Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably executing a performance straddling multiple game rounds.SOLUTION: When a particular display performance is executed on a display portion 479a, a suggestive display suggesting execution of a particular display performance is displayed in a center-side area 480C and a center narrow area 479C up to a game round until the particular display performance is completed over multiple game rounds, and a pseudo pattern is stopped and displayed in a combination of patterns corresponding to a result of a special pattern lottery in a left-side area 480A in a game round in a situation in which a suggestive display is under display. In the meantime, in a game round in which a particular display performance is completed, a pseudo pattern 480Z and a decorative pattern 479Z are stopped and displayed in a combination of patterns corresponding to a lottery result of a special pattern lottery in both of the left-side area 480a and a center wide area 479B by disabling display of a suggestive display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 62

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pinball gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, a ball enters a starting hole provided in a gaming area, and a performance is executed based on the ball (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-78904 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned effects are executed for each game round based on the ball entering the starting hole, and there may still be room for improvement in the configuration that can optimally execute effects that span multiple game rounds.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can optimally execute presentations that span multiple game rounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: a special information acquisition means for acquiring special information when a predetermined acquisition condition is satisfied; an acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means; a determination means for sequentially determining whether the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information; a game round control means for controlling the notification means so that a game round operation is started before the determination is made by the determination means or based on the determination being made by the determination means, and a game round is counted as one game round when the game round operation is ended as a notification result corresponding to the result of the determination; and a game state transition means for transitioning a game state to a special game state which is more advantageous to a player than a predetermined game state when a result of the determination by the determination means corresponds to the predetermined determination information and a predetermined transition condition is established; A special display effect execution means for executing a special display effect across a plurality of game times when a predetermined condition is satisfied; A display means having a display screen; A display control means for controlling the display of the display means, The display control means A control means for starting variable display of patterns in a first display area on the display screen and a second display area larger than the first display area, and for controlling the display of a pattern corresponding to the determination result by the determination means in a stationary manner in the first display area and the second display area; A control means for controlling display of a suggestion display suggesting that the special display performance will be executed in a third display area on the display screen; having The display control means controls, when the special display effect is executed, so that the suggestive display is displayed across multiple game turns until the game turn in which the special display effect ends, and in the game turn in which the suggestive display is displayed, a picture corresponding to the determination result of the determination means is displayed stationary in the first display area, while in the game turn in which the special display effect ends, the suggestive display displayed in the third display area is made non-display, thereby causing the picture corresponding to the determination result of the determination means to be displayed stationary in both the first display area and the second display area. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can preferably execute effects that span multiple game rounds. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine; [Diagram 2] A perspective view showing a pachinko machine in an open state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state. [Diagram 5] Front view of a pachinko machine [Figure 6] A front view of a pachinko machine with the front block removed [Figure 7] Front view of the game board [Figure 8] A rear perspective view of a pachinko machine [Figure 9] Rear view of a pachinko machine [Figure 10] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of a main control process [Figure 12] Flowchart showing an example of main control interrupt processing [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board showing the operating states of the left and right movable members; [Figure 14] Perspective view of the game board [Figure 15] 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative portions taken along a cross section including the line XM-XM in FIG. 7. [Figure 16] 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative portions taken along a cross section including the line XD-XD in FIG. 7; [Figure 17] 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative portions taken along a cross section including the XU-XU line in FIG. 7. [Figure 18] Front view of a game board with reflective decoration [Figure 19]A front view of a game board showing the relative positions of the main parts involved in the effect of the reflective decoration. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body taken along a cut surface including Y1-Y1 in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body taken along a cross section including Y1-Y1 in FIG. 18 to explain the form in which light from the annularly arranged light source is irradiated to the reflective decorative part. [Figure 22] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body taken along a cut surface including Y1-Y1 in FIG. 18 to explain the form in which light from a light source used to emit light from the central decorative body is irradiated onto the reflective decorative body. [Diagram 23] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation control of the upper entry restriction mechanism and the distribution mechanism in a round in which the game ball can enter the bonus area. [Figure 24] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the upper entry restriction mechanism and the sorting mechanism along a cross section including the Y2-Y2 line in FIG. [Diagram 25] A timing chart showing the control of effects in a round in which a gaming ball can enter a bonus area. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic transition of the presentation in a round in which the gaming ball can enter the bonus area. [Figure 27] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the layout, structure, and operation of the input operation device along a cross section including X1-X1 in FIG. 5. [Figure 28] A timing chart showing the control of a one-handed participation type effect in a special game state scheduled for a probability change, in which a player participates in the effect. [Figure 29] A diagram showing the progress of a one-handed participation type performance [Diagram 30] A timing chart showing the control of a one-handed participation type effect in a special game state scheduled for time reduction, in which a player participates in the effect. [Diagram 31] A timing chart showing the control of a one-handed participation type effect in a special game state where a probability change is scheduled, in which the player does not participate in the effect. [Diagram 32]FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement, structure, and operation of the right input operation device and the left input operation device along a cross section including X1-X1 in FIG. 5; [Diagram 33] A timing chart showing the control of a two-handed participation type presentation in a special game state scheduled for a probability change, in which a player participates in the presentation. [Diagram 34] A diagram showing the progress of a two-handed participation type effect in a special game state where a probability change is scheduled, in which a player participates in the effect. [Diagram 35] A timing chart showing the control of a two-handed participation type effect in a special game state with a time reduction schedule, in which a player participates in the effect. [Diagram 36] A timing chart showing the control of a two-handed participation type presentation in a special game state where a probability change is expected, in which the player does not participate in the presentation. [Figure 37] An explanatory diagram showing the transition of a two-handed participation type presentation in a special game state scheduled for a probability change except when a player participates in the two-handed participation type presentation. [Figure 38] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional view including X1-X1 in FIG. 5 of the left input lever and the right input lever in the forward and backward directions; [Figure 39] A timing chart showing a control when a player participates in a two-handed participation type performance in a special game state scheduled for a probability change, which is different from the control shown in FIG. 33, [Diagram 40] An explanatory diagram showing the operation control when the left input lever and the right input lever rotate. [Diagram 41] A diagram showing a transition of a two-handed participation type effect in a special game state with a probability change scheduled, which is different from the transition shown in FIG. 34, and which shows a transition when a player participates in the effect. [Diagram 42] A timing chart showing a control for a two-handed participation type effect in a special game state with a time reduction schedule, which is different from the control shown in FIG. 35, in which the player participates in the effect. [Diagram 43]A timing chart showing a control different from that shown in FIG. 36 for a two-handed participation type performance in a special game state scheduled for a probability change, in which the player does not participate in the performance. [Diagram 44] V Front view of a game board with multiple moving parts that operate in a winning performance [Diagram 45] A perspective view showing a plurality of movable parts operating in the V winning performance and the configuration related to those operations. [Figure 46] An explanatory diagram showing the operation form of the right front movable part that operates in the V winning performance. [Figure 47] An explanatory diagram showing the transition in which multiple movable parts move from the normal arrangement to the appearance arrangement in the V winning performance. [Figure 48] An explanatory diagram showing the transition of multiple moving parts from the appearance arrangement to the return to the normal arrangement in the V winning performance. [Figure 49] An explanatory diagram showing the display location of progress information in an evolutionary presentation with progress information [Figure 50] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a typical outline of a display form of progress information in an evolutionary presentation with progress information; [Figure 51] An explanatory diagram showing the progression of a development-type presentation with progress information in which the player can select the direction of the development of the presentation. [Figure 52] An explanatory diagram showing the progress of a development-type presentation with progress information, in which the development of the presentation can be changed by the player's operation. [Figure 53] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the progress of a development-type presentation with progress information, which progresses according to the establishment of a predetermined condition. [Figure 54] An explanatory diagram showing the progress of a development-type presentation with progress information in which the development destination of the presentation is selected without depending on the player's operation. [Figure 55] An explanatory diagram showing the transition of a premonition performance for a reserve read-ahead development performance that is an advancement type performance with progress information and occurs by a reserve read-ahead based on the establishment of a starting condition. [Figure 56] An explanatory diagram showing the progression of the reserved pre-reading development type performance [Figure 57] An explanatory diagram showing progress information that changes according to the duration of a reserved pre-reading development type performance. [Figure 58] An explanatory diagram showing the change in progress information as the duration of the reserved pre-reading development type performance is extended [Figure 59] An explanatory diagram showing other changes in progress information due to the extension of the duration of the reserved pre-reading development type performance. [Figure 60] A table showing how to change the presentation of a pending change display [Figure 61] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of a special display effect during a special game state and a transition of a suggestion display for the execution of the special display effect. [Figure 62] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of special display effects and suggestive displays during a specific game state transitioned from a special game state; [Figure 63] An explanatory diagram explaining the transition of the special display effect and the suggestion display in a game round that transitions to a special game state during the execution of the special display effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Regarding the embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 will be described as an example of a pinball gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, and then modified examples and other types of gaming machines will be described. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, the structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

[0010] <Structural composition> First, the configuration of the structural part of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference mainly to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, Fig. 1 shows the closed state of the pachinko machine 100, Fig. 2 shows the state in which the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrally opened relative to the outer frame 101, Fig. 3 shows the state in which the front block 102 is opened relative to the intermediate block 103, and Fig. 4 shows the state in which the rear block 104 is opened relative to the intermediate block 103. Fig. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and Fig. 6 shows the state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state shown in Fig. 5. Note that various wiring is omitted in each drawing, and part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in Figs. 3 and 6.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, and these parts are configured to be relatively displaceable by a predetermined operation. The outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 form a frame body for detachably mounting a game board 400, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the combination of the outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 in the pachinko machine 100 may be collectively referred to as the "frame body."

[0012] The outer frame 101 functions as a main body support means for supporting the main body of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, a substantially quadrilateral frame member assembled with a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113, and a right side plate portion 114, and is fitted into a game machine installation facility (island facility) provided in the game center where the pachinko machine 100 is installed, and is firmly fixed by a fixing device (not shown). Note that the outer frame 101 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 100, and a support mechanism that supports the main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101 and has the same internal shape as the outer frame 101, and a part of a locking mechanism that locks the main body portion may be provided on the island facility.

[0013] Intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided on one side in the left-right direction (the left side plate portion 113 side) of the outer frame 101. The intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 connect (couple) the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is configured to be rotatable forward with one end side (left side) in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 100 as the rotation base end side and the other end side (right side) as the rotation tip end side.

[0014] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided at a distance from each other at the upper and lower ends of the outer frame 101, as shown in Fig. 1, for example. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 is configured to be rotatable, for example, by supporting an axle provided in the intermediate block 103 from below by an axle support provided in the outer frame 101, and inserting the axle into an axle hole provided in the axle support. Note that the configuration for allowing the main body of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 to be rotatable is not limited to the above configuration, and other configurations may be used, such as providing an axle hole on the intermediate block 103 side and forming an axle on the outer frame 101 side.

[0015] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided with a function for releasing the connection between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is removably attached to the outer frame 101. For example, the connection of the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 is released by performing a predetermined removal operation in which the intermediate block 103 is opened by more than a certain amount relative to the outer frame 101 and moved upward by a certain amount. This makes the main body of the pachinko machine 100 removable from the outer frame 101.

[0016] The front block 102 is disposed in front of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap it, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131, 132 provided on the left side when viewed from the front. The front block support mechanisms 131, 132 are configured similarly to the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122, support the front block 102 rotatably forward relative to the intermediate block 103, and are configured to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

[0017] The rear block 104 is disposed so as to overlap the intermediate block 103 on the rear side, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side as viewed from the front. The rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131, 132, and are configured to support the rear block 104 rotatably rearward relative to the intermediate block 103, and to support the rear block 104 so as to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

[0018] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with an intermediate block locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 relative to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the front block 102 relative to the intermediate block 103, and a lock operation mechanism that is operated to lock and unlock the intermediate block locking mechanism and the front block locking mechanism. As shown in Fig. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operation mechanism that is exposed to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening in the front block 102.

[0019] When a right rotation operation is performed using an operating key (not shown) as a predetermined operation for the key cylinder 141, a movable part 143 of an intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. This causes the engagement between an engaged part 142 provided in the outer frame 101 as part of the intermediate block locking mechanism and the movable part 143 to be released, and the intermediate block 103 becomes in a state in which opening and closing is permitted relative to the outer frame 101.

[0020] Meanwhile, in response to a left rotation operation of a predetermined operating key on the key cylinder 141, a movable part 144 of a front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. This causes the engagement between an engaged part 145 provided in the front block 102 as part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable part 144 to be released, and the front block 102 enters a state in which opening and closing is permitted relative to the intermediate block 103.

[0021] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with a rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the rear block 104 relative to the intermediate block 103. This rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism allows the rear block 104 to be switched between a state in which opening and closing is prohibited (opening / closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening and closing is permitted (opening / closing permitted state) relative to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation.

[0022] The rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, composed of two opening / closing restriction parts 150A, 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restriction part 150C provided in the rear block 104. These three opening / closing restriction parts 150A-150C are provided with rotating pieces 151A-151C that can be rotated. The rotating pieces 151A-151C change the engagement state with the opening parts that are arranged to overlap each other in the front and rear when the rear block 104 is closed, and thus can be switched between an opening / closing prohibition position corresponding to the opening / closing prohibition state and an opening / closing permission position corresponding to the opening / closing permission state. When all the rotating pieces 151A-151C are in the opening / closing permission position, each of the rotating pieces 151A-151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 is in the opening / closing permission state relative to the intermediate block 103. As for the opening / closing prohibited posture and the opening / closing permitted posture, it is sufficient that the opening / closing prohibited state and the opening / closing permitted state can be switched by changing at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C, and they may be configured to only rotate at a fixed position, to move in a fixed direction, or to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. The same applies below to the change in posture when the components of each device move between multiple postures.

[0023] Of the three rotating pieces 151A-151C, two rotating pieces 151A, 151B corresponding to a part of them are exposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening formed in the rear block 104 when the rear block 104 is in the opening / closing prohibited state as shown in Fig. 2, and one rotating piece 151C corresponding to the remaining part is exposed on the front side of the intermediate block 103 as shown in Fig. 6. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all of the rotating pieces 151A-151C to the opening / closing permitted position by operating only from one side, such as the rear side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103, thereby improving crime prevention.

[0024] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with a game ball movement restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the game ball movement restriction mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow-down restriction piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a restriction change part 162 provided in the front block 102, and the flow-down restriction piece 161 is configured to be biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

[0025] In a state where the front block 102 is closed relative to the intermediate block 103 (closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down restricting piece 161 is in a movement-permitting state that permits game balls to flow down, and specifically, is pressed and pushed toward the rear side of the intermediate block 103 by the restriction changing part 162. The flow-down restricting piece 161 is positioned shifted rearward with respect to a guide passage (not shown) for guiding game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement-permitting state. As a result, in the closed state of the front block 102, movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is permitted.

[0026] On the other hand, when the front block 102 is open relative to the intermediate block 103 (open state of the front block 102), the pressure on the flow-down regulating piece 161 by the regulation change part 162 is released, and the flow-down regulating piece 161 is placed in a movement-prohibited state in which it protrudes toward the front block 102 side compared to when the front block 102 is closed. In the movement-prohibited state, the flow-down regulating piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage and prevents game balls from flowing downstream. This prohibits game balls from moving from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102.

[0027] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with an opening / closing detection switch 108 that detects whether the intermediate block 103 is closed relative to the outer frame 101, for example at the lower end on the rear side of the intermediate block 103, on the side of the pivot tip (left side when viewed from behind), and as shown in FIG. 3, an opening / closing detection switch 109 that detects whether the front block 102 is closed relative to the intermediate block 103, for example at the lower end on the front side of the intermediate block 103, on the side of the pivot tip (right side when viewed from the front).

[0028] Next, the configuration of each of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 will be described in order.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the front block 102 is a substantially rectangular member having a thickness in the front-rear direction, which forms substantially the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100, and functions as a front decoration means for decorating the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. The front block 102 is mainly composed of a base frame 201 made of synthetic resin, and is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts to the front and rear of the base frame 201. A front decoration body 210 which forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 is attached to the front side of the base frame 201 in a state in which it surrounds the opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A formed including the central portion of the front block 102 when viewed from the front. When the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 which constitute the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed penetrating in the front-rear direction over a wide range except for the outer periphery where the front decoration body 210 is attached. Through this opening 210A, the intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located on the rear side of the front block 102 is configured to be visible to the player.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the front block 102 is equipped with a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to cover the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls, and a launch operation device 250 operated by a player to launch the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230.

[0031] 1 and 5, the front block 102 is formed with an opening peripheral portion 211 surrounding the periphery of the opening 210A, an upper protrusion 217 protruding forward below the opening 210A, a lower protrusion 218 located below the upper protrusion 217 and protruding forward, and a flat portion 219 formed of a generally flat area located to the right of the lower protrusion 218 and further back than the upper protrusion 217 and the lower protrusion 218, in which the launch operation device 250 is disposed, as part of the front decorative body 210. A main storage mechanism 230 is disposed in the upper protrusion 217, and an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed in the lower protrusion 218.

[0032] The central panel 220 functions as a cover that allows the rear side to be viewed while blocking the opening 210A formed penetrating in the front-rear direction when the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 are combined. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, the central panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see Figure 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201, a light-transmitting front plate 222 (see Figure 1) fitted into the front side of the panel frame 221, and a light-transmitting rear plate 223 (see Figure 3) fitted into the rear side of the panel frame 221 approximately parallel to the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0033] The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired according to the progress of the game and game balls lent from the game parlor. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage section 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 for operating the ball removal mechanism. The storage section 231 is provided with an inlet 231A for allowing game balls to flow from the inside of the pachinko machine 100 into the storage section 231, an outlet (not shown) for allowing game balls to flow from the storage section 231 into the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and a discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outlet port. By opening this discharge port, the game balls are discharged from the storage section 231 to the player side without being taken into the inside of the pachinko machine 100. The ball removal mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game balls between the outlet port and the discharge port.

[0034] Game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls loaned in response to a loan operation on a loan operation device 292 (described later) mainly flow into the storage section 231 through the inlet 231A. The storage section 231 also has an opening formed on the upper side, through which game balls owned by players are manually inserted and game balls loaned in the game center are supplied.

[0035] The game balls that flow into the storage section 231 are aligned in a row and guided sequentially to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (the upper right side in FIG. 1). When the ball removal operation (e.g., pressing operation) is not performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the game balls are guided through the outflow port to the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. On the other hand, when the ball removal operation is performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the game balls are guided through the discharge port to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1).

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 includes a storage section 241 having game ball inlets 241A, 241C (see Fig. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see Fig. 1), a ball removal mechanism 243 for opening and closing the discharge port 241B, and a ball removal operation member 242 for operating the ball removal mechanism 243. Game balls etc. acquired as the game progresses mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage section 231 is full, they flow into the storage section 241 through the inlet 241A. Also, in response to a ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 232, game balls flow from the storage section 231 into the storage section 241 through the inlet 241C.

[0037] The bottom surface of the storage section 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (e.g., a pressing operation) on the ball removal operation member 242, all game balls stored in the storage section 241 can be sequentially discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. When the discharge port 241B is completely opened by a ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 242, the open state is maintained until a return operation (e.g., a pressing operation again) is performed on the ball removal operation member 242. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) is provided at the back of the inlet 241A to detect whether or not an excessive number of game balls are stored in the storage section 241.

[0038] 1 and 5, the launch operation device 250 includes a base 251 protruding forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, a freely rotatable launch handle 252 provided around the base 251, a variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotation of the launch handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects the player's contact with the launch handle 252, and a launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that disables the launch of game balls associated with the rotation of the launch handle 252 by the player's operation. When the player rotates the launch handle 252, game balls are launched from the launch device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. In addition, if the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the launch handle 252 and the player, or if the launch operation is disabled by operating the launch stop switch 255, the game ball will not be released from the launch device 330 even if the launch handle 252 is rotated.

[0039] In addition, frame light emitting devices 271-275 (see FIG. 10) are provided at the rear of the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271-275 are arranged so as to overlap the rear side of the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decorative body 210, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral portion 211 has, as light emitting parts, an upper central edge 211A, an upper left edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on both the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, a left edge 211D located below the upper left edge 211B, and a right edge 211E located below the upper right edge 211C, and the frame light emitting devices 271-275 are installed corresponding to each light emitting part.

[0040] The frame light emitting devices 271-275 are composed of an upper central frame light emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper central edge 211A, an upper left frame light emitting device 272 corresponding to the upper left edge 211B, an upper right frame light emitting device 273 corresponding to the upper right edge 211C, a left side frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left side edge 211D, and a right side frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right side edge 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271-275 has one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light emitting means, electronic components such as resistors for controlling the LEDs, and a printed circuit board that integrates and electrically connects these electronic components.

[0041] 5, the front block 102 is provided with an upper left acoustic output port 211F and an upper right acoustic output port 211G, for example, at the upper part of the opening periphery 211, and also with an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) corresponding to the upper left acoustic output port 211F and the upper right acoustic output port 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located at the back (rear) of the opening periphery 211 of the front decorative body 210.

