Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably increasing a degree of attention to a game.SOLUTION: While "opening operation" including "a correction variation 1" pattern executed when a left reel LR is stopped in a position in which a jackpot pattern deviates within a range of a first step to sixtieth step from a normal stop position on an effective line in a variable performance inversely rotates a middle reel CR and a right reel RR at rest in a normal position by one pattern space from an initial stop position while inversely rotating all the reels LR, CR, RR simultaneously when the opening is started, the left reel LR at rest in a first deviation amount position is inversely rotated by the number of steps obtained by adding one deviation amount step to one pattern space (namely, 20 steps) from the first deviation amount position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 115

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine in which a lottery such as a win is conducted based on the establishment of predetermined start conditions, and for example, when winning a win, a predetermined gaming value is given to the player according to the establishment of predetermined acquisition conditions.

[0003] In this gaming machine, there is provided an effect means for varying a symbol or the like visible from the front of the gaming machine to suggest the lottery result or the like to the player, and by changing the content of the effect means according to the progress of the game or the like, there is also a configuration for performing an effect related to the game (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding such a gaming machine, in order to improve the interest of the game, it is necessary to increase the degree of attention to the game, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably increasing the degree of attention to the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a firing means capable of firing a game ball, a first ball entry means into which the game ball fired by the firing means can enter, a first state in which it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means, a movable means capable of changing to a second state in which it is easy or possible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means, a second ball entry means into which the game ball fired by the firing means can enter, a predetermined information acquisition means capable of acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of the game ball into the second ball entry means, a predetermined determination means for determining the predetermined information acquired by the predetermined information acquisition means, and a drive means for opening and closing the movable means by using the determination result by the predetermined determination means. The gaming machine is provided with at least an opening / closing change means capable of opening and closing the movable means in a first opening / closing mode or a second opening / closing mode different from the first opening / closing mode by the drive means. The opening / closing change means is configured to be able to switch the opening / closing mode of the movable means when either one of a first condition or a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, there is provided a gaming machine including a firing means capable of firing a game ball, a first ball entry means into which the game ball fired by the firing means can enter, a first state in which it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means, a movable means capable of changing to a second state in which it is easy or possible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means, a second ball entry means into which the game ball fired by the firing means can enter, a predetermined information acquisition means capable of acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of the game ball into the second ball entry means, a predetermined determination means for determining the predetermined information acquired by the predetermined information acquisition means, and a drive means for opening and closing the movable means by using the determination result by the predetermined determination means. The gaming machine is provided with at least an opening / closing change means capable of opening and closing the movable means in a first opening / closing mode or a second opening / closing mode different from the first opening / closing mode by the drive means. The opening / closing change means is configured to be able to switch the opening / closing mode of the movable means when either one of a first condition or a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. As a result, there is an effect that the degree of attention to the game can be suitably increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 46, a first embodiment when the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 whose outer shell is formed by a wooden frame combined in a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 12 formed in substantially the same outer shape as the outer frame 11 and supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11. On the outer frame 11, metal hinges 18 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1) to support the inner frame 12, and the inner frame 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable to the front side with the side where the hinge 18 is provided as the axis of opening and closing.

[0012] A game board 13 (see FIG. 3) having a large number of nails and winning holes 63, 64a, 64b, 65a, etc. is detachably attached to the inner frame 12 from the back side. A ball shooting game is performed by balls flowing down the front surface of the game board 13. In addition, a ball shooting unit 112a (see FIG. 26) that shoots balls into the front area of the game board 13 and a shooting rail (not shown) that guides the balls shot from the ball shooting unit 112a to the front area of the game board 13 are attached to the inner frame 12.

[0013] On the front side of the inner frame 12, a front frame 14 that covers the upper front surface thereof and a lower dish unit 15 that covers the lower side thereof are provided. In order to support the front frame 14 and the lower dish unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the front frame 14 and the lower dish unit 15 are supported so as to be openable and closable toward the front near side with the side where the hinge 19 is provided as the axis of opening and closing. Note that the locking of the inner frame 12 and the locking of the front frame 14 are each released by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a predetermined operation. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a door opening switch (not shown) that detects that either the inner frame 12 or the front frame 14 has been unlocked and opened (the door has been opened).

[0014] The front frame 14 is assembled with resin parts for decoration, electrical parts, etc., and a window portion 14c formed in a substantially elliptical shape is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. On the back side of the front frame 14, a glass unit 16 having two plate glasses is disposed, and the front surface of the game board 13 can be visually recognized on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0015] On the front frame 14, an upper dish 17 for storing balls is formed in a substantially box shape that projects forward and has an open upper surface, and prize balls, lent balls, etc. are discharged into this upper dish 17. The bottom surface of the upper dish 17 is formed to be inclined downward on the right side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the balls put into the upper dish 17 are guided to the ball launch unit 112a by this inclination. Also, a frame button 22 is provided on the left side in a front view of the upper surface of the upper dish 17.

[0016] The frame button 22 is a button that is pressed by a player, for example, when changing the stage of an effect executed by a drum display device 81 (see FIG. 3) described later. The frame button 22 is also used as an operation button for allowing the player to select the content and execution timing of an effect such as the type of a so-called preview display, which is a form of a variable effect.

[0017] The variable display is an effect displayed on the drum display device 81. As described later, it is executed when a ball launched into the front area of the game board 13 enters a specific winning opening (the first start opening 64a or the second start opening 64b described later; see Fig. 3), i.e., a start winning occurs. After the symbols (each third symbol printed on the drum display device 81 described later) are variably displayed for a predetermined time and then stopped and displayed, the result of the lottery (whether it is a big win or not) for the start winning is presented to the player according to the combination of the stopped symbols.

[0018] The stage is an effect mode that gives unity to various effects displayed on the drum display device 81. In this pachinko machine 10, three stages, namely the "street stage", the "empty stage", and the "island stage", are provided. Various effects, such as the above-mentioned variable effect and the reach effect executed during the variable effect, are designed to be performed in accordance with the themes given to each stage.

[0019] The stage is changed when the frame button 22 is pressed by the player during a period when no variable effect is being performed or during high-speed variable display in which the third symbol is variably displayed at a high speed that is invisible to the player. Each time the frame button 22 is operated, it is repeatedly changed in the order of "street stage" → "empty stage" → "island stage" → "street stage" → ···. Also, immediately after the power is turned on, the "street stage" is set as the initial stage.

[0020] In addition, when the effect element of "normal reach" described later starts in the variable effect performed on the drum display device 81 and develops from the effect element of "normal reach" to the effect element of "super reach" also described later, a selection screen for the effect element of "super reach" may be displayed on the drum display device 81 during the effect element of "normal reach".

[0021] On the selection screen, a plurality of candidate production elements that can be selected as production elements of "Super Reach" are displayed, and one of the candidate production elements is selected. While the selection screen is being displayed, if the frame button 22 is pressed by the player, the selected candidate production element is changed. Then, based on the candidate production element selected when developing into the production element of "Super Reach" (i.e., at the end of the selection screen), the content of the production element of "Super Reach" is determined, and the production element of "Super Reach" is executed on the drum display device 81 according to the content.

[0022] In addition, in this embodiment, it is configured as a button to be pressed for the frame button 22. However, instead of the frame button 22, it may be configured by an operation lever that can be tilted in a predetermined direction (for example, forward, backward, right, and left) with respect to the pachinko machine 10 by the player. Then, based on the direction in which the operation lever is tilted, the production stage may be selected and changed, or the production element of "Super Reach" may be selected.

[0023] On the front frame 14, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around its periphery (for example, corner portions). These light-emitting means are controlled to change the light-emitting mode by lighting or flashing according to changes in the gaming state during a big win or a predetermined reach, etc., and play a role in enhancing the production effect during the game. Around the periphery of the window portion 14c, there are provided decorative parts 29 to 33 incorporating light-emitting means such as full-color light-emitting diodes (referred to as "Light Emitting Diode", hereinafter sometimes referred to as "LED") that can emit light in seven colors (white, purple, blue, cyan, green, yellow, red). In the pachinko machine 10, these decorative parts 29 to 33 function as production lamps such as big win lamps, and during a big win or a reach production, each of the decorative parts 29 to 33 lights up or flashes by lighting or flashing the built-in LED, notifying that it is during a big win or during a reach just before a big win. Also, on the upper left part of the front frame 14 when viewed from the front, there is provided a display lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting means such as an LED that can display during the payout of bonus balls and when an error occurs.

[0024] On the lower side of the right decorative part 32, a small window 35 is formed by attaching a transparent resin from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be seen, and certificates or the like pasted in the pasting space K1 (see FIG. 3) on the front of the game board 13 are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, in order to create a more magnificent atmosphere, a plated member 36 made of ABS resin with chrome plating is attached to the area around the decorative parts 29 to 33.

[0025] Below the window part 14c, a ball lending operation part 40 is arranged. The ball lending operation part 40 is provided with a frequency display part 41, a ball lending button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball lending operation part 40 is operated with a bill, a card, or the like inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are lent according to the operation. Specifically, the frequency display part 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of a card or the like is displayed, and the built-in LED lights up and the remaining balance is displayed numerically as the remaining balance information. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain lent balls based on the information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and lent balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card or the like. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit.

[0026] Note that in a pachinko machine, so-called a cash machine, in which balls are directly lent from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 17 without passing through a card unit, the ball lending operation part 40 is not required. In this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball lending operation part 40 so that the component configuration is common. It is possible to make the pachinko machine using a card unit and the cash machine common.

[0027] In the lower dish unit 15 located below the upper dish 17, a lower dish 50 for storing the balls that could not be completely stored in the upper dish 17 is formed in a substantially box shape with an open upper surface at its central part. On the right side of the lower dish 50, an operation handle 51 operated by the player for driving the balls into the front surface of the game board 13 is disposed. Inside such an operation handle 51, there are a touch sensor 51a for permitting the driving of the ball launching unit 112a, a push-button type stop switch 51b for stopping the launching of the balls during the period of the pressing operation, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the amount of rotational operation of the operation handle 51 by the change in the electric resistance, which are built in.

[0028] When the operation handle 51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the amount of operation, and the balls are launched with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor that changes according to the amount of rotational operation of the operation handle 51, whereby the balls are driven into the front surface of the game board 13 with a jump amount corresponding to the operation of the player. The firing interval of the balls in the ball launching unit 112a is set to be about 0.6 seconds. Also, when the operation handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the stop switch 51b are turned off.

[0029] At the front lower part of the lower dish 50, a ball removal lever 52 for operating when discharging the balls stored in the lower dish 50 downward is provided. This ball removal lever 52 is constantly biased in the right direction, and by sliding it leftward against the bias, the bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower dish 50 opens, and the balls naturally fall and are discharged from the bottom opening. The operation of this ball removal lever 52 is usually performed with a box (generally referred to as a "senryo box") placed below the lower dish 50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower dish 50. On the right side of the lower dish 50, the operation handle 51 is disposed as described above, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left side of the lower dish 50.

[0030] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, there are mainly provided control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is unitized by mounting a main board (main control device 110), an audio lamp control board (audio lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized by mounting a payout control board (payout control device 111), a firing control board (firing control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0031] The back pack unit 94 is unitized by a back pack 92 forming a protective cover portion and a payout unit 93. Further, on each control board, an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each control, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used when performing time counting or synchronization, etc. are mounted as necessary.

[0032] Note that the main control device 110, the audio lamp control device 113, the display control device 114, the payout control device 111, the firing control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are respectively housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 include a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house each control device and each board.

[0033] In addition, the substrate box 100 (main control device 110) and the substrate box 102 (payout control device 111 and launch control device 112) are connected in a non-openable manner (connected by a caulking structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) between the box base and the box cover. Further, a sealing tape (not shown) is attached across the connection portion between the box base and the box cover. This sealing tape is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing tape in order to open the substrate boxes 100 and 102, or if an attempt is made to forcibly open the substrate boxes 100 and 102, it will be cut between the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing tape, it is possible to know whether the substrate boxes 100 and 102 have been opened.

[0034] The payout unit 93 includes a tank 130 that is located at the uppermost part of the back pack unit 94 and opens upward, a tank rail 131 that is connected below the tank 130 and gently slopes downward toward the downstream side, a case rail 132 that is vertically connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 that is provided at the lowermost downstream part of the case rail 132 and pays out balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see FIG. 26). Balls supplied from the island equipment in the game hall are sequentially replenished in the tank 130, and the payout device 133 appropriately pays out the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 for applying vibration to the tank rail 131 is attached to the tank rail 131.

[0035] In addition, a state return switch 120 is provided in the payout control device 111, and an operation knob 121 of a variable resistor is provided in the launch control device 112. The state return switch 120 is operated, for example, to eliminate a ball jam (return to the normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 26). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the launch force of the launch solenoid.

[0036] On the main board that constitutes the main control device 110, there are a setting key 501 used when a hall-related person or the like changes the set probability setting value or checks the set probability setting value, a setting change switch 502 used to update the probability setting value by being operated during setting change, a RAM erase switch 503 used when it is desired to initialize the pachinko machine 10 (main control device 110) or to determine (decide) the probability setting value during setting change, and a probability display device 504 capable of displaying the probability setting value.

[0037] This setting key 501, setting change switch 502, and RAM erase switch 503 are provided to protrude from the main board through holes provided in the board box 100, and can be operated by hall-related persons or the like without opening the board box 100. On the other hand, the probability display device 504 is provided on the main board covered by the board box 100.

[0038] The setting key 501 is configured to be rotatable between two positions, an off side indicated by "OFF" and an on side indicated by "ON", by inserting a dedicated key managed by a hall-related person or the like into the keyhole provided in the setting key 501. The setting key 501 is in the off state when located on the off side and in the on state when located on the on side, and once rotated to each state, each state is maintained unless rotated again by an administrator or the like.

[0039] The setting change switch 502 is a switch for updating the probability setting value by being operated when the probability setting value is changed (i.e., in the "setting change mode" described later). The setting change switch 502 normally outputs an off signal and outputs an on signal when pressed.

[0040] The RAM erase switch 503 is a switch for erasing (initializing) backup data stored in the pachinko machine 10 by being operated when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on. Also, this RAM erase switch 503 is used when ending the update of the probability setting value (i.e., ending the "setting change mode" described later) during the change of the probability setting value.

[0041] In the first embodiment, when this RAM erase switch 503 is pressed when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on (i.e., when the power switch is turned on), a RAM erase signal for clearing the backup data to the main control device 110 is output on the condition that the setting key 501 is in the off state. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM erase signal when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and also transmits a payout initialization command for clearing the backup data to the payout control device 111 to the payout control device 111.

[0042] Also, in the state where the probability setting value can be updated (i.e., the "setting change mode" described later), when the RAM erase switch 503 is pressed, the MPU 201 recognizes that the update of the probability setting value is to be ended, ends the state where the probability setting value can be updated, and shifts to the normal game state.

[0043] The probability display device 504 is configured to display the probability setting value when confirming the probability setting value (i.e., the "setting confirmation mode" described later) or when changing the probability setting value (i.e., the "setting change mode" described later). This probability display device 504 is turned off in the normal state (for example, the playable state or when the power is off), and the probability setting value is not displayed. On the other hand, in the state where the probability setting value should be displayed (i.e., the "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode" described later), the current probability setting value is lit and displayed.

[0044] Here, the startup mode when the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment is powered on will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 is determined according to the states of the RAM erase switch 503 and the setting key 501.

[0045] Four modes are prepared for the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10, namely, "RAM clear mode", "setting change mode", "setting confirmation mode", and "normal mode".

[0046] The "RAM clear mode" is a mode for erasing (clearing) the data stored in the RAM 203 in order to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0047] The "setting change mode" is a mode for changing the set probability setting value. When the pachinko machine 10 starts up in this "setting change mode", the current probability setting value is displayed on the probability display device 504, and the probability setting value is updated every time the setting change switch 502 is operated.

[0048] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the setting change switch 502 is pressed during this "setting change mode", the probability setting value in the pachinko machine 10 is updated, and the display of the probability display device 504 is also changed along with the update of the probability setting value.

[0049] The "setting confirmation mode" is a mode for confirming the set probability setting value. When the pachinko machine 10 starts up in this "setting confirmation mode", the current probability setting value is displayed on the probability display device 504.

[0050] The "normal mode" is a startup mode other than these "RAM clear mode", "setting change mode", and "setting confirmation mode". When the power-off occurrence information is not stored in the RAM 203 or when the data stored in the RAM 203 is corrupted, various startup processes are executed while retaining the data stored in the RAM 203, except in these cases, to resume the game of the pachinko machine 10 from the state before the power-off. This is the mode for resuming the game of the pachinko machine 10 from the state before the power-off while retaining the data stored in the RAM 203, except when the power-off occurrence information is not stored in the RAM 203 or when the data stored in the RAM 203 is corrupted.

[0051] In the first embodiment, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 503 off (i.e., in the off state) and the setting key 501 also in the off state, the pachinko machine 10 starts up in the "normal mode". Also, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the setting key 501 in the off state and the RAM erase switch 503 turned on, the pachinko machine 10 starts up in the "RAM clear mode".

[0052] On the other hand, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the setting key 501 in the on state and the RAM erase switch 503 turned on, the pachinko machine 10 starts up in the "setting change mode". Also, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the setting key 501 in the on state and the RAM erase switch 503 off, the pachinko machine 10 starts up in the "setting confirmation mode".

[0053] Note that when the data is erased in the "RAM clear mode", when the update of the probability setting value is completed and the setting key 501 becomes off in the "setting change mode", or when the setting key 501 becomes off in the "setting confirmation mode", each mode is terminated and the transition is made to the "normal mode", and the game of the pachinko machine 10 becomes in a state where it can be started.

[0054] Thus, when turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10, if the setting key 501 is in the off state, the hall staff or the like can select, as the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10, whether to set it to the "RAM clear mode", which is a startup mode not related to the probability setting value, or the "normal mode", according to whether the RAM erase switch 503 is turned on or not.

[0055] On the other hand, when turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10, if the setting key 501 is in the on state, the hall staff or the like can select whether to set the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 as the "setting change mode" related to the probability setting value or the "setting confirmation mode" according to whether the RAM erase switch 503 is turned on or not.

[0056] That is, according to whether the setting key 501 is in the off state or the on state, it is possible to select a startup mode not related to the probability setting value and a startup mode related to the probability setting value. When the startup mode is not related to the probability setting value, according to whether the RAM erase switch 503 is turned on or not, it is possible to select whether to set the startup mode as the "RAM clear mode" or the "normal mode". On the other hand, when the startup mode is related to the probability setting value, according to whether the RAM erase switch 503 is turned on or not, it is possible to select whether to set the startup mode as the "setting change mode" or the "setting confirmation mode".

[0057] Here, when the probability setting value is changed, the jackpot probability in the game is changed. Therefore, if the game is continued while inheriting the game state before power-off, for example, there may be a discrepancy between the jackpot probability in the suspended variation effect and the jackpot probability of the variation effect to be obtained hereafter, or the jackpots counted as the limit number of times described later may be accumulated with different jackpot probabilities, and there is a risk that the pachinko machine 10 cannot exhibit its predetermined game performance. For this reason, when the pachinko machine 10 changes the probability setting value in the "setting change mode", it erases (clears) the data stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, since the "setting confirmation mode" is a startup mode only for confirming the probability setting value, the data stored in the RAM 203 is retained (not cleared) so that the game can be continued while inheriting the game state before power-off.

