred to as the left group of identification patterns 80, the group of identification patterns 80 displayed on the center side is referred to as the middle group of identification patterns 80, and the group of identification patterns 80 displayed on the right side is referred to as the right group of identification patterns 80. The timing at which one identification pattern 80 selected from each of these groups of identification patterns 80 stops or pseudo-stops is controlled to be approximately the same as the timing at which a part of the previous background image 41 changes (is replaced) by a part of the subsequent background image 42 (see FIG. 11). Specifically, when one identification pattern 80 selected from the left group of identification patterns 80 stops or pseudo-stops, it is indicated whether the previous left portion 41L changes (is replaced) by the subsequent left portion 42L. When the change occurs (progression ending) (see FIG. 11(b)), it is shown whether the previous right part 41R changes (is replaced) by the subsequent right part 42R when one identification pattern 80 selected from the right identification pattern 80 group stops or pseudo-stops. When the change occurs (progression ending) (see FIG. 11(c)), it is shown whether the middle right part changes (is replaced) by the subsequent middle part 42C when one identification pattern 80 selected from the middle identification pattern 80 group stops or pseudo-stops. When the change occurs (see FIG. 11(d)), it is a success ending. On the other hand, when any of the above changes does not occur, it is a failure ending. In this way, the area where the leading left portion 41L and the trailing left portion 42L are displayed is the area where the left identification pattern 80 (identification pattern 80 group) is displayed, the area where the leading right portion 41R and the trailing right portion 42R are displayed is the area where the right identification pattern 80 (identification pattern 80 group) is displayed, and the area where the leading middle portion 41C and the trailing middle portion 42C are displayed is the area where the middle identification pattern 80 (identification pattern 80 group) is displayed, so that the left, right, and middle identification patterns 80 (identification pattern 80 group) correspond to the left, right, and middle areas which indicate whether a change in the background image will occur.

This configuration makes it easier to understand the timing at which it is indicated whether or not a part of the previous background image 41 will change (be replaced) by a part of the subsequent background image 42.

c) This is an example that further develops the example described in b) above. In the case where a part of the previous background image 41 changes (is replaced) by a part of the subsequent background image 42, when one identification pattern 80 selected from the group of identification patterns 80 stops or pseudo-stops, a part of the subsequent background image 42 (a part that overlaps with the identification pattern 80) is displayed so as to be transparent through the stopped or pseudo-stopped identification pattern 80. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the stopped or pseudo-stopped identification pattern 80 changes as if it were semi-transparent (the semi-transparent identification pattern 80 is shown by a dashed line in the drawing), so that a part of the subsequent background image 42 can be seen through the identification pattern 80.

This configuration makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the subsequent background image 42 cannot be grasped because it is covered by the pseudo-stopping identification pattern 80. In addition, because the subsequent background image 42 is displayed even through the identification pattern 80 that indicates the result of the win/loss determination, it is possible to clearly indicate that a background change may occur.

After the conclusion (successful or unsuccessful), the semi-transparent identification pattern 80 returns to its original state. In other words, the identification pattern 80 is displayed as if it were located in front of the background image.

d) This is an example that further develops the examples described in b) or c) above. It is assumed that the occurrence of a background change, i.e., the successful conclusion of the background change presentation, is set as an event that is advantageous to the player. Then, when the background change presentation is a successful conclusion, a combination of identification symbols 80 selected from each of a plurality of groups of identification symbols 80 that stops or pseudo-stops is set as a combination that indicates the occurrence of an event that is advantageous to the player (a so-called "chance combination") (see FIG. 13). The combination is set so that the player can understand the rules if he or she plays the game continuously for a certain period of time. For example, examples include combinations of sequential numbers such as "1, 2, 3", "2, 3, 4", etc. (see FIG. 13(e)), and combinations in which specific symbols stop or pseudo-stop at specific positions, such as "O, 7, O".

The background change effect in this example can also be used to create what is known as a continuous effect. Examples of such continuous effects include look-ahead continuous effects and pseudo continuous effects. These continuous effects are well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but by applying the above background change effect, it is possible to create a continuous effect such as the one below.