[0042] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with a game ball lending device 290, for example, on the right side of the upper surface of the upper protrusion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a number display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the remaining amount of bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (not shown) arranged next to the pachinko machine 100, a lending operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving a loan of game balls, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit. When a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in an effective state in which bills, cards, etc. are inserted into the card unit and a numerical value corresponding to the amount of the bills, cards, etc. is displayed on the number display device 291, a predetermined number of game balls are lent from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104 in response to the lending operation, and the display of the number display device 291 is updated as the game balls are lent. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, the equivalent of the bills corresponding to the remaining amount or a card recording the remaining amount is returned from the card unit in response to the return operation.

[0043] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows the player to perform an input operation other than the firing operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the input operation device 260 includes a push operation device 261 that allows a push operation, a rotation operation device 262 that allows a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that allows a directional operation up, down, left, and right. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with a left input operation device 801L and a right input operation device 801R that allow the player to perform an input operation other than the firing operation and the input operation for the input operation device 260. Note that the left input operation device 801L and the right input operation device 801R are omitted from the illustration in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8.

[0044] These operation devices 261-263, 801L, 801R can perform a performance selection operation for selecting a performance to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation for setting the volume and light intensity of each device that executes the performance of the pachinko machine 100, or a performance setting operation for inputting information about the player to execute a performance of the pachinko machine 100 according to the previous game, and these operations can be executed by the player or the manager of the game facility as necessary. Note that it is preferable that the input operation section (for example, the circular rotating operation section in the rotating operation device 262) that the player touches in the input operation device 260 is configured so that the operation such as rotation, vertical movement, or vibration can be executed by the control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, the control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)) by an input operation section driving means such as a motor or a solenoid, and the performance involving the input operation can be diversified by operating the input section at any one or more timings before, after, or during the input operation, and the input operation can be actively encouraged.

[0045] Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a member having a substantially rectangular shape and substantially the same size as the front block 102, and has the function of integrating the main body of the pachinko machine 100 by attaching the front block 102 and the rear block 104. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts, including the game board 400, to the base frame 301.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 comprises a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see Figure 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, a game board support mechanism that supports the game board 400 rotatably and detachably relative to the base frame 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 relative to the base frame 301, a launcher 330 (see Figure 3) that launches game balls at the game board 400, a main control device 370 (see Figure 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and provides overall control of the progress of the game, and a sub-controller 390 (see Figure 4) that controls game presentation and status notifications based on commands from the main control device 370.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the base frame 301 is provided with a guide passage section 301A in which a guide passage for guiding game balls released from a payout device 540 (see Fig. 8) to be described later to the front block 102 is formed, and an opening 301B in which a plurality of wirings (not shown) and a signal relay device 311 are located. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and the plurality of wirings inserted into the opening 301B include wirings for electrically connecting various devices (e.g., frame light emitting devices 271-275, upper left sound device 281, and upper right sound device 282) provided in the front block 102 to devices (e.g., main control device 370 and sub control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and in the rear block 104, and the signal relay device 311 has a function as a relay board for relaying a part of the wirings.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base 401 having through holes such as an outlet 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, an outer rail 402 smoothly curved from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401, an inner rail 403 smoothly curved from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left tip of the inner rail 403, and a recoil prevention member 405 attached to the upper right tip of the outer rail 402. The outer rail 402 guides game balls launched from a launching device 330 (described later) into a game area 409. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents game balls once released into the game area 409 from returning to the launching path 401B, which is formed between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 facing each other in parallel. The anti-rebound member 405 has shock absorbing properties that prevent a game ball from rebounding significantly, such as when the game ball passes over the top center of the game board 400 toward the right side and then returns to the left side via the top center again, and is formed from a material such as vibration-damping rubber.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, a return ball passage section 163 is formed at the bottom of the rear side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the outer rail 402 and the guide member 335 that guides the game ball from the launching device 330 toward the launching passage 401B, and the game ball that is launched from the launching device 330 but does not pass the return ball prevention mechanism 404 and returns back along the launching passage 401B is returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see Fig. 5) from the inlet 241A (see Fig. 5) via the return ball passage section 163 located below this gap.

[0050] The game ball that has passed the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area 409 and moves (flows down) in the game area 409 while dropping by its own weight. The game area 409 is partitioned into a shape having an almost circular outer periphery, and a region having a front-to-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball as the majority of the area. The outer periphery of the game area 409 is generally partitioned by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is partitioned into an almost flat shape by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is partitioned into an almost flat shape by the base 401 of the game board 400. Various structures provided in the game area 409 will be described later.

[0051] 3, the launching device 330 includes a ball sending mechanism 331 that sequentially sends out the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the launching position, a ball sending solenoid 332 (see FIG. 10) that drives the ball sending mechanism 331, a launching mechanism 333 that ejects the game balls arranged at the launching position, a launch solenoid 334 (see FIG. 10) that drives the launching mechanism 333, and a guide member 335 that guides the game balls launched from the launching mechanism 333 to the launch passage 401B of the game board 400. The launching device 330 operates in response to the launching operation on the launching operation device 250 as described above, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes in response to the launching operation on the launching operation device 250 to adjust the launching force.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, main control device 370 includes main control board 920 (see Fig. 10) and a two-part board case 371 that houses main control board 920. Main control board 920 is housed inside light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

[0053] Moreover, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, an attachment section 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the main control device 370 is attached to the attachment section 372. This makes it possible to easily check not only the back side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (rear side) of the main control device 370 by rotating the attachment section 372 while the main control device 370 is attached to the game board 400. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment section 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the removal status of the main control device 370 may be easily managed.

[0054] The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 391 with a two-part structure that houses the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is housed inside the board case 391, which is sealed translucently so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace, similar to the main control board 920. The sub-control device 390 is attached to the back side of the game board 400.

[0055] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the intermediate block 103 includes a backup power supply 601 (see FIG. 10) that supplies backup power to the main control board 920. The backup power supply 601 is configured by combining a power supply unit that is configured with a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, etc. and can store backup power, with an electric circuit for controlling the supply of a charging voltage to the power supply unit and the discharge of power (charge) applied to the power supply unit. The backup power supply 601 charges, for example, a capacitor with the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 (see FIG. 10), and supplies the power stored in the capacitor by charging to the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) as backup power. The backup power supply 601 is attached to the rear side of the game board 400. It should be noted that the electrical circuit for storing and discharging the power of the backup power supply 601 does not necessarily have to be provided integrally with the power supply section of the backup power supply 601 (for example, on a single printed circuit board), but may be provided elsewhere, or may be provided as part of the power supply / launch control board 900 provided on the frame body side, or may be provided as part of the main control board 920.

[0056] Here, various structures arranged in the play area 409 of the game board 400 will be described with reference mainly to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, flow change members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, a central structure 420 arranged approximately in the center of the base 401, start devices for a first special symbol arranged below the central structure 420 (specifically, an upper middle start winning device 431A and a lower middle start winning device 431B), and a start device for a second special symbol arranged on the lower right side of the central structure 420 (specifically, a right start winning device 431C). 32), large prize devices 433, 434 (specifically, lower large prize device 433 and upper large prize device 434) arranged below the right start prize device 432, a start device 436 for ordinary symbols arranged above (upstream) the right start prize device 432, a role link operating device 435 arranged on the upper right side of the game board 400, above (upstream) the upper and lower large prize devices 433, 434, and general prize devices 439A, 439B arranged on both the left and right sides of the lower middle start prize device 431B.

[0058] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of game balls corresponding to the above-mentioned upper middle start winning device 431A and the like (see FIG. 10), and it is possible to detect the entry of game balls into a predetermined area corresponding to each switch. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects game balls that have entered the upper middle start winning device 431A, a middle start winning switch (lower middle start winning switch 441B) that detects game balls that have entered the lower middle start winning device 431B, a right start winning switch 442 that detects game balls that have entered the right start winning device 432, a lower large winning switch 443 that detects game balls that have entered the lower large winning device 433, an upper large winning switch 444 that detects game balls that have entered the upper large winning device 434, a game ball that has entered the role link operation device 435, and a game ball that has entered the role link operation device 436. The game board 400 is provided with a role-linked operation switch 445 which detects a bonus ball, a start switch 446 which detects a game ball which has entered the starter device 436, a non-specific passage switch 447 which detects a game ball which has entered a non-specific passage (non-bonus area 409N) formed inside the upper large prize device 434, a specific passage switch 448 which detects a game ball which has entered a specific passage (bonus area 409V) formed inside the lower large prize device 433, and general prize switches 449A, 449B which respectively detect game balls which have entered the general prize devices 439A, 439B.

[0059] In addition, various sensors are provided on the game board 400 to prevent fraud (see FIG. 10), and are capable of detecting abnormalities occurring in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

[0060] The entrances of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 for game balls constitute ball entrances, and game balls entering each entrance are released into the game area 409. The entrances of the winning devices, specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, the upper large winning device 434, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B constitute winning ports, and the game balls entering each winning port are guided to a recovery and discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401 through a through hole formed in the base 401. In addition, the game balls that do not enter each winning device are guided to the recovery and discharge passage through a discharge port 401A provided at the most downstream part of the game area 409. The game balls guided to the collection and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) installed in the game center. When a game ball enters any winning device, a predetermined number of game balls according to the type of winning device are paid out from a payout device 540 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0061] In addition, each winning device may be configured separately from the other winning devices, or a winning device may be configured by an integrated device of two or more winning devices (for example, upper middle start winning device 431A and lower middle start winning device 431B).Furthermore, starting devices such as upper middle start winning device 431A do not necessarily have to be winning ports from which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters, but may be ball entry ports from which game balls are released again into the game area 409 without being paid out.

[0062] The upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol, and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B each guide the game ball that has entered to the back side of the base 401 without changing the probability of the game ball entering them. The right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering therein. The mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering does not need to be provided only in the start device related to the second special symbol, but may be provided instead of or in addition to the start device related to the first special symbol and / or the general winning devices 439A and 439B. The mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering may be configured by a driving means such as an electrically driven solenoid, or may be configured by a mechanically operated mechanism typified by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that has entered a predetermined area.

[0063] The right start winning device 432 associated with the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes the probability of a game ball entering the right entry restriction mechanism 432 by transitioning between an entry permission position and an entry prohibition position, and a right entry restriction solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) that drives the right entry restriction mechanism 452. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462, and when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition position, the two movable pieces are arranged to narrow (or close) the entry opening (winning opening), so that the game ball cannot enter the right start winning device 432, but when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry permission position, the two movable pieces are arranged so that the distance between their tips is enlarged, so that the game ball can enter the right start winning device 432. When a lottery based on the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 related to a normal pattern being detected by the starting switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal pattern lottery") is won, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 transitions to an entry-permitting position for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time in response to drive by the right entry restriction solenoid 462.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, the lower large winning device 433 is provided with a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 that restricts entry of game balls into the device by transitioning between an entry permission position and an entry prohibition position, and a lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see Fig. 10) that changes the position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower large winning device 433 is in the entry prohibition position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entry port (winning port) so that the game ball cannot enter the lower large winning device 433, but when the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry permission position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entry port so that the game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the upper large winning device 434 is provided with an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 which restricts the entry of game balls into it by transitioning between an entry allowing position and an entry prohibiting position, an upper entry restriction motor 464 (see Figure 10) which changes the position of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, a distribution mechanism 437 which distributes game balls that have entered the upper large winning device 434 to a non-specific passage or a specific passage by transitioning between a non-guiding position and a guiding position, and a distribution solenoid 465 (see Figure 10) which changes the position of the distribution mechanism 437 to switch the guide destination of the game balls. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibition position, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entry port (winning port) and the game ball cannot enter the upper large winning device 434, but when the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry permission position, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entry port and the game ball can enter the upper large winning device 434. In addition, the game ball that has entered the upper large winning device 434 is guided to a non-specific path when the distribution mechanism 437 is in a non-guiding position in which it protrudes forward, and is guided to a specific path when the distribution mechanism 437 is in a guiding position in which it retracts backward. The specific path and the non-specific path are provided to diversify the transition of the game state, and when the game ball enters the specific path, a favorable game state is given to the player as a privilege.

[0066] The entry permitting posture and the entry forbidding posture as a mechanism for changing the probability of game balls entering the right entry restricting mechanism 452 and the like may correspond to the posture change of the operating member that constitutes each mechanism and switches between a special state in which game balls can enter the winning opening (or ball entry opening) of each device and a normal state in which game balls cannot enter, and at least one of the position and the orientation of the operating member may differ depending on each posture. Also, as a mechanism for changing the probability of game balls entering the right entry restricting mechanism 452 and the like, it is not necessarily necessary to make the state in which game balls cannot enter the normal state, and the posture of the operating member may be configured to allow game balls to enter even in the normal state, and to change to a state in which game balls can enter more easily in the special state than in the normal state.

[0067] A game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 when a lottery for a big win is won. Specifically, when a lottery based on a game ball that entered the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle start winning switch 441A or the lower middle start winning switch 441B (hereinafter also referred to as the "first special symbol lottery"), or when a lottery based on a game ball that entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second special symbol lottery"), at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 or the upper entry restriction motor 464 is operated. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry permitting posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time. If the lottery is won, the distribution solenoid 465 also operates, and the distribution mechanism 437 takes the guiding posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time.

[0068] The combination operation device 435 is a device for setting the conditions necessary for the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the lottery for the big win, either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435. Therefore, when the player wins the big win, he or she can start the special game state at the timing of his or her intention. It is not necessarily necessary to configure either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 to start operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435, and instead or in addition to that, it may be configured so that either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 starts operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0069] 7, a display having a plurality of light-emitting parts, in which display devices 471-473 for displaying the variation of symbols and the lottery results, and display devices 476-478 for displaying the number of reserved plays, are integrated, is provided in the lower left part of the game board 400, which corresponds to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light-emitting parts are partitioned in advance into light-emitting regions corresponding to the respective devices, and the state of each device is displayed by the light-emitting state.

[0070] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a special symbol display device 471 for a first special symbol that variably displays the first special symbol in association with a first special symbol lottery or displays the first special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result, a special symbol display device 472 for a second special symbol that variably displays the second special symbol in association with a second special symbol lottery or displays the second special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result, a special symbol reservation display device 476 that displays the number of reserved unit games related to the first special symbol, and a special symbol reservation display device 477 that displays the number of reserved unit games related to the second special symbol. The right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol and the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol are each reserved up to four times. Here, a unit game refers to one game that is executed based on one initial winning, and refers to a series of games that includes the winning or losing judgment of the lottery that is executed based on one initial winning, and the start to end of the variable display until the lottery result based on that winning or losing judgment is displayed.

[0071] When the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 is detected by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol is not added.

[0072] Each of the special pattern display device 471 for the first special pattern and the special pattern display device 472 for the second special pattern is composed of multiple light-emitting elements and is controlled by a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). The display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern are each expressed by the light-emitting patterns of the multiple light-emitting elements (combinations of light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) including light-emitting colors). The special pattern reserved display device 476 for the first special pattern and the special pattern reserved display device 477 for the second special pattern display the number of reserved numbers by combining the light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) of two single-color light-emitting elements.

[0073] The game board 400 is also provided with a normal symbol display device 473 that variably displays normal symbols in accordance with the normal symbol lottery and displays normal symbols as stop symbols according to the lottery result, and a normal symbol reservation display device 478 that displays the number of reserved unit game rights related to normal symbols. The unit game rights related to normal symbols are reserved up to a maximum of four times. When the unit game rights related to normal symbols have been reserved up to the maximum number of times, no additional unit game rights related to normal symbols are added even if the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446.

[0074] The normal symbol display device 473 is composed of multiple light-emitting elements and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). The normal symbol is expressed by the light-emitting pattern of the multiple light-emitting elements. The normal symbol reservation display device 478 also displays the number of reserved times by combining the light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) of the two single-color light-emitting elements.

[0075] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a decorative pattern display device 479 that displays decorative patterns variably or determines decorative patterns in unit games related to the first and second special patterns, overlapping the rear of the central structure 420. The display of decorative patterns variably and determines is controlled by the sub-control board 940 and is synchronized with the display of the first and second special patterns variably and determines by the main control board 920. In the display of decorative patterns, more complicated and diverse effects are executed than the display of the first and second special patterns variably. Note that the display of the first and second special patterns variably and determines does not necessarily have to start to change at a completely coincident timing or stop to be determined, and may start to change at approximately the same timing with a slight time difference between the timings, and determine the timing.

[0076] In addition, the game board 400 is equipped with a board surface light-emitting device 490 (see Figure 10) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board surface light-emitting device 490 performs various light-emitting effects and status notifications through light emission as the game progresses based on the control of the sub-control board 940.

[0077] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a remaining amount display unit 602 (see FIG. 10) that displays information corresponding to the remaining amount (amount of electricity, amount of charge) of the backup power supply 601 at a position visible from the front side of the lower right part corresponding to a part of the game board 400 (for example, part of the central structure 420, next to the decorative pattern display device 479). Note that the remaining amount display unit 602 is not shown in FIG. 7.

[0078] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the remaining charge display unit 602 is composed of one light-emitting unit, and the lighting state of the light-emitting unit is changed according to the remaining charge of the backup power source 601. For example, when the remaining charge of the backup power source 601 is zero, the light-emitting unit is continuously turned off, and while the remaining charge increases through charging and reaches the maximum capacity, the light-emitting unit blinks (lights intermittently), and when the remaining charge reaches the maximum capacity, the light-emitting unit is continuously lit.

[0079] The remaining power display unit 602 may be configured to be composed of a plurality of light-emitting units, with the number of light-emitting units that light up increasing according to the remaining power of the backup power source 601, or may be configured to be composed of a display unit such as a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal display device, with the remaining power of the backup power source 601 displayed as a percentage using numbers. Furthermore, in the remaining power display unit 602 composed of one or a plurality of light-emitting units, instead of or in addition to changes in the lighting state of the light-emitting units or the number of light-emitting units that light up, the color of the light-emitting units may change according to the remaining power of the backup power source 601.

[0080] Here, various game states and transitions between game states will be explained. The normal game state (hereinafter also abbreviated as "normal game state") corresponds to a state in which the variable display time of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as "non-time-saving state").

[0081] When a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game state to which the special game state is entered differs depending on whether the game ball enters a specific passage (the internal passage of the upper big winning device 434) during the special game state to which the game state is entered based on the winning. If the game ball does not enter a specific passage during the special game state, the game state is entered into a state (hereinafter also referred to as a "time-saving game state") in which the variable display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shorter than that of the non-time-saving state (hereinafter also referred to as a "time-saving state") and the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as that of the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as a "low probability state"). On the other hand, if the game ball enters a specific passage during the special game state, the game state transitions to a time-saving state and a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special pattern lottery and the second special pattern lottery is higher than in the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as a "high probability state") (hereinafter also referred to as a "high probability state").

[0082] The time-saving game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 50 times), after which the game returns to the normal game state. The probability-change game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), after which the game returns to the normal game state.

[0083] It should be noted that the game states and the transitions between game states do not necessarily have to be configured as described above. For example, the high probability state may continue until the next jackpot is won, at least one of the above game states may be configured by other content, a configuration may include a game state other than each of the above game states, or a configuration may be used in which transitions between game states occur under conditions other than those described above.

[0084] Furthermore, the trigger for transitioning to the special game state does not have to be limited to winning the special pattern lottery. In addition to or instead of the above configuration, the transition to the special game state may occur when the game ball enters a predetermined specific area (the so-called V area) within the game area during the normal game state.

[0085] For example, in a normal game state, when a predetermined small win, which is a type of non-winning, is selected in a special pattern lottery, the upper large winning device 434 may be opened, and when a game ball that has entered the upper large winning device 434 is guided to a specific path by a distribution mechanism 437 that distributes between a non-specific path (non-bonus area 409N) and a specific path (bonus area 409V), the special game state may be generated. In addition, in a pachinko machine in which a non-specific path and a specific path are provided inside a special device having an openable and closable entrance separate from the large winning device that operates in a special game state, when a game ball enters a predetermined winning opening, the entrance of the special device may be opened, and when a game ball that has entered the special device from the opened entrance is guided to the specific path by a distribution mechanism that distributes between a non-specific path and a specific path, the special game state may be generated.

[0086] The pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment is configured to have a setting change function that can change the setting of the ball delivery rate (machine odds, payout rate). Although details will be described later, the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment is configured to be able to set one game mode from among multiple types (e.g., nine types) of game modes with different combinations of initial hit probability and probability of special bonus continuation rate, and is configured to be able to change the game mode to be set as necessary, and is configured to be able to change the setting of the ball delivery rate of the pachinko machine 100 by changing the setting of the game mode (by changing the setting). Information corresponding to the set game mode (hereinafter also referred to as "setting correspondence information") is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 922 of the main control board 920.

[0087] Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described in a roughly chronological order. In the main control board 920, winning random numbers, big win pattern random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various change pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and when a game ball that has entered one of the start winning devices 431A, 431B related to the first special symbol in various game states is detected by one of the middle start winning switches 441A, 441B (see FIG. 10), the start winning of the first special symbol occurs. When the right to play the unit game related to the first special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the first special symbol, the winning random numbers, big win pattern random numbers, and stop pattern random numbers related to the special symbols are obtained and stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 922 (see FIG. 10) of the main control board 920.