[0058] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in the "setting change mode" in which the data in the RAM 203 is cleared, turn on the setting key 501 and then turn on the RAM erase switch 503 to turn on the power of the pachinko machine 10. When starting up the pachinko machine 10 in the "setting confirmation mode" in which the data in the RAM 203 is not cleared, turn on the setting key 501 and then turn on the power of the pachinko machine 10 with the RAM erase switch 503 remaining off.

[0059] In this way, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in the "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode" related to the probability setting value, before turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10, turn on the setting key 501. Then, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in the "RAM clear mode" or "setting change mode" that clears the data stored in the RAM 203, turn on the power of the pachinko machine 10 while pressing (turning on) the RAM erase switch 503. That is, if the hall staff, etc. understand the meaning of each startup mode, they can easily understand what operations are required as operations on the pachinko machine 10 necessary for the startup mode to be started up next.

[0060] Also, in order to start up the pachinko machine 10 in the "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode", a dedicated key that can be inserted into the setting key 501 is required, and that key will be managed by the hall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent players from arbitrarily checking the probability setting value and searching for a pachinko machine 10 with a high jackpot probability, or arbitrarily changing the probability setting value to a high probability (high setting). Also, since the RAM erase switch 503 is provided at a position where ordinary players cannot easily touch it, in this regard as well, it is possible to prevent players from arbitrarily changing the probability setting value to a high probability.

[0061] Furthermore, even when starting up in the "setting change mode", the number of switches or the like to be operated simultaneously is two, and since they can be fully operated with both hands, the operability is good. From the above, the hall staff or the like can easily and simply select the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 by properly using the on / off states of the RAM erase switch 503 and the setting key 501.

[0062] In addition, when starting up in the "setting change mode" or the "setting confirmation mode", when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it may be conditional that a door open switch (not shown) for detecting whether the inner frame 12 is open is on, that is, the inner frame 12 is open.

[0063] This is because in order to change or confirm the probability setting value, it is necessary for the hall staff or the like to visually recognize the probability setting value displayed on the probability display device 504 on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, so the inner frame 12 needs to be open. Therefore, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the inner frame 12 not open even though the setting key 501 is in the on state, it does not start up in the "setting change mode" or the "setting confirmation mode", and if the RAM erase switch 503 is off, the pachinko machine 10 is started up in the "normal mode", and if the RAM erase switch 503 is on, the pachinko machine 10 is started up in the "RAM clear mode", just like when the setting key 501 is in the off state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the inner frame 12 closed while the setting key 501 is in the on state, and the pachinko machine 10 starts up in the "setting change mode" or the "setting confirmation mode" and the game does not start. Also, in order to open the inner frame 12, a dedicated key managed by the hall side is required. Therefore, it is possible to suppress players from arbitrarily opening the inner frame 12, checking the probability setting value, searching for a pachinko machine 10 with a high jackpot probability, or arbitrarily changing the probability setting value to a high probability.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the game board 13 is configured by assembling a resin base plate 60 that has been machined into a substantially square shape in front view, with a number of pins, windmills, and rails 61 and 62 for guiding balls, a general winning opening 63, a first starting opening 64a, a second starting opening 64b, a normal electric winning combination 64c, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, and the like.

[0065] On the front surface of the game board 13, an outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is erected, and at an inner position of the outer rail 62, an arc-shaped inner rail 61 formed of a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 62 is erected. The front outer periphery of the game board 13 is surrounded by the inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62, and the front and back are surrounded by the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), so that a game area where the game is played by the behavior of the balls is formed on the front surface of the game board 13. The game area is a substantially circular area (an area where winning openings and the like are arranged and the launched balls flow down) formed by partitioning on the front surface of the game board 13 by the two rails 61 and 62 and the arc member 70.

[0066] The two rails 61 and 62 are provided for guiding the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 26) to the upper part of the game board 13. A return ball prevention member 68 is attached to the tip portion (the upper left portion in FIG. 2) of the inner rail 61, preventing a situation where the ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 13 returns into the ball guiding passage again. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip portion of the outer rail 62 (the upper right portion in FIG. 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the ball. The ball launched with a momentum above a predetermined level hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the central portion while the momentum is attenuated. Also, between the lower right tip portion of the inner rail 61 and the upper right tip portion of the outer rail 62, a resin arc member 70 formed by providing an arc connecting the rails on the inner surface side is driven into and fixed to the base plate 60.

[0067] The general winning openings 63, the first start opening 64a, the second start opening 64b, the normal electric part 64c, the variable winning device 65, the through gate 67, and the variable display device unit 80 are disposed in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by routing processing and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with wood screws or the like. Further, the central portion of the front surface of the game board 13 can be visually recognized from the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14.

[0068] In the game area of the game board 13, a plurality of general winning openings 63 are provided, where when a ball wins, 10 balls are paid out as prize balls.

[0069] Also, a variable display device unit 80 is disposed in the central portion of the game area. In the variable display device unit 80, with the entry of a ball into the first start opening 64a (start winning) or the entry of a ball into the second start opening 64b (start winning) as a trigger, while synchronizing with the dynamic display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the special symbol display device 37, a drum display device 81 configured by a drum-type rotating device that performs a variation effect of a plurality of reels (the left reel LR, the middle reel CR, and the right reel RR (see FIG. 4) described later) on which a third symbol is printed, and a normal symbol display device 83 configured by LEDs that variably display a normal symbol (hereinafter, the variable display of the normal symbol is referred to as "variable display") triggered by the passage of a ball through the through gate 67 are provided. Further, a center frame 86 is disposed around the outer periphery of the drum display device 81 in the variable display device unit 80.

[0070] The drum display device 81 is configured to be assembled to a base unit 300 (see FIG. 5) described later, and has a drum unit 81a integrally formed with a left reel unit 81a1 having a left reel LR, a middle reel unit 81a2 having a middle reel CR, and a right reel unit 81a3 having a right reel RR. By being variably driven by a display control device 114 (see FIG. 26) described later, the reels LR, CR, and RR are variably displayed. The effective line in the drum display device 81 is set as an effective line within a range visible from a central opening 431 of a display area forming member 430 (see FIG. 10) of a light guide unit 400 described later on the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0071] A plurality of symbols are printed on each of the reels LR, CR, and RR, and these symbols scroll vertically for each of the reels LR, CR, and RR so that a third symbol is variably displayed on the drum display device 81. In the pachinko machine 10, the display of the game state accompanying the control of the main control device 110 is performed by the special symbol display device 37, while a decorative display corresponding to the display of the special symbol display device 37 is performed by the drum display device 81. Instead of the drum-type rotating device, for example, a display device for variably displaying the third symbol may be configured using a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0072] Instead of the drum-type rotating device, for example, a display device for performing variable display of the third symbol may be configured using a dot matrix display device or a 7-segment display.

[0073] Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the symbol arrangements of the reels LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the symbol arrangements arranged on the reels LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81. As shown in FIG. 4, 16 symbol areas are formed on each of the reels LR, CR, and RR, and except for some exceptions (i.e., the "543" symbol on the middle reel CR), the third symbol and blank (empty) areas are alternately arranged.

[0074] For example, on the left reel LR, in order from the top, there are the "1" symbol, a blank area, the "2" symbol, a blank area, the "3" symbol, a blank area, the "5" symbol, a blank area, the "6" symbol, a blank area, the "7" symbol, a blank area, the "8" symbol, a blank area, the "CHANCE" symbol, a blank area, and so on, with each symbol arranged in this way. Therefore, when the left reel LR is rotated downward, the symbols are variably displayed such that the numbers are in descending order, like "8" symbol → "7" symbol → "6" symbol → ···.

[0075] Also, on the right reel RR, in order from the top, there are the "8" symbol, a blank area, the "7" symbol, a blank area, the "6" symbol, a blank area, the "5" symbol, a blank area, the "3" symbol, a blank area, the "2" symbol, a blank area, the "1" symbol, a blank area, the "CHANCE" symbol, a blank area, and so on, with each symbol arranged in this way. Therefore, when the right reel RR is rotated downward, the symbols are variably displayed such that the numbers are in ascending order, like "1" symbol → "2" symbol → "3" symbol → ···.

[0076] Furthermore, on the middle reel CR, in order from the top, there are the "8" symbol, a blank area, the "7" symbol, a blank area, the "6" symbol, a blank area, the "543" symbol, a blank area, the "2" symbol, a blank area, the "1" symbol, a blank area, the "CHANCE" symbol, a blank area, and so on, with each symbol arranged in this way. Therefore, when the middle reel CR is rotated downward, similar to the right reel RR, the symbols are variably displayed such that the numbers are in ascending order, like "1" symbol → "2" symbol → "3" symbol → ···.

[0077] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, three symbols each of the reels LR, CR, and RR are configured to be visible through the central opening of a display area forming member 430 (see FIG. 10) described later. For this reason, when all of the reels LR, CR, and RR are stopped, nine symbols are in a visible state through the central opening of the display area forming member 430. That is, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, as effective lines for the variable display of the third symbol, an upper parallel line formed by the symbols at the upper part of the left reel LR, the symbols at the upper part of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the upper part of the right reel RR, a middle parallel line formed by the symbols at the middle part of the left reel LR, the symbols at the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the middle part of the right reel RR, a lower parallel line formed by the symbols at the lower part of the left reel LR, the symbols at the lower part of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the lower part of the right reel RR, a downward right diagonal line formed by the symbols at the upper part of the left reel LR, the symbols at the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the lower part of the right reel RR, and an upward right diagonal line formed by the symbols at the lower part of the left reel LR, the symbols at the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the upper part of the right reel RR, a total of five effective lines are set.

[0078] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, three numerical symbols each (third symbol; hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "main symbol") and blank areas are visible from the central opening of a display area forming member 430 (see FIG. 10) described later for each of the reels LR, CR, and RR. For this reason, when all of the reels LR, CR, and RR are stopped, nine numerical symbols and blank areas are in a visible state through the central opening of the display area forming member 430. That is, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, as effective lines for the variable display of the third symbol, an upper parallel line formed by the numerical symbol or blank area at the upper part of the left reel LR, the numerical symbol or blank area at the upper part of the middle reel CR, and the numerical symbol or blank area at the upper part of the right reel RR, a middle parallel line formed by the numerical symbol or blank area in the middle part of the left reel LR, the numerical symbol or blank area in the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the numerical symbol or blank area in the middle part of the right reel RR, a lower parallel line formed by the numerical symbol or blank area at the lower part of the left reel LR, the numerical symbol or blank area at the lower part of the middle reel CR, and the numerical symbol or blank area at the lower part of the right reel RR, a downward right diagonal line formed by the numerical symbol or blank area at the upper part of the left reel LR, the numerical symbol or blank area in the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the numerical symbol or blank area at the lower part of the right reel RR, and an upward right diagonal line formed by the numerical symbol or blank area at the lower part of the left reel LR, the numerical symbol or blank area in the middle part of the middle reel CR, and the numerical symbol or blank area at the upper part of the right reel RR, a total of five effective lines are set.

[0079] In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the lottery result by a main control device 110 (see FIG. 26) described later is a big win, a variable display (variable effect) is performed in which the same main symbol aligns on any of the effective lines, and a big win occurs after the variable display ends. When shifting to a high-probability state (probability-variable state) after the big win ends, a variable display is performed in which the main symbol with an odd number added (corresponding to the "high-probability symbol") aligns on any of the effective lines. On the other hand, when shifting to a low-probability state after the big win ends, a variable display is performed in which the main symbol with an even number added (corresponding to the "low-probability symbol") aligns on any of the effective lines.

[0080] Also, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, at the time of each variable effect, the third symbol is stopped and displayed in the order of the left reel LR → the right reel RR → the center reel CR. When the combination of jackpot symbols (combination of the same main symbols) is aligned on any of the effective lines at the stop of the third symbol, a jackpot effect (for example, rainbow lighting display, etc.) is executed as a jackpot. Further, since the symbol arrangements of the left reel LR and the right reel RR are reverse (ascending order and descending order), when the left reel LR and the right reel RR stop, the same symbol can stop on one or two effective lines respectively. That is, a single reach in which the same symbol stops and is displayed only on one effective line and a double reach in which the same symbol stops and is displayed on two effective lines respectively are configured to be possible.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 3 and continuing the explanation. When a ball enters the first start port 64a while the variable effect (dynamic display) of the third symbol corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being performed by the drum display device 81 (special symbol display device 37), the number of ball entries (number of held balls) is held up to a maximum of 4 times. The number of held balls is indicated by the special symbol display device 37 and is also shown in the first held symbol display section Db1 of the first to fourth held symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d corresponding to the first special symbol of the held symbol display section Db provided at the lower part of the front view of the drum display device 81. In the first to fourth held symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the special figure 1, one held symbol (in the normal display mode, the "○" symbol (white circle symbol)) is displayed for each held ball (number of held balls: 1 time) of the first special symbol, and the number of held balls of the variable effect of the first special symbol is displayed according to the number of held symbols displayed in the first to fourth held symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the special figure 1.

[0082] That is, in the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the special drawing 1, when one hold symbol is displayed in the first hold symbol display section Db1a of the special drawing 1, it indicates that the number of hold balls of the first special symbol is 1 time. When a total of two hold symbols, one each, are displayed in the first and second hold symbol display sections Db1a and Db1b of the special drawing 1, it indicates that the number of hold balls of the first special symbol is 2 times. When a total of three hold symbols, one each, are displayed in the first to third hold symbol display sections Db1a to Db1c of the special drawing 1, it indicates that the number of hold balls of the first special symbol is 3 times. When a total of four hold symbols, one each, are displayed in the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the special drawing 1, it indicates that the number of hold balls of the first special symbol is 4 times. Also, when no hold symbol is displayed in the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the special drawing 1, it indicates that the number of hold balls of the first special symbol is 0 times and there is no existing variable effect that is held.

[0083] Also, when a ball enters the second start port 64b while the variable effect (dynamic display) of the third symbol corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being performed by the drum display device 81 (special symbol display device 37), the number of times of ball entry (number of hold balls) is held up to a maximum of 4 times. The number of hold balls is indicated by the special symbol display device 37 and is also shown in the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db2a to Db2d of the second hold symbol display section Db2 corresponding to the second special symbol of the hold symbol display section Db provided at the lower part of the front view of the drum display device 81. In the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db2a to Db2d of the special drawing 2, one hold symbol (the "○" symbol (white circle symbol) in the normal display mode) is displayed for each hold ball (number of hold balls 1 time) of the second special symbol, and the number of hold balls of the variable effect of the second special symbol is displayed according to the number of hold symbols displayed in the first to fourth hold symbol display sections Db2a to Db2d of the special drawing 2.

[0084] That is, in the first to fourth held symbol display parts Db2a to Db2d of the special figure 2, when one held symbol is displayed in the first held symbol display part Db2a of the special figure 2, it indicates that the number of held balls of the second special symbol is 1 time. When a total of two held symbols, one each, are displayed in the first and second held symbol display parts Db2a and Db2b of the special figure 2, it indicates that the number of held balls of the second special symbol is 2 times. When a total of three held symbols, one each, are displayed in the first to third held symbol display parts Db2a to Db2c of the special figure 2, it indicates that the number of held balls of the second special symbol is 3 times. When a total of four held symbols, one each, are displayed in the first to fourth held symbol display parts Db2a to Db2d of the special figure 2, it indicates that the number of held balls of the second special symbol is 4 times. Further, when no held symbol is displayed in the first to fourth held symbol display parts Db2a to Db2d of the special figure 2, it indicates that the number of held balls of the second special symbol is 0 times and there is no held variable effect.

[0085] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the first lottery game of the first special symbol and the second lottery game of the second special symbol are not executed simultaneously, and only one of the lottery games is configured to be executed. Also, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when any of the ongoing lottery games ends, if the held balls of the first special symbol and the held balls of the second special symbol are each stored, the second lottery game of the second special symbol is configured to be executed preferentially over the first lottery game of the first special symbol (so-called, special figure 2 priority variation). Note that the lottery games may be executed in the order of winning (so-called, winning order variation), or the first lottery game of the first special symbol and the second lottery game of the second special symbol may be configured to be executed simultaneously (so-called, special figure 1 and special figure 2 simultaneous variation).

[0086] In the central part of the hold symbol display section Db, an execution symbol display section Db0 is provided, which displays an execution symbol indicating that a variable effect is being executed by the drum display device 81. This execution symbol display section Db0 is provided in the central part of the hold symbol display section Db, that is, on the right side of the first hold symbol display section Db1a in the special figure 1 and on the left side of the first hold symbol display section Db2a in the special figure 2, and is configured to display an execution symbol larger than each hold symbol displayed in each hold symbol display section Db1a - Db1d, Db2a - Db2d. Also, the hold symbol that was displayed in the first hold symbol display section Db1a in the special figure 1 or the first hold symbol display section Db2a in the special figure 2 moves (shifts) and is displayed as an execution symbol in this execution symbol display section Db0.

[0087] The execution symbol displayed in the execution symbol display section Db0 is erased when the variable effect ends, and with the erasure of the execution symbol, the displayed hold symbol moves and is displayed as the hold symbol on the lower side (right side if it is the first special symbol, left side if it is the second special symbol). Specifically, for example, in a situation where there is no hold symbol for the second special symbol and there are four hold symbols for the first special symbol, when the execution symbol displayed in the execution symbol display section Db0 is erased with the end of the variable effect for the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the hold symbol displayed in the first hold symbol display section Db1a in the special figure 1 moves (shifts) and is displayed as the execution symbol in the execution symbol display section Db0. Also, the hold symbol displayed in the second hold symbol display section Db1b in the special figure 1 moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol in the first hold symbol display section Db1a in the special figure 1. Further, the hold symbol displayed in the third hold symbol display section Db1c in the special figure 1 moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol in the second hold symbol display section Db1b in the special figure 1. Also, the hold symbol displayed in the fourth hold symbol display section Db1d in the special figure 1 moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol in the third hold symbol display section Db1c in the special figure 1.

[0088] Also, for example, in a situation where there are four hold symbols for the second special symbol, when the execution symbol displayed on the execution symbol display unit Db0 is erased as the variation effect of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends, the hold symbol displayed on the first hold symbol display unit Db2a in FIG. 2 of the patent moves (shifts) and is displayed as the execution symbol on the execution symbol display unit Db0. Also, the hold symbol displayed on the second hold symbol display unit Db2b in FIG. 2 of the patent moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol on the first hold symbol display unit Db2a in FIG. 2 of the patent. Further, the hold symbol displayed on the third hold symbol display unit Db2c in FIG. 2 of the patent moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol on the second hold symbol display unit Db2b in FIG. 2 of the patent. Also, the hold symbol displayed on the fourth hold symbol display unit Db2d in FIG. 2 of the patent moves (shifts) and is displayed as the hold symbol on the third hold symbol display unit Db2c in FIG. 2 of the patent.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the number of hold balls for the variation effect based on the ball entry into the first start port 64a or the second start port 64b is configured to be held up to a maximum of 4 times each. However, the maximum number of hold balls is not limited to 4 times, and it may be set to 3 times or less, or 5 times or more (for example, 8 times) each. Also, instead of displaying the hold symbol on the hold symbol display unit Db, the number of hold balls may be displayed numerically as part of a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device, etc.) separate from the hold symbol display unit Db, or the areas divided into four may be made to differ in a manner corresponding to the number of hold balls (for example, color or lighting pattern). Also, since the number of hold balls is indicated by the special symbol display device 37, it is not necessary to display the number of hold balls on the hold symbol display unit Db. Further, four hold lamps indicating the number of hold balls may be provided in the variable display device unit 80 for each of the maximum hold numbers of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and the number of hold balls may be displayed according to the number of lit hold lamps.