In the pre-reading continuous performance, the probability that a certain hit/miss judgment result (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target hit/miss judgment result) will be a jackpot is suggested by using a performance that notifies one or more hit/miss judgment results (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous hit/miss judgment result) that are completed to be notified before the certain hit/miss judgment result. As a pre-reading continuous performance, in order to indicate that the probability that the target hit/miss judgment result will be a jackpot has increased, the combination of identification patterns 80 that notifies the previous hit/miss judgment result (the combination of identification patterns 80 that have stopped) is a predetermined combination (the above-mentioned "chance eye"). As described above, when the identification patterns 80 become a predetermined combination, this means that the background change performance will end successfully, so the background image will change at the point where the fluctuation of the identification patterns 80 stops. In other words, the increase in the probability that the target hit/miss judgment result will be a jackpot as a pre-reading continuous performance is suggested not only by the identification patterns 80 stopping in a predetermined combination, but also by the occurrence of a background change.

The pseudo-sequential performance is a performance in which the identification pattern 80 for announcing a certain hit/miss judgment result (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target hit/miss judgment result) stops pseudo-stopping once in a predetermined combination from a changing state and starts changing again, and repeats the unit performance once or multiple times. In general, the more the unit performance occurs, the higher the probability that the target hit/miss judgment result will be a jackpot. In this way, to indicate the occurrence of a pseudo-sequential performance (unit performance), the changing identification pattern 80 pseudo-stops in a predetermined combination (the above-mentioned "chance eye"). As described above, when the identification pattern 80 becomes a predetermined combination, the background change performance will end successfully, so the background image will change from the point where the identification pattern 80 pseudo-stops. In other words, the increased probability that the target hit/miss judgment result will be a jackpot as a pseudo-sequential performance is suggested not only by the identification pattern 80 pseudo-stopping in a predetermined combination, but also by the occurrence of a background change.

2-4) Introduction Presentation The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an operation means 50 that can be operated by the player (see FIG. 1). The operation means 50 may be of any type. The operation means 50 in this embodiment is a so-called push button, and an operation presentation is generated using the operation means 50. The operation presentation is to prompt the player to operate the operation means 50. The operation mode to which the player is prompted may be of any type. Examples of such an operation mode include a single operation mode that prompts the player to operate the operation means 50 only once, a sustained operation mode that maintains the operated state of the operation means 50 (so-called "long press" when the operation means 50 is a push button), and a continuous operation mode that prompts the player to operate the operation means 50 continuously (so-called "continuous hit" when the operation means 50 is a push button).

In the operation presentation, an operation image 51 showing the operation means 50 is displayed in the display area 11 so that the player can easily understand that it is time to operate the operation means 50 (see FIG. 14(c)). The operation image 51 may be an image that allows the player to understand that it represents the operation means 50. It may be an image that imitates the operation means 50, or an image that abstracts the operation means 50. Since the operation means 50 (push button) in this embodiment has a substantially circular shape, the operation image 51 also has a substantially circular shape. In the operation presentation, in addition to the display of the operation image 51, a display showing the operation mode required of the player (for example, a display of the word "press") and a display showing the operation effective period during which the operation of the operation means 50 is reflected in the presentation (a display of a timer, etc.) are displayed.

The introduction performance (see Fig. 14(a) and (b)) is executed before the above operation performance. Note that the introduction performance does not necessarily have to occur before the operation performance. The introduction performance displays an image representing a specific tangible object (hereinafter referred to as specific image 52). In this embodiment, specific image 52 is an image representing a "trophy" (see Fig. 14(a)). The "trophy" has an approximately spherical upper part (top) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as spherical part 521). Roughly speaking, the "trophy" is shaped like an inverted triangle that gradually gets larger from bottom to top.

When transitioning from the introductory presentation to the operational presentation, the image displayed in the display area 11 is controlled as follows. When the introductory presentation is being executed, the specific image 52 is displayed (see FIG. 14(a)). In this embodiment, the "trophy" is displayed flatly (two-dimensionally) with the spherical portion 521 facing up (standing up). This gives the player the impression that the specific image 52 is being displayed as a presentation.