[0088] The unit game based on the random number obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol will start immediately after the random number is stored if the special game state is not in progress, the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not in progress, and the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol is not reserved. Even if the special game state is not in progress, if the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in progress or the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved, the unit game based on the current start winning will start after the unit games related to all special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) that were reserved before the current winning have ended. If each random number is obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on the random number will start after the unit games related to all special symbols that were reserved before the current start winning after the special game state.

[0089] In addition, the unit game based on the random number acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol is started after all unit games related to the second special symbol are completed. In other words, if each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed preferentially. It is not necessary to configure the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol to be executed preferentially over the unit game related to the first special symbol, and it may be configured to execute the unit game priority control related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the order of the start winning, or to have two special symbols that are not alternative but can be changed simultaneously. Furthermore, in a configuration in which two special symbols are not alternative but can be changed simultaneously, it is better that the unit game time of one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than the unit game time of the other of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In particular, it is more preferable to configure the first special symbol and the second special symbol so that the other of the first special symbol and the second special symbol can execute multiple unit games during one unit game time of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this way, the game value of the special game state by the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be made different, and the occurrence of disadvantages to the player can be suppressed.

[0090] In the case where a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the start winning of the first special symbol, the type of stop symbol (jackpot symbol) corresponding to the jackpot win of the first special symbol lottery is further determined based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number. The type of this stop symbol corresponds to the type of jackpot, and multiple types of jackpots are set corresponding to the types of game states such as the number of rounds (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times that the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry permission posture, and the game state to which the special game state is transitioned (whether or not to transition to a probability change game state), and a jackpot symbol is set for each type. In the case where a jackpot is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a losing symbol other than the jackpot symbol is set as the stop symbol.

[0091] After the first special symbol lottery, the variable display time of the first special symbol is determined and the variable pattern of the decorative symbol is selected based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values ​​of various variable pattern random numbers, and the number of reserved unit game rights related to the first special symbol. After that, the variable display of the first special symbol in the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 479 (variable performance) are started, and the variable display of the first special symbol is continued in a certain pattern over the variable display time, and the variable display of the decorative symbol according to the variable pattern is continued over the variable display time. After that, as the variable display time passes, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is fixedly displayed, and the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is fixedly displayed as the decorative symbol. The fixed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol is continued for at least a predetermined certain time.

[0092] Here, the display of the decorative pattern may be performed using a pattern row in which the patterns composed of numbers or characters as identification information are arranged and scrolled along a predetermined path such as vertically, horizontally, or in an L-shape on the display screen of the decorative pattern display device 479, or a pattern row in which the patterns rotate at a certain point and are updated to another pattern. The display of the decorative pattern is not limited to the display of the patterns, and the display of the identification information may be configured by a performance display in which the appearance of the characters is changed. In addition, a part for displaying the display of the identification information may be provided at multiple points on the display screen of the decorative pattern display device 479, and the display may be performed using, for example, a pattern as identification information displayed large in the center and another pattern displayed small in the corner of the display screen.

[0093] When the stopped pattern related to the first special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game state transitions to a special game state after the first special pattern is confirmed and displayed. In the special game state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower large winning device 433 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper large winning device 434 are in the entry permission position a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. When a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 8 balls) are detected by the large winning switches 443, 444 during each entry permission position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or when a predetermined maximum entry permission time (e.g., 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 transitions to an entry prohibition position. After that, after the predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry permission position again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of big win.

[0094] The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured so that only one of them takes the entry permission posture during the special game state, and one of them transitions to the initial entry permission posture after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period). In addition, the special game state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed from the return to the final entry prohibition posture, and after a further predetermined waiting time has elapsed thereafter (after the ending period). After the special game state ends, as described above, the game transitions to a time-saving game state or a probability-changing game state.

[0095] In various game states, when the game ball that entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, the second special symbol is the start winning. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right to the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is obtained, and the unit game based on this start winning is executed. In addition, the determination of the stop symbol according to the lottery of the second special symbol, the selection of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, the execution of the variation display, and the transition control of the game state are also executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol.

[0096] In various game states, when the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446, if the right to play a unit game related to a normal symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random number related to the normal symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 922 of the main control board 920. At this time, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is not in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started immediately after the storage. On the other hand, if the unit game related to the normal symbol is in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started after the unit game based on the right to play a unit game related to the already acquired normal symbol is completed.

[0097] In a unit game related to a normal symbol, whether or not a winning is made is determined based on the value of the winning random number, and if a winning is made, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stopping symbol. On the other hand, if a winning is not made in the normal symbol lottery, a predetermined losing symbol is set as the stopping symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 473 starts displaying the normal symbol variations, and in the non-time-saving state, the variation display continues in a fixed pattern for a fixed variation display time, and in the time-saving state, the variation display continues in a fixed pattern for a fixed variation display time that is shorter than the non-time-saving state. As a fixed time according to the game state passes, the stopping symbol related to the normal symbol is displayed as a fixed pattern for a fixed time.

[0098] When the stopped pattern related to the normal pattern is a winning pattern, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 transitions to the entry permission position at least once after the confirmation display of the normal pattern. Specifically, when a win occurs in a non-time-saving state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 transitions to the entry permission position for a predetermined maximum entry permission time (for example, about 0.1 seconds), and when a win occurs in a time-saving state (time-saving game state and probability-changing game state), the right start winning device 432 transitions to the entry permission position intermittently (for example, in three separate times) for a predetermined maximum entry permission time (for example, about 4.8 seconds) longer than in the non-time-saving state. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right-start winning switch 442, the right-entry restriction mechanism 452 transitions to an entry prohibition position without waiting for the maximum entry allowable time to elapse, and even if the number of transitions to the entry allowable position has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right-start winning device 432 for the unit game related to the current normal pattern is terminated.

[0099] Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, first, a player must win the normal symbol lottery, and then the game ball must enter the right start winning device 432 in the entry permission state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning. The winning probability of a normal symbol in the normal game state is the same as the winning probability in the time-saving game state, but since the stay time of the right start winning device 432 in the entry permission state based on the winning of a hit in the normal game state (for example, about 0.1 seconds) is set to be extremely short compared to the stay time in the time-saving state (for example, about 4.8 seconds), the chance per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery in the normal game state is significantly smaller than the chance per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in a time-saving state such as a time-saving game state or a sure-win game state, the opportunities per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery are significantly greater than the opportunities per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery.

[0100] Therefore, the player plays the game aiming to win a jackpot in the first special symbol drawing and then move to the probability variable game state by making the game ball enter a specific passage in the special game state. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the probability variable game state, the player plays the game aiming to win a jackpot in the second special symbol drawing before the end of each game state.

[0101] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of a game area 409 where game balls flow down, and is configured to selectively perform a game method (left-hand game method) in which game balls flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420, and a game method (right-hand game method) in which game balls flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420. In the normal game state, the player plays using the left-hand game method, and in the time-saving game state and the probability-change game state, the player plays using the right-hand game method. In addition, since the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 are located on the right side of the central structure 420, the player plays using the right-hand game method even in the special game state.

[0102] Next, the rear block 104 will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are a rear perspective view and a rear view, respectively, showing the pachinko machine 100. In addition, in Figure 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0103] 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to a base body 501. The base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the intermediate block 103.

[0104] The rear block 104 includes a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage section for storing game balls, a tank rail 520 as a ball alignment section for straightening the game balls (for example, into a single row) and aligning them in a single row continuously downstream of the game ball tank 510, a case rail 530 as a ball guide section for guiding the game balls that flow in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, a payout device 540 on the downstream side of the case rail 530 for paying out game balls and lending game balls, and a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501 for guiding the game balls that flow out from the payout device 540 on the downstream side of the payout device 540. the payout control device 560 which controls the payout of game balls by the payout device 540 and the lending of game balls; a power supply / launch control device 570 which has the functions of a power supply means which converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and the like and outputs it, and a launch control means which controls the ejection of game balls based on the launch operation of the launch operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920; and a relay device 950 which relays signals between the payout control device 560 and the game ball lending device 290 (see Figure 1) and a card unit (not shown) arranged to the side of the pachinko machine 100.

[0105] The base 501 is integrally molded from resin (e.g., ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front portion, and a protective cover portion 503 located rearward of the base portion 502. The upper portion of the base portion 502 is formed in a generally frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a generally flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction, and functions as a mounting portion to which another device is attached.

[0106] The protective cover part 503 is formed in a substantially plate-like shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The protective cover part 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but is sized to form a window for exposing a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103 that requires frequent inspection and checking, such as a part of the main control device 370, to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. A number of ventilation holes 503A having a function of improving the dissipation of heat generated in the main control device 370 and the sub-control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover part 503.

[0107] The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island equipment are sequentially replenished to one end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction different from the side to which the game balls are supplied. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move to the opening side by their own weight. In addition, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is also inclined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) compared to the longitudinal direction, and the game balls are preferentially guided to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). In addition, a metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap it, and the antistatic plate is connected to a ground potential to remove static electricity from the game balls in the game ball tank 510 and downstream thereof.

[0108] The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game balls flow in through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 is equipped with a passage forming member 521 that forms a substantially gutter-shaped passage for the game balls having a width that allows the game balls to pass in a line, and a straightening member 522 that has a top surface portion that gradually decreases in height as the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521 and gradually straightens the game balls flowing down the passage from a height where they are stacked up and down to a height of one step. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game balls to the opposite side of the game ball tank 510.

[0109] The case rail 530 is formed vertically so as to continue to the lower side of the tank rail 520, and game balls flow in from the tank rail 520. The case rail 530 continues downward while curving left and right so that the game balls do not flow with force. In addition, a ball failure detection unit 539 for detecting ball failure is provided in the middle of the ball passage in the case rail 530. A ball retention switch 591 (see FIG. 10) is built into the ball failure detection unit 539, and the ball retention switch 591 detects a ball failure state in which balls are not normally supplied to the case rail 530 due to ball clogging or the like occurring in the case rail 530 or its upstream side.

[0110] The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism that pays out game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a drive means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In response to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control of the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are released downstream. The passage of the released game balls through the ball passage is detected by the payout counting switch 592, and the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of paid out game balls.

[0111] 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are attached to overlap the lower rear surface of the base part 502 of the substrate 501 so as to be located at the lower part of the rear side of the rear block 104. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board due to a model change or the like.

[0112] The dispensing control device 560 comprises a dispensing control board 930 (see Figure 10) and a board case that houses the dispensing control board 930, and like the main control board 920, the dispensing control board 930 is housed inside a board case that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving any traces of opening.

[0113] The power supply and launch control device 570 comprises a power supply and launch control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power supply and launch control board 900, and the power supply and launch control board 900 is housed inside the sealed board case, similar to the main control board 920.

[0114] 9, a rear setting switch 905 is provided on the rear side of the pachinko machine 100. The rear setting switch 905 is a setting enabling device for enabling a setting operation for setting the ball payout rate of the pachinko machine 100 to one of a plurality of predetermined stages (for example, 6 stages, 9 stages, etc.).

[0115] The setting change of the ball output rate can be enabled (permitted) by inserting a specified key (not shown) into the rear setting switch 905 and rotating it to a specified position (in this embodiment, a position rotated approximately 90° clockwise from the initial position). With the setting change of the ball output rate enabled in this way, the setting change of the ball output rate is enabled by performing a specified setting operation (in this embodiment, pressing the initialization switch 907).

[0116] When the setting of the ball payout rate is changed effectively, the predetermined game mode is changed according to each set stage. In other words, the setting of the ball payout rate by operating the rear setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907 can be said to be a setting change of the game mode.

[0117] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, one of nine types of game modes with different combinations of the initial hit probability (in this embodiment, the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery) and the probability of continuing the probability change (in this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the probability change game state after the special game state when transitioning to the special game state via the second special symbol lottery in the probability change game state) can be selected according to each stage set by changing the setting of the ball payout rate (i.e., changing the setting of the game mode). Therefore, when the setting change of the ball payout rate (changing the setting of the game mode) is effectively performed, the winning probability of each of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is changed so that the initial hit probability and the continuation probability correspond to the set stage (i.e., the probability lottery data corresponding to each winning probability is used), and the ball payout rate is adjusted.

[0118] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a top type with a significantly low initial hit probability but a significantly high probability of continuous probability, a middle type with a medium initial hit probability and medium probability of continuous probability, and a bottom type with a significantly low initial hit probability but a significantly high probability of continuous probability can be selected. Furthermore, in each of these types, a three-stage probability state (hereinafter also referred to as a probability setting state) in which the initial hit probability of each type is divided into smaller ranges than the range of initial hit probability between each type, that is, a first-stage probability with the lowest initial hit probability among the three stages, a second-stage probability with the second lowest initial hit probability, and a third-stage probability with the highest initial hit probability can be selected.

[0119] In the top type, the number of prize balls associated with winning the middle start winning device 431 and the right start winning device 432 is less than the other types, but the number of prize balls associated with winning the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 is more than the other types. On the other hand, in the bottom type, the number of prize balls associated with winning the middle start winning device 431 and the right start winning device 432 is more than the other types, but the number of prize balls associated with winning the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 is less than the other types.

[0120] Here, the number of winning balls may be set to the same number for the top type, middle type, and bottom type. This makes it impossible for the player to determine whether the setting is the top type, middle type, or bottom type from the number of winning balls, and adds a game element of guessing which type is the setting for a long period of time.

[0121] In addition, the profit rate for the player changes depending on the stage of the probability setting state for all of the top type, middle type, and bottom type, but the profit rate for the player is set to be substantially the same for any type if the stage of the probability setting state is the same. Therefore, even if the probability setting is changed by changing the type, the profit that the gaming facility will earn per certain period (for example, one day) is easy to predict, making it easier to manage the gaming facility.

[0122] The game mode changed by changing the setting of the payout rate does not necessarily have to be limited to the combination of the initial hit probability and the probability of entering the probability mode as described above, and may be, for example, either the initial hit probability or the probability of entering the probability mode. Also, the lottery probability other than the initial hit probability and the probability of entering the probability mode may be, for example, the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the probability of selecting a small win in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of entering the probability mode (in this embodiment, the probability of entering the probability mode state via winning the second special symbol lottery), or the probability of the probability mode state transitioned to after the special game state ending (for example, the probability of selecting the end of the probability mode state in the falling lottery performed every time the variable display of the symbol is executed during the probability mode state), and may be a combination of two or more of these game modes.

[0123] A setting display device 906 is provided above the rear setting switch 905. When the setting change of the ball payout rate (setting change of the game mode) is effectively performed by operating the rear setting switch 905, setting display information corresponding to the currently set game mode is displayed on the setting display device 906. The setting display information is composed of a combination of an alphabetic character representing the type and a number representing the probability setting state. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top type, middle type, and bottom type are represented by the alphabetic characters "T", "M", and "B", respectively. In addition, the probability setting state of each type is represented by "1" for the first stage probability, "2" for the second stage probability, and "3" for the third stage probability.

[0124] Therefore, for example, when the game mode is a top type first stage probability game mode, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "T1", when the game mode is a middle type third stage probability game mode, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "M3", and when the game mode is a bottom type second stage probability game mode, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "B2".

[0125] <Electrical configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in Fig. 10, the pachinko machine 100 is equipped with control circuit devices such as a power supply / launch control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub-control board 940. Note that relay circuit devices that only relay various signals are omitted in Fig. 10.

[0126] 10, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, a closed dashed line X is illustrated to distinguish between the components constituting the game board 400 and the components constituting a frame different from the game board 400, such as the front block 102, the intermediate block 103 (e.g., the base frame 301), and the rear block 104 (e.g., the base 501). Specifically, the components of the game board 400 (e.g., the main control board 920 and the sub control board 940) are illustrated inside the dashed line X, and the components attached to the base 501 to constitute the frame (e.g., the power supply / launch control board 900, the power supply monitoring board 910, the payout control board 930, etc.) are illustrated outside the dashed line X.

[0127] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the power supply monitoring board 910 is one of the components constituting the frame (i.e., the power supply monitoring board 910 is shown outside the dashed line X), but the power supply monitoring board 910 may be one of the components constituting the game board 400. Below, these main control circuit devices will be described in detail individually.

[0128] The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 which supplies a predetermined voltage of power to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (dashed line in the figure), a launch control unit 902 which controls the operation of the launch device 330 in response to the operation of the launch operation device 250, and a signal relay unit 903 which relays an initialization signal from an initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249.

[0129] The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (e.g., 24 V AC) supplied from the outside, converts it into internal power (e.g., 24 V DC), and generates various types of power from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 includes a drive voltage (e.g., 12 V DC) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, a control voltage (e.g., 5 V DC) for driving various switches and executing control processes, a backup voltage for retaining the contents of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, and the like.

[0130] The power supply unit 901 has a function of charging a capacitor (not shown) with internal power converted from external power, and of supplying the power stored in the capacitor by charging as power for the backup voltage (hereinafter also referred to as a "backup power supply function"). In other words, the power supply unit 901 generates power for the backup voltage by the backup power supply function.

[0131] The power supply unit 901 supplies various types of power generated from the internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the dispensing control board 930, the sub-control board 940, etc. Specifically, the power supply monitoring board 910 is supplied with the internal power, the driving voltage, the control voltage, and the backup voltage. The main control board 920 is supplied with the driving voltage, the control voltage, and the backup voltage via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. The dispensing control board 930 is supplied with the driving voltage and the control voltage. The sub-control board 940 is supplied with the driving voltage and the control voltage. The launch control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 are supplied with the driving voltage and the control voltage.

[0132] In addition, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 901 generates a charging voltage (for example, 12 V DC) for charging the backup power supply 601 from internal power, and supplies the charging voltage to the backup power supply 601.

[0133] A power switch 909 for switching between an on state and an off state is connected to the power supply unit 901. When the power switch 909 is operated to switch to the on state, the intake of external power is started, and when the power switch 909 is operated to switch to the off state, the intake of external power is stopped. Note that a state in which the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is stopped by turning the power switch 909 to the off state or by unplugging a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 from an external power supply outlet (not shown) or a state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a "power outage state."

[0134] Details will be described later, but in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a power outage occurs, the contents of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 are retained if backup voltage power is supplied to the main control board 920 from either the power supply unit 901 or the backup power supply 601.

[0135] The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the control voltage power for a predetermined period of time even after transitioning to a power outage state, so that the main control board 920 can save the state and end the control so that it can return to the current control state.

[0136] The launch control unit 902 cooperates with the main control board 920 to control the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launch device 330. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the launch control unit 902 outputs an ON launch permission signal to the main control board 920 on the condition that the player's touch on the launch handle 252 (see FIG. 1) is detected based on the contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and the launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch is not operated. In addition, based on the launch permission signal and the launch abnormality signal, the main control board 920 outputs a launch solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the launch control unit 902. The launch control unit 902 activates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ON ball feed control signal, and activates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the ON launch solenoid control signal and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. As a result, game balls are sequentially shot from the launching device 330 with strength according to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the amount of rotation of the launching handle 252).

[0137] When the initialization switch 907 is pressed, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON initialization signal to the main control board 920. In response to receiving the ON initialization signal, the main control board 920 initializes information stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily need to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903, and may be configured, for example, so that the initialization switch 907 is directly mounted on the main control board 920 and housed within the board case 371, thereby making it possible to prevent unauthorized signal input targeting the section through which the signal is transmitted.

[0138] Furthermore, when the initialization switch 907 is pressed, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON signal to the backup power supply 601. The backup power supply 601 is provided with a circuit that switches between charging and discharging the backup capacitor depending on whether the initialization switch 907 is pressed. In response to receiving the ON signal output from the signal relay unit 903, the backup power supply 601 starts charging with the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901.

[0139] In addition, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects game balls, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ON-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930 that has received the low-speed payout signal slows down the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (the payout speed of game balls from the payout device 540). In addition, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of an OFF-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930 that has received the high-speed payout signal speeds up the rotation speed of the payout motor 542.

[0140] 10, the signal relay unit 903 is connected to a rear setting switch 905 and a setting display device 906. The signal relay unit 903 relays an ON setting signal output to the main control board 920 when the rear setting switch 905 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90° by a predetermined key (not shown). The main control board 920 allows a change in the game mode in response to receiving an ON setting signal from the rear setting switch 905. The signal relay unit 903 also relays a setting display signal output from the main control board 920 to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the received setting display signal.

[0141] The power supply monitoring board 910 includes a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power supply / launch control board 900, and a signal relay unit 912 that relays the power supply and transmission of various signals between the power supply / launch control board 900 and the main control board 920. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to a transition to a power failure state, and monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901, and when this voltage remains below 22 volts for a predetermined period of time, it determines that a power failure state has occurred and outputs an ON power failure signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to a power failure state by receiving the ON power failure signal.

[0142] The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. The main control board 920 is equipped with an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and a RAM 922 that temporarily stores various data and the like when the control program is executed. The main control board 920 is also equipped with various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generating circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown).