[0090] The normal symbol display device 83 performs variable display that alternately lights up the symbol "○" and the symbol "×" as the display symbols (normal symbols) every time the ball passes through the through gate 67. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the variable display in the normal symbol display device 83 stops at a predetermined symbol (the symbol "○" in the first embodiment), the normal electric winning combination 64c above the front view of the second start port 64b becomes operative (opened) for a predetermined time.

[0091] The number of balls retained by the through gate 67 can be retained up to a maximum of 4 times. The number of retained balls is displayed by the special symbol display device 37 described above and is also lit and displayed on the normal symbol retention lamp 84. Four normal symbol retention lamps 84 corresponding to the maximum number of retained balls are provided and arranged symmetrically left and right above the drum display device 81. Then, the number of retained balls is displayed by the number of lit normal symbol retention lamps 84.

[0092] Note that the variable display of the normal symbol can be performed by switching the lighting and non-lighting of a plurality of lamps in the normal symbol display device 83 as in the first embodiment, or it may be performed using a part of the special symbol display device 37 or the drum display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the normal symbol retention lamp 84 may be performed by a part of the drum display device 81. Also, the passage of the through gate 67 is not limited to a maximum of 4 retained balls, and it may be set to 3 or less times, or 5 or more times (for example, 8 times). Further, since the number of retained balls is indicated by the special symbol display device 37, it may not be lit and displayed by the normal symbol retention lamp 84.

[0093] More specifically, the variable display of the normal symbol may be performed using a part of the special symbol display device 37 or the drum display device 81 other than the third symbol execution part. Similarly, the lighting of the normal symbol retention lamp 84 may be performed by a part of the drum display device 81 other than the third symbol execution part.

[0094] On the front side of the variable display device unit 80 when viewed from the front, there is provided a light guide unit 400 which is unitized by arranging, in order from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, a display area forming member 430, a front light guide plate 410, and a rear light guide plate 420 (see Figure 8).

[0095] The display area forming member 430 is made of a transparent resin (e.g., polycarbonate), and is formed in a shape that follows (corresponds to) the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81 arranged on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 of the light guide unit 400, and is also formed in a shape that follows (corresponds to) the shapes of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, which will be described later and are assembled to the light guide unit 400. In addition, the display area forming member 430 has a central opening 431 formed so that three symbols on each of the reels LR, CR, and RR on the drum display device 81 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. A predetermined lens cut 432 is applied to the periphery of the central opening 431, and is configured so that the rear side of the lens cut 432 cannot be seen or is difficult to see from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the lens cut 432 on the periphery of the central opening 431 clearly shows the display area and pay lines of the symbols on the drum display device 81 to the player. The display area forming member 430 will be described in detail later.

[0096] The front light guide plate 410 is made of a resin material with transparency (for example, acrylic). Similar to the display area forming member 430, it is formed in a shape that follows (corresponds to) the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81, and is also formed in a shape that follows (corresponds to) the shapes of the display area forming member 430 and the rear light guide plate 420 that are assembled to the light guide unit 400. Further, the front light guide plate 410 is configured such that a part of the drum display device 81 and the rear light guide plate 420 disposed on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the front light guide plate 410 can be visually recognized through the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. Furthermore, on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 (that is, the back side of the pachinko machine 10), lens cuts of various uneven shapes are provided. By lighting the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c of the lower LED unit 414, the front right LED unit 415, or the front left LED unit 416 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) described later, a second decorative pattern group 411 that is a pattern imitating a plurality of cherry blossoms (so-called cherry blossom blizzard pattern), a third decorative pattern 412 that is a pattern imitating a jellyfish, and a fourth decorative pattern group 413 that is a pattern imitating a plurality of bubbles (so-called bubble group pattern) (see FIG. 17) are configured to be respectively visually recognizable from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Details of the front light guide plate 410 will be described later.

[0097] The rear light guide plate 420 is made of a resin material (e.g., acrylic) having transparency, similar to the front light guide plate 410. Similar to the display area forming member 430 and the front light guide plate 410, it is formed in a shape along (corresponding to) the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81, and is formed in a shape along (corresponding to) the shape of the display area forming member 430 and the front light guide plate 410 that are assembled to the light guide unit 400. Also, similar to the front light guide plate 410, this rear light guide plate 420 is configured to make the drum display device 81 disposed on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 visible through the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. Further, on the back side of the rear light guide plate 420 (i.e., the back side of the pachinko machine 10), various uneven-shaped lens cuts are provided. By lighting each of the LEDs 422c, 424 of the rear upper LED unit 422 and / or the lower LED unit 414 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) described later, a first decorative pattern group 421 (see FIG. 12), which is a pattern imitating a plurality of types of fish (so-called fish school pattern), is configured to be respectively visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Details of the rear light guide plate 420 will be described later.

[0098] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, according to the lottery result of the variation effect of the third pattern, during the execution of the variation effect (e.g., when forming a reach display), the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and / or the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are configured to be lit and displayed. Specifically, when a jackpot result appears in the variation effect, it is configured to be easily lit and displayed in the order of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411 & the third decorative pattern 412, only the third decorative pattern 412, only the second decorative pattern group 411, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413. On the other hand, when a losing result appears in the variation effect, it is configured to be easily lit and displayed in the order of the fourth decorative pattern group 413, only the second decorative pattern group 411, only the third decorative pattern 412, the second decorative pattern group 411 & the third decorative pattern 412, and the first decorative pattern group 421.

[0099] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, according to the lottery result of the variable effect of the third symbol, during the execution of the variable effect (for example, when forming a reach display), one of the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, or the fourth decorative symbol group 413, or at least two or more combinations of the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, or the fourth decorative symbol group 413 are configured to be lit and displayed. Specifically, when a jackpot result appears in the variable effect, the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411 & the third decorative symbol 412, only the third decorative symbol 412, only the second decorative symbol group 411, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 are likely to be lit and displayed in this order. On the other hand, when a losing result appears in the variable effect, the fourth decorative symbol group 413, only the second decorative symbol group 411, only the third decorative symbol 412, the second decorative symbol group 411 & the third decorative symbol 412, and the first decorative symbol group 421 are likely to be lit and displayed in this order.

[0100] That is, according to the appearance ratio associated with the variable result of the variable effect, the jackpot reliability (expectation) of each decorative symbol group 411, 412, 413, 421 is preset to increase in the order of the first decorative symbol group 421 > the second decorative symbol group 411 & the third decorative symbol 412 > only the third decorative symbol 412 > only the second decorative symbol group 411 > the fourth decorative symbol group 413.

[0101] More specifically, according to the appearance ratio associated with the variable result of the variable effect, the jackpot reliability (expectation) of each decorative symbol group 411, 412, 413, 421 is preset to increase in the order of the fourth decorative symbol group 413 < only the second decorative symbol group 411 < only the third decorative symbol 412 < the second decorative symbol group 411 & the third decorative symbol 412 < the first decorative symbol group 421.

[0102] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, by setting the appearance ratios at the time of jackpot and loss respectively, the jackpot expectancy at the time of appearance of the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is configured to be set. Instead of this, it may be configured to set the jackpot expectancy of the decorative symbols regardless of the appearance frequency. For example, a decorative symbol with a low appearance ratio at the time of jackpot and also a low appearance ratio at the time of loss and a low jackpot expectancy may be provided, or a decorative symbol with a high appearance ratio at the time of loss and also a high appearance ratio at the time of jackpot and a high jackpot expectancy may be provided.

[0103] As described above, each member 430, 410, 420 of the light guide unit 400 is formed in a shape along (corresponding to) the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81 located on the back side in a front view, and is configured to be able to light up (guide light) and display the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 described later. Therefore, by executing the variation effect of the third symbol in the drum display device 81 and the effect in the light guide unit 400 in a combined manner, a colorful effect can be executed, the effect of each device 81, 400 can be enhanced respectively, and the degree of attention to the game can be enhanced. Further, the light guide unit 400 is configured in a shape along the outer peripheral shape of the effect device so that the effect device (that is, the drum display device 81) arranged on the back side in a front view can be arranged in the back space, thereby enhancing the design freedom of the effect device arranged on the back side in a front view of the light guide unit 400.

[0104] Further, at least the front light guide plate 410, the front lower LEDs 414c, the front right LEDs 415c, and the front left LEDs 416c, and the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upper LEDs 422c, and the rear lower LEDs 424 are unitized and fixed while being positioned with through holes, screws, etc. as the light guide unit 400, so that misalignment between each LED 414c, etc. and each light guide plate 410, 420 can be suppressed. Therefore, the light from each LED 414c, etc. can be appropriately irradiated onto each light guide plate 410, 420, and each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 can be accurately expressed.

[0105] Note that the specific selection rates of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411 & the third decorative pattern 412, only the third decorative pattern 412, only the second decorative pattern group 411, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "each decorative pattern 411, 412, 413, 421") in case of a big win or a loss will be described later with reference to FIG. 34.

[0106] On the surface of the game board 13 (base board 60) on the right side in the front view of the variable display device unit 80, a first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface, which is the same pattern as the first decorative pattern group 421 provided on the rear light guide plate 420, is provided. On the surface of the game board 13 (base board 60) on the left side in the front view of the variable display device unit 80, a second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board surface, which is the same pattern as the first decorative pattern group 421 provided on the rear light guide plate 420 and the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface, is provided. The first decorative pattern group 60a and the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board surface are configured to be capable of being lit and displayed in conjunction with the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420. Specifically, when performing an effect related to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the variable display of the third pattern, first, the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface on the right side in the front view of the variable display device unit 80 is lit first, then the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 is lit and displayed in order from the right side to the left side in the front view, and then the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board surface on the left side in the front view of the variable display device unit 80 is lit. By configuring in this way, in the effect related to the first decorative pattern group 421, the effect on the rear light guide plate 420 and the effect on the game board 13 surface are executed integrally, providing a powerful effect using the entire game board 13 surface and improving the interest of the game.

[0107] More specifically, in the variable display of the third symbol, when winning the lighting lottery of the first decorative symbol group 421 and the timing to light the first decorative symbol group 421 arrives, first, the light emission effects on the game board 13 and the drum display device 81 are stopped or suppressed, and the entire game board 13 is dimmed (darkened). Then, an LED (not shown) disposed on the back side of the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board is lit so that the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board seems to move from the right side to the left side in a front view. And at the timing when the leftmost end of the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board is lit, among the first decorative symbol groups 421 provided on the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 (see FIG. 8. Hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "LEDs 422c, 424") corresponding to the rightmost end of the first decorative symbol group 421 provided in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, so that the rightmost first decorative symbol group 421 in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 becomes visible from the front side (front side. The same applies hereinafter) of the pachinko machine 10.

[0108] At this time, in order to prevent the light emitted from the LED corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board from leaking to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410) side, the front right base 415a (see FIG. 8) of the front right LED unit 415 is configured to block the light from the LED corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board to the rear light guide plate 420 side. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the problem that the light emitted from the LED corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board is guided to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410) and the first decorative symbol group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 emits light at a stage earlier than the light emission timing.

[0109] Next, with the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board lit, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 421 in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, the LEDs 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view from the rightmost LEDs 422c and 424 in the right region are sequentially lit from the right side in the front view. When the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 421 located at the leftmost end in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the rightmost end of the first decorative symbol group 421 provided in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit. As a result, the rightmost first decorative symbol group 421 in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 becomes visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, an effect as if a series of integrated fish symbol patterns move from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10 is executed by the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board and the first decorative symbol groups 421 in the right region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420.

[0110] More specifically, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the first decorative symbol group 421 in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, when lighting the LED 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view (i.e., the center of the right region) from the rightmost LED 422c and 424 in the right region, the emission color that was lit by the rightmost LED 422c and 424 is inherited. Further, when lighting the LED 422c and 424 located further on the left side in the front view (i.e., the leftmost end of the right region) of the LED 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view, lighting is performed so as to inherit the emission color that was lit by the LED 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view. For example, when the rightmost LED 422c and 424 in the right region emits light in red, it lights in red at the timing of lighting the LED 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view of the rightmost LED 422c and 424, and further lights in red at the timing of lighting the LED 422c and 424 located further on the left side in the front view (i.e., the leftmost end of the right region) of the LED 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view. By configuring in this way, an effect as if the same fish symbol pattern in the first decorative symbol group 421 is moving and being displayed can be executed.

[0111] Next, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, the LEDs 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view from the rightmost LEDs 422c and 424 in the central region are sequentially lit from the right side. When the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost end in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the rightmost end of the first decorative pattern group 421 provided in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, so that the rightmost first decorative pattern group 421 in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 becomes visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. At this time, when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost end in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, the LEDs (not shown) corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface are configured to be sequentially turned off from the right side in the front view. As a result, an effect is executed as if a fish school pattern of a series of integrations and a certain width (that is, the width obtained by combining the widths of the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 and the display width of the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface) moves from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10 by the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board surface and the first decorative pattern groups 421 in the right region, the central region, and the left region of the rear light guide plate 420.

[0112] Next, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, the LEDs 422c and 424 located on the left side in the front view from the rightmost LEDs 422c and 424 in the left region are sequentially lit from the right side. When the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost end in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, an LED (not shown) corresponding to the rightmost end of the second decorative pattern group 60b on the left side of the game board 13 surface is lit, so that the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface is lit and displayed. At this time, when the LED corresponding to the leftmost end of the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface is lit, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are configured to be sequentially turned off from the right side in the front view. As a result, the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface and the first decorative pattern groups 421 in the left region, the central region, and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 create an effect as if a fish school pattern with a continuous and integral shape and a certain width (that is, the combined width of the left region, the central region, and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, or the combined width of the widths of the left region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 and the display width of the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface) moves from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0113] Thereafter, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side in the front view. Then, when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off, next, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side in the front view. Further, when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off, the LEDs (not shown) corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface are configured to be ready to be turned off from the right side in the front view. By configuring in this way, an effect is executed as if a fish school pattern with a continuous and integral shape and a certain width moves from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10 by the first decorative pattern group 60a on the board surface, the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420, and the second decorative pattern group 60b on the board surface.

[0114] At this time, the front left base 416a (see FIG. 8) of the front left LED unit 416 is configured to block the light from the LEDs corresponding to the second decorative symbol group 60b on the game board surface from leaking to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410) side, so that the light emitted from the LEDs corresponding to the second decorative symbol group 60b on the game board surface does not leak. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent problems such as the light emitted from the LEDs corresponding to the second decorative symbol group 60b on the game board surface being guided to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410) and the first decorative symbol group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 emitting light at a stage later than the emission timing.

[0115] In this way, in the effects related to the first decorative symbol group 60a, the first decorative symbol group 421, and the second decorative symbol group 60b on the game board surface, the effect on the rear light guide plate 420 and the effect on the game board surface of the game board 13 are executed integrally. When sequentially lighting each LED, by eliminating the problem that a symbol different from the lighting timing is lit by the light from the lighting of other LEDs, a series of integrated and powerful effects using the entire game board surface of the game board 13 can be provided, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0116] Below the variable display device unit 80, a first start port 64a into which balls can enter is provided. When a ball enters the first start port 64a, a first start port switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and a lottery for a big win of the first special symbol is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 26) described later due to the turning on of the first start port switch. Then, the display corresponding to the lottery result is shown by the upper LED group 37b1 of the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37, and a variation effect of the third symbol corresponding to the first special symbol is executed by the drum display device 81. Note that the first start port 64a also serves as one of the winning ports from which 5 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters.

[0117] Below the first start port 64a, a second start port 64b is provided through which a ball can enter only when the normal electric member 64c is in an open state. When a ball enters the second start port 64b, a second start port switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and a lottery for a big win of the second special symbol is conducted by a main control device 110 (see FIG. 26) described later due to the turning on of the second start port switch. Then, a display corresponding to the lottery result is shown by the lower LED group 37b2 of the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37, and a variation effect of the third symbol corresponding to the second special symbol is executed by the drum display device 81. Note that the second start port 64b also serves as one of the winning ports from which one ball is paid out as a winning ball when a ball enters.

[0118] As described above, above the second start port 64b in a front view, a normal electric member 64c is provided which can be displaced between an open state (expanded state) and a closed state (contracted state) by opening and closing two blade members that cover the opening through which a ball enters the second start port 64b. The normal electric member 64c is normally in a closed state where the blades are closed (the blades stand upright upward), and the ball cannot enter the second start port 64b or it is in a state where it is difficult for the ball to enter.

[0119] On the other hand, when the variable display on the normal symbol display device 83 stops at the symbol "○", the normal electric member 64c is activated for a predetermined time. While the normal electric member 64c is being activated, the blades of the normal electric member 64c move from the state where they stand upright upward to a state where they are movable in a substantially V shape (inverted V shape), and the second start port 64b becomes an open state. When the second start port 64b is in an open state, the ball can enter the second start port 64b or it is in a state where the ball can enter more easily compared to the closed state. That is, when the variable display on the normal symbol display device 83 stops at the symbol "○" and it is a win, and the second start port 64b is in an open state, it is possible to make the state such that a ball can enter the second start port 64b and more big win lotteries can be conducted.

[0120] Below the first start port 64a and the second start port 64b, a variable prize device 65 is arranged, and a horizontally long rectangular large prize opening (also referred to as a large opening or a specific prize opening) 65a is provided in a substantially central portion thereof. In the pachinko machine 10, when the lottery by the main control device 110 results in a big win, after a predetermined time (fluctuation time) has elapsed, the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37 is lit so as to become the stop symbol for the big win, and the stop symbol corresponding to the big win is displayed on the drum display device 81 to indicate the occurrence of the big win. Thereafter, the game state transitions to a special game state (big win) in which balls are likely to win. As this special game state, the large prize opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined number of times (10 times or 5 times) for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds elapse or until 10 balls win).

[0121] When this large prize opening 65a is opened, it is closed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening or when a predetermined number of wins are detected. After the closing, the large prize opening 65a is opened again. The opening and closing operation of this large prize opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 10 times (10 rounds) at most. The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is a form of a special game state (big win state) that is advantageous to the player. For the player, by having the ball win in the large prize opening 65a, a larger number of prize balls are paid out as an addition of game value (game value) compared to normal times.

[0122] Specifically, the variable prize device 65 includes a horizontally long rectangular opening and closing plate that covers the large prize opening 65a, and a large prize opening solenoid (not shown) for driving the opening and closing plate to open and close forward with the lower side of the opening and closing plate as an axis. The large prize opening 65a is normally in a closed state where balls cannot win or have difficulty winning. At the time of a big win, the large prize opening solenoid is driven to tilt the opening and closing plate downward in the front, temporarily forming an open state in which balls can easily win in the large prize opening 65a, and operating so as to alternately repeat the open state and the normal closed state.