Then, the specific image 52 is displayed as if it has fallen forward. In other words, the "trophy" is displayed as if it has fallen forward (see FIG. 14(b)). In this embodiment, the "trophy" that was in an upright position is displayed as if it has fallen approximately 90 degrees forward. This displaces the spherical portion 521 forward, and the "sphere" appears to be displayed in a flat manner. Then, a predetermined pattern, lettering, etc. is added to the "sphere" and unnecessary elements are deleted, and the "sphere" is transformed into the operation image 51 (see FIG. 14(c)). In other words, the operation presentation transitions to one in which the operation image 51 is displayed.

In this way, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the introduction presentation to the operation presentation, a part of the specific image 52 (in this embodiment, the spherical portion 521) is displayed as if it has changed into the operation image 51, which makes it possible to improve the intrigue of the operation presentation.

In addition, in this embodiment, the specific image 52 is tilted forward and displayed as if the top of the specific image 52 becomes the operation image 51, resulting in a presentation that transitions from the introductory presentation to the operation presentation in a flow that is unexpected for the player.

The above configurations regarding the introduction and operation performances are merely examples. For example, they may be modified, improved, or specified as follows. Note that the configuration may apply a combination of multiple items (technologies) shown in each of the following examples.

a) The specific image 52 may have any form. In other words, as long as the player can perceive the specific image 52 as representing some kind of "tangible object," the specific form of the specific image 52 may be changed as appropriate.

In addition, the manner in which the specific image 52 changes when a part of the specific image 52 transitions as if it had changed into the operation image 51 is not limited to the manner in the above example (falling forward). It may be any manner of change that can occur as a displacement of a tangible object, such as movement or rotation.

b) For operation effects of the same type, the operation effect may occur after an introductory effect, or the operation effect may occur without an introductory effect. Here, operation effects of the same type refer to effects that the player can recognize as being of the same type. Specifically, operation effects that have the same images (images other than the operation image 51 and the timer image) displayed in the display area 11 at least when the player is requested to operate the operation means 50 are considered to be of the same type. In this way, the flow leading up to the operation effect becomes more varied, making it possible to improve the entertainment value of the game.

In this case, it is advisable to make it so that the outcome of the operation presentation is more likely to be favorable to the player if the operation presentation occurs after the introductory presentation, than if the operation presentation occurs without the introductory presentation. In other words, by making it more likely that the player will have high expectations if the introductory presentation clearly indicates the occurrence of the operation presentation, compared to when this is not the case, the entertainment value of the game will be further improved.

c) One or more types of operation presentations that occur after an introduction presentation (hereinafter, formally referred to as operation presentation A) and one or more types of operation presentations that occur without an introduction presentation (hereinafter, formally referred to as operation presentation B) are set, and the manner of the operation image 51 displayed in operation presentation A and operation presentation B is different (see FIG. 15). In either operation presentation, the operation image 51 is an image displayed to indicate to the player that it is time to operate the operation means 50, and it is sufficient that it is understood to represent the operation means 50. In other words, as long as it is in this manner, the manner of the operation image 51 displayed in operation presentation A and the manner of the operation image 51 displayed in operation presentation B may be any. However, since the operation image 51 displayed in operation presentation A is displayed as if a part of the specific image 52 has changed, it may be set according to the manner of the specific image 52.

In this way, by making the appearance of the operation image 51 different depending on whether or not an introduction performance is present, the operation image 51 displayed in operation performance A can be set according to the appearance of the specific image 52. For example, the operation image 51 displayed in operation performance B can be set to a general appearance that directly represents the appearance of the operation means 50 (see FIG. 15(b)), and the operation image 51 displayed in operation performance A can be set to an appearance that is a deformation of the appearance of the operation means 50 (see FIG. 15(a)). In other words, the appearance of the operation image 51 can be set so that the change from the specific image 52 to the operation image 51 does not feel unnatural.