[0143] The RAM 922 of the main control board 920 is configured to be able to maintain (back up) internal data using the power of the backup voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 or backup power supply 601 of the power supply / launch control board 900 even after transitioning to a power outage state. Specifically, in a power outage state that occurs when the power switch 909 is turned off with the initialization switch 907 pressed down, backup power is supplied to the main control board 920 from the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601, and in other power outage states, backup power is supplied to the main control board 920 only from the power supply unit 901.

[0144] When the backup power supply 601 receives an on-state signal from the signal relay unit 903 while the power switch 909 is on (i.e., while external power is being supplied to the power supply unit 901), the backup power supply 601 starts charging with the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901. In other words, by pressing the initialization switch 907 while external power is being supplied to the power supply unit 901, charging of the power (the power of the charging voltage) to the backup power supply 601 can be started.

[0145] After the charging of power to the backup power supply 601 has started as described above, when the power switch 909 is switched from the on state to the off state, the backup power supply 601 supplies the power stored in the backup power supply 601 through charging as power for the backup voltage.

[0146] That is, by switching the power switch 909 to the OFF state while pressing the initialization switch 907 (i.e., stopping the supply of external power to the power supply unit 901), the power stored in the backup power supply 601 through charging can be supplied as the power of the backup voltage. This allows the power of the backup voltage to be supplied from the backup power supply 601 to the main control board 920.

[0147] The electric capacity of the backup power supply 601 is preferably a capacity capable of outputting power of the backup voltage for a period (e.g., about one hour) sufficient for inspection and maintenance of the game board 400 removed from the frame (i.e., the outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104) (more specifically, removed from the base frame 301 of the intermediate block 103) or the frame with the game board 400 removed. Also, from the viewpoint of preventing tampering with the main control board 920, it is preferable that the electric capacity of the backup power supply 601 is not too large, and it is preferable that the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 cannot be backed up normally in a period shorter than one day, such as six hours.

[0148] Furthermore, the circuit of the backup power supply 601 is configured so that when the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power supply path between the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601 is grounded. Therefore, while the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power remaining in the backup power supply 601 is consumed (discharged) by the ground. Therefore, when the power outage state of the pachinko machine 100 is resolved (i.e., when the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is started), the remaining power of the backup power supply 601 becomes zero due to discharging.

[0149] The payout control board 930 controls the payout operation of the payout device 540 in response to an instruction from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of the payout device 540 in response to the operation of the game ball lending device 290. The payout control board 930, like the main control board 920, is equipped with various circuits such as an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown) and a RAM (not shown), a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generating circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown).

[0150] The dispensing control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated. For example, the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 are connected to enable bidirectional information input / output communication, the open / close detection switches 108, 109, the ball storage switch 591, and the dispensing counting switch 592 are connected to enable only one-way information input communication, and the dispensing motor 542 is connected to enable only one-way information output communication. The RAM of the dispensing control board 930 may be configured to have a backup function that allows internal data to be maintained for a certain period of time in a power outage state, similar to the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, or may be configured not to maintain internal data in a power outage state, unlike the RAM 922 of the main control board 920.

[0151] The sub-control board 940 controls the operation of various performance devices, various light emitting devices, various sound devices, etc., based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated with each other, and is connected to the main control board 920 so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and is connected to the input operation device 260, the left input operation device 801L, and the right input operation device 801R so that information can be communicated with each other in both directions, and is connected to the decorative pattern display device 479 and the like so that only one-way information output communication is possible.

[0152] Connectors (e.g., connectors C1 to C3) are provided between each component attached to the game board 400 (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as "game board side components") and each component attached to a component other than the game board 400, such as the front block 102, the middle block 103, and the rear block 104 (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as "other component side components"), for electrically connecting the game board side components and the other component side components and for connecting them to enable information communication.

[0153] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a connector C1 is provided between the main control board 920 or the backup power supply 601 and the power supply monitoring board 910 or the power supply / launch control board 900 (more specifically, the power supply unit 901 and the signal relay unit 903).

[0154] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the power supply monitoring board 910 is one of the components that make up the frame, but the power supply monitoring board 910 may be one of the components that make up the game board 400, and in such a configuration, the connector C1 may be provided between the power supply monitoring board 910 and the power supply / launch control board 900, rather than between the main control board 920 and the power supply monitoring board 910.

[0155] A connector C2 is provided between the sub-control board 940 and the audio devices 281, 282, the frame light emitting devices 271-275, the input operation device 260, the left input operation device 801L, and the right input operation device 801R. A connector C3 is provided between the main control board 920 and the dispensing control board 930. Each of the connectors C1-C3 does not necessarily have to be composed of a single connector, and at least one of the connectors C1-C3 may be composed of a multiple divided connector.

[0156] The connectors (connectors C1 to C3 in the example shown in FIG. 10) are composed of a female connector (not shown) and a male connector (not shown) that is detachable from the female connector. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the female connector is connected to a component on the game board side, and the male connector is connected to a component on the other member side.

[0157] When the male connector is attached to the female connector, the game board component and the other component are electrically connected and connected to each other so that information can be communicated between them, whereas when the male connector is removed from the female connector, the electrical connection and the connection that allows information communication between the game board component and the other component are released.

[0158] In addition, when the game board 400 is removed from the base frame 301 (see Figure 3) of the intermediate block 103, the male connector is basically removed from the female connector, thereby disconnecting the connections (electrical connections and connections capable of communicating information) between the game board side components and other component side components via connectors such as connectors C1 to C3.

[0159] <Various control processes> Next, we will explain various control processes executed by the main control board 920. The control processes in the main control board 920 are roughly divided into main processes that are started when the power is restored from a power outage, and timer interrupt processes that are executed by periodically interrupting the main processes (in this embodiment, at 2 ms (millisecond) intervals).

[0160] First, a main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as "main control main process" in Fig. 11).

[0161] In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed once, and then, an interrupt prohibition process S1020 for prohibiting interrupts, a random number initial value update process S1021 for updating the values ​​of the winning random number initial value counter for special patterns (part of an area of ​​RAM 922), the jackpot pattern random number initial value counter (part of an area of ​​RAM 922), and the winning random number initial value counter for normal patterns (part of an area of ​​RAM 922), a fluctuation counter update process S1022 for updating the values ​​of the first fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter (part of an area of ​​RAM 922) for determining the fluctuation time, fluctuation pattern, etc., and an interrupt permission process S1023 for permitting interrupts are repeatedly executed. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

[0162] In the series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 is executed to set an initial value to a stack pointer (a part of an area of ​​RAM 922) that controls program execution, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 is executed to set an interrupt mode, and a startup waiting process S1003 is executed to wait for a predetermined time until the dispensing control board 930, sub-control board 940, etc. start up.

[0163] After the start-up waiting process S1003, a process S2001 is performed to determine the output state of the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 of the power supply / launch control board 900. In the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the off state (S2001: N), a process S1004 to determine the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply / launch control board 900, a process S1005 to determine the value of the power failure information (part of the area of ​​the RAM 922), and a process S1007 to determine the storage state of the saved information are performed, and it is determined whether or not to erase the saved information in the RAM 922 based on these determination results. Here, the saved information is information necessary to restore the game state before the power failure, and corresponds to a part of the area of ​​the RAM 922 that was updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure, and examples of the saved information include the value of a counter related to the unit game being executed and the value of a counter stored by a start winning.

[0164] The storage state of the saved information is determined as follows: First, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area in the RAM 922 is calculated (checksum calculation process S1006), and it is determined whether the exclusive OR of the current checksum value and the RAM determination value, which is the two's complement of the checksum value calculated in the power outage monitoring process S1202 (see FIG. 12) following the transition to the previous power outage state, is "0" (determination process S1007), thereby determining whether the current checksum value is the same as the checksum value at the time of transition to the power outage state.

[0165] If the initialization signal is in an ON state (S1004: Y), if the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the saved information was saved and ended when the transition to the power failure state was made (S1005: N), or if the saved information is not normally saved (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 is executed to erase the saved information in the RAM 922. After it is determined that the saved information is normally saved (S1007: Y) or after the RAM clear process S1008 is executed, a hardware initialization process S1009 is executed to initialize various devices connected to the main control board 920.

[0166] After the hardware initialization process S1009, a determination process S1010 is executed as to whether the power outage information is a power outage value. If the power outage information is a power outage value (S1010: N), a RAM restoration setting process S1011 initializes various information including the restoration of retained information, and a restoration command indicating the completion of the settings is set (restore command output process S1012). The restoration of retained information in the RAM restoration setting process S1011 restores the control state of the main control board 920 to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power outage state.

[0167] On the other hand, if the power outage information is not a power outage value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the retained information (RAM initial setting process S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output (initialization command output process S1014).

[0168] In the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined power supply value different from the power failure value, and even if various error states such as fraud detection errors occurred immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state, all of those error states are released. In addition, either a recovery command or an initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the dispensing control board 930 and the sub-control board 940, and a predetermined initialization process is also performed in each of the dispensing control board 930 and the sub-control board 940 that received the recovery command or initialization command.

[0169] After initial setting of the RAM 922 according to the start-up situation (judgment process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the condition device was operating at the time of the previous transition to the power outage state, preparations are made to return to the special game state (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are judged, and the process corresponding to the game situation at the time of the power outage state is executed in the sub-control board 940.

[0170] After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether the time-saving state is in the time-saving state or not by determining whether the time-saving state flag is set (determination process S1016), and if the time-saving state is in the time-saving state (S1016: Y), a time-saving command is output (time-saving command output process S1017). On the other hand, if the time-saving state is not in the time-saving state (S1016: N), a non-time-saving command is output (non-time-saving command output process S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (a part of the area of ​​the RAM 922) related to the special pattern is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

[0171] On the other hand, in the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the on state indicating that the rear setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key (S2001: Y), a RAM clear process S2002 is executed to erase information in substantially all areas of the RAM 922. Specifically, in the RAM clear process S2002, information in substantially all areas except for the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is erased.

[0172] The setting correspondence information is information corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined stages (in this embodiment, nine types) of game modes, and setting mode information corresponding to the game mode being set is stored in the RAM 922. Therefore, the RAM clear process S2002 erases information in substantially all areas in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 except for the storage area for the setting correspondence information, and the state becomes one in which setting changes are permitted.

[0173] When a state in which a setting change is permitted is reached, a setting display signal identifying a game mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is output to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting display signal received from the main control board 920. In other words, the setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

[0174] Next, a setting change process S2003 is executed to change the game mode setting until the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is turned off. The setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is turned off when the back setting switch 905 is not operated by a predetermined key.

[0175] The game mode setting is changed by pressing the initialization switch 907 while the rear setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key. Specifically, in this state, the setting correspondence information is changed sequentially every time the main control board 920 receives an initialization signal based on pressing the initialization switch 907. Specifically, a sequence for cyclically selecting nine predetermined game modes (for example, ···→T1→T2→T3→M1→M2→M3→B1→B2→B3→T1→T2→···) is determined in advance, and the selected game mode is changed sequentially according to this sequence every time the initialization switch 907 is pressed.

[0176] Each time the change is made, a value corresponding to the selected game mode is stored as setting correspondence information in the RAM 922. Each time the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is changed, a setting display signal corresponding to the setting correspondence information is output to the setting display device 906, and setting display information corresponding to the changed setting correspondence information is displayed on the setting display device 906.

[0177] Therefore, the setting changer, such as the manager of the game facility, can complete the selection of the game mode by repeatedly pressing the initialization switch 907 until the game mode he / she wants to set for this pachinko machine 100 is selected while the back setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key, and then by having a game ball enter the middle start winning device 431. Therefore, the setting change process S2003 ends when a game ball enters the middle start winning device 431 after the game mode is selected by pressing the initialization switch 907.

[0178] When the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off (S2004: Y), a RAM change setting process S2005 is executed to newly initialize various information except for information related to the game mode setting (i.e., setting correspondence information) in the RAM 922. This essentially ends the start-up of the main control board 920, and it is determined that the game will proceed in the game mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

[0179] After the RAM change setting process S2005, a set command output process S2006 is executed to output a set command indicating completion of the setting of the RAM 922 to the payout control board 930. By receiving the set command output by the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 can recognize that the main control board 920 will transition to normal game processing and can recognize in which game mode it will operate. After the set command output process S2006, the special game state return preparation process S1015 and subsequent processes are executed.

[0180] Next, a description will be given of timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 (abbreviated as "main control interrupt processing" in the figure).

[0181] In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting a timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. This prohibits interrupts other than this timer interrupt. After that, the power failure monitoring process S1202 to the external information output process S1221 related to substantial control such as progress control of the game of the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring of various sensors are executed in sequence. However, if the game progress is stopped based on the detection of various types of fraud (S1207: Y), the control signal output process S1208 to the external information output process S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 for permitting the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process is terminated. Below, each of the various main processes will be explained individually.

[0182] In the power failure monitoring process S1202, the value of the power failure information (a part of the area of ​​the RAM 922) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is checked three times, and if the ON state is detected all three times, it is determined that there is a power failure. If it is not determined that there is a power failure in this determination, the power failure information is maintained at the energized value.

[0183] On the other hand, when it is determined in the power failure monitoring process S1202 that the power failure state exists, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Also, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area of ​​the RAM 922 is calculated, and the two's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM judgment value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop that does not perform substantial control such as the progress of the game or monitoring of various sensors, and the state of the RAM 922 after the RAM judgment value is set is held based on the backup power. Note that, since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is first detected.

[0184] In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is a value different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). However, if the changed value is the same as the circulation initial value for the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, and the circulation initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

[0185] The winning random number counter for the jackpot symbol, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol are updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter for the special symbol. However, as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value of each counter, a unique value is set for each counter, and the multiple counters are updated asynchronously, and the initial value counter unique to each counter is referenced for the cyclic initial value of each counter. For example, the winning random number counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol have the same value range, the winning random number counter for the jackpot symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the jackpot symbol have the same value range, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol have the same value range.

[0186] In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The symbol random number initial value counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are unique values ​​for those counters.

[0187] In the fluctuation counter update process S1205, the values ​​of the first fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter for determining the fluctuation time, fluctuation pattern, etc. are updated. Specifically, if the value of the first fluctuation type counter is a value different from a specified maximum value (e.g., "187"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the first fluctuation type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to a specified minimum value ("0"). The second fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter are also updated in the same manner as the first fluctuation type counter, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values ​​unique to those counters.

[0188] In addition, each winning random number counter for special patterns and normal patterns, jackpot pattern random number counter, stop pattern selection counter and each variation type counter do not necessarily have to be configured as described above, and at least some of the above counters may be configured in other ways, for example, they may be configured to update from a fixed initial value without using an initial value counter, or they may be configured using a random number generating IC without using a program and reference values ​​as needed.

[0189] In the game stop determination process S1206, if the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to a game stop value and various information for stopping the game progress is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or is already a game stop value, each process for stopping the game progress is not executed and the game stop determination process S1206 ends. Note that the fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when the occurrence of various types of fraud is detected in the fraud detection process S1211. Also, in the determination process S1207, whether or not the game is stopped is determined depending on whether or not the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

[0190] In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals are output to control various notification devices such as the special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol, and the normal symbol display device 473 for the normal symbol. Also, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals are output to control various actuators such as the ball feed solenoid 332, the launch solenoid 334, the right entry restriction solenoid 462, the lower entry restriction solenoid 463, the upper entry restriction motor 464, and the distribution solenoid 465.

[0191] In the switch reading process S1209, the signal states from each of the middle start winning switches 441A, 441B, right start winning switch 442, lower large winning switch 443, upper large winning switch 444, combination activation switch 445, start switch 446, non-specific passage switch 447, specific passage switch 448, and general winning switches 449A, 449B are read in, and changes in the detection state of the game ball by the various switches are detected.

[0192] Specifically, in switch reading processing S1209, the signal states from various switches are read twice at a predetermined time interval into an input buffer (a part of an area of ​​the RAM 922), and for each signal from each switch, changes in the detection state of the various switches are detected based on the signal state read the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as "first signal state"), the signal state read the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as "second signal state"), and the detection state detected in the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as "previous detection state"). Then, for each switch, if the previous detection state is off, and the first signal state is on and the second signal state is on, it is determined that the switch has transitioned to on, and a detection flag (a part of an area of ​​the RAM 922) according to the type of switch is set. As explained in the power outage monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each timer interrupt process is executed twice, so that the detection flags of various switches can be accurately set even if the on state of various switches is started immediately after the power supply is stopped.

[0193] In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM 922) used for the variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, control of each game state, and fraud monitoring are updated.

[0194] In the fraud detection process S1211, fraudulent acts such as forcibly causing game balls to enter various winning devices or forcibly activating various winning devices are detected. Specifically, the occurrence of a situation in which it is highly likely that fraudulent acts have been performed is detected, such as forcibly moving the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 to an entry-permitting position, guiding a game ball to a specific passage of the lower large winning device 433 by vibration, forcibly inducing a malfunction of the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 by radio waves, guiding a game ball to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, and guiding a game ball at an abnormal timing to the upper middle start winning device 431A, the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434.

[0195] In the winning detection response process S1212, control is executed based on the detection of a game ball by various switches provided on the game board 400. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the middle start winning counter (a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 922) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 922) are updated. Also, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower large prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a gaming ball by the lower large prize switch 443 (see Figure 10), or when the upper large prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a gaming ball by the upper large prize switch 444 (see Figure 10), the large prize counter (a designated area of ​​RAM 922) and the second payout counter (a designated area of ​​RAM 922) are updated.

[0196] In the launch control process S1213, launch-related information for controlling the launch of game balls by the launch device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the launch solenoid 334 that drives the launch mechanism 333 are updated.

[0197] In the input signal monitoring process S1214, whether or not the intermediate block 103 (see Figs. 1 and 2) is closed relative to the outer frame 101 (see Figs. 1 and 2) is detected based on the output state of a signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see Fig. 10) via the dispensing control board 930. Also, whether or not the front block 102 (see Figs. 2 and 3) is closed relative to the intermediate block 103 (see Figs. 2 and 3) is detected based on the output state of a signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the dispensing control board 930 (see Fig. 10).

[0198] In the payout status monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control status output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout status commands corresponding to the payout control status are set as necessary. In addition, the sub-control board 940 that receives the payout status command causes the decorative pattern display device 479, the upper left sound device 281, the upper right sound device 282, etc. to execute a notification corresponding to the type of the payout status command.

[0199] In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values ​​of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as necessary, and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by one each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and is decremented by one each time a prize ball command based on the winning is set. The payout control board 930 requests a prize ball command from the main control board 920 each time it executes control to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the winning (for example, three balls) (more specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), and in a situation where the payout of the prize balls is continuing, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a winning number of prize balls different from that of the first payout counter (for example, 13 balls), and when the payout control board 930 receives a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter, the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

[0200] In the special symbol related process S1217, the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery, the operation control of the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is further executed.

[0201] In addition, in the special symbol related process S1217, reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol and control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol, operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the second special symbol lottery, operation control of the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is further executed.

[0202] In the normal symbol related process S1218, the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol and the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol reservation display device 478 is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and if the normal symbol lottery is won, the operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed.

[0203] In the display control process S1219, output data for specifically operating those devices is synthesized based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol reserved display device 476 related to the first special symbol, and the special symbol reserved display device 477 related to the second special symbol in the special symbol related process S1217. The synthesized output data is output to each device in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

[0204] In the motor control process S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

[0205] <Performance using multiple moving parts> Next, the effects of the multiple movable members executed when it is possible to cause the gaming ball to enter the bonus area 409V (see FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a front view of the gaming board 400 showing the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

[0206] When it is possible to allow the game ball to enter the bonus area 409V, an effect is executed using two (multiple) movable members, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to change from a position in which they are arranged apart (separate position: dashed line in FIG. 13) to a position closer to each other than the separated position (close position: solid line in FIG. 13). In addition, when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are in the close position, they are configured to be arranged in a continuous manner (bonus area indication arrangement) from the entrance part 409E where the game ball flows down to the game area 409 toward the bonus area 409V. This makes it easier for the player to notice the occurrence of this effect by changing the position of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 arranged in different places. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 arranged successively as a whole can attract the player's attention in the direction from the entrance portion 409E toward the bonus area 409V.

[0207] The left movable member 10 is provided on the left side of the game board 400 so as to be movable to change its position between a distant position indicated by a dashed line and a close position indicated by a solid line. Also, on the right side of the left movable member 10, the right movable member 20 is provided so as to be movable to change its position between the distant position and the close position. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to being provided on the game board 400, but may be provided on an intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) to which the game board 400 is attached, or on a front block 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) disposed in front of the intermediate block 103.

[0208] Specifically, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged so that the end of the left movable member 10 opposite the entrance portion 409E and the end of the right movable member 20 opposite the bonus area 409V are close to each other, and as a whole, they form a continuous shape from the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E to the vicinity of the bonus area 409V. This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the bonus area 409V located in the direction from the entrance portion 409E toward the bonus area 409V, which is the direction indicated by the continuous shape, and to the large prize winning device 434 in which the bonus area 409V is formed. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to be close enough to each other in the close position to be recognized by the player as a single unit, but slightly separated, or may be configured to be in contact with each other. In addition, in the performance executed when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area 409V, the configuration is not limited to using two movable members, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, but may also be a configuration using three or more movable members, with each movable member being close to at least one other movable member.