[0123] The variable winning device 65 is disposed at a position where a ball can win the big winning opening 65a in either a left-handed game or a right-handed game. When a ball enters the big winning opening 65a, a big winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and by counting the number of times the big winning opening switch is turned on, the number of balls that have won the big winning opening 65a is counted, and the closing condition of the big winning opening 65a is determined. Also, due to the turning on of the big winning opening switch, 15 balls are paid out as prize balls. Then, by repeatedly opening and closing the big winning opening 65a due to a big win, a state is created in which many balls are likely to win the big winning opening 65a, and the player is paid out a larger number of prize balls than usual as an imparting of game value (game value). This state is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

[0124] Note that the special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A specific winning opening and a large opening that is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening are provided in the game area, and when a special LED group 37b corresponding to a big win lights up in the special symbol display device 37, the specific winning opening is opened for a predetermined time, and when a ball wins into the specific winning opening during the opening of the specific winning opening, a game state in which the large opening is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times may be formed as a special game state.

[0125] Through gates 67 are provided on the left side and the right side of the variable display device unit 80 when viewed from the front. Through holes (not shown) for the balls to pass through are provided in the through gates 67 in the vertical direction. When a ball launched into the game area passes through the through gate 67, a through gate switch (not shown) provided in the through hole is turned on, and due to this turning on, a winning lottery for the normal symbols is performed by the main control device 110.

[0126] If, as a result of the normal symbol lottery conducted for the balls that have passed through the through gate 67, it is determined to be a winning, after the symbol "○" stops being displayed through the variable display of the normal symbols on the normal symbol display device 83, the normal electric accessory 64c provided above the front view of the second start opening 64b operates. As a result, from the state where the plate of the normal electric accessory 64c, which makes it difficult for balls to enter the second start opening 64b, closes the second start opening 64b, the state is changed to one where balls can enter the second start opening 64b for a predetermined time, or a state where balls can enter more easily compared to the closed state.

[0127] On the upper right part in the front view of the game area (the upper right part in FIG. 3), there is arranged a special symbol display device 37 provided with a state LED group 37a and a special LED group 37b, which are composed of a plurality of LEDs as light-emitting means. The special symbol display device 37 performs variable displays of a first special symbol (hereinafter, the first special symbol may be referred to as "special symbol 1") and a second special symbol (hereinafter, the second special symbol may be referred to as "special symbol 2") according to each control performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 2) (hereinafter, the variable displays of both special symbols may be referred to as "dynamic display"), and also displays the game state of the pachinko machine 10.

[0128] The state LED group 37a indicates the number of hold balls, which is the number of balls among the balls that have won (entered) the first start opening 64a or the second start opening 64b described later and for which the variable display has not been executed, by the lighting state. Also, the number of jackpot rounds and error displays are indicated by the lighting state of the state LED group 37a corresponding to that state. Note that the state LED group 37a is configured such that the emission colors (for example, red, green, blue) of the respective LEDs are different, and by the combination of the emission colors, various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be suggested with a small number of LEDs.

[0129] Note that the "round" in the big win means the period from when the big winning opening 65a, which will be described later, is opened to when it is closed to divide the number of winning balls in the big win. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, one "round" is configured to be executed when 30 seconds have elapsed since the big winning opening 65a started to open, or when 10 balls win during the opening of the big winning opening 65a.

[0130] The special LED group 37b is composed of a total of 12 LEDs, including an upper LED group 37b1 composed of 6 LEDs and a lower LED group 37b2 also composed of 6 LEDs. The upper LED group 37b1 dynamically displays the first special symbol indicating the determination result of the first lottery game. Also, the lower LED group 37b2 dynamically displays the second special symbol indicating the determination result of the second lottery game.

[0131] Specifically, in the upper LED group 37b1, dynamic display (in the first embodiment, the LEDs from the uppermost LED to the lower LEDs of the upper LED group 37b1 are lit one by one in order, and the repeated display of the lighting pattern) is performed until the variable time (dynamic display time) determined based on winning in the first start port 64a provided at the center of the game board 13 elapses, and then it stops and is displayed as a symbol indicating the determination result (in the first embodiment, any of a total of 64 stop symbols by the combination of the lighting patterns of the 6 LEDs).

[0132] Also, in the lower LED group 37b2, dynamic display (in the first embodiment, the LEDs from the uppermost LED to the lower LEDs of the lower LED group 37b2 are lit one by one in order, and the repeated display of the lighting pattern) is performed until the variable time (dynamic display time) determined based on winning in the second start port 64b provided on the right side of the game board 13 elapses, and then it stops and is displayed as a symbol indicating the determination result (in the first embodiment, any of a total of 64 stop symbols by the combination of the lighting patterns of the 6 LEDs).

[0133] In any of the LED groups 37b1 and 37b2, if the determination result is a miss, only the leftmost LED is lit. If the determination result is a jackpot, each LED group is lit in a lighting pattern corresponding to the type (category) of the jackpot. Details of the stop pattern of each LED group will be described later.

[0134] In the pachinko machine 10, a win / loss determination (jackpot lottery) as to whether it is a jackpot is made for a ball entering the first start port 64a or the second start port 64b. When it is determined to be a jackpot, the type of the jackpot is also determined.

[0135] Here, as the types of jackpots determined here, "Probability Variable A" corresponding to "10-round (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "R") Probability Variable Jackpot", "Probability Variable B" corresponding to "5R Probability Variable Jackpot", and "Time Short A" corresponding to "10R Time Short Jackpot" are prepared (see Fig. 24(b)).

[0136] Here, the type of jackpot "Probability Variable A" corresponding to "10R Probability Variable Jackpot" means that after a jackpot with a maximum round number of 10 rounds, the jackpot probability of each special symbol becomes a high probability state compared to the "normal game state" until the occurrence of any of the following jackpots (hereinafter, may be referred to as "next jackpot"), and the hit probability of the normal symbol also becomes a high probability state compared to the "normal game state" until the occurrence of the next jackpot, and it is a jackpot that transitions to a "probability fluctuation state".

[0137] Also, the type of jackpot "Probability Variable B" corresponding to "5R Probability Variable Jackpot" means that after a jackpot with a maximum round number of 5 rounds, the jackpot probability of each special symbol becomes a high probability state compared to the "normal game state" until the occurrence of any of the following jackpots (hereinafter, may be referred to as "next jackpot"), and the hit probability of the normal symbol also becomes a high probability state compared to the "normal game state" until the occurrence of the next jackpot, and it is a jackpot that transitions to a "probability fluctuation state".

[0138] In addition, the jackpot type of "Short Time A" corresponding to "Big Hit with 10 Rounds Shortened" means that after a jackpot with a maximum of 10 rounds, the jackpot probability of each special symbol becomes a low probability state equivalent to the "normal game state", while the hit probability of the normal symbol becomes a high probability state until the dynamic display of the special symbol is executed 100 times. It then transitions to a game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "time shortening state") where the hit probability of the normal symbol remains high until the dynamic display of the special symbol is executed 100 times.

[0139] Here, each game state will be described in more detail. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the "normal game state" refers to the time of a game state that is not the "probability variation state" or the "time shortening state", where the jackpot probability of each special symbol and the hit probability of the normal symbol are in a normal state (i.e., a low probability state) and the release of the normal electric role 64c is in a short time state (so-called non-release extension state). That is, in the "normal game state", the jackpot probability of each special symbol is lower than that in the "probability variation state", and the hit probability of the normal symbol is lower than that in the "probability variation state" and the "time shortening state". Also, since the release time of the normal electric role 64c is short, it is not a game state where it is easy for the ball to win in the second start port 64b (hereinafter, the state where it is easy for the ball to win in the second start port 64b may sometimes be referred to as the "winning assistance state"), but rather the most disadvantageous (low advantage degree) game state for the player.

[0140] Next, in the "time shortening state", the jackpot probability of each special symbol becomes a low probability state as in the "normal gaming state", but the hit probability of the normal symbol increases, and the opening time of the normal electric accessory 64c becomes long, making it easier for balls to win the second start port 64b (hereinafter, the function of increasing the hit probability of the normal symbol and making the opening time of the normal electric accessory 64c long may be referred to as the "winning assistance function". Also, the state where the hit probability of the normal symbol increases and the opening time of the normal electric accessory 64c becomes long, making it easier for balls to win the second start port 64b, may be referred to as the "state where the winning assistance function is activated"). That is, in the "time shortening state", although the jackpot by the special symbol is equivalent to that in the "normal gaming state", the hit by the normal symbol is likely to be derived, and the opening state of the normal electric accessory 64c becomes long. Therefore, in the "time shortening state", since it is easy for the launched balls to win the second start port 64b, it becomes possible to continuously execute the dynamic display of the special figure 2, and it becomes possible to play a game while obtaining a winning ball (for example, 1 ball / winning) based on the winning of the second start port 64b and suppressing the decrease of the held balls.

[0141] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, as described above, the "time shortening state" is maintained until the dynamic display of the special symbol for a predetermined number of times (100 times in the first embodiment) determined in advance for each jackpot is executed after the jackpot of the jackpot type "time shortening A" (see Fig. 24(b)). And after the dynamic display of the special symbol for the above-mentioned predetermined number of times is executed (that is, after the "electric support ends"), it is configured to shift from the "time shortening state" to the above-mentioned "normal gaming state" (see Fig. 10).

[0142] Next, in the "probability fluctuation state", after the jackpot ends, it is a high-probability state where the jackpot probability of each subsequent special symbol increases as an added value, the winning probability of the normal symbol increases, and the winning assistance function of the normal electric winning combination 64c is activated. That is, the "probability fluctuation state" is a state where it is easy to derive a jackpot result by the special symbol, it is easy to derive a winning result by the normal symbol, and furthermore, the open state of the normal electric winning combination 64c becomes longer. Therefore, in the "probability fluctuation state", the winning assistance function is activated, and since the launched ball is likely to win the second starting port 64b, the dynamic display of the special figure 2 can be continuously executed, and while obtaining a winning ball (for example, 1 ball / winning) based on the winning of the second starting port 64b and suppressing the decrease of the held balls, the game can be played, and furthermore, it becomes possible to play the game in a state where a jackpot game (special game state) based on the dynamic display of the special figure 2 is likely to occur.

[0143] Here, the display modes of the special LED group 37b for each jackpot type will be described. As the stop display (lighting display) of the upper LED group 37b1 and the lower LED group 37b2 for the first special symbol, there is 1 type of display pattern corresponding to a loss, 21 types of display patterns corresponding to the jackpot type "probability variation A", 21 types of display patterns corresponding to the jackpot type "probability variation B", and 21 types of display patterns corresponding to the jackpot type "time shortening A", for a total of 64 types of display patterns are respectively provided. And each display pattern does not have a specific regularity for each jackpot type, and random display patterns are associated in advance. Therefore, when the player sees the display pattern of the upper LED group 37b1 or the lower LED group 37b2, while being able to recognize that the stop display of a loss has stopped, it is configured to be difficult to identify which stop display it is among the jackpot types "probability variation A", "probability variation B", or "time shortening A".

[0144] By configuring in this way, even when each jackpot type is displayed in the stop display of the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37, if the player does not grasp all the jackpot types corresponding to each stop display, it will be difficult for the player to recognize the selected jackpot type. Therefore, for example, even when winning "Sure Change A" in the lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, by displaying the jackpot result corresponding to "Time Shortening A" as a provisional display on the drum display device 81, it is possible to make it difficult to determine which gaming state it is. As a result, it is possible to create a gaming property that allows the player to guess in which gaming state they are playing, improve the interest of the game, and provide a game with unexpectedness by performing a promotion effect during or after a jackpot, thereby improving the interest of the game.

[0145] Instead of changing the winning probability of the normal symbol, it is also possible to change the time when the normal electric role 64c (described later) associated with the second start port 64b is opened or the number of times the normal electric role 64c is opened by one win of the normal symbol according to the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10. Specifically, in the "time shortening state" or the like, the time when the normal electric role 64c associated with the second start port 64b is opened can be made longer than in the case of the "normal gaming state", or the number of times the normal electric role 64c is opened by one win can be made more than in the case of the "normal gaming state". Also, in the "time shortening state", at least two of increasing the winning probability of the normal symbol, lengthening the opening time of the normal electric role 64c, and increasing the number of times the normal electric role 64c is opened can be performed simultaneously.

[0146] At the left and right corner portions on the lower side of the game board 13, there are provided sticking spaces K1 for sticking certificates, identification labels, etc., and the certificates etc. stuck in the sticking spaces K1 can be visually recognized through the small window 35 (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14.

[0147] Furthermore, the game board 13 is provided with an out port 66. Balls that have not entered any of the winning ports 63, 64a, 64b, 65a are guided through the out port 66 to a ball discharge path (not shown). Also, balls that have entered the winning ports 63, 64a, 64b, 65a are guided to the ball discharge path after passing through switches provided for each winning port to detect the entry of the balls. The balls guided to the ball discharge path pass through an out switch (not shown) for detecting the guided balls and are then discharged to an island facility (not shown) where the pachinko machine 10 is installed.

[0148] Note that a large number of pins are implanted in the game board 13 to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the balls, and various members (effect devices) such as windmills are arranged.

[0149] Here, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the base plate 60 constituting the game board 13, the back plate unit 300 also constituting the game board 13 and arranged on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 of the base plate 60, the light guide unit 400 assembled to the back plate unit 300, and the drum display device 81 arranged on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 of the light guide unit 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the game board 13, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the back plate unit 300.

[0150] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the game board 13 is composed of a base plate 60, a back plate unit 300, and a drum display device 81, and is configured by assembling the back plate unit 300 to the back side of the pachinko machine 10 of the base plate 60 that forms the game area, and assembling the drum display device 81 to the back plate unit 300.

[0151] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the base unit 300 on the back of the pachinko machine board includes a base unit base 301, a light guide unit 400, a right notification lamp LED board 302, a right notification lamp member 303, a left notification lamp LED board 304, a left notification lamp member 305, a notification lamp assembly part 306, and a determination lamp unit 310. First, the light guide unit 400, the right notification lamp LED board 302, the left notification lamp LED board 304, and the determination lamp unit 310 are respectively assembled to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the base unit base 301 by screwing and fixing. Then, the right notification lamp member 303 is assembled corresponding to the right notification lamp LED board 302, and the left notification lamp member 305 is assembled corresponding to the left notification lamp LED board 304. In this state, the notification lamp assembly part 306 is screwed and fixed to the base unit base 301 of the base unit on the back of the pachinko machine board, thereby forming the base unit 300 on the back of the pachinko machine board.

[0152] The right notification lamp member 303 and the left notification lamp member 305 are lamps for suggesting various game situations and the like in the variable effect of the third symbol to the player. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, various information regarding the variable effect of the third symbol and information regarding the game state can be configured to be suggested to the player by the lighting pattern and lighting color of the right notification lamp member 303 and the left notification lamp member 305.

[0153] The confirmation lamp unit 310 is a drive-type lamp for suggesting the occurrence of a jackpot in a variable effect by lighting and driving a confirmation lamp 311. This confirmation lamp unit 310 is composed of a confirmation lamp 311, a confirmation lamp LED (not shown) for lighting the confirmation lamp 311, and a rotation drive motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the confirmation lamp 311. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when a jackpot occurs in the variable effect of the third symbol, the confirmation lamp 311 is lit and rotationally driven at a timing determined by lottery, so as to clearly suggest to the player that a jackpot has occurred. Further, when the confirmation lamp 311 wins a jackpot that generates a "probability variation state", the confirmation lamp 311 lights up in a long lighting pattern with a long lighting time (for example, "10 seconds"), and when it wins a jackpot that is not a jackpot that generates a "probability variation state", the confirmation lamp 311 lights up in a short lighting pattern with a short lighting time (for example, "2 seconds"). The lighting timing, etc. of this confirmation lamp 311 will be described later.

[0154] Here, referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the detailed configuration of the light guide unit 400 and the positional relationship between the light guide unit 400 and the drum display device 81 will be described. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the light guide unit 400, FIG. 8 is a front-side exploded perspective view of the light guide unit 400, and FIG. 9 is a rear-side exploded perspective view of the light guide unit 400. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drum display device 81 with respect to the schematic side cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 400 taken along the line X-X of FIG. 7.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the light guide unit 400 is composed of a front light guide plate 410, a lower LED unit 414, a front right LED unit 415, a front left LED unit 416, an upper spacer 417, a lower spacer 418, a rear light guide plate 420, a rear upper LED unit 422, and a display area forming member 430.

[0156] The front light guide plate 410 is configured such that upper and lower flat plate portions extending in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plate 60 are continuously formed with respect to a positive R-shaped portion along the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81. More specifically, an upper reverse R-shaped portion bent toward the front side of the pachinko machine 13 with a size of approximately R32 is formed from the upper flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, and continuously therefrom, a positive R-shaped portion bulging in the front direction of the pachinko machine 13 with a size of approximately R80 is formed along the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81 (rear light guide plate 420). Further, a lower reverse R-shaped portion bent toward the front side of the pachinko machine 13 with a size of approximately R32 is continuously formed therefrom, and the lower flat plate portion is continuously formed from the lower reverse R-shaped portion.

[0157] On the back surface side of this front light guide plate 410 (the surface facing the back of the pachinko machine 10), as described above, by guiding light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from various directions, a second decorative pattern group 411 imitating cherry blossom petals composed of a plurality of cherry blossom petals, a third decorative pattern 412 imitating a single jellyfish, and a fourth decorative pattern group 413 imitating a group of bubbles composed of a plurality of bubbles are provided with lens cuts of various uneven shapes so that various patterns can be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. The second decorative pattern group 411 is formed in the left and right end regions in the front view of the positive R-shaped portion, the third decorative pattern is formed in the central region in the front view of the positive R-shaped portion, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is uniformly formed over the entire lower reverse R-shaped portion and the lower flat plate portion.

[0158] The lens cuts (horizontal grooves) of the uneven shapes corresponding to the patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411 are configured to emit the guided light toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident upward from the lower end surfaces of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 from the front lower LEDs 414c at both left and right ends mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414. Therefore, the second decorative pattern group 411 emits light and is visually recognizable from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the light incident upward from both end portions of the lower end surface of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410.

[0159] The concavo-convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the pattern of the second decorative pattern group 411 is configured to emit only the light incident from above among the light guided to the flat plate portion to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions (for example, the horizontal direction) is not emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the concavo-convex lens cut corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411. In other words, the second decorative pattern group 411 emits only the light incident from the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions is not emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 and passes through the portion where the second decorative pattern group 411 is formed as it is without emitting light (not visible or difficult to visually recognize).

[0160] More specifically, the concavo-convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the pattern of the second decorative pattern group 411 is configured to emit the light incident from the upward and downward directions in the front view (the light guided in the upward and downward directions in the front view) among the light guided to the flat plate portion to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, while the light incident from the horizontal direction in the front view (the light guided in the left and right directions in the front view) is not emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the concavo-convex lens cut corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411. Here, even if it is a lens cut having a shape that emits the light irradiated on the concavo-convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the pattern of the second decorative pattern group 411 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 only by either one of the light incident from the upward or downward direction in the front view (the light guided in the upward and downward directions in the front view) among the light guided to the flat plate portion, in that case, the shape of the lens cut is required to be delicate, and there is a possibility that the processing cost of the lens cut and the like will increase. Therefore, by making the concavo-convex lens cut such that the light irradiated on the second decorative pattern group 411 is emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 in any case of the light incident from the upward and downward directions in the front view (the light guided in the upward and downward directions in the front view) among the light guided to the flat plate portion, an increase in the processing cost of the lens cut can be suppressed.