In addition, even if a player misses the occurrence of an introductory effect, there is an advantage in that the player can understand whether or not an introductory effect has occurred from the state of the operation image 51. This is particularly effective in a configuration in which the presence or absence of an introductory effect is of interest to the player, such as when the presence or absence of an introductory effect suggests the likelihood that the outcome of the operation effect will be favorable to the player, as explained in the example of b) above.

d) Even if an introduction effect occurs, it is set so that an operation effect does not necessarily occur. If a part of the specific image 52 displayed in the introduction effect changes to the operation image 51 (see FIG. 16(a)(b)(c)), an operation effect occurs (see FIG. 16(a)(b)(d)), and if there is no change, an operation effect does not occur (see FIG. 16(a)(b)(d)). In accordance with the above example, as the introduction effect, an effect indicating whether the specific image 52 representing the "trophy" will fall forward (a so-called "teasing effect") occurs (see FIG. 16(b)), and if the "trophy" falls, an operation effect occurs (see FIG. 16(c)), but if the "trophy" does not fall, an operation effect does not occur (see FIG. 16(d)).

In this case, it is advisable to configure the transition from the introductory presentation to the operation presentation as an event that is advantageous to the player. For example, it is conceivable that if the transition to the operation presentation is not made, the corresponding win/loss judgment result will definitely be a miss, whereas if the transition to the operation presentation is made, there remains a possibility that the corresponding win/loss judgment result will be a jackpot.

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is in no way limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, but except for the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines, the technical ideas explained in the above embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, such as rotary gaming machines.

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

Method 1-1
a display device having a display area;
a performance execution means for executing a stereoscopic display performance in which a reference image displayed in the display area is displayed as if it is gradually displaced backward, and a depth image representing depth is displayed as if it is gradually expanding between an outer edge of the displaced reference image and an outer edge of the display area;
A gaming machine comprising:
According to the gaming machine, a three-dimensional depiction in which the reference image is displaced into the depths can be realistically expressed, improving the entertainment value of the game (presentation).

Method 1-2
The depth image is
an upper portion that is above the reference image and gradually widens as it moves away from the reference image;
a lower portion below the reference image that gradually widens with distance from the reference image;
a left side portion that is to the left of the reference image and gradually widens as it moves away from the reference image;
a right side portion that is to the right of the reference image and gradually expands as it moves away from the reference image;
The gaming machine according to means 1-1, comprising:
By doing so, the three-dimensional depiction effect is further enhanced.

Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that each of the upper part, the lower part, the left part and the right part that constitute the depth image is displayed in a line of one or more unit images having the same aspect as a part of the reference image.
In this way, by making it appear as if the unit images constituting the depth image are constructed from a portion of the reference image, the three-dimensional depiction effect is further enhanced.

Method 1-4
The gaming machine described in means 1-3 is characterized in that the three-dimensional display performance includes a configuration in which an increase in the number of unit images constituting the upper and lower parts alternates with an increase in the number of unit images constituting the left and right parts.
By doing so, the manner in which the number of unit images changes as they increase becomes more interesting.

Method 1-5
The gaming machine described in Means 1-3 or 1-4 is characterized in that the three-dimensional display performance includes a mode in which the number of unit images decreases and finally returns to a state in which the reference image is displayed over the entire display area.
Method 1-5
The gaming machine described in means 1-5 is characterized in that the three-dimensional display performance includes a mode in which the number of unit images constituting the upper and lower parts is reduced, and the number of unit images constituting the left and right parts is reduced alternately, ultimately returning to a state in which a reference image is displayed over the entire display area.
By doing so, the manner in which the display changes when the reference image is returned to being displayed over the entire display area becomes interesting.

Method 2-1
a display device having a display area;
a performance execution means for executing a three-dimensional performance in which, when a three-dimensional image that is viewed three-dimensionally is displayed in a part of the display area, a two-dimensional image that is viewed two-dimensionally is displayed in another part of the display area;
A gaming machine comprising:
In this way, it is possible to reduce the risk of a situation occurring in which a three-dimensional image does not appear three-dimensional.

Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the three-dimensional presentation displays the two-dimensional image along the outer edge of the display area so as to surround the three-dimensional image.
In this way, it is possible to enhance the effect of making a three-dimensional image appear three-dimensional by using a two-dimensional image.

Method 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that at least a portion of the boundary between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image has a shape that alternates between them.
In this way, the boundary between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image becomes less noticeable (reducing the risk that the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image will be perceived as separate images), thereby enhancing the effect of making the three-dimensional image appear three-dimensional.