[0209] The left movable member 10 is disposed in a range extending from the center of the game board 400 to the rear of the area near the entrance portion 409E in the left flow-down area 409L (predetermined first area) where the game balls are allowed to flow down through the left side of the central structure 420. The right movable member 20 is disposed in a range extending from the center of the game board 400 to the rear of the area near the bonus area 409V in the right flow-down area 409R (predetermined second area) where the game balls are allowed to flow down through the right side of the central structure 420. In this arrangement, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are positioned as a whole to straddle the area where the game balls cannot flow down on the center side of the game board 400 and connect two areas where the game balls can flow down. Therefore, even if most of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in an area where game balls cannot flow down, it is possible to easily remind the player that the whole of them is related to the flow down of game balls, for example, that a game ball entering the game area 409 from the entrance part 409E should enter the bonus area 409V, or that the game ball should flow down to the left flow down area 409L where the bonus area 409V is provided. Note that the left movable member 10 is configured to extend to the rear of the left flow down area 409L but not to the rear of the entrance part 409E, but it is not limited to this configuration and may be configured to reach the rear of the entrance part 409E or may not reach the rear of the left flow down area 409L. Similarly, the right movable member 20 is configured to extend to the right flow-down area 409R but not reach the rear of the bonus area 409V, but this configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to reach the rear of the bonus area 409V, or it may not reach the rear of the right flow-down area 409R.

[0210] The left movable member 10 is formed in a generally elongated rectangular shape (for example, a rectangle whose long side is at least twice as long as its short side) (hereinafter, simply referred to as a rectangular shape), and is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E. In detail, the left movable member 10 is arranged so that the entrance portion 409E is located between an extension line of its upper long side toward the entrance portion 409E side and an extension line of its lower long side toward the entrance portion 409E side. This makes it possible to make the player easily aware of the entrance portion 409E at the end of the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10. The left movable member 10 is arranged so that at least a part of the bonus area 409V (for example, the entrance of the bonus area 409V) is located between an extension line of its upper long side toward the bonus area 409V side and an extension line of its lower long side toward the bonus area 409V side. Therefore, even when the left movable member 10 is used alone, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the bonus area 409V located at the end of the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10 and the upper large prize winning device 434 having the bonus area 409V inside. The left movable member 10 is not limited to having a rectangular outer shape, and may have a trapezoidal or triangular shape tapering toward the center of the play area 409 or the entrance part 409E.

[0211] Similarly to the rectangular left movable member 10, the right movable member 20 is formed in a generally elongated rectangular shape, and is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vicinity of the bonus area 409V. In detail, the right movable member 20 is arranged so that a part of the upper large prize winning device 434 in which the bonus area 409V is formed (for example, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the upper large prize winning device 434) is located between an extension line of the upper long side of the right movable member 20 toward the bonus area 409V side and an extension line of the lower long side of the right movable member 20 toward the bonus area 409V side. This makes it possible to make the player more aware of the upper large prize winning device 434 located at the end of the longitudinal direction of the right movable member 20 and the bonus area 409V formed therein. The right movable member 20 is not limited to a rectangular shape in its external shape, and may be configured so that its short-side width is trapezoidal or triangular, tapering toward the center of the play area 409 or the bonus area 409V.

[0212] Moreover, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged so that their longitudinal direction faces the same direction as the direction from the vicinity of the entrance part 409E toward the vicinity of the bonus area 409V. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the direction in which the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 continue is the direction indicated by their longitudinal direction, and makes it easier to draw the player's attention to the bonus area 409V and the large prize winning device 434 in which it is formed.

[0213] In addition, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged to form a broken line shape. In detail, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged so that the entrance part 409E and the upper large winning device 434 in which the bonus area 409V is formed are located between an extension line of the lower long side of the left movable member 10 and an extension line of the upper long side of the right movable member 20 as a whole. Therefore, in the direction in which the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous, it is possible to attract the player's attention in a range wider than the width (length in the short direction) of each of them. Therefore, it is possible to easily attract the player's attention not only to the bonus area 409V but also to the operation of the upper large winning device 434 in which the bonus area 409V is formed (opening and closing operation of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454) and the behavior of the game ball entering or having entered the upper large winning device 434. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration that forms a broken line shape overall, and may be, for example, a configuration that forms a straight line shape overall, a configuration that forms a shape that tapers overall toward the side where the entrance portion 409E or the bonus area 409V is formed, a configuration that tapers overall from the center of the game board 400 toward the side where the entrance portion 409E and the bonus area 409V are formed, or a configuration that tapers from the side where the entrance portion 409E and the bonus area 409V are formed toward the center of the game board 400.

[0214] The bonus area 409V is formed in a right flow area 409R (a predetermined second area) that is provided separately from a left flow area 409L (a predetermined first area) that causes the game balls to flow down in a normal game state among the game areas 409 in which the game balls can flow down, and the bonus area 409V is configured so that the game balls can enter by flowing down the game balls into the right flow area 409R. Also, in the game board 400, the entrance portion 409E is formed on the upper left side where the return ball prevention mechanism 404 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 403.

[0215] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a left flow-down area 409L and a right flow-down area 409R as the game area 409, and the bonus area 409V is formed in the right flow-down area 409R. The game ball can be made to flow down to either the left flow-down area 409L or the right flow-down area 409R by the player's ball launch operation, for example, by adjusting the ball launch strength. In the normal game state, the player makes the game ball flow down to the left flow-down area 409L, and when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied in the normal game state and the game ball can enter the bonus area 409V, the game ball is made to flow down to the right flow-down area 409R. In detail, in the bonus ball entry possible state in which the game ball can enter the upper large winning device 434 and the distribution mechanism 437 takes the guiding posture, the game ball is made to flow down to the right flow down area 409R. Note that the configuration is not limited to the bonus area 409V being provided in the right flow down area 409R, and the game ball is made to flow down to the left flow down area 409L in the normal game state and to the right flow down area 409R in the bonus ball entry possible state, but the bonus area 409V may be provided in the left flow down area 409L, and the game ball is made to flow down to the right flow down area 409R in the normal game state and to the left flow down area 409L in the bonus ball entry possible state. In addition, the game area 409 is not limited to being divided into two flow-down areas (left flow-down area 409L and right flow-down area 409R) that can be selected by the player's shooting operation of the game ball, but may be divided into two flow-down areas, for example, on the upper and lower sides of the game area 409, or on the upper left and lower right sides of the game area 409. In addition, the game area 409 is not limited to being divided into two flow-down areas that can be selected by the player's shooting operation of the game ball, but may be divided into three or more flow-down areas.

[0216] The bonus area 409V is provided on the lower right side of the game area 409, which is diagonally opposite the center of the game board 400, with respect to the entrance part 409E formed on the upper left side of the game board 400. The bonus area 409V is not limited to being provided on the lower right side of the game board 400, and may be provided in another location, such as on the horizontal right side of the entrance part 409E (upper right side of the game board 400).

[0217] The rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged so that its long side direction faces the up-down direction along the upper part of the left flow-down area 409L in the separated position, and the rectangular right movable member 20 is arranged so that its long side direction faces the up-down direction along the upper part of the right flow-down area 409R in the separated position. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which their longitudinal directions face the up-down direction in the separated position, but may be, for example, a configuration in which their longitudinal directions face the left-right direction, or a configuration in which one of them faces the up-down direction and the other faces the left-right direction. Furthermore, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be arranged so that their longitudinal directions face in an oblique direction.

[0218] The rectangular left movable member 10 is supported so as to be movable by rotation around the left side of the game board 400 and the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E. Therefore, when the left movable member 10 is changed from the distant position to the close position, the part on one end side away from the rotation center (hereinafter also referred to as the movable end) can be moved to the upper right side so as to approach the right movable member 20. The rectangular right movable member 20 is supported so as to be movable by rotation around the right side of the game board 400 and the vicinity of the bonus area 409V. Therefore, when the right movable member 20 is changed from the distant position to the close position, the movable end can be moved to the lower left side so as to approach the left movable member 10. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration supported so as to be movable between the distant position and the close position by rotation, but may be configured so as to be movable by sliding movement (linear or curved movement without changing the inclination) instead of or in addition to the rotation movement.

[0219] The rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged so that its upper portion overlaps behind the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E, and its lower portion is located below a warp passage 421 formed in the central structure 420 that guides game balls to the vicinity of the upper middle start winning device 431A. An upper stage 426 is provided above the upper middle start winning device 431A, which can cause some game balls to enter the upper middle start winning device 431A while rolling the game balls, and the warp passage 421 is composed of a passage that guides the game balls from an entrance provided on the left side of the central structure 420 to the upper stage 426.

[0220] The rectangular left movable member 10 is disposed behind the entrance 409E to the rear of the guide passage 422 that guides the game ball to the vicinity of the lower middle start winning device 431B. The guide passage 422 is a part of the left flow-down area 409L, and is configured by a passage portion of the game ball that passes through the lower left side of the central structure 420 and heads toward the lower middle start winning device 431B.

[0221] Here, the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B are devices that trigger the variable display of the identification information by the entry of the game ball, and in a normal game state, the player makes the game ball flow down the left flow down area 409L, aiming to make the game ball enter the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. When the left movable member 10 is set to a length that reaches the back of the warp passage 421 or the guide passage 422, it becomes possible to move the movable side end of the left movable member 10 so as to cross the warp passage 421 or the guide passage 422 and pass near the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. As a result, even if the player is paying attention to the behavior of the game ball flowing down toward the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B, rather than the decorative pattern display device 479 which executes the main performance during normal game play, the player will easily notice the movement of the left movable member 10 from the separated position to the close position.

[0222] The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when a combination of decorative symbols (predetermined display result) corresponding to a big win is confirmed and displayed by the decorative symbol display device 479 (display means). In this case, the game ball can be made to enter the bonus area 409V (predetermined bonus area) by flowing down the game ball into the right flow down area 409R (second area) provided separately from the left flow down area 409L (first area). In other words, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when a bonus ball can be entered. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to start operating at the same time, or may start operating at different start and end times.

[0223] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with operating means for operating the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. Although not shown, the game board 400 is provided with a drive mechanism for moving the left movable member 10 and a power source for supplying power to this drive mechanism as operating means. Furthermore, although not shown, the game board 400 is provided with a drive mechanism for moving the right movable member 20 and a power source for supplying power to this drive mechanism as operating means. Note that, as these drive sources, for example, a motor for generating a rotational force or a solenoid for generating power in a linear direction can be used.

[0224] Furthermore, the drive source is electrically connected to and controlled by the sub-control board 940. For this reason, the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are controlled via the drive mechanism by the control of the drive source by the sub-control board 940. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which their operations are controlled by the sub-control board 940, and may be configured to be controlled by the main control board 920, for example.

[0225] The decorative symbol display device 479 is disposed in the center of the game board 400, and performs a variable display of the decorative symbols (identification information), and after the variable display, displays the combination of the decorative symbols. The display contents displayed by this decorative symbol display device 479 (display means) are controlled by the sub-control board 940.

[0226] Specifically, the change of the decorative symbols is triggered by the game ball that has flowed down the left flow-down area 409L in the normal game state entering the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. The combination of decorative symbols that is confirmed and displayed is determined according to the result of a lottery (first special pattern lottery) triggered by the entry. In detail, the detection of the entry of the game ball into the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B and the lottery triggered by the entry are executed by the main control board 920, but the sub-control board 940 is connected so as to be able to receive commands related to the detection and commands related to the result of the lottery from the main control board 920, and controls the change display and confirmation display of the decorative symbols based on those commands. In addition, the trigger for the bonus ball entry possible state, which is the trigger for the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 to operate, is not limited to the determined display of a combination corresponding to a big win of the decorative symbols, but may be, for example, the determined display of a combination corresponding to a small win of the decorative symbols. In addition, the trigger is not limited to a configuration in which the display result is a result of display by the decorative symbol display device 479, but may be a configuration in which the display result is a result of display by a display device other than the decorative symbol display device 479, for example, a special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol that variably displays or determines the first special symbol, or a special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol that variably displays or determines the second special symbol.

[0227] The bonus area 409V is formed inside the upper large winning device 434 that operates when a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a big win is confirmed and displayed by the decorative symbol display device 479. For this reason, when the upper large winning device 434 operates and the upper large winning device 434 is in an entry permitting state, in particular, when the upper entry restricting mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the upper large winning device 434 takes an entry permitting position, a game ball can enter the bonus area 409V.

[0228] The bonus area 409V is not limited to a configuration formed inside the upper large prize device 434, but may be a configuration formed in another device such as the lower large prize device 433. The bonus area 409V is not limited to a configuration in which balls entering the bonus area 409V are restricted by the distribution mechanism 437 formed in a position that does not always allow game balls to flow down, such as inside the upper large prize device 434, but may be a configuration in which balls are restricted by the distribution mechanism 437 formed in a position that always allows game balls to flow down. For example, a configuration in which an upper large prize device is provided with the distribution mechanism 437 as the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or a configuration in which the bonus area 409V and the distribution mechanism 437 are provided in the right flow down area 409R separately from the large prize device 434 may be used.

[0229] In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 start moving from the separated position to the close position after the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a big win is confirmed and displayed, and before the upper large winning device 434 starts to operate (before the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 starts to change from the entry prohibition position to the entry permission position). Therefore, after the player has confirmed that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 have become the close position, and before the upper large winning device 434 starts to operate, it becomes possible to change the flow destination of the game ball from the left flow-down area 409L to the right flow-down area 409R. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which they operate after the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a big win is confirmed and displayed, and they may be configured to operate simultaneously with the confirmation display. In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to operate not only before the upper large prize device 434 starts operating, but also after the upper large prize device 434 starts operating, for example, when no game ball enters the bonus area 409V for a predetermined period of time after the upper large prize device 434 enters an entry-permitting state.

[0230] In addition, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 start to move from the close position to the separated position when the game ball enters the bonus area 409V. Therefore, even if the player misses the actual behavior of the game ball entering the bonus area 409V, the player can know that the game ball has entered the bonus area 409V by the movement of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which their movement from the close position to the separated position is executed when the game ball enters the bonus area 409V, but may be a configuration in which the movement is executed when the period in which the upper large winning device 434 is in the initial entry-permitting state ends, or a configuration in which the movement is executed when a predetermined time (shorter or longer than the period in which the upper large winning device 434 is in the initial entry-permitting state) has elapsed since the start of the operation of the upper large winning device 434.

[0231] When a gaming ball enters the bonus area 409V, the game state transitions to one that is more advantageous to the player than when the gaming ball does not enter the bonus area 409V.

[0232] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a specific passage switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered the bonus area 409V. The specific passage switch 448 is electrically connected to the main control board 920, and the detection by the specific passage switch 448 is detected by the main control board 920. Based on the detection by the specific passage switch 448, the main control board 920 switches between control of the game state when the game ball does not enter the bonus area 409V and control of the game state when the game ball enters the bonus area 409V.

[0233] In addition, when one game ball enters the bonus area 409V, the main control board 920 transitions to a more advantageous game state than when the ball does not enter the bonus area 409V. The main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration that controls transition to an advantageous game state by having one game ball enter the bonus area 409V, but may be a configuration that controls transition to an advantageous game state by having a specified number of game balls (one or more) enter the bonus area 409V. In this configuration, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to maintain the close position until the specified number of game balls enter the bonus area 409V, or may be configured to release the close position by returning the close position to a separated position, or to a position in which they are separated by a specified distance without returning to the separated position, and then to return to the close position again, for example.

[0234] In addition, the main control board 920 transitions to a time-saving game state after the special game state ends when a game ball does not enter the bonus area 409V, and transitions to a probability-changing game state in which a jackpot can be expected earlier than in the time-saving game state after the special game state ends and which is advantageous in terms of winning prize balls when a game ball enters the bonus area 409V. For this reason, in order to transition to the probability-changing game state, the player needs to place a game ball in the bonus area 409V in the bonus ball entry possible state, and the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 executed when the bonus ball entry possible state is reached makes it easier to ensure a transition to the probability-changing game state. The main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration in which the special game state is transitioned to a probability game state or a time-saving game state depending on the presence or absence of a ball entering the bonus area 409V, but may be configured to transition to a special game state that is more advantageous in terms of winning balls than when the game ball does not enter the bonus area 409V, for example, by changing the number of continuations (number of rounds) in the special game state when a game ball enters the bonus area 409V. The main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration in which the special game state is transitioned to a favorable game state in terms of winning balls when a game ball enters the bonus area 409V, but may be configured to transition to a game state that gives benefits other than those related to winning balls, for example, by changing the frequency of generating premium images and images. Furthermore, this transition of game states may be configured to be executed by control of the sub-control board 940, not by the main control board 920.

[0235] In the above pachinko machine 100, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when a combination of decorative patterns corresponding to a jackpot is confirmed and displayed by the decorative pattern display device 479 in a normal game state in which game balls are made to flow down to the left flow-down area 409L, and game balls can be made to enter the bonus area 409V by flowing down to the right flow-down area 409R, and to change from an arrangement in which they are spaced apart from each other to an arrangement in which they are closer to each other than the spaced apart attitude, and which is a bonus area indication arrangement that continues from the entrance part 409E where the game balls flow down to the game area 409 toward the bonus area 409V. With this configuration, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 in the bonus area indication arrangement can not only easily draw the player's attention to the direction in which they are continuous, but also make it easier for the player to notice the operation of at least one of them by moving them from different positions spaced apart from each other. This notifies the player that the game ball should enter the bonus area 409V provided on the side where the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous, and that the destination of the game ball will be switched from the left flow-down area 409L to the right flow-down area 409R for that purpose, thereby preventing the loss of the profit obtained by the game ball entering the bonus area 409V. Therefore, when it is possible to enter the game ball into the bonus area 409V, a suitable presentation can be executed by the operation of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

[0236] Furthermore, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, in the close position, can point to the vicinity of the bonus area 409V (the bonus area 409V itself or the upper large winning device 434 involved in the entry of the game ball into the bonus area 409V) by their continuous shape (for example, the above-mentioned broken line shape) or their individual shape (for example, the above-mentioned elongated rectangular shape), and can also direct the player's attention. As a result, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 can make the player realize that the game ball should flow down to the right flow-down area 409R by the direction in which they are continuous, and can direct the player's attention to the bonus area 409V itself pointed to by the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, or the upper large winning device 434 in which the bonus area 409V is formed.

[0237] Here, other characteristic configurations relating to favorable effects using the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 will be described.

[0238] The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are provided with light emitting means that are aligned in a direction from the entrance portion 409E toward the bonus area 409V when they are in their close positions, and that emit light sequentially along that direction.

[0239] Specifically, the left movable member 10 is provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 19 arranged in a line along its longitudinal direction as the light emitting means, and the right movable member 20 is also provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 29. When the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a close posture, the plurality of light emitting elements 19 of the left movable member 10 are sequentially caused to emit light from the upper left side to the lower right side, and following the emission of the plurality of light emitting elements 19, the plurality of light emitting elements 29 of the right movable member 20 are sequentially caused to emit light from the upper left side to the lower right side. Therefore, compared to the case where the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are simply arranged in a close posture, it is possible to enhance the sense of unity between the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 and more appropriately direct the player's attention in the direction from the entrance portion 409E to the bonus area 409V. In particular, it becomes possible to draw the player's attention to the bonus area 409V and the upper large prize device 434 which are located to the lower right of the right movable member 20 and in the direction indicated by the sequential illumination of the multiple light-emitting elements 29.

[0240] The plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are not limited to being arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, but may be arranged in a row along a direction different from the longitudinal direction. The arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are not limited to being the same direction when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a close posture, but may be arranged in different directions. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to being provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 29 arranged in a row, but may be provided with light-emitting elements arranged to form a plurality of rows. The plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are not limited to being arranged in a linear manner to indicate a specific direction by sequentially emitting light, but may be arranged in a manner that allows the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 to be sequentially emitted along a broken line or a curved line so as to indicate a specific direction.

[0241] The left movable member 10 is provided with a number of light-emitting elements (not shown) that illuminate the entire left movable member 10, in addition to the multiple light-emitting elements 19. When the game ball should be allowed to flow down in the left flow-down area 409L as in the normal game state, the left movable member 10 in the separated position is illuminated by the multiple light-emitting elements. Therefore, the overall illumination of the left movable member 10 that is arranged along the flow-down direction of the game ball in the left flow-down area 409L in the separated position makes it possible to alert the player to play the game by allowing the game ball to flow down to the left flow-down area 409L.

[0242] Similarly, the right movable member 20 is provided with a number of light-emitting elements (not shown) that light up the entire right movable member 20 in addition to the multiple light-emitting elements 29, and when the game ball should flow down in the right flow-down area 409R, such as in a special game state, the right movable member 20 in the separated position is lighted up by the multiple light-emitting elements. Therefore, it is possible to alert the player to play by letting the game ball flow down to the right flow-down area 409R by the overall light emission of the right movable member 20 that is arranged in the separated position so as to follow the flow-down direction of the game ball in the right flow-down area 409R.