[0161] On the other hand, as described above, a lens cut may be configured such that the light irradiated on the second decorative pattern group 411 is emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10 only by either the light incident from the upward or downward direction in the front view (the light guided in the upward and downward directions in the front view) among the light guided to the flat plate portion.

[0162] In addition, since the front light guide plate 410 is disposed on the front side (front direction side) of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the rear light guide plate 420, the front light guide plate 410 is more likely to be affected by the light irradiated from the fixed lamp 311 disposed above the front light guide plate 410 or the light irradiated from the indoor lighting provided on the ceiling of the game hall. Therefore, the second decorative pattern group 411 (similarly for the third decorative pattern 412 and the fourth decorative pattern group 413) formed on the front light guide plate 410 preferably has a concavo-convex lens cut that does not react (does not light up erroneously) to the light from above in the front view as much as possible and lights up (emits light) only by the light from below in the front view (or from the lateral direction in the front view). Then, by arranging no light guide LEDs above the front light guide plate 410 in the front view and arranging the front lower LEDs 414c below the front light guide plate 410 in the front view and configuring the second decorative pattern group 411 to be lit by the front lower LEDs 414c, it is possible to suppress the erroneous lighting of the second decorative pattern group 411 due to the lighting of the fixed lamp 311 or the indoor lighting of the game hall.

[0163] In the first embodiment, the lighting display of the second decorative pattern group 411 on the front light guide plate 410 was performed only by the front lower LEDs 414c disposed below the front light guide plate 410 in the front view. Instead, upper front LEDs may be disposed above the front light guide plate 410 in the front view and configured to perform the lighting display of the second decorative pattern group 411 only by the upper front LEDs, or may be configured to perform the lighting display of the second decorative pattern group 411 by the upper front LEDs and the front lower LEDs 414c. Also, the third decorative pattern 412 may be configured to perform the lighting display by the upper front LEDs and / or the front lower LEDs 414c.

[0164] The concavo-convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the pattern of the third decorative symbol 412 is configured such that when light is incident upward from the front lower LEDs 414c other than the left and right ends mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414, on the lower end surface of the flat portion below the front light guide plate 410, the guided light is emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the third decorative symbol 412 emits light and is visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 due to the light incident upward from the central portion of the lower end surface (i.e., other than both end portions of the lower end surface) of the flat portion below the front light guide plate 410.

[0165] This concavo-convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the pattern of the third decorative symbol 412, similar to the concavo-convex lens cut corresponding to the pattern of the second decorative symbol group 411, emits only the light incident upward among the light guided to the flat portion to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions (e.g., the horizontal direction) is configured not to be emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the concavo-convex lens cut corresponding to the third decorative symbol 412. In other words, the third decorative symbol 412 emits only the light incident from the lower end surface of the flat portion below the front light guide plate 410 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions is not emitted to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 and passes through the portion where the second decorative symbol group 411 is formed as it is without emitting light (not visible or difficult to visually recognize).

[0166] The concavo-convex lens cut (vertical groove) corresponding to the pattern of the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is configured such that when light is incident laterally from the front right LED unit 415's front right LED substrate 415b-mounted front right LED 415c (see Fig. 19), and / or the front left LED unit 416's front left LED substrate 416b-mounted front left LED 416c (see Fig. 19), on the left end surface and / or the right end surface of the flat portion below the front light guide plate 410, the guided light is emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the fourth decorative symbol group 413 emits light and is visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 due to the light incident laterally from the left end surface and / or the right end surface of the flat portion below the front light guide plate 410.

[0167] The uneven-shaped lens cut (vertical groove) corresponding to the pattern of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 allows only the light incident in the lateral direction among the light guided to the flat plate portion to be emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions (for example, from below upward) is configured not to be emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the uneven-shaped lens cut corresponding to the fourth decorative pattern group 413. In other words, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 emits only the light incident from the left end face or the right end face of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the light incident from other directions is not emitted toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10 and passes through the portion where the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is formed as it is without emitting light (not being visible or being difficult to visually recognize). Note that the details of the light emission modes of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 will be described later.

[0168] Similar to the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420 is configured such that upper and lower flat plate portions extending in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plate 60 are continuously formed with respect to a positive R-shaped portion along the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81. More specifically, an upper reverse R-shaped portion bent toward the front side of the game board 13 with a size of approximately R30 is formed from the upper flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, and continuously therefrom, a positive R-shaped portion bulging in the front direction of the game board 13 with a size of approximately R75 is formed along the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81 (front light guide plate 410). Further, a lower reverse R-shaped portion bent toward the front side of the game board 13 with a size of approximately R30 is continuously formed therefrom, and the lower flat plate portion is continuously formed from the lower reverse R-shaped portion.

[0169] In addition, on the upper end (surface) of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front, a rear upper diffusion lens 423 is provided to diffuse the light emitted from a plurality of rear upper LEDs 422c (see FIG. 12) mounted on the rear upper LED substrate 422b of the rear upper LED unit 422 in a plurality of directions inside the rear light guide plate 420. Further, on the lower end (surface) of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front, a rear lower diffusion lens 425 is provided to diffuse the light emitted from a plurality of rear lower LEDs 424 mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414 in a plurality of directions inside the rear light guide plate 420. Details of the light irradiation (passage) mode by the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the rear lower diffusion lens 425 will be described later.

[0170] On the back surface side of this rear light guide plate 420 (the surface facing the back of the pachinko machine 10), as described above, by guiding the light incident on the rear light guide plate 420 from above and / or below, lens cuts of various uneven shapes are made so that the first decorative pattern group 421 imitating a school of fish composed of a plurality of types of fish can be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. This first decorative pattern group 421 is formed evenly throughout the regular R-shaped part.

[0171] The lens cuts of uneven shapes corresponding to the patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 are configured to emit the guided light to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident from the rear lower LEDs 424 mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414 and / or a plurality of rear upper LEDs 422c (see FIG. 12) mounted on the rear upper LED substrate 422b of the rear upper LED unit 422 toward the lower flat part and / or the upper flat part of the rear light guide plate 420. Therefore, due to the light incident from the lower end (surface) of the lower flat part and / or the upper end (surface) of the upper flat part of the rear light guide plate 420, the first decorative pattern group 421 emits light and becomes visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0172] The lens cut with the concavo-convex shape corresponding to the pattern of the first decorative pattern group 421 is configured to emit the light incident from various directions among the light guided to the flat plate portion toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Details of the light emission mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 will be described later.

[0173] More specifically, the lens cut with the concavo-convex shape corresponding to the pattern of the first decorative pattern group 421 is configured to emit the light incident from a direction parallel to the flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, such as the upward direction in the front view, the downward direction in the front view, the rightward direction in the front view, and the leftward direction in the front view, toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10. When light is incident from the non-flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, that is, the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, or the lower reverse R-shaped portion, the light that is repeatedly reflected within the rear light guide plate 420 is guided while the incident angle and the reflection angle are slightly different between the front surface and the back surface when reflected by the R-shaped portion of the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, or the lower reverse R-shaped portion. Therefore, even if light is incident from the lateral direction in the front view of the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, or the lower reverse R-shaped portion, the light is not guided in the lateral direction in the front view, but is guided in the obliquely upward direction in the front view or the obliquely downward direction in the front view, and the light is unevenly (heterogeneously) guided to the first decorative pattern group 421 provided on the back surface side of the rear light guide plate 420, and there is a possibility that the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421 may become strong or weak depending on the part, resulting in sparse lighting. For this reason, by making light incident from the end faces of the upper flat plate portion and the lower flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, light can be evenly incident on the first decorative pattern group 421, and the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421 can be kept uniform.

[0174] In the first embodiment, when light is incident (guided) on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the light is configured to be incident from the end face (portion) of any flat plate portion of each light guide plate 410, 420, and the light is not configured to be incident from the R-shaped portion (that is, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper reverse R-shaped portion, or the lower reverse R-shaped portion). This is because if light attempts to be incident from the R-shaped portion, the traveling direction of the incident light will change due to the R-shaped portion, and there is a risk that the desired pattern cannot be properly lit or is difficult to light. In addition, LEDs or the like must be arranged along the shape of the end face of the R-shaped portion, which may reduce the design freedom. Furthermore, the R-shaped portion is formed along the outer shape of the production members such as the drum display device 81 and the movable accessory. If an LED substrate or the like is arranged on the side of the R-shaped portion, there is a risk of restricting the design freedom of the production member. Therefore, in each of the light guide plates 410, 420 having the R-shaped portion, by making the light incident from the end face (portion) of any flat plate portion, the above problems can be preferably solved, and the design freedom of each member can be increased.

[0175] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, among the upper flat plate portion (upper flat plate portion), the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the lower reverse R-shaped portion, and the lower flat plate portion (lower flat plate portion) that respectively constitute the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the light of each of the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 is configured to be incident from the end faces (side faces) on the upper side in the front view, the right side in the front view, the left side in the front view, and the lower side in the front view of the upper flat plate portion and the lower flat plate portion.

[0176] The first reason is to appropriately light up each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 of each light guide plate 410, 420. The non-flat plate portion of each light guide plate 410, 420, i.e., the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the normal R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion, is formed so that the radius of the R-shape is slightly different between the front and back sides by the thickness of each light guide plate 410, 420. Therefore, when light is incident from the end face (side face) of the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the normal R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion of each light guide plate 410, 420, the light that is repeatedly reflected within each light guide plate 410, 420 is guided with the incidence angle and reflection angle being slightly different between the front and back sides when it is reflected by the R-shaped portion of the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the normal R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion. As a result, light is guided unevenly (non-homogeneously) to the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 applied to the back side of each light guide plate 410, 420, and the lighting of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 may vary in intensity depending on the location, resulting in sparse lighting.

[0177] Therefore, by making light incident from the end faces (side faces) of the upper and lower flat plate parts of each light guide plate 410, 420, the light that is repeatedly reflected in each light guide plate 410, 420 is repeatedly reflected from the front or back surface of each planar light guide plate 410, 420 while being guided at least in the upper and lower flat plate parts, and is guided while the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are always uniform. As a result, first, the light is guided stably in the upper and lower flat plate parts of each light guide plate 410, 420, and the light is guided uniformly (homogeneously) to each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 provided on the back side of each light guide plate 410, 420, so that each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 can be appropriately lit.

[0178] Further, as a second reason, it is to improve the design freedom regarding the arrangement of each of the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424. Since the front-view side end faces of the R-shaped portions (i.e., the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, and the lower reverse R-shaped portion) of each of the light guide plates 410, 420 are shaped along the R-shaped portions, when attempting to make light enter from the side end faces of the R-shaped portions, the arrangement of each LED on the LED substrate must also be along the side end faces of the R-shaped portions. In particular, when arranging the LEDs considering the arrangement of each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 as well, the adjustment regarding the position and interval of each LED on the LED substrate becomes complicated, and there is a risk that the design freedom will decrease.

[0179] Therefore, each of the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 on each of the LED substrates 414b, 415b, 416b, 422b is arranged so that light enters from the end faces (side faces) of the upper flat portions and the lower flat portions of each of the light guide plates 410, 420, and the LED substrates and LEDs are configured not to be arranged on the end faces (side faces) of the R-shaped portions of each of the light guide plates 410, 420. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to arrange each of the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 on each of the LED substrates 414b, 415b, 416b, 422b in a simple arrangement (i.e., arranged in a straight line and at equal intervals) along the shapes of the end faces of the upper flat portion and the lower flat portion, and the design freedom can be improved.

[0180] Furthermore, as a third reason, it is to improve the design freedom of the effect devices (such as the drum display device 81 and movable accessories) on the back side and side of each of the light guide plates 410, 420. On the back side and side of each of the R-shaped portions of each of the light guide plates 410, 420, effect devices related to the variable effect of the third symbol, which is the main game in the pachinko machine 10 (such as the drum display device 81 that performs the variable effect itself and movable accessories that execute various effects in the variable effect) are arranged. Here, if an LED substrate is arranged in the front-view side portion of each of the R-shaped portions of each of the light guide plates 410, 420, there is a risk that the design freedom of each effect device will be restricted by the installation of the LED substrate.

[0181] Therefore, in order to make light enter from the end faces (side faces) of the upper flat plate portions and the lower flat plate portions of each light guide plate 410, 420, each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 on each LED substrate 414b, 415b, 416b, 422b is arranged on the upper side in the front view of the upper flat plate portion, and on the lower side, the right side, and the left side in the front view of the lower flat plate portion. The LED substrates and the LEDs are not arranged at the lateral positions in the front view of the R-shaped portions of each light guide plate 410, 420. By configuring in this way, when an effect device is installed on the back side and the side sides of each light guide plate 410, 420, the LED substrates and the like are not obstructed by the arrangement of the effect device, so that the degree of freedom in the design of each effect device can be improved.

[0182] The lower LED unit 414 is provided at the lower position in the front view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and includes a lower base 414a, a lower LED substrate 414b on which the front lower LED 414c and the rear lower LED 424 are mounted, and a front lower condenser lens 414d.

[0183] The lower base 414a is configured to be able to hold the lower LED substrate 414b with screws or the like, and while holding the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the front lower condenser lens 414d at predetermined positions with respective positioning bosses (ribs) or the like, it is configured to be positionally fixed by connecting and fixing to the front right LED unit 415, the front left LED unit 416, and the display region forming member 430 with screws or the like, respectively.

[0184] Further, this lower base 414a emits the light irradiated from the front lower LED 414c mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b only to the front light guide plate 410 via the front lower condenser lens 414d, and emits the light emitted from the rear lower LED 424 only to the rear lower diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end portion (surface) of the rear light guide plate 420. Thus, predetermined partition ribs are formed. As a result, the light irradiated from each of the LEDs 414c and 424 can be accurately emitted to the front light guide plate 410 or the rear light guide plate 420. Therefore, the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, or the third decorative pattern 412 can be accurately lit at an appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended decorative patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (passage) mode by the front lower condenser lens 414d and the light irradiation (diffusion) mode by the rear lower diffusion lens 425 will be described later.

[0185] The front right LED unit 415 is provided at the right position in the front view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and includes a front right base 415a, a front right LED substrate 415b on which a plurality of front right LEDs 415c (see FIG. 19) are mounted, and a front right condenser lens 415d.

[0186] The front right base 415a is configured to be able to hold the front right LED substrate 415b with screws or the like, and positioning ribs are provided along the shapes of the right end faces of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (the outer shapes of the end portions of the upper flat portion, the upper reverse R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the lower reverse R-shaped portion, and the lower flat portion). Then, while holding the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the front right condenser lens 415d at predetermined positions with the respective positioning bosses and positioning ribs, they are respectively connected and fixed to the lower LED unit 414, the rear upper LED unit 422, and the display area forming member 430 with screws or the like, so that they are configured to be positionable and fixable.

[0187] Further, the front right base portion 415a is formed with predetermined partition ribs so as to emit the light irradiated from the front right LED 415c (see FIG. 19) mounted on the front right LED substrate 415b only to the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 via the front right condenser lens 415d. Thereby, since the light irradiated from the front right LED 415c can be accurately emitted to the front light guide plate 410, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be accurately lit at an appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (passage) mode by the front right condenser lens 415d will be described later.

[0188] The front left LED unit 416 is provided at the left position when viewed from the front of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and includes a front left base portion 416a, a front left LED substrate 416b on which a plurality of front left LEDs 416c (see FIG. 19) are mounted, and a front left condenser lens 416d.

[0189] The front left base portion 416a is configured to be able to hold the front left LED substrate 416b with screws or the like, and is provided with positioning ribs along the shapes of the left end faces of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (the outer shapes of the ends of the upper flat plate portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, and the lower flat plate portion). Then, while holding the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the front left condenser lens 416d at predetermined positions with the respective positioning bosses and positioning ribs, they are respectively connected and fixed to the lower LED unit 414, the rear upper LED unit 422, and the display area forming member 430 with screws or the like, so that they are respectively configured to be positionable and fixable.

[0190] Further, this front left base 416a is formed with predetermined partition ribs so as to emit the light irradiated from the front left LED 416c (see FIG. 19) mounted on the front left LED substrate 416b only to the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 via the front left condenser lens 416d. As a result, the light irradiated from the front left LED 416c can be accurately emitted to the front light guide plate 410, so that the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be accurately lit at an appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (passage) mode by the front left condenser lens 416d will be described later.

[0191] The rear upper LED unit 422 is provided at an upper position in the front view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and includes a rear upper base 422a and a rear upper LED substrate 422b on which a rear upper LED 422c (see FIG. 12) is mounted.

[0192] The rear upper base 422a is configured to be able to hold the rear upper LED substrate 422b with screws or the like, and while holding the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 at predetermined positions with respective positioning bosses (ribs) or the like, it is connected and fixed to the front right LED unit 415, the front left LED unit 416, and the display area forming member 430 with screws or the like, respectively, so that they can be positioned and fixed respectively.

[0193] Further, this rear upper base 422a is formed with predetermined partition ribs so as to emit the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c (see FIG. 12) only to the rear upper diffusion lens 423 formed on the upper end portion (surface) of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, the light irradiated from the rear upper LED 422c can be accurately emitted to the rear light guide plate 420, so that the first decorative pattern group 421 can be accurately lit at an appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (diffusion) mode by the rear upper diffusion lens 423 will be described later.

[0194] The upper spacer 417 and the lower spacer 418 have a predetermined thickness (for example, 5 mm) and are formed in a flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The upper spacer 417 and the lower spacer 418 are disposed between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 to provide a predetermined space therebetween. By providing a space between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 in this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the light incident on one of the light guide plates 410, 420 to be incident on the other light guide plate 420, 410, and it is possible to prevent the lighting of the unintended decorative patterns 411, 412, 413, 421 in advance.

[0195] As described above, the display area forming member 430 is disposed in front of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (drum display device 81) when viewed from the front. A central opening 431 is formed so that the drum display device 81 (the positive R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420) can be viewed from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and a lens cut 432 is formed at the outer edge portion of the central opening 431.

[0196] The lens cut 432 is provided to clarify the display area (effective line) of the display pattern in the drum display device 81, and to suppress (prevent) the light irradiated from the confirmation lamp 311 from being irradiated onto the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (drum display device 81) when the confirmation lamp 311 located in the upper portion of the display area forming member 430 when viewed from the front is lit.

[0197] Here, with reference to FIG. 10, the positional relationship among the display area forming member 430, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, the drum display device 81, and the confirmation lamp 311 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drum display device 81 and the positional relationship of the confirmation lamp 311 and the display area forming member 430 with respect to the schematic side cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 400 taken along the line X-X of FIG. 7. In FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation, the intervals among the display area forming member 430, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81 are enlarged for representation.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 10, when the pachinko machine 10 is viewed from the front side, the display area forming member 430, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81 are arranged in this order from the outside (the front side of the pachinko machine 10 (the left side of the drawing)). And from the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430, a total of nine symbol display areas, three for each of the reels LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81, are visible, and the other symbol areas (the third symbol) are covered by the lens cut 432, so that they are invisible or difficult to view. Also, from the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430, the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol 412 of the front light guide plate 410 and the first decorative symbol group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 are configured to be visible when lit. Further, since the lower side of the lens cut 432 below the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430 is transparent, the fourth decorative symbol group 413 formed on the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is configured to be visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 when lit. Therefore, the effective line of the variable effect in the drum display device 81 is clarified by the display area forming member 430, and when the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 are lit, they can be viewed in a form that avoids the lens cut 432 portion of the display area forming member 430, respectively.