Method 3-1
a display device having a display area;
a background effect execution means for executing a background change effect indicating whether or not the background image displayed in the display area is changed from a previous background image to a subsequent background image;
Equipped with
The background change presentation sequentially indicates whether or not a part of the earlier background image will be replaced by a part of the later background image, and when the entire part of the earlier background image has been replaced by a part of the later background image, a background change from the earlier background image to the later background image actually occurs.
The background change presentation of the gaming machine does not indicate all at once whether or not a change will occur from a previous background image to a subsequent background image, but rather indicates in sequence whether or not a part of the previous background image will be replaced by a part of the subsequent background image, thereby making it possible to improve the entertainment value of the presentation indicating whether or not a change in the background image will occur.

Method 3-2
A plurality of identification pattern groups including a plurality of types of identification patterns are variably displayed in the display area, and a pattern control means is provided for selecting one identification pattern from each identification pattern group and stopping or quasi-stopping the pattern,
The gaming machine described in Means 3-1 is characterized in that the background change presentation indicates whether or not a part of the previous background image is replaced with a part of the subsequent background image each time a discrimination pattern selected from each of the plurality of discrimination pattern groups stops or pseudo-stops.
With this configuration, it becomes easy to understand the timing at which it is indicated whether or not a part of the previous background image will be replaced with a part of the subsequent background image.

Method 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-2 is characterized in that, in the background change presentation, when a part of the previous background image is replaced with a part of the subsequent background image, each time an identification pattern selected from each of the multiple identification pattern groups stops or pseudo-stops, a part of the subsequent background image is displayed so as to be transparent to the stopped or pseudo-stopped identification pattern.
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the background image is covered by the pseudo-stopping identification pattern and the state of the background image behind it cannot be grasped.

Method 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that when a background change from the previous background image to the subsequent background image actually occurs, a combination of identification patterns selected from each of the multiple identification pattern groups and stopped or pseudo-stopped is a combination that indicates the occurrence of an event advantageous to the player.
With this configuration, it is possible to suggest, through the combination of identification symbols, that the occurrence of a background change is an advantageous event for the player.

Method 4-1
An operation means operable by a player;
an operation presentation execution means for displaying an operation image showing the operation means and executing an operation presentation for encouraging a player to operate the operation means;
an introduction performance execution means for executing an introduction performance that displays a specific image representing a predetermined tangible object, the introduction performance being executed before the operation performance;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the introductory presentation transitions to the operation presentation, a display is made as if a part of the specific image has changed to the operation image.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the flow of presentation, which transitions from the introductory presentation to the operational presentation, interesting.

Method 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that, when transitioning from the introduction presentation to the operation presentation, the specific image is tilted forward and the top of the specific image is displayed as if it were the operation image.
With this configuration, it is possible to make the transition from the introductory presentation to the operational presentation unexpected and difficult for the player to anticipate.

1 Gaming machine 10 Display device 11 Display area 11A Upper area 11B Lower area 11C Left area 11D Right area 20 Reference image 21 Depth image 30 Three-dimensional image 31 Two-dimensional image 41 Forward background image 41L Forward left part 41R Forward right part 41C Forward middle part 42 Rear background image 42L Rear left part 42R Rear right part 42C Rear middle part 50 Operation means 51 Operation image 52 Specific image

Claims (1)

a display device having a display area;
a notification means for displaying in the display area a plurality of groups of identification patterns each including a plurality of types of identification patterns, and notifying a winning or losing determination result based on a combination of the identification patterns selected from each of the plurality of groups of identification patterns;
background effect execution means for executing a background change effect indicating whether or not a successful ending is reached in which a background image displayed in the display area as a background of the identification pattern is changed from a previous background image to a subsequent background image;
Equipped with
The background change presentation indicates whether or not a part of the subsequent background image will be displayed as the background of the stopped or pseudo-stopped identification pattern each time a discrimination pattern selected from any of the multiple discrimination pattern groups stops or pseudo-stops , and the successful conclusion is determined to be when the entire part of the subsequent background image is displayed.

Images