[0243] <Mode of light irradiation on multiple decorative parts using the same light source> Next, a configuration for performing a suitable performance using a plurality of decorative parts will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16, in which a part of the light output from a light source 30 toward one decorative part is redirected toward another decorative part, light based on the light from the same light source 30 is irradiated onto the other decorative part, and a part of the light redirected toward the other decorative part is further redirected toward the one decorative part, and light traveling thereafter is irradiated onto at least one decorative part together with the light before being redirected toward the other decorative part. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a game board 400. Fig. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cross section including the XM-XM line in Fig. 7. Fig. 16 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts taken along a cross section including the XD-XD line in Fig. 7. Note that the perspective views of Figs. 15(A) and 16(A) show a state in which a part of the decorative part (front decorative part 50) arranged on the front side among the plurality of decorative parts has been removed. In addition, the cross-sectional views of Figures 15(B), 15(C), 16(B) and 16(C) are simplified to show only the essential parts, and illustrate the paths of light irradiated to the first decorative part and the second decorative part. The same applies to Figures 17(A) to (C) to be referred to later.

[0244] As shown in Figure 14, multiple decorative parts are provided on the left side of the gaming board 400 in the vertical center, including a front decorative part 50 (first decorative part), and a rear decorative part 11 (second decorative part) formed from a part of the left movable member 10 and located rearward of the front decorative part 50 (rearward in the front-to-rear direction of the gaming board 400). The front decorative part 50 is provided so that a part of it overlaps with the back side of the base 401 of the gaming board 400, but because the base 401 is made of a transparent resin, the part of the front decorative part 50 overlapping with the back side of the base 401 can also be seen by the player.

[0245] The performance by the front side decorative part 50 and the rear side decorative part 11 is performed by using light output from a light source 30 (see also FIG. 15) arranged behind the front side decorative part 50 but in front of the rear side decorative part 11, so that the front side decorative part 50 and the rear side decorative part 11 are in a luminous state. At this time, the front side decorative part 50 is in a luminous state by being irradiated from the rear side with the light output from the light source 30, while the rear side decorative part 11 is in a luminous state by being irradiated from the front side with the light reflected by the back surface 50B (rear side output means) of the front side decorative part 50. In addition, the front side decorative part 50 is composed of a part of the rear member 42 attached behind the front member 41, and is also in a luminous state by being irradiated with light that has been redirected by reflection at a rear window 61 (different direction reflection means) located between the front side decorative part 50 and the rear side decorative part 11. This makes it possible to reduce the number of light sources 30 used in the presentation using the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, while still allowing both the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 to be illuminated using the limited number of light sources 30.

[0246] The front decorative part 50 is configured to allow the light output from the LED elements 32L, 32R of the light source 30 to pass to the front side where the player is positioned, and to be in an illuminated state when viewed from the front side where the player is positioned.

[0247] Specifically, the front decorative part 50 is located forward of the light source 30 and is composed of a flat front window 51 that is a part of the front member 41, and a decorative plate 52 that is provided in contact with the back surface of the front window 51 and has a pattern (such as a character that is a motif of the game). The front member 41 that constitutes the front window 51 is formed of a colorless and transparent material, and the decorative plate 52 is formed of a light-transmitting material. For this reason, the decorative plate 52 can be made to emit light by irradiating the light output from the light source 30 and before being reflected by the front decorative part 50 (hereinafter also referred to as primary light) from the back surface 50B side, and the emitted light can be visually recognized from the front surface side where the player is positioned through the front window 51. In addition, by forming the front window 51 from a colorless and transparent material, the absorption of light by the front window 51 is suppressed, enabling efficient irradiation. Note that the front window 51 is not limited to being formed colorless and transparent, and may be formed colored and transparent. When the front decorative portion 50 is formed as a colored transparent portion, the color may be a uniform single color, a single color with gradation, or a color scheme that varies depending on the part. In addition, the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52 are not limited to a plate-like configuration with a substantially uniform thickness, and may be configured with a non-uniform thickness.

[0248] The light source 30 is configured to include a light-emitting substrate 31 on which electronic components are mounted, and a plurality of LED elements 32L, 32R (light-emitting means) provided on one side of the light-emitting substrate 31 and oriented so as to output light diagonally forward (in a specified direction).

[0249] Specifically, the light source 30 includes seven LED elements 32L (only six are shown in FIG. 14) arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on one surface (hereinafter, element surface) of the light-emitting substrate 31, and seven LED elements 32R arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the central side of the game board 400 from the seven LED elements 32L. Each of the LED elements 32L and 32R outputs light that spreads over a predetermined angle range (for example, 15 degrees) with the direction perpendicular to the element surface of the light-emitting substrate 31 being the direction with the highest luminance (hereinafter, also referred to as the main direction: dashed line in FIG. 15(B) and the like). The number and arrangement of the LED elements 32L and 32R provided on the light-emitting substrate 31 are not limited to the above configuration and can be designed as appropriate.

[0250] As shown in Fig. 15(A) and Fig. 15(B), the light emitting substrate 31 is arranged so that its element surface faces a direction that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the front-rear direction of the game board 400 when viewed from above in the vertical direction of the game board 400 (hereinafter, viewed from above), and the primary light from each LED element 32L, 32R is irradiated to the front side decorative part 50 at a predetermined angle different from 90 degrees with respect to the front window 51 and the back surface of the decorative plate 52. Therefore, the amount of light output to the rear side can be made larger than when it is arranged in a direction that forms 90 degrees. This predetermined angle is set in consideration of the position of the rear side decorative part 11 and the distribution of the amount of light to be output to the front side of the front side decorative part 50 and the amount of light to be output to the rear side.

[0251] Between the light source 30 and the front decorative part 50, a colorless and transparent flat light inlet window 62 constituting a part of the rear member 42 is provided, and the light inlet window 62 is arranged to intersect at 90 degrees with the main direction of the primary light based on each LED element 32L, 32R when viewed from above, so that the reduction in the amount of light due to reflection at the light inlet window 62 is minimized. In addition, the thickness of the light inlet window 62 is made approximately uniform, and the direction of travel of the light does not change before and after passing through the light inlet window 62, but the surface of the light inlet window 62 on the front decorative part 50 side may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface on the light source 30 side, and the direction of travel of the light may be uniformly changed by refraction before and after passing through the light inlet window 62. In addition, the light entry window 62 is configured such that the primary light based on each of the LED elements 32L, 32R passes through the interior of the rear member 42 that forms the light entry window 62, but this configuration is not limited thereto, and the light entry window 62 may be provided with an opening or a notch, and the primary light may pass through the opening or the notch instead of through the interior of the rear member 42. Furthermore, the light entry window 62 may not be provided, and the primary light from each of the LED elements 32L, 32R may be directly irradiated onto the front decorative portion 50.

[0252] The front decorative portion 50 is configured to have a rear surface 50B (rear light output means) that outputs light from the multiple LED elements 32L, 32R of the light source 30 to the rear side, opposite to the front side.

[0253] Specifically, the rear surface 50B of the front decorative part 50 is a flat and smooth plane. Therefore, a part of the primary light based on each LED element 32L, 32R passes through the front decorative part 50, and a part of the primary light is reflected by the front decorative part 50, and light (hereinafter also referred to as secondary light) can be output to the rear side. This secondary light is output to the rear surface 50B side of the front decorative part 50 by reflecting on the rear surface of the decorative plate 52 constituting the front decorative part 50, or by reflecting on the boundary surface between the decorative plate 52 and the front window 51. The decorative plate 52 and the front window 51 are not limited to a configuration in which the rear surface is a flat and smooth plane, but may be configured to have a curved surface such as a smooth arc shape or a curved shape. In this configuration, it is possible to increase or decrease the spread of the secondary light depending on the shape of the curved surface, compared to the case where the secondary light is reflected by a flat surface. In addition, the front decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 abuts the front window 51, but may be configured to be separated from the front window 51. In addition, the front side decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the back side of the front window 51, but may be configured to be disposed on the front side of the front window 51. When the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the front side of the front window 51, the secondary light can be output before the light is absorbed by the decorative plate 52, and the intensity of the secondary light can be relatively increased compared to when the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the back side of the front window 51. Furthermore, the front side decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration in which light can be output to the rear side by the front side decorative part 50, but may be configured to provide, for example, a reflecting part (not shown) separate from the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52 on the back side of the decorative plate 52. In this configuration, the reflecting part can output the secondary light in a predetermined direction regardless of the arrangement or shape of the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52, or the back side of the separate reflecting part can be made concave so that the secondary light is concentrated in a predetermined direction, or the back side of the separate reflecting part can be made convex so that the secondary light is spread.

[0254] The rear decorative part 11 is provided separately from the front decorative part 50 (first decorative part) at a location where light output from the back surface (rear light output means) of the front decorative part 50 is irradiated, and is configured to be provided rearward of the light-emitting substrate 31 that constitutes the light source 30.

[0255] Specifically, the rear side decorative part 11 is provided as a part of the left movable member 10, and when the left movable member 10 is in the separated position, it is separated from the front side decorative part 50, and is located at a position where the primary light is not irradiated but the secondary light is irradiated. In detail, the rear side decorative part 11 is arranged so that its upper part does not overlap the front side decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction, its central part partially overlaps the front side decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction, and its lower part overlaps the front side decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction, and the central part is arranged so that it is visible in the entire left-right direction from the viewpoint of a seated player, and the lower part is arranged so that at least a part of the left-right direction is visible. Therefore, the player can see the rear side decorative part 11 irradiated with the secondary light through the gap between the rear side decorative part 11 and the front side decorative part 50. In addition, the secondary light can be irradiated to the rear side decorative part 11 without impeding the irradiation of the primary light to the front side decorative part 50. In the following, the rear decorative part 11 will be described as being disposed at a position where the left movable member 10 is in the separated position. The rear decorative part 11 is not limited to being movably provided as part of the left movable member 10, and may be immovably provided. Furthermore, the front decorative part 50 may also be immovably provided or movably provided, and it is sufficient that the front decorative part 50 is illuminated by the primary light from the light source 30 and the rear decorative part 11 is illuminated by the secondary light when the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 are disposed at specific positions.

[0256] In addition, the rear decorative part 11 is provided at a position where a part of it overlaps with the front decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction (when viewed from the front), and at least the overlapping part is illuminated by the secondary light. Therefore, the overlapping part that is not illuminated or is difficult to illuminate by external light (for example, light from a lighting device provided in the space where the pachinko machine 100 is installed) can be illuminated by the light from the light source 30, and it is possible to improve the uniformity of illumination over the entire rear decorative part 11 compared to a case where there is no illumination by this light. Note that the rear decorative part 11 is not limited to a configuration where a part of it is provided at a position where it overlaps with the front decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction, but may be a configuration where the entire part of it overlaps with the front decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction, or a configuration where the entire part does not overlap with the front decorative part 50 in the front-rear direction.

[0257] In addition, the light source 30 is provided near the left end of the game board 400, the front side decorative part 50 is provided to the right of the light source, and the rear side decorative part 11 is provided closer to the center of the game board 400 than the light source 30 and the front side decorative part 50. Therefore, when viewed from the front side (the player's line of sight) of the center of the game board 400, the rear side decorative part 11 irradiated with the secondary light can be easily seen through the gap between the rear side decorative part 11 and the front side decorative part 50. Note that the light source 30, the front side decorative part 50, and the rear side decorative part 11 are not limited to being arranged in this order from the left end to the center, but may be arranged from the right end, the upper end, or the lower end to the center.

[0258] The configuration is provided with a rear window 61 (different direction reflection means) that can reflect light output to the rear side by the front decorative part 50 (rear light output means) in a direction different from the rear decorative part 11 (second decorative part).

[0259] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(B) and FIG. 16(B), etc., a rear window 61 is provided between the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, and is located behind the front window 51. A part of the secondary light traveling from the front decorative part 50 to the rear decorative part 11 is passed through the front surface 61F (the surface on the front decorative part side) of the rear window 61, and a part of the secondary light is reflected by the front surface 61F. The rear member 42 constituting the rear window 61 is formed of a colorless light-transmitting material (for example, transparent resin). For this reason, a part of the light outputted to the rear side by the front decorative part 50 can be passed through and a part of the light can be reflected. Note that the rear window 61 is formed of a colorless light-transmitting material, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be formed of a colored light-transmitting material.

[0260] The rear window 61 is formed in a generally flat plate shape and is inclined with respect to the front decorative part 50 so that the distance between the rear window 61 and the front decorative part 50 narrows as it moves away from the light source 30 when viewed from above. The rear window 61 is inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, within an angle range of 30 degrees) such that the direction perpendicular to the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 is different from the perpendicular to the main direction of the secondary light based on the LED elements 32L, 32R. This allows a portion of the secondary light to pass through the rear window 61 while retracing the path from the front decorative part 50 to the rear window 61, thereby preventing the area irradiated with the primary light in the front decorative part 50 from being the same as the area irradiated with the light reflected by the rear window 61 (hereinafter also referred to as tertiary light).

[0261] Here, a specific example will be described. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the light output from the LED element 32L and traveling along a path ML1 (solid line) passes through the front decorative part 50 at a reflection point P1 on the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50, and travels toward the rear decorative part 11. The light that reaches the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 passes through the rear window 61 and is irradiated onto the rear decorative part 11, and another part is reflected by the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 and travels toward the rear decorative part 11. The same is true for the light output from the LED element 32L and along a path ML2 (dashed line), but the light along the path ML1 continues to be reflected and passed toward a reflection point P2 on the left side of the reflection point P1, and the light along the path ML2 continues to be reflected and passed toward a reflection point P3 on the right side of the reflection point P1. As a result, the light output from the LED element 32L can differentiate the area irradiated with the primary light from the area irradiated with the tertiary light, and can also irradiate both the left and right sides of the area irradiated with the primary light. This is also true for the light output from the LED element 32R shown in FIG. 15(C), where a portion of the light reflected at the reflection point P4 in the front decorative part 50 is irradiated to the reflection point P5 on the left side of the reflection point P4, and a portion of the light reflected at the reflection point P6 is irradiated to the right side of the reflection point P6. As a result, even if the primary light cannot be irradiated over the entire front decorative part 50 in the left-right direction, it is possible to irradiate the entire front decorative part 50 with the primary light and the tertiary light. In addition, the tertiary light is irradiated to the front decorative part 50 after following a longer path than the primary light, so that the irradiation range is larger and it becomes easier to irradiate the entire front decorative part 50.

[0262] In a cross-section viewed from above, the rear window 61 is curved so that its front surface 61F is slightly concave, making it easy to output tertiary light to the left of the irradiation position of the primary light based on LED element 32R in the front decorative part 50, and to output tertiary light based on LED element 32R to the right of the irradiation position of the primary light based on LED element 32L in the front decorative part 50.

[0263] 16(A)-(C), when the range of the front decorative part 50 covering the rear decorative part 11 in the front-rear direction is larger than that shown in FIG. 16(A)-(C), the inclination of the rear window is reduced according to the amount of protrusion of the front decorative part 50 to the right. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16(B) and FIG. 16(C), repeated reflections between the rear surface of the front decorative part 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 facilitate the light (path DL1) to travel to the left end of the front decorative part 50, and facilitate the light (path DL2, path DR) to travel to the right end. Therefore, even if the length of the front decorative part 50 in the left-right direction is increased, it is possible to irradiate the entire front decorative part 50 with light from each LED element 32L, 32R.

[0264] In addition, the rear window 61 is formed from a rear member 42 separate from the front member 41 that forms the front window 51 of the front decorative part 50. Therefore, after fixing the decorative plate 52 of the front decorative part 50 to the back surface of the front window 51, the front member 41 that forms the front window 51 and the rear member 42 that forms the rear window 61 are assembled, so that the decorative plate 52 can be easily disposed between the rear window 61 and the front window 51. Note that the rear window 61 may be configured to be formed from the same member as the member that forms the front decorative part 50.

[0265] As described above, the pachinko machine 100 is configured to include a front decorative part 50 that allows light from the LED elements 32L and 32R, which output light toward a predetermined direction, to pass through to the front side where the player is located, a back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50 that outputs light emitted from the LED elements 32L and 32R to the rear side opposite to the front side where the player is located, and a rear decorative part 11 that is provided separately from the front decorative part 50 at a location where a part of the light output from the back surface 50B is irradiated. This allows the front decorative part 50 to emit light by the light output from the LED elements 32L and 32R, and the rear decorative part 11 to emit light by the light based on the same LED elements 32L and 32R and output from the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50, thereby reducing the number of parts and the manufacturing cost compared to the case where a dedicated light source is provided for each decorative part.

[0266] In the pachinko machine 100, the rear decorative part 11 is configured to be provided rearward of the light emitting substrate 31 of the light source 30. As a result, unlike the front decorative part 50, which is illuminated by light irradiated to its back surface 50B, the rear decorative part 11 is arranged in a position where it is not directly irradiated with light from the LED elements 32L, 32R, and is illuminated by light irradiated from the front side, so that the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 can be illuminated in different ways even if they are illuminated by light based on the same LED elements 32L, 32R.

[0267] In addition, the light output to the rear side by the rear surface of the front decorative part 50 can be reflected in a direction different from the rear decorative part 11. As a result, the light output from each LED element 32L, 32R toward a predetermined direction can be irradiated to the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 in various forms, such as irradiating the light after reflection on the rear surface of the front decorative part 50 at an irradiation position or irradiation angle different from the light irradiated to the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 without being reflected on the rear surface of the front decorative part 50, thereby improving the appearance of the light emitted from the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

[0268] Therefore, even if a limited number of LED elements 32L, 32R are used in the presentation using the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, it can be made to appear to the player as if light from a greater number of LED elements than the number of LED elements 32L, 32R actually used (14 elements) is being irradiated onto the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, making it possible to execute an ideal presentation using the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

[0269] Hereinafter, further characteristic configurations regarding the irradiation of light to the front side decorative part 50 and the rear side decorative part 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of multiple decorative parts along a cross section including the XU-XU line in Fig. 7.

[0270] 17(A)-(C), the light entrance window 62 has a front surface 62F (the surface on the side where the front decorative part 50 is located) which is irradiated with the tertiary light output from the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 and is provided between the front decorative part 50 and the LED elements 32L, 32R of the light source 30, and is configured to be able to reflect at least a part of the tertiary light to the side where the front decorative part 50 is provided. In addition, by assembling the front member 41 and the rear member 42, a space is formed whose peripheral parts are surrounded by the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50, the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62, and in which the light output from the light source 30 in a predetermined direction can be repeatedly reflected by these three surfaces (hereinafter, also referred to as the light-emitting space 40). For example, as shown in Fig. 17(B) and Fig. 17(C), the light-emitting space 40 is configured so that the primary light output from the light source 30 is reflected by the back surface of the front decorative part 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and then further reflected by the back surface 62B (the surface on the side where the light source 30 is located) of the light entrance window 62, and travels along the travel path UL1, UR1 to be irradiated again to the front decorative part 50. As a result, even if the light is not reflected toward the front decorative part 50 by the back surface 50B of the rear window 61, it can be reflected by the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 to be directed again to the front decorative part 50. Compared to a case where the light entrance window 62 is not provided or the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 is not reflective, the light that has entered the light-emitting space 40 through the light entrance window 62 can be efficiently irradiated to the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

[0271] Specifically, the light-emitting space 40 is formed as a closed space surrounded by the entire peripheral portion in a cross-sectional view, with the left end of the rear window 61 and the right end of the light-entry window 62 continuing together, the left end of the light-entry window 62 continuing together with the left end of the front decorative part 50 via the left connecting part 63, and the right end of the front decorative part 50 continuing together with the right end of the rear window 61 via the right connecting part 64. By providing the left connecting part 63 connecting the front decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 and the right connecting part 64 connecting the front decorative part 50 and the light-entry window 62, it is possible to suppress light that is emitted from between the front decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 or the light-entry window 62 to the outside of the light-emitting space 40 and does not contribute to the light emission of the front decorative part 50 or the rear decorative part 11, compared to when these connecting parts are not provided. The front decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 are not limited to being connected to each other via the right connecting part 64, and may be connected to each other without the right connecting part 64. Similarly, the front decorative part 50 and the light entrance window 62 are not limited to being connected to each other via the left connecting part 63, and may be connected to each other without the left connecting part 63.

[0272] From the viewpoint of efficiently emitting light from the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part, the light-emitting space 40 is preferably configured to be a closed space in cross-sectional view, but is not limited thereto. For example, a gap is formed between the front decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 without providing the right connecting part 64, or a gap is formed between the front decorative part 50 and the light entrance window 62 without providing the left connecting part 63. In addition, since the light emitted to the outside of the light-emitting space 40 through the light entrance window 62 does not contribute to the light emission of the front decorative part 50 or the rear decorative part 11, the light entrance window 62 may be configured to increase the reflectance of the light entrance window 62 toward the light-emitting space 40 by providing a reflective sheet on its front surface 62F or back surface 62B except for the area through which the light from the light source 30 passes.

[0273] In addition, the light-emitting space 40 is configured so that the primary light output from the light source 30 is reflected by the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and then further reflected by the right surface 63L of the left connecting part 63, and travels along the travel path UL2, UR2 to be irradiated again to the front decorative part 50. This makes it possible to efficiently irradiate the light that has entered the light-emitting space 40 through the light entrance window 62 to the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, for the same reason as when the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 is configured to be reflective. The right connecting part 64 is also configured in the same way as the left connecting part 63.