[0199] Also, the lens cut 432 is located in the upper part (lower part, both side parts) of the positive R-shaped part of each light guide plate 410, 420 so that the light irradiated from the confirmation lamp 311 is not guided or hardly guided to the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit, that is, so as to shield the light of the confirmation lamp 311.

[0200] More specifically, the lens cut 432 is configured in a rib shape in which a plurality of ribs are continuously erected on the back side (the back side of the pachinko machine 10), and is configured to disperse the light incident on the lens cut 432 and reduce the light transmission amount at the lens cut 432 portion.

[0201] In addition, in the lens cut 432, instead of a plurality of rib shapes, the lens cut 432 may be configured by knurling or mirror finishing, and may be configured to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens cut 432.

[0202] Also, a lens cut 432 may be provided on the inner surface of the standing wall (the entire bulging portion) on the side view of the front of the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. By configuring in this way, the display area indicating the effective line of the variable effect is clarified in a square shape, and the light that can be incident from the side view of the front of the light guide unit 400 is dispersed by the lens cut 432, and it is configured to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens cut 432 part.

[0203] Also, the effect by the confirmation lamp 311 located above the light guide unit 400 in the front view is an effect that suggests (notifies) that a big win occurs in the variable display, and it is more important in the game than the effects of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, or the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the light guide unit 400 (that is, the suggestion of the big win expectation). Therefore, it is configured so that the lighting brightness is stronger than the effects of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, or the fourth decorative pattern group 413. This is because, if these effects are combined, it is to make it easier for the player to recognize the effect of the confirmation lamp 311 with high importance.

[0204] The front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 are formed in a shape (a positive R-shaped part) along the outer peripheral shape of the drum display device 81. When a lamp or the like is lit at the upper and lower positions of the positive R-shaped part, the light of the lamp is incident into the positive R-shaped part. If each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 is lit abnormally, there may be a discrepancy between the lighting state of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 and the variation result of the variable effect.

[0205] Therefore, by arranging the lens cut 432 at the vertical position of the positive R-shaped portions of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 and between them and the fixed lamp 311, the light incident through the lens cut 432 can be diffused (weakened). For this reason, with respect to the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, it is possible to suppress light other than the light incident due to the lighting of each of the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 from being incident on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and thus it is possible to suppress abnormal lighting of each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of production discrepancies such as abnormal lighting of each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421.

[0206] Also, in this pachinko machine 10, since the front light guide plate 410 is arranged on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the first decorative pattern group 421 with the highest jackpot reliability (expectancy), with respect to the light incident from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, the front light guide plate 410 can also suppress the incidence of light on the rear light guide plate 420. Therefore, by arranging the front light guide plate 410 as a noise cover on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the rear light guide plate 420 and diffusing (weakening) the light incident through the front light guide plate 410 to some extent, it is possible to suppress abnormal lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421, which has a large production discrepancy when accidentally lit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of production discrepancies such as abnormal lighting of each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421.

[0207] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 25, while explaining the traveling direction of light from the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the rear lower diffusion lens 425 with respect to the rear light guide plate 420 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "light path"), and the light path of light from the front lower condenser lens 414d, the front right condenser lens 415d, and the front left condenser lens 416d with respect to the front light guide plate 410, the light emission mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 in the rear light guide plate 420, and the light emission modes of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 in the front light guide plate 410, as well as the production modes of the confirmation lamp 311, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81 will be described.

[0208] First, with reference to FIG. 11, the positional relationship between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420. In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, the arrangements of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 provided on the front light guide plate 410, and the first decorative pattern group 421 provided on the rear light guide plate 420 are shown arranged differently from those in FIG. 12 and the like described later.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 11, the front light guide plate 410 is located on the front side (left side of the drawing) of the pachinko machine 10, and the rear light guide plate 420 is located on the rear side (right side of the drawing) thereof. As described above, on the front light guide plate 410, a third decorative pattern 412 imitating a dolphin is formed at the central portion of the positive R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, and a second decorative pattern group 411 imitating cherry blossoms is formed on both left and right sides of the positive R-shaped portion where the third decorative pattern 412 is formed. Further, a fourth decorative pattern group 413 imitating a bubble pattern is formed in the entire region of the lower reverse R-shaped portion continuous from the lower flat portion of the front light guide plate 410.

[0210] Also, as described above, on the rear light guide plate 420, a first decorative pattern group 421 imitating a school of fish is formed in the entire region of the positive R-shaped portion of the rear light guide plate 420.

[0211] Therefore, when the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 are connected to form the light guide unit 400, the display areas of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 of the front light guide plate 410 and the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 are configured to overlap. In this way, in the effect of the light guide unit 400, a colorful effect can be executed in one display area, enhancing the effect of the light guide unit 400 and increasing the attention to the game.

[0212] Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, the optical paths of light from the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the rear lower diffusion lens 425 with respect to the rear light guide plate 420, and the light emission mode (lighting mode or display mode; the same applies hereinafter) of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the first decorative pattern group 421 that can be lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upper LED 422c of the rear upper LED unit 422, and the rear lower LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged view of part A in FIG. 12, which is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the rear lower diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420 and the rear lower LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the optical path of light by the rear lower diffusion lens. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 15(a), the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are additionally lit. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. FIG. 16(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 15(b), the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are additionally lit. FIG. 16(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 16(a), the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off. In FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 and each diffusion lens 423, 425 are omitted or schematically represented for the sake of convenience of explanation.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 12, on the rear light guide plate 420, a first decorative pattern group 421 is formed as a fish school pattern, which is a pattern imitating a group of multiple types of fish, over the entire regular R-shaped portion. Also, when light is irradiated onto the upper rear diffusion lens 423 formed on the upper end face of the rear light guide plate 420 and the lower rear diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end face of the rear light guide plate 420 by the upper rear LED 422c and the lower rear LED 424 provided above and below the rear light guide plate 420, the light is configured to be diffused in a plurality of directions (in the first embodiment, three directions: left, center, and right) from each of the diffusion lenses 423, 425.

[0214] Also, the positions of the upper rear LED 422c and the lower rear LED 424 are arranged such that one upper rear LED 422c and one lower rear LED 424 are paired in the vertical direction (the up-and-down direction).

[0215] Here, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the light diffusion mode by the lower rear diffusion lens 425 (the upper rear diffusion lens 423) will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged view of part A in FIG. 12, and is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the lower rear diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end face of the rear light guide plate 420 and the lower rear LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. FIG. 14 is a schematic enlarged view of part B in FIG. 13, and is a diagram schematically showing the optical path of the light by the lower rear diffusion lens 425. Note that since the configuration of the upper rear diffusion lens 423 is equivalent to the configuration of the lower rear diffusion lens 425, the description thereof is omitted.

[0216] More specifically, the configurations of the upper rear diffusion lens 423 and the lower rear diffusion lens 425 are completely the same in shape, except that the positions where they are arranged are different between the upper end face and the lower end face of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front. Therefore, when forming the upper rear diffusion lens 423 and the lower rear diffusion lens 425, they can be formed by the same forming process (manufacturing process, same mold, etc.), and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rear light guide plate 420 can be suppressed.

[0217] In addition, since the shapes of the upper rear diffusion lens 423 and the lower rear diffusion lens 425 are the same, the optical paths of the light diffused from the upper rear diffusion lens 423 and the optical paths of the light diffused from the lower rear diffusion lens 425 are the same, and it is possible to easily set (grasp) the arrival points of the optical paths of the diffused light and the overlapping portions of the optical paths of the light at the design stage. Specifically, in the case of the first embodiment, the optical path of the light irradiated from the upper rear diffusion lens 423 and the optical path of the light irradiated from the lower rear diffusion lens 425 can overlap one or more times at the positive R-shaped portion of the rear light guide plate 420. More specifically, for example, in the optical path of the light irradiated from one front direction diffusion portion 425b of the lower rear diffusion lens 425, all the optical path portions thereof overlap with the optical path of the light irradiated from the front direction diffusion portion (no reference number) facing the upper rear diffusion lens 423. Also, in the optical path of the light irradiated from one left direction diffusion portion 425a of the lower rear diffusion lens 425, it overlaps with the optical path of the light irradiated from the left direction diffusion portion (no reference number) of the concave portion facing the upper rear diffusion lens 423, and also overlaps with the optical path of the light irradiated from the front direction diffusion portion (no reference number) of the concave portion one left adjacent to the concave portion facing the upper rear diffusion lens 423. Furthermore, in the optical path of the light irradiated from one right direction diffusion portion 425c of the lower rear diffusion lens 425, it overlaps with the optical path of the light irradiated from the right direction diffusion portion (no reference number) of the concave portion facing the upper rear diffusion lens 423, and also overlaps with the optical path of the light irradiated from the front direction diffusion portion (no reference number) of the concave portion one right adjacent to the concave portion facing the upper rear diffusion lens 423. As a result, the arrangement of the decorative pattern with respect to the rear light guide plate 420 becomes easy, the decorative pattern on the rear light guide plate 420 can be accurately lit, and the decorative pattern to be emphasized can be arranged at the overlapping portion to perform the emphasized display of the decorative pattern.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 13, on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420, rear lower diffusion lenses 425 are formed so as to correspond to a plurality of rear lower LEDs 424 of the lower LED unit 414, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the rear lower diffusion lens 425 is formed such that a plurality of recesses are continuous, and one recess is composed of a leftward diffusion portion 425a, a frontward diffusion portion 425b, and a rightward diffusion portion 425c having the same side length.

[0219] The frontward diffusion portion 425b is formed in a planar shape so as to be perpendicular to the irradiation direction of light from the rear lower LED 424. Also, the leftward diffusion portion 425a is formed in a planar shape inclined approximately 50 degrees (θ1 = 50°) to the left with respect to the frontward diffusion portion 425b. The rightward diffusion portion 425c is formed in a planar shape inclined approximately 50 degrees (θ1 = 50°) to the right with respect to the frontward diffusion portion 425b. Then, the recesses composed of the leftward diffusion portion 425a, the frontward diffusion portion 425b, and the rightward diffusion portion 425c are formed continuously on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420 by the width of the light emitting surface of at least one rear lower LED 424.

[0220] The rear light guide plate 420 in the first embodiment is made of an acrylic resin (PMMA). When the refractive index of the acrylic resin is 1.49 to 1.53, the optical path of the light incident from the rear lower LED 424 to the frontward diffusion portion 425b is directly emitted (upward in the drawing of FIG. 14) into the rear light guide plate 420 as it is. The light incident from the rear lower LED 424 to the leftward diffusion portion 425a is refracted in a direction inclined approximately 20 degrees (θ2 = 20°) to the left with respect to the light emitted from the frontward diffusion portion 425b and is emitted into the rear light guide plate 420. The light incident from the rear lower LED 424 to the rightward diffusion portion 425c is refracted in a direction inclined approximately 20 degrees (θ3 = 20°) to the right with respect to the light emitted from the frontward diffusion portion 425b and is emitted into the rear light guide plate 420.

[0221] And the rear lower diffusion lens 425 has a plurality of recesses formed by a leftward diffusion portion 425a, a frontward diffusion portion 425b, and a rightward diffusion portion 425c, with the number of recesses being at least equal to the width of the light emitting surface of the rear lower LED 424. For this reason, the light emitted from one rear lower LED 424 is diffused by the plurality of recesses of the rear lower diffusion lens 425 in three directions (i.e., the frontward direction, a direction inclined 20 degrees to the left with respect to the frontward direction, and a direction inclined 20 degrees to the right with respect to the frontward direction) within the rear light guide plate 420. Also, since the leftward diffusion portion 425a, the frontward diffusion portion 425b, and the rightward diffusion portion 425c are each configured with the same side length, the width of the optical path of the diffused light is also configured to be the same width. As a result, when one LED is lit, a plurality of first decorative pattern groups 421 formed at positions corresponding to the respective diffused optical paths can be made to emit light in the same color, and even with a small number of LEDs, a colorful effect can be achieved, enhancing the effect of the rear light guide plate 420 and increasing the degree of attention to the game.

[0222] Here, with reference to FIG. 51, the rear lower diffusion lens 425 will be described. FIG. 51 is a diagram schematically showing the light distribution mode of light by the leftward diffusion portion 425a, the frontward diffusion portion 425b, and the rightward diffusion portion 425c in the schematic enlarged view of FIG. 14.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 51, in the recess 1, the rear lower diffusion lens 425 is composed of a leftward diffusion portion 425a, a frontward diffusion portion 425b, and a rightward diffusion portion 425c formed with a predetermined side length (for example, the side irradiating light in the front direction is 50 micrometers, and the sides irradiating light in the left and right directions are 62.5 micrometers. Hereinafter, micrometers may be referred to as "μm"). The diffusion portions 425a to 425c are configured such that the optical path widths of the light irradiated from the respective diffusion portions 425a to 425c are the same. Specifically, in each recess, the side length irradiating light in the front direction is of the same length (for example, 50 μm), and the side lengths irradiating light in the left and right directions are of the same length (for example, 62.5 μm) respectively, and the optical path widths of the light irradiated from the respective diffusion portions 425a to 425c are all the same. And the recesses are continuously connected in a plurality. That is, the lateral width in one recess is 130.35 μm, which is the sum of the length 50 μm of the frontward diffusion portion 425b and the lateral widths X of the leftward diffusion portion 425a and the rightward diffusion portion 425c (cos50° = x / 62.5, x = 40.175, X = 2x = 80.35 μm). Therefore, for example, when the light emitting surface (irradiation width) of one LED 424 is 3 millimeters wide, about 23 rear lower diffusion lenses 425 for the one LED 424 are formed.

[0224] Here, when the rear lower LED 424 of 1 emits light and the light is irradiated onto each recess, the width of the light distributed in the front direction by the front direction diffusion part 425b in the recess of 1 is irradiated at 50 μm, and the width of the light distributed in the left direction by the left direction diffusion part 425a in the recess of 1 is also irradiated at 50 μm. Further, the width of the light distributed in the right direction by the right direction diffusion part 425c in the recess of 1 is also irradiated at 50 μm. Then, the light distributed in the front direction, left direction, and right direction by each recess is gathered by the number of each recess, and an optical path with at least a predetermined width (for example, 50 μm × 26 = 1300 μm) is formed respectively. In this case, for example, the front direction diffusion part 425b constituting the recess of 1 and the front direction diffusion part 425b constituting the recess immediately adjacent to the right of the recess are separated by the horizontal distance between the right direction diffusion part 425c constituting the recess of 1 and the left direction diffusion part 425a constituting the recess immediately adjacent to the right. Therefore, the optical paths in the front direction distributed from the front direction diffusion part 425b constituting the recess of 1 and the front direction diffusion part 425b constituting the recess immediately adjacent to the right are also separated by the above horizontal distance. However, due to the diffusion action of the light distributed from the right direction diffusion part 425c and the left direction diffusion part 425a, and the light distributed from the front direction diffusion part 425b itself, the light is comprehensively distributed in the front light guide plate 410.

[0225] As a result, when the rear lower LED 424 of 1 emits light, the light diffused by the rear lower diffusion lens 425 composed of a plurality of recesses causes the plurality of first decorative pattern groups 421 respectively formed (arranged) at the positions corresponding to each optical path of the diffused light and the periphery of the optical path to emit light in the same color, and the first decorative pattern group 421 in a range wider than the light emitting surface of the rear lower LED 424 of 1 can be lit. As a result, even with a small number of LEDs, a wide range of colorful effects can be executed, enhancing the lighting effects of the rear light guide plate 420 respectively and increasing the attention to the game. Further, by configuring the side lengths of the respective diffusion portions 425a to 425c so that the optical path widths of the light irradiated from the respective diffusion portions 425a to 425c are the same, the optical path widths of the light irradiated from the respective diffusion portions 425a to 425c become the same, making it easier to set (grasp) the optical path of the light guided into the rear light guide plate 420, and making it possible to easily grasp the pattern arrangement in which the first decorative pattern group 421 can emit light accurately at the setting stage.

[0226] Returning to FIG. 12, the description will be continued. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, nine rear upper LEDs 422c and nine rear lower LEDs 424 are respectively provided, and the rear upper LED 422c of 1 and the rear lower LED 424 of 1 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, the light irradiated downward in the front view (lower side of the drawing) from the rear upper LED 422c of 1 through the front direction diffusion portion (not shown) of the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the light irradiated upward in the front view (upper side of the drawing) from the rear lower LED 424 of 1 through the front direction diffusion portion 425b (see FIG. 14) of the rear lower diffusion lens 425 are configured to overlap (superimpose). Further, the light irradiated (diffused) in the left or right direction from the rear upper LED 422c of 1 through the left direction diffusion portion or the right direction diffusion portion (both not shown) of the rear upper diffusion lens 423 overlaps (superimposes) at the portion where the optical paths intersect with the light irradiated in each direction from the other rear upper LEDs 422c through the respective diffusion portions (not shown) of the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the light irradiated in each direction from the rear lower LED 424 through the respective diffusion portions 425a, 425b, 425c of the rear lower diffusion lens 425.

[0227] Specifically, for example, when each LED of the rear upper LED 422c is lit in a total of three colors of "red", "blue", "green", "red", "blue", "green", "red", "blue", "green" in order from the right side, and each LED of the rear lower LED 424 is lit in a total of three colors of "red", "blue", "green", "red", "blue", "green", "red", "blue", "green" in order from the right side, red light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the rightmost LED of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and blue light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the second LED from the right (i.e., the eighth LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and green light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the third LED from the right (i.e., the seventh LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and red light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the fourth LED from the right (i.e., the sixth LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and blue light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the fifth LED from the right (i.e., the fifth LED from the left. Center.) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and green light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the sixth LED from the right (i.e., the fourth LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and red light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the seventh LED from the right (i.e., the third LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and blue light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the eighth LED from the right (i.e., the second LED from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width, and green light is diffused from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the ninth LED from the right (i.e., the leftmost) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 in an optical path of a predetermined width.

[0228] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 includes portions where the optical paths of "red" light overlap and are displayed ( "dark red"), portions displayed only by the optical path of "red" light ( "light red"), portions where the optical paths of "red" light and "blue" light overlap and are displayed ( "purple"), portions where the optical paths of "red" light and "green" light overlap and are displayed ( "yellow"), portions where the optical paths of "red" light, "blue" light, and "green" light overlap and are displayed ( "white"), portions where the optical paths of "blue" light overlap and are displayed ( "dark blue"), portions displayed only by the optical path of "blue" light ( "light blue"), portions where the optical paths of "blue" light and "green" light overlap and are displayed ( "cyan"), portions where the optical paths of "green" light overlap and are displayed ( "dark green"), and portions displayed only by the optical path of "green" light ( "light green"). Each pattern of the first decorative pattern group 421 is displayed in a total of 10 display colors. And each pattern of the first decorative pattern group 421 is configured to be arranged in each overlapping portion respectively.