[0274] The light-emitting space 40 is provided with a rear window 61 that surrounds the peripheral portion thereof and through which light passes to illuminate a decorative portion (rear decorative portion 11) different from the front decorative portion 50, and is arranged in a direction that is not visible to the player, and the light that passes through the rear window 61 can be irradiated from the front side of the rear decorative portion 11. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and instead of or in addition to the rear window 61 or the rear decorative portion 11, a window through which light passes to illuminate a decorative portion different from the front decorative portion 50 may be arranged in a direction that is visible to the player, and a decorative part such as another decorative plate similar to the decorative plate 52 may be provided so as to overlap the visible window arranged in a direction that is visible to the player, and the decorative plate may be illuminated by light irradiation from the back side. In this configuration, the other decorative plate may be arranged in contact with or spaced from the front side of the visible window, or in contact with or spaced from the back side of the visible window.

[0275] <Light-reflecting decorative elements> Next, the effects of the light-reflecting decorative parts will be described with reference mainly to Fig. 18 to Fig. 22. Fig. 18 is a front view of a game board 700 provided with a reflective decorative part 711 as a decorative part. Fig. 19 is a front view of the game board 700 showing the relative positions of the main parts involved in the effects of the reflective decorative part 711.

[0276] The pachinko machine 100 can be used as a different model by replacing the game board 400 shown in Fig. 7 with another game board 700 shown in Fig. 18, and the decorative parts of the pachinko machine 100 equipped with this game board 700 will be described below. The game board 700 has the same configuration as the game board 400 shown in Fig. 7, except for the configuration related to various members and devices for performance. Therefore, in the game board 700, the members that play the same role as the game board 400 are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted, and only the different parts will be described.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 18, the game board 700 of the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a reflective decoration 710 (reflection means) having a reflective decoration part 711 decorated to reflect light. The game board 700 also includes a ring-shaped annular decoration 740 (see also FIG. 19: separate decoration means) provided separately from the reflective decoration 710, and a central decoration 750 (see also FIG. 19: separate decoration means) provided at the center of the game board 700. Specifically, the reflective decoration 710 is provided on the back side of the base 401 of the game board 700 so as to be located on the left side from the center in the left-right direction at the lower end side of the game board 700. The ring-shaped decoration 740 is provided on the back side of the base 401 so as to surround the periphery of the display part 479a of the decorative pattern display device 479 (display means) when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the central decorative body 750 is provided on the back side of the base 401 below the display portion 479a.

[0278] Although the pachinko machine 100 is configured to include all of the reflective decoration 710, the annular decoration 740, and the central decoration 750, it is not necessary to include all of these and it may be possible to include only some of them, and further, at least some of the reflective decoration 710, the annular decoration 740, and the central decoration 750 may be provided on the game board 400 shown in Figure 7.

[0279] As shown in Fig. 19, the pachinko machine 100 is equipped with a plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 (light emitting means) arranged in a ring shape so as to overlap behind the annular decorative body 740, and a central light source 730 (light emitting means) arranged so as to overlap behind the central decorative body 750. In the performance using the reflective decorative part 711, the pachinko machine 100 improves the effect of the performance by irradiating the reflective decorative part 711 with light output from at least one of the plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 and light output from the central light source 730.

[0280] Here, the positional relationship between the reflective decorative part 711 and various other components involved in the performance by the reflective decorative part 711 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body 710 along a cut surface including the Y1-Y1 line in Fig. 18. Note that in Fig. 20, in order to clearly show the positional relationship of the main parts involved in the performance by the reflective decorative body 710, only the outline (dotted line in the figure) of the central structure 420 is shown.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 20, the reflective decorative body 710 is provided on the back side of the base 401 of the game board 700. The base 401 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, when the player looks at the game board 700 in a seated position (hereinafter also referred to as a normal position), the player can see the reflective decorative part 711 through the base 401. Furthermore, many of the members constituting the central structure 420 provided near the center of the game board 700, such as the members constituting the lower stage 427, are formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, when the player looks at the game board 700 in a position where he is seated more forward than the normal position (hereinafter also referred to as a forward leaning position) or in a standing position to select a pachinko machine 100 to play, the player can see the reflective decorative part 711 through the colorless and transparent members constituting the central structure 420.

[0282] In addition, the member for seeing through the reflective decorative part 711 of the base 401, etc. is configured to be formed of a colorless transparent resin, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be a colored transparent resin, or it may be configured to be formed of a material other than resin as long as it is a material with colorless or colored transparency (transparency). In the following, resin and other materials with colorless or colored transparency are also referred to as light-transmitting materials. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where it can be indirectly seen through other members, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be provided at a position where it can be directly seen through the openings of the base 401 or the central structure 420, such as by being disposed protruding to the rear side of the base 401 or the central structure 420 near the openings of the base 401 or the central structure 420. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be indirectly visible regardless of the player's posture, but it is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to be provided at a position where it is indirectly visible or directly visible depending on the player's posture, or may be configured to be provided at a position where it is only directly visible regardless of the player's posture. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be fixed to the base 401 and provided at a position where the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 and the central light source 730 can always be irradiated, but it is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided movably so that when the reflective decorative part 711 moves to a predetermined position, the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 and the central light source 730 is irradiated. Furthermore, the reflective decorative body 710 is not limited to being provided on the back side of the base 401, but may also be provided on its front side, or on a member other than the member that constitutes the game board 700, for example, a member other than the game board 700 that constitutes the intermediate block 103, or a member that constitutes the front block 102, or a member that constitutes the rear block 104.

[0283] The reflective decoration 711 is configured to be able to reflect light output from the lower left light source 720a (light emitting means) and the central light source 730 (light emitting means), which are part of the multiple annularly arranged light sources 720 (see FIG. 19), toward the front side where the player is located. Here, the multiple annularly arranged light sources 720 are arranged in a ring shape with the lower left light source 720a and the lower right light source 720b arranged on the left and right sides at the bottom as a set, with five sets located at the bottom, upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right, and the entire annular decoration 740 in a ring shape can be made to emit light.

[0284] The lower left light source 720a is configured to include a lower left substrate 721a (light emitting substrate) on which electronic components (not shown) are mounted, and a plurality of LED elements 722a (light emitting means) arranged on one side of the lower left substrate 721a in a direction that outputs light toward the front side (predetermined direction side). Similarly to the annularly arranged light source 720, the central light source 730 is configured to include a plurality of LED elements 732 (light emitting means) on a central substrate 731 (light emitting substrate) that has roughly the same external shape as the central decorative part 751. The reflective decorative body 710 may be arranged in a position where it can be irradiated with light output from each of the plurality of LED elements 722a provided on the lower left substrate 721a, or in a position where it can be irradiated with light output from only a portion of them. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is mainly configured to be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from one of the multiple annularly arranged light sources 720, the lower left light source 720a, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from two or more annularly arranged light sources 720 by lengthening the length of the reflective decorative part 711, or where the reflective decorative body 710 has a circular shape when viewed from the front and can be irradiated with light output from all the annularly arranged light sources 720. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light from both the light sources (the lower left light source 720a and the central light source 730) provided corresponding to each decorative body of the annular decorative body 740 and the central decorative body 750, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light from a light source provided corresponding to one of the decorative bodies of the annular decorative body 740 and the central decorative body 750. In addition, the reflective decorative portion 711 may be configured to be capable of emitting light from a dedicated light source that is not also used to irradiate light onto other decorative objects, in addition to or instead of the lower left light source 720a and the central light source 730.

[0285] The reflective decorative portion 711 is given a predetermined decoration and is configured to be visible from the player side. Specifically, the reflective decorative portion 711 is formed in a plate shape having transparency, and includes a passing portion 712 through which light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left light source 720a and the LED element 732 of the central light source 730 passes. The reflective decorative portion 711 is provided so as to overlap the lower side (the side where the light is output after passing) of the passing portion 712, and includes a reflecting portion 713 capable of reflecting the light that has passed through the passing portion 712. The reflecting portion 713 is disposed below the passing portion 712, and reflects the light that has once passed through the passing portion 712 and outputs it upward and forward. The upper surface of the passing portion 712 (the surface opposite to the reflecting portion 713) is decorated with unevenness (undulating shape), and this upper surface becomes the decorative surface 712S. The reflective decorative part 711 is not limited to a configuration in which the surface of the passing part 712 opposite to the reflecting part 713 is decorated, and may be configured to decorate the surface of the passing part 712 facing the reflecting part 713 in addition to or instead of the surface. The reflective decorative part 711 is not limited to a configuration in which the decoration is applied by unevenness formed on the surface of the passing part 712, and may be configured to decorate the surface of the passing part 712 by arranging a decorative member such as a decorative sticker or plate in contact with or spaced from the passing part 712. The reflective decorative part 711 includes the passing part 712 and the reflecting part 713, and the passing part 712 is decorated, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to decorate by forming unevenness on the upper surface of the reflecting part 713 without providing the passing part 712, or by providing a decorative member on the upper surface. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to have a passing part 712 formed of a single member, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to have a passing part having a flat or undulating decorative surface on the upper surface by combining members formed of transparent materials of different colors. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to have a passing part 712 that is actually decorated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to have a passing part 712 that is not actually decorated but is simply a flat surface, and decoration by other decorative parts such as the rotating decorative part 742 is reflected on the flat surface to artificially decorate the passing part 712 and the reflecting part 713.

[0286] The reflective decorative portion 711 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the lower left substrate 721a or the central substrate 731 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the reflective decorative body 710 is disposed below the display portion 479a of the decorative pattern display device 479 provided at the center of the vertical and horizontal directions of the game board 700, and is disposed forward and below (hereinafter also referred to as the lower front side) the lower left substrate 721a and the central substrate 731, as shown in FIG. 20. Therefore, by reflection at the reflective decorative portion 711, light traveling downward and away from the position of the player's eyes (generally a position spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the display portion 479a in the front-rear direction) while seated in a standard posture can be made to travel forward and upward (hereinafter also referred to as the upper front side) so as to approach that position. In addition, the reflective decorative body 710 is arranged below the display unit 479a and is configured to reflect light upward, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the reflective decorative body 710 may be arranged above the display unit 479a and reflect light downward, or may be arranged to the right of the display unit 479a and reflect light to the left, or may be arranged to the left of the display unit 479a and reflect light to the right.

[0287] The decorative surface 712S is configured to be arranged in a direction that is inclined when viewed from the player side. Specifically, the plate-shaped passing portion 712 is provided at a position that is distant from the display portion 479a downward and protrudes in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the base 401 of the game board 700. Therefore, the decorative surface 712S, which is the upper surface of the passing portion 712, is arranged in a direction that is inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 40°) when viewed from a player sitting in a standard posture, and the size of the decorative surface 712S viewed by the player can be secured within a predetermined range, while the decorative surface 712S can be brightly viewed by the player. Note that the decorative surface 712S may be configured to be arranged in a direction that is inclined at a predetermined angle, rather than perpendicular to the line of sight (line of sight facing diagonally downward) of the player sitting in a standard posture, and is preferably configured to be arranged in a direction that is inclined at an angle within an angle range of 10° to 80° with respect to the line of sight, and more preferably configured to be arranged in an angle range of 25° to 60°. The decorative surface 712S is not limited to a configuration in which it is arranged to protrude perpendicularly to the base 401, but may be arranged to protrude in a direction inclined to the base 401. In this configuration, the inclination of the passing portion 712 with respect to the base 401 may be changed by adjusting the installation angle of the passing portion 712 having a substantially uniform thickness, or the thickness of the passing portion 712 may not be uniform, but may be changed by adjusting the thickness according to the distance from the back surface of the base 401. The decorative surface 712S is arranged to be arranged in a direction inclined at a constant angle with respect to the base 401, but this is not limited thereto, and the angle may be changed depending on the part of the decorative surface 712S. It is preferable that the inclination of the decorative surface 712S is set at an angle at which the player can see the decorative surface 712S with a predetermined size and a predetermined brightness, taking into consideration the position where it is arranged on the game board 700 and the relative position with the lower left light source 720a and the center light source 730. For example, if the decorative surface 712S is located lower than the position shown in Figure 18, it is preferable to protrude the decorative surface 712S so that it slopes downward as it moves away from the back surface of the base 401, and to cause the light reflected by the reflective decorative portion 711 to travel toward the position of the player's eyes.

[0288] Here, the output of light from the reflective decorative part 711 based on the light output from the annularly arranged light source 720 (lower left light source 720a) will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body 710 taken along a cut surface including the Y1-Y1 line in Fig. 18, in order to explain the form in which the light from the annularly arranged light source 720 (lower left light source 720a) is irradiated onto the reflective decorative part 711.

[0289] As shown in FIG. 21, light output from the lower left light source 720a (for example, light following the path indicated by the solid line and the dashed dotted line) passes through annular decorative body 740 provided separately from the reflective decorative body 710 and is irradiated onto the reflective decorative part 711. This irradiation causes the reflective decorative part 711 to output light toward the player. In the following, prior to explaining the form of light irradiation onto the reflective decorative part 711, the configuration of the annular decorative body 740 will be explained.

[0290] The annular decorative body 740 includes a lower left movable decorative part 741a that can move toward the center of the display part 479a of the decorative pattern display device 479 as a decorative part onto which light output from the LED elements 722a of the lower left substrate 721a is irradiated. The lower left movable decorative part 741a is one of a plurality of movable decorative parts 741 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of annular arrangement substrates 721, and is provided corresponding to the lower left substrate 721a. The annular decorative body 740 also includes a ring-shaped rotating decorative part 742 that covers all the movable decorative parts 741 on the front side and can rotate around the front-rear direction of the game board 700 as a rotation axis as a decorative part onto which light output from the LED elements 722a of the lower left substrate 721a is irradiated. The lower left substrate 721a is integrated with the lower left movable decorative part 741a, and is supported on the base 401 via an annular decorative support part 749 that supports the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 on the base 401. In addition, the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 can pass light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a to the forward side where the player is located. Therefore, the reflective decorative part 711 can be irradiated with light that has passed through the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742. This irradiation allows the player to visually recognize the decoration of the decorative surface 712S.

[0291] The lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 do not need to be configured to pass light entirely, and may be configured to pass light only in a portion. The reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where light passing through the two decorative parts, the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742, is irradiated, but this is not limited to the configuration, and may be provided at a position where light passing through either one of the decorative parts is irradiated. The reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where light passing through the two decorative parts, the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742, is irradiated, but three or more decorative parts may be provided on the game board 700 in addition to the reflective decorative part 711, and the light passing through those decorative parts may be irradiated. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be irradiated with light that has passed through the members that form the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a may be directly irradiated, such as by providing an opening in the lower left movable decorative part 741a or the rotating decorative part 742 and letting the light travel through the opening. In addition, the reflective decorative part 711 is configured to be irradiated with light that has passed through the lower left movable decorative part 741a or the rotating decorative part 742, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the game board 700 may be provided with a light guide member that guides light in a predetermined direction, such as an optical fiber or a light guide plate, and the light guided by the light guide member may be irradiated to the reflective decorative part 711.

[0292] The decoration formed on the reflective decorative portion 711 is made of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, the decoration is difficult or impossible to see when the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 is not irradiated, and becomes visible when the light is irradiated. Therefore, by changing the reflective decorative portion 711 from a state where it is not irradiated with light to a state where it is irradiated with light, the player can see the decoration on the reflective decorative portion 711 as if it were appearing. Note that the decoration on the reflective decorative portion 711 is configured to be difficult or impossible to see when the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 is not irradiated, but is not limited to this configuration and may be configured to be visible even when the light is not irradiated.

[0293] The back surface (the side where the lower left light source 720a is arranged) of the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 is formed with a shape in which continuous unevenness is formed. Therefore, the light that passes through the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 can be made to proceed (scatter) in various directions, and the light output from the LED elements 722a scattered on the lower left substrate 721a can be irradiated to the entire lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742. Furthermore, it is also possible to irradiate the light that passes through the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 to the reflective decorative part 711 at various angles. In this way, by being able to irradiate light to the reflective decorative part 711 at various angles, the light reflected by the reflective decorative part 711 can also be made to proceed at various angles toward the player side. Therefore, the angular range within which the player can see the reflected light can be increased, making it easier for the player to see the decoration of the reflective decorative portion 711 even if the player's eye position differs due to differences in sitting height, or even if the player's eye position changes as a result of changing from a standard posture to a forward-leaning or backward-leaning posture.

[0294] Here, the reflection of the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a at the reflective decorative part 711 will be described. The passing part 712 of the reflective decorative part 711 is formed of a colorless transparent resin, and the reflecting part 713 is formed of a metallic material with a glossy surface such as an aluminum foil, film, or plate attached to the lower surface of the passing part 712. Therefore, the light irradiated to the reflective decorative part 711 is reflected by the decorative surface 712S, which is the upper surface of the passing part 712, and the upper surface of the reflecting part 713 (the interface between the decorative surface 712S and the reflecting part 713). Since the light reflected by the upper surface of the decorative surface 712S and the light reflected by the upper surface of the reflecting part 713 are irradiated to different parts of the decorative surface 712S, it is possible to expand the range that can be brightly viewed on the decorative surface 712S. Furthermore, since these lights are simultaneously viewed by the player, the decoration of the decorative surface 712S can be viewed as overlapping at a shifted position. The deviation of the decoration that is visually recognized by the player can be adjusted by the thickness of the passing portion 712, and this deviation also makes it possible for the decoration of the decorative surface 712S to be visually recognized three-dimensionally.

[0295] The passing portion 712 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be formed of a colored and transparent resin, or may be formed of a colorless or colored material other than a resin that can transmit light. The reflecting portion 713 is provided by adhering a metal member to the passing portion 712, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided in the form of a film by evaporating a metal material or the like on the passing portion 712. The reflecting portion 713 is provided in contact with the passing portion 712, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided at a distance from the passing portion 712. In this configuration, the deviation of the decoration visually recognized by the player can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the passing portion 712 and the reflecting portion 713.

[0296] The decorative surface 712S is configured to include an undulating shape portion on the surface side opposite to the reflecting portion 713. Specifically, the plate-shaped passing portion 712 forming the decorative surface 712S is formed with a flat region 712a of approximately uniform thickness and a protruding decorative region 712b that is protruding from the upper surface of the flat region 712a by a predetermined slight protrusion amount (for example, 1 mm or less) and represents a predetermined figure, so that the decorative surface 712S, which is the upper surface of the passing portion 712, is formed to have a shape including an undulating shape portion. When the decorative surface 712S is irradiated with light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, it is possible to make the player visually recognize that the decoration protrudes higher than the actual protrusion amount. Therefore, the decoration of the decorative surface 712S can be made to stand out, and the effect of the presentation by the reflecting decorative portion 711 can be enhanced.

[0297] The upper surface of the protruding decorative area 712b is configured to be at a constant height relative to the upper surface of the flat area 712a, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the height may be different depending on the part. The passing part 712 is not limited to a configuration in which a predetermined figure as a decoration protrudes from the flat area 712a to the opposite side of the reflecting part 713, and may be configured to be recessed toward the reflecting part 713 side relative to the flat area 712a. In this case, it is possible to make the player visually recognize that the decoration is recessed deeper than the actual recession amount. The flat area 712a is configured to have the same thickness, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the thickness may be thicker or thinner as it moves away from the base 401. With this configuration, the inclination of the decorative surface 712S as seen from the player side can be set to a predetermined angle by changing the thickness of the flat area 712a.

[0298] The lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 are decorated with a plurality of colors different from the colors of the LED elements 722a of the lower left substrate 721a. Therefore, the reflective decorative part 711 can be irradiated with light of a color different from the colors of the LED elements 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, and the reflective decorative part 711 can be colored in different colors depending on the part. Furthermore, by rotating the rotating decorative part 742, the same part of the reflective decorative part 711 can be colored in different colors.

[0299] Here, the output of light from the reflective decorative part 711 based on the light output from the central light source 730 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflective decorative body 710 along a cut surface including the Y1-Y1 line in Fig. 18, in order to explain the form in which the light from the central light source 730 is irradiated onto the reflective decorative body 710.

[0300] As shown in Fig. 22, the light output from the central light source 730 is reflected by the central decorative body 750 provided separately from the reflective decorative body 710 and irradiated to the reflective decorative part 711. In the following, before describing the form of irradiation of light to the reflective decorative part 711, the configuration of the central decorative body 750 will be described.

[0301] The central decorative body 750 includes a central decorative part 751, which is composed of a decorated decorative member 753 and a scattering member 754 arranged between the decorative member 753 and the central substrate 731 and which scatters the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 in various directions, as a decorative part onto which the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 is irradiated. The central substrate 731 is supported on the base 401 via a central decorative support part 759 which is integrated with the central decorative part 751 and supports the central decorative part 751. The decorative member 753 is made of a colored transparent resin, and the scattering member 754 is made of a colorless transparent resin. For this reason, the decorative member 753 and the scattering member 754 can pass a part of the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 to the forward side where the player is positioned, and can also reflect a part of the light.

[0302] Although the decorative member 753 and the scattering member 754 are made of resin, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may be made of a colorless or colored material other than resin that allows light to pass through. The central decorative portion 751 is provided with a scattering member 754 in addition to the decorative member 753, and is configured to scatter light with unevenness formed on the back surface (the surface on the central substrate 731 side) of the scattering member 754, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may be configured to scatter light by forming unevenness on the back surface of the decorative member 753 without providing the scattering member 754.

[0303] The central decorative body 750 includes a frame 752 that surrounds the periphery of the central decorative part 751. The frame 752 is supported on the base 401 together with the central decorative part 751 via a central decorative support part 759. The frame 752 covers only a portion of the front side of the lower end part 754B of the scattering member 754 where the reflective decorative part 711 is located. The frame 752 is formed of a transparent resin whose surface is covered with a reflective film (not shown) formed by vapor deposition. For this reason, light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 and reflected by the back surface of the scattering member 754 (for example, light traveling along the path shown by the solid line or the dashed line in FIG. 22) can be output to the reflective decorative part 711 side by passing through the lower end part 754B that is not covered by the lower end part 752B of the frame 752.

[0304] The central decorative part 751 is configured to reflect the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731, and pass the reflected light through the lower end part 754B of the scattering member 754 that is not covered by the lower end part 752B of the frame part 752, and output it to the reflective decorative part 711 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 may be configured to pass through the lower end part 754B that is not covered by the lower end part 752B, and output it to the reflective decorative part 711 side, without being reflected by the scattering member 754. For example, at least one LED element 732 provided on the central substrate 731 may be arranged in a direction that outputs light in a direction inclined downward (toward the reflective decorative part 711) with respect to the vertical direction, and the light output from the LED element 732 may be configured to travel along the path shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The central decorative part 751 is configured to pass the light output from the LED element 732 through the lower end part 754B and output it to the reflective decorative part 711 side, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to provide an opening or a notch in the lower end part 754B and output it to the reflective decorative part 711 side through the opening or the notch. The central decorative part 751 is configured to provide a reflective film on the surface of the lower end part 753B of the frame part 752, and to restrict the light output to the reflective decorative part 711 side through the lower end part 754B at the lower end part 752B, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to not provide a reflective film on the surface of the lower end part 753B of the frame part 752, and to output the light to the reflective decorative part 711 side from the part where the lower end part 752B and the lower end part 754B overlap.

[0305] The central decorative body 750 includes a central decorative support 759 that supports the central decorative part 751 on the base 401. The central decorative support 759 includes a wall 759B formed on the rear side of the lower end part 754B of the scattering member 754 and the decorative surface 712S of the reflective decorative part 711 at a height position between the lower end part 754B and the decorative surface 712S. The wall 759B is integrally molded with the central decorative support 759 and is formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, the wall 759B can reflect a part of the light that is reflected by the scattering member 754 and passes through the lower end part 754B toward the rear side, and output it to the reflective decorative part 711. Although the wall 759B is configured to allow a portion of the irradiated light to pass through regardless of the irradiated portion, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a reflective material capable of reflecting light may be provided on a portion of the surface of the wall 759B to limit the range through which the light can pass, without significantly restricting the passage of the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a. In this configuration, the reflectance of the light output from the LED element 732 of the center substrate 731 can be increased, and the decorative surface 712S can output light to the player side more efficiently.

[0306] The reflection of light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 in the reflective decorative part 711 has the same effect as the reflection of light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, and the decorations on the decorative surface 712S can be viewed as overlapping at a shifted position.

[0307] The coverage range in which the lower end portion 752B of the frame portion 752 covers the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 is set so that the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 is irradiated in an angle range that does not overlap with the angle range (hereinafter also referred to as the irradiation angle range) in which the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a is irradiated. Therefore, the angle range in which the decorative surface 712S can be brightly recognized can be expanded. For example, even if the player looks at the decorative surface 712S in a forward-leaning posture or in a standing posture such as when selecting a pachinko machine to play, the player can be made to see the decoration of the decorative surface 712S brightly. In addition, by setting the irradiation angle ranges so as not to overlap, it is possible to prevent the decoration of the decorative surface 712S from being viewed overlapping at four shifted positions, as occurs when the irradiation angle ranges overlap, making it difficult to see it three-dimensionally. Therefore, when the player can see the decorative surface 712S brightly due to the light output from the LED elements 722a and the LED elements 732, the player can see the decoration of the decorative surface 712S three-dimensionally.

[0308] The central decorative part 751 is colored so as to emit a color different from the movable decorative part 741 and the rotating decorative part 742. For this reason, when the player changes his / her posture, for example, from a standard posture to a forward leaning posture, the luminous color of the decorative surface 712S can be changed even though the luminous color of the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a or the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 is not changed. Note that the coverage range of the lower end part 752B of the frame part 752 to the lower end part 754B of the scattering member 754 is not limited to a configuration in which the irradiation angle ranges do not overlap, but may be a configuration in which at least a part of the irradiation angle ranges overlap.

[0309] The central decorative body 750 may be configured to reflect a portion of the light output from each LED element 732 provided on the central substrate 731 toward the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 that is not covered by the lower end portion 752B of the frame portion 752, or may be configured to reflect a portion of the light from only some of the LED elements 732 provided on the central substrate 731 toward the lower end portion 754B that is not covered by the lower end portion 752B.

[0310] The scattering member 754 is disposed at an incline such that the back surface of the scattering member 754 protrudes forward as it approaches the lower side. This makes it easier to reflect light from the LED elements 732 of the central substrate 731 toward the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 that is not covered by the lower end portion 752B of the frame portion 752.

[0311] The above-mentioned pachinko machine 100 is provided with a reflective decorative body 710 having a reflective decorative part 711 capable of reflecting light outputted from an LED element 722a provided on a lower left substrate 721a toward a predetermined direction toward the front side where a player is positioned. Furthermore, the decorative surface 712S formed on the reflective decorative part 711 is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the lower left substrate 721a in the front-rear direction and is inclined as viewed from the player side.

[0312] This allows the light reflected by the reflective decorative portion 711 to travel toward a predetermined position such as the player's eyes, making it possible to prevent the size of the decorative surface 712S as viewed by the player from becoming excessively small, while allowing the player to view the decorative surface 712S brightly. The same effect can also be achieved by the light output from the LED element 732 provided on the central substrate 731.

[0313] In addition, by illuminating the decorative surface 712S with light from both the LED element 722a on the lower left substrate 721a and the LED element 732 on the central substrate 731, it is possible to expand the range of angles at which the player can see the illuminated decorative surface 712S compared to when light is only illuminated from one of the elements.

[0314] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with a reflective decorative body 710 having a reflective decorative part 711 capable of reflecting light output from an LED element 722a provided on a lower left substrate 721a toward a predetermined direction toward the forward side where a player is positioned. The reflective decorative body 710 is formed of a plate-shaped passing part 712 through which the light output from the LED element 722a passes, and a reflecting part 713 that overlaps the side of the passing part 712 where the light that has passed through it is output. Furthermore, the decorative surface 712S is formed on the surface side of the passing part 712 opposite the reflecting part 713.

[0315] This allows the decoration of the decorative surface 712S, which is viewed by light that does not pass through the passing portion 712 and is reflected on the surface of the passing portion 712, and the decoration of the decorative surface 712S, which is viewed by light that passes through the passing portion 712, is reflected by the reflecting portion 713, and then passes through the passing portion 712 again, to be viewed as being superimposed at a shifted position. Therefore, even if the decorative surface 712S is formed in a flat manner with a small amount of protrusion of the protruding decoration area 712b, it is possible to view the protruding decoration three-dimensionally.

[0316] Other characteristic configurations relating to decoration using the reflective decorative body 710 will be described below.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 18, the decorative surface 712S is configured to have a curved shape so that the side where the display unit 479a on which the decorative pattern (identification information) is displayed in the decorative pattern display device 479 (display means) is provided is on the inside. Since the outer edge of the player's field of vision is a roughly horizontally long ellipse, when the player is looking at the display unit 479a on which the main performance according to the game progress is executed, the entire decorative surface 712S can be easily accommodated within the range of the field of vision. In addition, even if the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left board 721a or the LED element 732 of the center board 731 is irradiated to any part of the reflective decorative part 711, the light reflected by the reflective decorative part 711 can easily proceed in a direction approaching the position of the player's eyes. In addition, the angle between the player's line of sight and each part of the decorative surface 712S can be easily made constant, and it is possible to suppress the decorative surface 712S from appearing distorted.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 19, the decorative surface 712S of the reflective decorative part 711 is curved in a front view so as to generally follow the outer contour of the rotating decorative part 742 of the annular decorative body 740. In addition, the decorative surface 712S is provided with a protruding decorative area 712b (see FIG. 20) that represents a plurality of predetermined figures, which is formed along the outer contour of the rotating decorative part 742. In addition, the rotating decorative part 742 is provided with a predetermined pattern (see FIG. 18) formed over the entire surface as a decoration. When light is output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, the rotating decorative part 742 is in a light-emitting state, and the light that has passed through the rotating decorative part 742 is irradiated onto the reflective decorative part 711. At this time, the player can visually recognize the decoration formed on the decorative surface 712S, and can visually recognize the decoration of the rotating decorative part 742 reflected on the decorative surface 712S. This makes it possible for the decorative surface 712S to appear to the player as if it were intricately decorated.

[0319] Although the decoration of the reflective decorative part 711 and the decoration of the rotating decorative part 742 are configured to be superimposed on one another as a whole and to be seen by the player, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the rotating decorative part 742 may be locally provided with a predetermined pattern capable of emphasizing one figure formed on the decorative surface 712S, and the player may see the highlighted figure change as the rotating decorative part 742 rotates. Also, for example, the reflective decorative part 711 may be provided with a decoration that resembles a grassland, and the rotating decorative part 742 may be provided with a decoration that resembles an animal, and the animal may be configured to appear to run through the grassland as the rotating decorative part 742 rotates.

[0320] At least a part of the reflective decoration part 711 is arranged in the vicinity of the lower middle start winning device 431B, as shown in FIG. 18, in the vicinity of a passing area through which a game ball that may enter the lower middle start winning device 431B from the left side passes. Specifically, at least a part of the reflective decoration part 711 is arranged to be located slightly below the passing area on the left side near the lower middle start winning device 431B when viewed from the front. The behavior of the game ball near the lower middle start winning device 431B is one of the places that the player pays attention to. Therefore, when the player pays attention to the behavior of the game ball near the lower middle start winning device 431B, the attention place can be decorated with the performance by the reflective decoration part 711. In addition, the behavior of the game ball can be made to look as if it is taking place within the decoration by the decorative surface 712S.

[0321] The reflective decorative portion 711 may be configured so that at least a part of it is located near the lower stage 427 formed at the lower end portion of the central structure 420. Here, the lower stage 427 repeatedly rolls the game ball that has fallen from the upper stage 426 back and forth, causing the game ball to fall from near the upper side of the lower middle start winning device 431B. The behavior of the game ball on the lower stage 427 is one of the places that the player pays attention to, and this attentional place can be decorated with the performance by the reflective decorative portion 711. The reflective decorative portion 711 may be configured so that at least a part of it is located near the upper stage 426, which is one of the places that the player pays attention to.

[0322] As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the game board 700 is provided with another reflective decorative body 710 having a reflective decorative part 711 with a structure similar to that of the reflective decorative part 711, but with a different shape when viewed from the front. The performance by the other reflective decorative part 711 is performed in the same manner as the performance by the reflective decorative part 711, except that light is emitted from the lower right light source 720b, which is one of the annularly arranged light sources 720, and produces the same effect. In addition, as shown in Fig. 18, at least a part of the other reflective decorative body 710 is disposed in the vicinity of the lower middle start winning device 431B, in the vicinity of a passing area through which a game ball that may enter the lower middle start winning device 431B from the right side passes. Therefore, the performance by the reflective decorative part 711 and the other reflective decorative part 711 can decorate the entire left and right vicinity of the lower middle start winning device 431B.

[0323] In the pachinko machine 100, the decorative surface 712S is illuminated with light from the annular light source 720 and the central light source 730 to make the decorative surface 712S bright, but the configuration may be such that light from the annular light source 720 and the central light source 730 is not illuminated as long as the player can see the decorations overlapping at different positions when the player directly sees the decorations on the decorative surface 712S and when the player indirectly sees the decorations reflected by the reflecting portion 713. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that light from various light sources provided in the pachinko machine 100, such as the annular light source 720 and the central light source 730, is not illuminated, and only light from indoor lighting or the like is illuminated.

[0324] <Control of ball entry into bonus area 409V> Next, a configuration capable of suitably controlling the entry of the gaming ball into the bonus area 409V (specific passage) will be described with reference to FIG. 7 as well as FIG. 23 and FIG.

[0325] The entry of the game ball into the bonus area 409V is controlled based on the operation control of the distribution mechanism 437 (see FIG. 7) provided at the entrance of the bonus area 409V and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (see FIG. 7) provided upstream of the distribution mechanism 437 in the flow direction of the game ball. Specifically, in the special game state to which the transition is made based on a part of the winning of the jackpot by the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery (first type of jackpot), the operation control of the distribution mechanism 437 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is executed so that the game ball enters the bonus area 409V as long as the game is continued by the right-hit game method. On the other hand, in the special game state to which the transition is made based on the winning of a jackpot of a type different from the first type of jackpot (second type of jackpot), the operation control of the distribution mechanism 437 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (switching mechanism) is executed so that the game ball does not enter the bonus area 409V. In the following, a special gaming state which is executed based on a first type of jackpot and which is scheduled to transition to a guaranteed variable gaming state upon the entry of a gaming ball into the bonus area 409V is also referred to as a special gaming state scheduled for guaranteed variable, and a special gaming state which is executed based on a second type of jackpot and which is scheduled to transition to a time-saving gaming state upon the absence of a gaming ball entering the bonus area 409V is also referred to as a special gaming state scheduled for time-saving.

[0326] In the pachinko machine 100, when a predetermined round is started in a special game state where a probability change is scheduled, the distribution mechanism 437 (distribution mechanism) transitions to an entry-enabled state, and then the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (switching mechanism) transitions to a progress-enabled state, so that the game ball can enter the bonus area 409V in the predetermined round. Here, the entry-enabled state of the distribution mechanism 437 is a state in which the game ball can enter the bonus area 409V. In addition, the progress-enabled state of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is a state in which the game ball can proceed to the distribution mechanism 437 side, and specifically, a state in which the game ball can enter the guide passage 494 that guides the game ball from the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 toward the distribution mechanism 437. When a specified round is started, the distribution mechanism 437 is transitioned to an entry-allowing state, and then the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is set to a progress-allowing state, so that the game ball can enter the guide passage 494 after a specified time has elapsed from the start of the specified round.

[0327] The upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and the distribution mechanism 437 operate in a special game state scheduled for a probability change or a special game state scheduled for a time reduction, which are configured by combining multiple rounds. The upper entry restriction mechanism 454 operates in all rounds of the special game state, but the distribution mechanism 437 operates in at least some rounds. Specifically, the distribution mechanism 437 operates in a round that is executed for the first time out of multiple rounds (for example, 15 rounds) in both the special game state scheduled for a probability change and the special game state scheduled for a time reduction. Hereinafter, a round in which the distribution mechanism 437 operates together with the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and in which a game state to be transitioned to after the special game state is determined is also referred to as a transition destination determination round.

[0328] The upper entry restriction mechanism 454 includes a stepping motor as an upper entry restriction motor 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the position of the entry restriction shutter 454A (see FIG. 24). The upper entry restriction motor 464 can change the position of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 (entry restriction shutter 454A) from the entry prohibition position (see the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 24(A)) to the entry permission position (see the position shown in FIG. 24(C)) by rotating a rotation shaft that provides power to the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 in the forward direction, and can also change the position from the entry permission position to the entry prohibition position by rotating in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction. Furthermore, the upper entry restriction motor 464 can change the posture of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 to a predetermined normal form by rotating the rotating shaft at a predetermined speed, and can change the posture of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 slower than the normal form by rotating at a speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed (for example, about 1 / 100 of the predetermined rotation speed). Note that the upper entry restriction motor 464 is not limited to a stepping motor, and may be configured to use a DC motor.

[0329] Furthermore, the rotation speed of the upper entry restriction motor 464 for changing the posture of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 slower than the normal form is set to a speed at which the time from the start of the first round until the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 becomes ready to proceed is longer than the time from the start of the first round until the sorting mechanism 437 becomes ready to enter. Therefore, by setting the rotation speed of the upper entry restriction motor 464, when the first round, which is the transition destination determination round, is started, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 can be changed in posture to a form that becomes ready to proceed (hereinafter also referred to as a delayed form) after the sorting mechanism 437 transitions to the entry ready state. In this embodiment, the speed of the attitude change of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is slower than that of the sorting mechanism 437, and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is set to the advance permission state after the sorting mechanism 437 transitions to the entry permission state. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A configuration may be adopted in which the start of the attitude change of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is delayed from the start of the first round so that the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is set to the advance permission state after the sorting mechanism 437 transitions to the entry permission state, regardless of the speed of the attitude change of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454. In the case of a configuration in which the start of the attitude change of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is delayed, a drive device with a constant speed of the attitude change of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 may be used instead of the upper entry restriction motor 464, and for example, an electromagnetic solenoid may be used.

[0330] Here, the operation control of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and the distribution mechanism 437 will be described. Fig. 23 is a timing chart showing the operation control of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 and the distribution mechanism 437 in a round (a transfer destination determination round) in which a game ball can enter the bonus area 409V. Note that in Fig. 23, the upper part of the figure shows the operation in a special game state with a probability change scheduled, and the lower part of the figure also shows the operation in a special game state with a time reduction scheduled, which is different from the special game state with a probability change scheduled.

[0331] When the first round starts in a special game state where a probability change is scheduled, as shown in FIG. 23, the round flag is turned on, and the first round (number in parentheses in the figure) starts (time t1). The round flag is information that identifies whether or not a round is in progress, and is stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). When the maximum duration TA (predetermined elapsed time: 29.5 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the first round, the round flag is turned off as shown by the dashed line (time ta10). The first round ends when the round flag is turned off. In addition, as will be described later in detail, when the value of the upper large prize counter reaches the specified number (10) of the first round (t8), the flag is turned off after a predetermined period (for example, 3.0 seconds) has elapsed since the detection of the flag (time t10), as shown by the solid line. Furthermore, when a predetermined time (eg, 3.0 seconds) has elapsed after the first round ends, the mid-round flag is turned on in order to start the next round (time ta11).

[0332] In the first round of the special game state scheduled for time reduction, the round flag is turned off when a maximum duration TI (e.g., 4.0 seconds) shorter than the maximum duration TA of the special game state scheduled for a special chance has elapsed since the round flag was turned on (time tb1).

[0333] The time elapsed from the start of the first round is measured by a round control timer (not shown) stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920. The main control board 920 initially sets a value corresponding to the maximum duration TA of the first round stored in the ROM (not shown) of the main control board 920 to the round control timer. In the ROM (not shown) of the main control board 920, a value corresponding to the maximum duration TI of the first round in a special game state scheduled for time reduction is also stored together with a value corresponding to the maximum duration TA, and the main control board 920 selects according to the special game state being executed. The round control timer is updated so that its value decreases by 1 for each timer interruption at a fixed interval (for example, 2 ms) executed by the main control board 920. As a result, the main control board 920 can detect that the value of the round control timer returns to "0", and can turn off the round in progress flag (time ta9) due to the passage of the maximum duration, and end the first round (round time ending means). The main control board 920 also stores values ​​corresponding to the maximum duration of each round other than the first round, and selects one depending on the round being executed.

[0334] In addition, with the start of the first round, the upper large winning counter is initially set to "0." The upper large winning counter is stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, and counts the number of game balls detected by the upper large winning switch 444 (see FIG. 7) in each round, and is updated to increment by "1" each time a game ball is detected by the upper large winning switch 444.

[0335] The main control board 920 judges whether the value of the upper large prize counter is a specified number (10) stored in the ROM of the main control board 920, and when the value of the upper large prize counter reaches the specified number (time t8), it suspends t...

Claims

[Claim 1] an information acquisition means for acquiring special information when a predetermined acquisition condition is met; an acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the information acquisition means; a determining means for sequentially determining whether the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information; a game time control means for controlling the notification means so that a game time operation is started before the determination is made by the determination means or based on the determination being made by the determination means, and the end of the game time operation as a notification result corresponding to the result of the determination is counted as one game time, and the game time operation for each game time is performed in accordance with the special information stored in the acquired information storage means; a game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the predetermined game state, based on the determination result by the determination means corresponding to the predetermined determination information; a special display effect execution means for executing a special display effect across multiple game times when a predetermined condition is met; a display means having a display screen; a display control means for controlling the display effects executed on the display screen; The display control means When the special display effect is started on the display screen, a control means for displaying a predetermined suggestion display that can suggest to a player that the special display effect has started; a control means for displaying a pre-acquisition display that allows a player to recognize the amount of game value that the player can acquire during the execution of the special display effect before the game value is acquired; and The display control means controls the pre-acquisition display so that it can be displayed on the display screen when the suggestion display is displayed and the special display performance is started.

Images