[0229] Thereby, even for a lighting pattern with a small number of color combinations (for example, 3 colors), the light is diffused by the diffusion lenses 423 and 425 arranged vertically, and the optical paths of the diffused light overlap, so that the emission colors in the non-overlapping portions and the overlapping portions are made different, and a number of colors more than the color combination can be displayed. Therefore, even with a small number of emission colors, by realizing a variety of display colors, the light emission control of the LED can be made simpler, and the control burden on the light emission control of the LED can be reduced. In particular, when a plurality of types of monochromatic light-emitting diodes are arranged and the above control is performed without using full-color LEDs, cost reduction can be achieved by adopting monochromatic light-emitting diodes that are lower in cost than full-color LEDs, the light emission control of the LED is made simpler, and the control burden on the light emission control of the LED can be reduced.

[0230] Also, with respect to one symbol in the first decorative symbol group 421, it is arranged so as to overlap the optical path of light of one color in a predetermined portion, and so as to overlap the optical paths of light of other colors in portions other than the predetermined portion. That is, by forming one symbol of the first decorative symbol group 421 so as to fit within the size range of a plurality of optical path widths, the emission colors of each part can be made different for one symbol, and one symbol can be expressed in various colors.

[0231] Here, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the lighting (display) mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 that is lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are additionally lit from the state of FIG. 15(a). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 that is lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. FIG. 16(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are additionally lit from the state of FIG. 15(b). FIG. 16(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the first decorative symbol group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off from the state of FIG. 16(a).

[0232] First, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit and displayed from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused in three directions (i.e., the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined light path width inside the rear light guide plate 420 according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit and displayed from the right, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425 inside the rear light guide plate 420 according to the shape of the rear lower diffusion lens 425.

[0233] And, for example, in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, when the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green", and at the same time, the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green", a total of three colors of light emission, the overlapping (intersecting. The same applies hereinafter.) part of the "red" light path and the "red" light path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" light path and the "blue" light path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" light path and the "green" light path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" light path, the "blue" light path, and the "green" light path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" light path and the "blue" light path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" light path and the "green" light path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" light path and the "green" light path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" light path is "red", the part with only the "blue" light path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" light path is "green", and each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of 10 colors.

[0234] More specifically, among the plurality of fish patterns that make up the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is lit and displayed in any one of a total of 10 colors: "dark red", "purple", "yellow", "white", "dark blue", "blue - green", "dark green", "red", "blue", and "green".

[0235] The first decorative pattern group 421 includes small patterns formed to be within the range of the optical path width of 1 unit of light, medium patterns formed to be within the range of the optical path width of 2 units of light, and large patterns formed to be within the range of the optical path width of 3 or more units of light. Regarding the first decorative pattern group 421, the small patterns formed within the range of the optical path width of 1 unit of the display color are lit and displayed in a single - color display color. When each part of the medium or large pattern is located within the range of the optical path width of a plurality of display colors, each part of the medium or large pattern is lit and displayed in the emission color of the overlapping optical path. Therefore, in the first decorative pattern group 421 composed of a plurality of patterns, by expressing each pattern in a different color or expressing one pattern in a plurality of colors, a colorful and varied effect can be provided.

[0236] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left - hand region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 is in a non - lit state because the light from the rear - upper - side LED 422c and the rear - lower - side LED 424 provided corresponding to the right - hand region of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach it, maintaining a state that is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0237] Next, as shown in FIG. 15(b), with the rear upper LED 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 lit in the state of FIG. 15(a), and further, when the rear upper LED 422c provided corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 is sequentially lit from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused in three directions (i.e., the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined optical path width inside the rear light guide plate 420 according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, with the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and further, when the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 is sequentially lit from the right, the light emitted from the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425 inside the rear light guide plate 420 according to the shape of the rear lower diffusion lens 425.

[0238] Then, for example, in the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green". At the same time, the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green". When lighting in a total of three emission colors, the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "red" optical path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" optical path and the "green" optical path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of 10 colors.

[0239] More specifically, among the plurality of fish patterns constituting the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is lit and displayed in any one of a total of 10 colors: "dark red", "purple", "yellow", "white", "dark blue", "cyan", "dark green", "red", "blue", and "green".

[0240] In this case, since the light from the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, it remains in an unlit state and maintains a state that is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0241] Next, as shown in FIG. 16(a), with the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and further, when the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c corresponding to the left, central, and right regions (i.e., the entire region) of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, with the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and further, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit from the right, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425.

[0242] Then, for example, in each of the entire regions of the rear light guide plate 420 (i.e., the left region, the central region, and the right region), the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green", and the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green". When lighting in a total of three emission colors, the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "red" optical path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" optical path and the "green" optical path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of 10 colors.

[0243] More specifically, among the plurality of fish patterns constituting the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is lit and displayed in any one of a total of 10 colors: "dark red", "purple", "yellow", "white", "dark blue", "cyan", "dark green", "red", "blue", and "green".

[0244] Next, as shown in FIG. 16(b), in a state where the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, when the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, in a state where the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425.

[0245] And, for example, in each of the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, when the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green", and the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green", when lighting up in a total of three emission colors, the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "red" optical path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" optical path and the "green" optical path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of 10 colors.

[0246] More specifically, among the plurality of fish patterns constituting the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is lit and displayed in any one of a total of 10 colors: "dark red", "purple", "yellow", "white", "dark blue", "cyan", "dark green", "red", "blue", and "green".

[0247] In this case, since the light from the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, it is in an unlit state and is in a state that is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0248] Thus, even when the light emission of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 is controlled with as few as about three emission colors, due to the overlap of the light diffused by the respective diffusion lenses 423 and 425, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 can be expressed in a lighting color equal to or higher than the above emission color. Therefore, even with light emission control using a small number of emission patterns, a colorful expression can be achieved. Thus, while reducing the control burden on the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424, a variety of effects can be executed to enhance the interest of the game.

[0249] Also, among the rear upper LEDs 422c and the rear lower LEDs 424, each arranged in three in the right region, the central region, and the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, by sequentially lighting the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 located on the far right, the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 located in the center, and the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 located on the left in this order, an effect is executed as if the school of fish, which is the first decorative pattern group 421, is swimming from the right side to the left side.

[0250] Furthermore, by sequentially lighting the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 from the right side so as to be interlocked with the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 60a and the second decorative pattern group 60b (see FIG. 3) on the game board surface of the base plate 60 of the game board 13, the effect on the rear light guide plate 420 and the effect on the game board surface of the game board 13 are integrally executed to provide a powerful effect using the entire game board surface 13, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

[0251] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the optical paths of the light from the rear upper diffusion lens 423 and the rear lower diffusion lens 425 to the rear light guide plate 420 and the light emission mode of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit and displayed will be described.

[0252] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a lighting state of a first decorative pattern group 421 that is lit on a rear light guide plate 420 when a confirmation lamp 311 is lit. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the confirmation lamp 311 is off and upper rear LEDs 422c and lower rear LEDs 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 17(a), the confirmation lamp 311 is lit and, while additionally lighting the lower rear LEDs 424 corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, the upper rear LEDs 422c corresponding to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are off. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group 421 that is lit on the rear light guide plate 420 when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit. FIG. 18(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 17(b), the confirmation lamp 311 continues to be lit and, while additionally lighting the lower rear LEDs 424 corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, the upper rear LEDs 422c corresponding to the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are off. FIG. 18(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state of FIG. 18(a), the confirmation lamp 311 is off and, while additionally lighting the upper rear LEDs 422c corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, the upper rear LEDs 422c and the lower rear LEDs 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are off.

[0253] In the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment, when a jackpot occurs in the variable effect, the confirmation lamp 311 is lit at any timing of the variable effect, clearly suggesting to the player that a jackpot has occurred. Further, in order to suggest to the player the reliability of the jackpot in the variable effect, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 may be lit and displayed.

[0254] Here, the notification by the lighting of the winning lamp 311 is an effect suggesting the occurrence of a big win, which is a so-called big win confirmation effect. On the other hand, the notification by the lighting of the first decorative symbol group 421 is an effect suggesting whether or not a big win occurs, and does not definitely suggest the occurrence of a big win. Therefore, as the importance of the game effect in the pachinko machine 10, the notification by the winning lamp 311 is positioned as a more important effect than the notification by the first decorative symbol group 421.

[0255] However, when executing the effect by the winning lamp 311 during the execution of the effect in the first decorative symbol group 421, there is a possibility that the effect by the winning lamp 311, which is more important as a game, may be inhibited (such as low visibility and low recognition due to overlapping effects) by the effect of the first decorative symbol group 421. Also, when executing the notification by the winning lamp 311, it is possible to consider measures such as not executing the effect by the first decorative symbol group 421, or not executing the notification by the winning lamp 311 while the first decorative symbol group 421 is being executed. However, there is a possibility that restrictions will occur in the effect, the control burden will increase, and the effect variations will decrease.

[0256] Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the effect by the winning lamp 311 is executed (during execution), the scale of the effect by the first decoration symbol group 421 is reduced and executed so as to make the effect by the winning lamp 311, which is important as a game, prominent. Specifically, at the timing when the winning lamp 311 is lit, when the first decoration symbol group 421 is executed, the effect width in the first decoration symbol group 421 is reduced and executed. In particular, in the first decoration symbol group 421, by making the side where the winning lamp 311 is arranged (that is, the upper side in the front view of the rear light guide plate 420) unlit or dimly lit, the effect of the first decoration symbol group 421 and the effect of the winning lamp 311 can be partitioned so as not to overlap or hardly overlap, and the effect by the winning lamp 311 can be made more prominent. Therefore, it can be configured so as not to inhibit the effect of the winning lamp 311, which is important as a game. In addition, it becomes easy to simultaneously execute the effect by the winning lamp 311 and the effect by the first decoration symbol group 421 without performing complicated control, and the effect variations can be increased.

[0257] Hereinafter, a specific effect mode by the winning lamp 311 and the first decoration symbol group 421 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 17(a), when the winning lamp 311 is not lit (extinguished), when the rear upper LED 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is sequentially lit and displayed from the right side, the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (that is, the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is sequentially lit and displayed from the right side, the light emitted from the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (that is, the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425.

[0258] And, for example, when the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off, in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green", and the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green". When lighting in a total of three emission colors, the overlapping (crossing. The same applies hereinafter.) part of the "red" optical path and the "red" optical path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" optical path and the "green" optical path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of 10 colors.

[0259] In this case, since the light from the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach the first decorative pattern groups 421 formed in the left region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, they remain in the non-lighting state, maintaining a state that is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0260] Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit from the state of FIG. 17(a), with the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and further, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit from the right side, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) according to the shape of the rear lower diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined light path width corresponding to the lens side width of the rear lower diffusion lens 425. On the other hand, when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit from the state of FIG. 17(a), the rear upper LED 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 switches from the lit state to the off state, and the rear upper LED 422c provided corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 also does not light (is off).

[0261] That is, among the rear lower LEDs 424 disposed at a position far from the confirmation lamp 311, only the rear lower LEDs 424 provided in the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, and the rear upper LEDs 422c disposed at a position close to the confirmation lamp 311 are configured to be off.

[0262] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 disposed at the position of each light (each light path) emitted from the rear lower LED 424 and diffused by the rear lower diffusion lens 425 is lit, while the first decorative pattern group 421 disposed at the position of each light (each light path) that would be diffused by the rear upper diffusion lens 423 when the rear upper LED 422c emits light is not lit (is off).

[0263] Here, the first decorative pattern group 421 disposed in the upper part of the front view of the rear light guide plate 420 close to the confirmation lamp 311 is not provided at the position lit by the light emission of the rear lower LED 424 (the number provided is small), and is formed in a large number at the position lit by the light emission of the rear upper LED 422c.

[0264] On the other hand, the first decorative pattern group 421 arranged in the lower front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 far from the confirmation lamp 311 is provided at least at a position lit by the light emission of the rear lower LED 424 (there are many provided). Note that the first decorative pattern group 421 arranged in the lower front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 far from the confirmation lamp 311 may be provided at a position lit by the light emission of the rear upper LED 422c, or may be provided at a position not lit by the light emission of the rear upper LED 422c.

[0265] Therefore, when the rear upper LED 422c is lit, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the upper front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 can be lit and displayed (is likely to be lit), and when the rear lower LED 424 is lit, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the lower front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 can be lit and displayed (is likely to be lit). On the other hand, among the first decorative pattern groups 421 of the rear light guide plate 420, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the upper front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 is not lit (is difficult to be lit) even when the rear lower LED 424 is lit, and is not lit (is difficult to be lit. Thinned out and lit) when the rear upper LED 422c is turned off.

[0266] By configuring in this way, it is possible to switch the lighting or extinguishing of the first decorative pattern group 421 in the upper front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420, which is near the confirmation lamp 311, according to the presence or absence of lighting of the rear upper LED 422c. And when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit and displayed, even if the first decorative pattern group 421 is being executed, by turning off the rear upper LED 422c, it is possible to execute an effect such that the light emission of the confirmation lamp 311 and the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421 do not interfere with each other.

[0267] Then, for example, when the right rear lower LEDs 424 on the right side region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit in three emission colors of "red", the central rear lower LED 424 is "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 is "green", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of seven colors.

[0268] In this case, since the light from the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the central region and the right side region of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left side region of the rear light guide plate 420, it remains in an unlit state, maintaining a state that is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0269] Next, as shown in FIG. 18(a), when the confirmation lamp 311 continues to be lit from the state of FIG. 17(b), with the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the central region and the right side region of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and further, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the left side region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially lit and displayed from the right side, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the left side region, the central region, and the right side region (i.e., the entire region) of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) according to the shape of the rear lower diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of the rear lower diffusion lens 425. On the other hand, when the confirmation lamp 311 continues to be lit from the state of FIG. 17(b), the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the left side region, the central region, and the right side region (i.e., the entire region) of the rear light guide plate 420 are not lit (turned off).

[0270] That is, only the rear lower LED 424 disposed at a position far from the confirmation lamp 311 is lit, and the rear upper LED 422c disposed at a position close to the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off.

[0271] In this case, similar to FIG. 17(b), the first decorative pattern group 421 disposed at the position of each light (each optical path) emitted from the rear lower LED 424 and diffused by the rear lower diffusion lens 425 is lit, while the first decorative pattern group 421 disposed at the position of each light (each optical path) that would be diffused by the rear upper diffusion lens 423 when the rear upper LED 422c emits light is not lit (turned off).

[0272] And, for example, in each of the left region, the central region, and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, when the right rear lower LED 424 lights up with a light emission color of "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up with a light emission color of "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up with a light emission color of "green", a total of three colors, the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". The first decorative pattern groups 421 are each lit and displayed in a total of seven colors.

[0273] Next, as shown in FIG. 18(b), when the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off from the state of FIG. 18(a), with the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, when the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the lower right direction, the lower front direction, and the lower left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, with the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially turned off from the right side, the light emitted from the rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the upper right direction, the upper front direction, and the upper left direction) with a predetermined light path width according to the lens side width of each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425.

[0274] And, for example, in each of the left region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the central rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green", while the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the central rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green". When lighting in a total of three emission colors, the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "red" optical path is "dark red", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "purple", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path and the "green" optical path is "yellow", the overlapping part of the "red" optical path, the "blue" optical path, and the "green" optical path is "white", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "blue" optical path is "dark blue", the overlapping part of the "blue" optical path and the "green" optical path is "cyan", the overlapping part of the "green" optical path and the "green" optical path is "dark green", the part with only the "red" optical path is "red", the part with only the "blue" optical path is "blue", and the part with only the "green" optical path is "green". Each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of ten colors.

[0275] Note that in this case, since the light from the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 provided corresponding to the left region and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 does not reach the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, it is in an unlit state and is in a state where it is difficult to visually recognize from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0276] In this way, when the effect by the winning lamp 311 is executed (during execution), the scale of the effect by the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced and executed so as to make the effect by the winning lamp 311, which is important for the game, prominent. Specifically, at the timing when the winning lamp 311 is lit, when the first decorative symbol group 421 is executed, the effect width in the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced and executed. In particular, in the first decorative symbol group 421, by making the side where the winning lamp 311 is arranged (that is, the upper side in the front view of the rear light guide plate 420) unlit or dimly lit, the effect of the first decorative symbol group 421 and the effect of the winning lamp 311 can be partitioned so as not to overlap or hardly overlap, and the effect by the winning lamp 311 can be made more prominent. Therefore, it is possible to configure so as not to inhibit the effect of the winning lamp 311, which is important for the game. Also, it becomes easy to simultaneously execute the effect by the winning lamp 311 and the effect by the first decorative symbol group 421 without performing complicated control, and the effect variations can be increased.

[0277] Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the optical paths of light from the front lower condensing lens 414d, the front right condensing lens 415d, and the front left condensing lens 416d (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "each condensing lens 414d, 415d, 416d") for the front light guide plate 410, and the light emission modes of the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 that can be lit and displayed on the front light guide plate 410 will be described. FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 that can be lit and displayed on the front light guide plate 410, the lower LED unit 414, the front right LED unit 415, and the front left LED unit 416. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the optical paths of light by each condensing lens 414d, 415d, 416d. FIG. 21(a) is a diagram showing the concavo-convex shape forming the second decorative symbol group 411 of the front light guide plate 410 and the direction of light by which the second decorative symbol group 411 can be lit and displayed, and FIG. 21(b) is a diagram showing the concavo-convex shape forming the fourth decorative symbol group 413 of the front light guide plate 410 and the direction of light by which the fourth decorative symbol group 413 can be lit and displayed.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 19, on the front light guide plate 410, a second decorative pattern group 411 as a cherry blossom flurry pattern imitating a plurality of cherry blossom petals is formed in both left and right end regions excluding the central portion of the regular R-shaped portion, a third decorative pattern 412 as a manta ray pattern imitating a manta ray is formed in the central portion of the regular R-shaped portion, and a fourth decorative pattern group 413 as a bubble group pattern imitating a plurality of bubbles is formed in the entire region of the lower flat plate portion and the lower reverse R-shaped portion.

[0279] Also, when light is irradiated onto the lower end face of the front lower condensing lens 414d disposed on the lower side of the front light guide plate 410 by the front lower LED 414c provided below the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (in the upward direction) without being diffused from the upper end face of the front lower condensing lens 414d. Further, when light is irradiated onto the right end face of the front right condensing lens 415d disposed on the right side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 by the front right LED 415c provided on the right side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (in the leftward direction) without being diffused from the left end face of the front right condensing lens 415d. Also, when light is irradiated onto the left end face of the front left condensing lens 416d disposed on the left side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 by the front left LED 416c provided on the left side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (in the rightward direction) without being diffused from the right end face of the front left condensing lens 416d.

[0280] Also, the positions of the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c are arranged such that one front right LED 415c and one front left LED 416c are paired in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

[0281] In the front light guide plate 410, decorative design groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged on the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower flat portion and the lower reverse R-shaped portion. However, the switching point (area) between the lower reverse R-shaped portion and the positive R-shaped portion is configured such that none of the decorative design groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged. This is because when a decorative design to be light-guided and displayed is arranged at the switching point (area) between the lower reverse R-shaped portion and the positive R-shaped portion, it is difficult for the light reflected (light-guided) inside the front light guide plate 410 to reach appropriately the portions arranged on the positive R-shaped portion and the portions arranged on the lower reverse R-shaped portion, and there is a risk that it may look unintended depending on the position of the player's line of sight. Therefore, by configuring such that none of the decorative design groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged at the switching point (area) between the lower reverse R-shaped portion and the positive R-shaped portion, the expression of the design to be light-guided and displayed can be made appropriate, and an effect without unevenness can be executed.

[0282] Regarding the arrangement of the decorative pattern at the switching point of the front light guide plate 410 (hereinafter referred to as "switching point P"), it will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 52, 53 and 54. FIG. 52 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the front light guide plate 410 showing the light guiding mode of the light guiding the inside of the front light guide plate 410 when the front lower LED 414c is lit. FIG. 52(a) is a diagram schematically showing the light guiding mode in the front light guide plate 410 of the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10) from the front lower LED 414c. FIG. 52(b) is a diagram schematically showing the light guiding mode in the front light guide plate 410 of the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 at a downward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the back direction of the pachinko machine 10) from the front lower LED 414c. FIG. 52(c) is a diagram schematically showing the light guiding mode in the front light guide plate 410 of the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the directly front direction (vertically upward direction of the pachinko machine 10) from the front lower LED 414c. Further, FIG. 53 is a diagram showing the position of the switching point P in the front view of the front light guide plate 410 shown in FIG. 19. Furthermore, FIG. 54 is a perspective view schematically showing the light guiding mode in the front light guide plate 410 of the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10) from the front right LED 415c. Note that the fourth decorative pattern group 413 described in FIG. 52 will be described for the case where it is configured to be able to emit light not only by the light incident laterally from the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c but also by the light incident upward from the front lower LED 414c for convenience of explanation. Also, in FIG. 54, the case where the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be lit by the light incident from the front right LED 415c in the left direction will be described, and the explanation of the light incident from the front left LED 416c in the right direction is omitted, but the light incident from the front left LED 416c in the right direction also has the same action and effect as the light incident from the front right LED 415c in the left direction.

[0283] First, as shown in FIG. 52, the front light guide plate 410 includes a flat plate portion below in a front view (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front lower flat plate portion 410a"), a lower reverse R-shaped portion continuously formed from the front lower flat plate portion 410a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b"), a regular R-shaped portion continuously formed from the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front regular R-shaped portion 410c"), an upper reverse R-shaped portion continuously formed from the front regular R-shaped portion 410c (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front upper reverse R-shaped portion"), and an upper flat plate portion continuously formed from the front upper reverse R-shaped portion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front upper flat plate portion").

[0284] In addition, a fourth decorative pattern group 413 is formed on the back side (the lower side in FIG. 52) of the front lower flat plate portion 410a and the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, and a second decorative pattern group 411 and a third decorative pattern 412 are formed on the back side of the front regular R-shaped portion 410c. When the front lower LED 414c is lit, the second decorative pattern group 411 or the third decorative pattern 412 becomes visible from the front direction (the upper side in FIG. 52) of the pachinko machine 10. When the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c are lit, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be visible from the front direction of the pachinko machine 10.

[0285] Here, as shown in FIGS. 52(a) to 52(c), with respect to this front light guide plate 410, from the front lower LED 414c, at an upper angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10; see FIG. 52(a)), a lower angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the back direction of the pachinko machine 10; see FIG. 52(b)), and a directly front direction (vertically above the pachinko machine 10; see FIG. 52(c)), each light incident on the front light guide plate 410 repeats reflection while guiding light within the front lower flat plate portion 410a. However, as described above, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 provided on the back side of the front lower flat plate portion 410a is configured such that it does not reflect light or is difficult to reflect light in the front direction (the upper side in FIG. 52) of the pachinko machine 10 depending on the light from the front lower LED 414c. Therefore, depending on the light irradiated (guided) from the front lower LED 414c, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be difficult to visually recognize or not visible from the front direction of the pachinko machine 10.

[0286] And each light incident on the front light guide plate 410 at an upper angle of 45 degrees, a lower angle of 45 degrees, and a directly front direction repeats reflection within the front lower flat plate portion 410a or directly reaches the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b. In this case, the light that collides with the surface on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b is reflected into the front light guide plate 410 at an angle (for example, 40 degrees) smaller than the reflection angle (for example, 45 degrees) when it collides with the front lower flat plate portion 410a. On the other hand, the light that collides with the surface on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b is reflected into the front light guide plate 410 at an angle (for example, 50 degrees) larger than the reflection angle (for example, 45 degrees) when it collides with the front lower flat plate portion 410a.

[0287] Then, the light guided within the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b then reaches the front positive R-shaped portion 410c, which has an R-shape opposite to that of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion. In this case, the light that collides with the surface on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 of the front positive R-shaped portion 410c is reflected into the front light guide plate 410 at an angle (e.g., 50 degrees) greater than the reflection angle (e.g., 40 degrees) when it collided with the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b. On the other hand, the light that collides with the surface on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 of the front positive R-shaped portion 410c is reflected into the front light guide plate 410 at an angle (e.g., 40 degrees) smaller than the reflection angle (e.g., 50 degrees) when it collided with the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b.

[0288] That is, the light guided to the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c via the front lower flat portion 410a has a dense amount of light colliding with the front surface of the front light guide plate 410 at the switching point (portion, hereinafter, the switching point between the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c may be referred to as the "switching point P"), while the amount of light colliding with the back surface of the front light guide plate 410 is sparse (coarse).

[0289] Here, as shown in FIGS. 52(a) to 52(c) and FIG. 53, the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is arranged at the switching point (portion) between the front lower flat portion 410a and the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, while the switching point P between the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c is configured such that none of the decorative symbols 411, 412, 413 are arranged.

[0290] As described above, at the switching point P between the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c, the amount of light that collides on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 tends to be sparse (coarse). Even if the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged at the point P, the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 may not emit light properly, and there is a possibility that the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 cannot be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 at an appropriate timing. Further, each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 is configured to light up (become visible) only by light from a predetermined direction. However, if the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged at the point P, there is a possibility that each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 can be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the irradiation of light in a direction that would not normally light up, and there is a possibility that a discrepancy will occur in the production content due to lighting at an unintended timing. Therefore, by not arranging any of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 at the switching point P between the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c, each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 can be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 at an appropriate timing, and it is possible to make it difficult for a discrepancy to occur in the production content, and it is possible to provide an appropriate game.

[0291] Next, as shown in FIG. 54, when the light irradiated from the front right LED 415c enters from the front right end face of the front lower flat portion 410a of the front light guide plate 410 at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10; see FIG. 54) via the front right condenser lens 415d, while guiding the light inside the front lower flat portion 410a, reflection is repeated between the front side surface and the back side surface of the front light guide plate 410, and the light is guided straight to the left in the front view and reaches the left side of the front light guide plate 410. Then, as described above, since the fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed on the back side surface of the front light guide plate 410 is configured to reflect light in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10 by the light from the front right LED 415c, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be accurately visible from the front direction of the pachinko machine 10 by the light irradiated (guided) from the front right LED 415c.

[0292] On the other hand, if, hypothetically, an LED and a condenser lens are provided on the right side in the front view of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b of the front light guide plate 410, and light is incident at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the front direction of the pachinko machine 10; see FIG. 54) from the right-side end face in the front view of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, when the light guided in the front light guide plate 410 collides with the front side surface of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, it is not reflected straight to the left in the front view according to the R shape, but is reflected upward in the front view of the front light guide plate 410. Then, when the reflected light collides with the back side surface of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, it is not reflected straight to the left in the front view according to the R shape, but is reflected further upward in the front light guide plate 410. And while repeating the above reflections a plurality of times, the light is guided to the left side in the front view of the front light guide plate. In such a case, if a decorative pattern is arranged near the switching point P between the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b and the front regular R-shaped portion 410c of the front light guide plate 410, a portion where light is not guided may occur, and it becomes impossible to accurately guide light to the decorative pattern, making it difficult to realize a desired light emission mode. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the LED and the condenser lens are not arranged in the lateral direction in the front view of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, and it is configured not to irradiate light from the lateral direction in the front view of the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, and by not arranging a decorative pattern near the switching point P, each decorative pattern 411, 412, 413 is configured to be able to be appropriately lit and displayed.

[0293] Note that in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, it may also be configured not to arrange the decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 at the switching point (portion) between the front regular R-shaped portion and the front upper reverse R-shaped portion. By configuring it in this way, an effect equivalent to the above effect can be achieved.

[0294] Also, the switching point (portion) between the front lower flat portion 410a and the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, or the switching point (portion) between the front upper reverse R-shaped portion and the front upper flat portion may be configured not to arrange the respective decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413. At the switching point (portion) between the front lower flat portion 410a and the front lower reverse R-shaped portion 410b, or the switching point (portion) between the front upper reverse R-shaped portion and the front upper flat portion, the amount of light that collides on the back surface side of the front light guide plate 410 may become sparse (coarse). Therefore, by configuring not to arrange the respective decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413 at the switching point (portion) between the front upper reverse R-shaped portion and the front upper flat portion, an effect equivalent to the above effect can be achieved.

[0295] Here, with reference to FIG. 20, the light condensing mode by the front lower condensing lens 414d, the front right condensing lens 415d, and the front left condensing lens 416d will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, each of the condensing lenses 414d, 415d, 416d has one first end face (the lower end face in FIG. 20) formed in a straight line shape (or substantially a straight line shape), while the other second end face (the upper end face in FIG. 20) formed on the opposite side of the first end face is formed in a plurality of semi-circular convex shapes with continuous semi-circular shapes.

[0296] In the first embodiment, the front light guide plate 410 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA), similar to the rear light guide plate 420. When the refractive index of the acrylic resin is set to 1.49 to 1.53, the light incident from the first end face of each of the condenser lenses 414d, 415d, 416d is emitted from the second end face in a straight (or almost straight; the upper side in the drawing of FIG. 20) direction. As a result, the light incident from the first end face of each of the condenser lenses 414d, 415d, 416d can be emitted in one direction in a state of being condensed without being diffusely emitted from the second end face side formed in a plurality of semi-circular convex shapes. Therefore, when the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c corresponding to the decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 to be lit are lit, the other decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 are not lit, and only the decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 to be lit can be appropriately lit. In particular, when trying to light the fourth decorative pattern group 413 with the lowest jackpot reliability, if the second decorative pattern group 411 or the third decorative pattern 412, which is formed on the same front light guide plate 410 and has a higher jackpot reliability than the fourth decorative pattern group 413, is lit, there may be a discrepancy in the production content, and the game performance as per the game specifications may not be realized. Therefore, at least by configuring the light for the fourth decorative pattern group 413 with low jackpot expectation not to be diffused by the condenser lenses 415d, 416d, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 alone can be displayed at an appropriate timing, and the occurrence of discrepancies in the production content can be made less likely.

[0297] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, condenser lenses 414d, 415d, and 416d are provided for each of the decorative design groups 411, 412, and 413 of the front light guide plate 410, and are configured to irradiate the condensed light respectively. On the other hand, for the decorative design group with a high jackpot expectation, that is, for the third decorative design 412 and the like, instead of a condenser lens, a diffusion lens used for lighting the first decorative design group 421 may be adopted. The third decorative design 412 is an effect with a higher jackpot expectation than at least the fourth decorative design group 413, and is located on the front side of the drum display device 81 that the player focuses on during the game. Therefore, it is necessary to irradiate the third decorative design 412 comprehensively with light by the diffusion lens so that the player can clearly recognize the third decorative design 412. Also, when lighting the fourth decorative design group 413, an effect discrepancy will occur if the third decorative design 412 with a higher jackpot expectation than the fourth decorative design group 413 is lit. However, even if the fourth decorative design group 413 with a lower jackpot expectation than the third decorative design 412 is lit when the third decorative design 412 is lit, the player focuses on the execution of the third decorative design 412 with a high jackpot expectation and does not pay much attention to the execution of the fourth decorative design group 413 with a low jackpot expectation. Therefore, it is difficult for an effect discrepancy to occur. Thus, by adopting the condenser lenses 415d and 416d for the fourth decorative design group 413 with a low jackpot expectation and adopting a diffusion lens for the third decorative design 412 with a high jackpot expectation, the effect of the front light guide plate 410 can be enhanced, and the attention to the game can be increased.

[0298] Here, with reference to FIG. 21, the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that are lit and displayed with respect to the direction of light guided into the front light guide plate 410 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be lit and displayed with respect to the light in the horizontal direction (left - right direction) when viewed from the front of the front light guide plate 410, and the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 are configured to be lit and displayed with respect to the light in the vertical direction (up - down direction) when viewed from the front of the front light guide plate 410. Note that since the third decorative pattern 412, which can be lit and displayed with respect to the light in the vertical direction when viewed from the front, is lit and displayed by the light in the same direction as the second decorative pattern group 411, for the sake of convenience in explanation, the description of the third decorative pattern 412 will be omitted, and only the second decorative pattern group 411 will be described.

[0299] First, as shown in FIG. 21(a), the one - bubble pattern forming the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured such that a plurality of continuous vertical grooves (concavities and convexities) in the vertical direction when viewed from the front are formed along the pattern of the one - bubble pattern with respect to the front light guide plate 410, enabling the expression of the one - bubble pattern. By configuring in this way, the light guided in the horizontal direction (left - right direction) when viewed from the front within the front light guide plate 410 (for example, the light emitted from the front - left LED 416c) collides with the above - mentioned vertical grooves and is reflected (emitted) to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, so that the bubble pattern is visibly emitted and displayed from the front side of the front light guide plate 410 (that is, the front side of the pachinko machine 10). On the other hand, the light guided in the vertical direction (up - down direction) when viewed from the front within the front light guide plate 410 (for example, the light emitted from the front - lower LED 414c), even when it collides with the above - mentioned vertical grooves, is not reflected or is difficult to be reflected to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, and is configured such that the bubble pattern cannot be visually recognized or is difficult to be visually recognized from the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0300] Next, as shown in FIG. 21(b), one cherry blossom pattern forming the second decorative pattern group 411 is configured to be able to represent one cherry blossom pattern by continuously forming a plurality of horizontal grooves (concavo-convexities) in the lateral direction in the front view with respect to the front light guide plate 410 along the pattern of the cherry blossom pattern. By configuring in this way, the light (for example, the light emitted from the front lower LED 414c) that is guided in the vertical direction (up and down direction) in the front view inside the front light guide plate 410 collides with the above horizontal grooves and is reflected (emitted) to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, so that the cherry blossom pattern is visibly emitted and displayed from the front side of the front light guide plate 410 (that is, the front side of the pachinko machine 10). On the other hand, the light (for example, the light emitted from the front left LED 416c) that is guided in the lateral direction (left and right direction) in the front view inside the front light guide plate 410, even when it collides with the above horizontal grooves, is not reflected or is hardly reflected to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, and is configured to be invisible or difficult to visually recognize as a bubble pattern from the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0301] In this way, in one front light guide plate 410, by configuring the decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 that can be lit and displayed to be different with respect to the direction (incident direction) of the light guided into the front light guide plate 410, a plurality of decorative patterns 411, 412, 413 can be individually lit and displayed in one front light guide plate 410, improving the expressiveness of one light guide plate and increasing the attention to the game.

[0302] Also, by performing an effect by each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413 on the front side and the periphery of the drum display device 81 using the entire one front light guide plate 410, an effect can be executed in a range expanded from the arrangement part of the drum display device 81. Therefore, an impressive effect by the drum display device 81 and the front light guide plate 410 can be executed to improve the interest of the game.

[0303] In the front light guide plate 410, at the same part (for example, the part on the front side of the drum display device 81 (i.e., the front right R-shaped part)), two decorative patterns (for example, the third decorative pattern 412 and the fourth decorative pattern group 413) are formed so as to be expressible. One decorative pattern (for example, the fourth decorative pattern group 413) is lit for the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the lateral direction, and the other decorative pattern (for example, the third decorative pattern 412) is lit for the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the longitudinal direction. However, in order to configure in such a way that different decorative patterns are lit according to the light from a plurality of directions at one part, the unevenness at the part has to be configured in a complex shape, and it is necessary to note that the design becomes difficult compared with the case where one decorative pattern is expressed at one part.

[0304] Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the lighting (display) modes of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the front light guide plate 410 will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the lighting modes of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 lit and displayed on the front light guide plate 410. FIG. 22(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 when the front right side LED 415c and the front left side LED 416c are lit with respect to the front light guide plate 410. FIG. 22(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the second decorative pattern group 411 when the front lower side LEDs 414c on the right end side and the left end side are lit with respect to the front light guide plate 410. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the lighting modes of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 lit and displayed on the front light guide plate 410. FIG. 23(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting mode of the third decorative pattern 412 when the front lower side LED 414c at the central part excluding the right end and the left end is lit with respect to the front light guide plate 410. FIG. 23(b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting modes of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 when all the front lower side LEDs 414c are lit with respect to the front light guide plate 410.

[0305] First, as shown in FIG. 22(a), when the front right LED 415c located on the right side of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is lit and displayed in "aqua", the light emitted from the front right LED 415c is condensed by the front right condenser lens 415d, and the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is irradiated straight to the left in an optical path width range equivalent to the vertical width of the front right condenser lens 415d. Also, when the front left LED 416c located on the left side of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is lit and displayed in "aqua", the light emitted from the front left LED 416c is condensed by the front left condenser lens 416d, and the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is irradiated straight to the right in an optical path width range equivalent to the vertical width of the front left condenser lens 416d.

[0306] In this case, the light that irradiates the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 straight to the left and right by the front right condenser lens 415d and the front left condenser lens 416d collides with the vertical grooves of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed in the flat plate portion and the lower reverse R-shaped portion below the front light guide plate 410. As the lateral light is emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is lit and displayed in "aqua" and can be visually recognized on the front side of the front light guide plate 410. At this time, for the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 formed in the positive R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, the light condensed by each condenser lens 415d, 416d does not reach, and the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 are in a state where they cannot be visually recognized or are difficult to visually recognize on the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0307] More specifically, the light incident from the side surfaces of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 by the front right condensing lens 415d and the front left condensing lens 416d is guided straight in the left-right direction through the lower flat plate portion, and slightly diffuses upward in a front view in the lower flat plate portion, reaching the lower reverse R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, while not reaching or hardly reaching the regular R-shaped portion, the upper reverse R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion. As a result, only the fourth decorative symbol group 413 arranged on the lower flat plate portion and the lower reverse R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410 is lit and displayed in a visible manner by the light guided into the front light guide plate 410 by the front right condensing lens 415d and the front left condensing lens 416d, and the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol 412 arranged on the regular R-shaped portion are not visible or are difficult to view from the line of sight of the player on the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0308] Note that the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c may be controlled to emit light in such a manner that the fourth decorative symbol group 413 appears to float upward from below the front light guide plate 410 by sequentially lighting and displaying them from ...

Claims

【Claim 1】 launching means capable of launching a game ball; a first ball entry means into which the game ball launched by the launching means can enter; a movable means capable of changing between a first state in which it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means and a second state in which it is easy or possible for the game ball to enter the first ball entry means; a second ball entry means into which the game ball launched by the launching means can enter; predetermined information acquisition means capable of acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of the game ball into the second ball entry means; predetermined determination means for determining the predetermined information acquired by the predetermined information acquisition means; In a gaming machine comprising drive means for opening and closing the movable means by using the determination result by the predetermined determination means, there is at least an opening / closing change means capable of opening and closing the movable means in a first opening / closing mode or a second opening / closing mode different from the first opening / closing mode by the drive means; The opening / closing change means is configured to be able to switch the opening / closing mode of the movable means when either a first condition or a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by this.

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