Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can effectively increase attention to the game. [Solution] The rear downward diffusion lens 425 has multiple recesses formed by a leftward diffusion section 425a, a frontward diffusion section 425b, and a rightward diffusion section 425c, each recessed to at least the width of the light-emitting surface of the rear downward LED 424. As a result, the light emitted from the rear downward LED 424 is diffused in three directions within the rear light guide plate 420 by the multiple recesses of the rear downward diffusion lens 425. Furthermore, since the leftward diffusion section 425a, the frontward diffusion section 425b, and the rightward diffusion section 425c are each composed of the same side length, the width of the light path of the diffused light is also configured to be the same width.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lottery such as a win is performed based on the establishment of predetermined start conditions. For example, there is a gaming machine that pays out a predetermined gaming medium to a player according to the establishment of predetermined acquisition conditions when winning a win.

[0003] In this gaming machine, production means such as a display unit capable of changing a symbol or the like visible from the front of the gaming machine, and a light emitting unit capable of changing a single color or a light emitting color are provided, and the display mode of the production means is changed according to the progress of the game or the like, thereby enhancing the production effect during 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 attention to the game by enhancing the production effect of the production means, 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 attention to the game. ​​​​​​​[Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The gaming machine described in claim 1 is equipped with a means for performing predetermined effects as the game progresses. This has the effect of effectively increasing the level of attention given to the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of patterns on each reel of a drum display device. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the game board. [Figure 6] This is a disassembled perspective view of the back panel unit. [Figure 7] This is a rear perspective view of the light guide unit. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the light guide unit. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the rear side of the light guide unit. [Figure 10] This figure shows the positional relationship between the drum display device 81 and the confirmation lamp and display area forming member with respect to a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 400 along line XX in Figure 7. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of the front light guide plate and the rear light guide plate. [Figure 12] This is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the first group of decorative patterns that can be illuminated on the rear light guide plate, and the rear upper LEDs of the rear upper LED unit and the rear lower LEDs of the rear lower LED unit. [Figure 13] This is a schematic enlarged view of part A in Figure 12, and is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the rear downward diffusion lens formed on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate and the rear downward LED of the downward LED unit. [Figure 14] This is a schematic enlarged view of section B in Figure 13, illustrating the optical path of light through the rear downward diffusing lens. [Figure 15] The diagram shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group displayed on the rear light guide plate, where (a) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when the rear upper LED and rear lower LED corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate are lit, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when the rear upper LED and rear lower LED corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate are additionally lit from the state in (a). [Figure 16] The diagram shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group displayed on the rear light guide plate, where (a) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when the rear upper LED and rear lower LED corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate are additionally lit from the state shown in Figure 15(b), and (b) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when the rear upper LED and rear lower LED corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate are turned off from the state shown in (a). [Figure 17] The diagram shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group displayed on the rear light guide plate when the confirmation lamp is lit, (a) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when the confirmation lamp is not lit and the rear upper LED and rear lower LED corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate are lit, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group when, from the state in (a), the confirmation lamp is lit and the rear lower LED corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate is additionally lit, while the rear upper LED corresponding to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate is turned off. [Figure 18]A diagram showing the lighting state of a first decorative pattern group that is lit and displayed on the rear light guide plate as the confirmation lamp is lit. (a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group when, from the state of FIG. 17(b), the confirmation lamp 311 continues to be lit and the rear lower LEDs corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate are additionally lit while the rear upper LEDs corresponding to the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate are turned off. (b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the first decorative pattern group when, from the state of (a), the confirmation lamp is turned off and the rear upper LEDs corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate are additionally lit while the rear upper LED and the rear lower LED corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate are turned off. [Figure 19] A schematic front view showing the relationship between a second decorative pattern group, a third decorative pattern, and a fourth decorative pattern group that can be lit and displayed on the front light guide plate, and a front lower LED unit, a front right LED unit, and a front left LED unit. [Figure 20] A diagram schematically showing the optical path of light by each condenser lens. [Figure 21] (a) is a diagram showing the concavo-convex shape forming the second decorative pattern group on the front light guide plate and the direction of light in which the second decorative pattern group can be lit and displayed. (b) is a diagram showing the concavo-convex shape forming the fourth decorative pattern group on the front light guide plate and the direction of light in which the fourth decorative pattern group can be lit and displayed. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the lighting state of a second decorative pattern group, a third decorative pattern, and a fourth decorative pattern group that are lit and displayed on the front light guide plate. (a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the fourth decorative pattern group when the front right LED and the front left LED are lit with respect to the front light guide plate. (b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting state of the second decorative pattern group when the front lower LEDs at the right end side and the left end side are lit with respect to the front light guide plate. [Figure 23]A diagram showing the lighting patterns of the second decorative pattern group, the third decorative pattern, and the fourth decorative pattern group displayed on the front light guide plate. (a) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting pattern of the third decorative pattern when the front lower LEDs in the central portion are lit with respect to the front light guide plate, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing the lighting patterns of the second decorative pattern group and the third decorative pattern when all the front lower LEDs are lit with respect to the front light guide plate. [Figure 24] A diagram showing the effects performed by the front light guide plate, the rear light guide plate, and the drum display device. (a) is a diagram schematically showing the non-lighting states of the first decorative pattern group, the second decorative pattern group, the third decorative pattern, and the fourth decorative pattern group, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing the non-lighting states of the first decorative pattern group, the second decorative pattern group, and the third decorative pattern while the fourth decorative pattern group is in the lighting state. [Figure 25] A diagram showing the effects performed by the front light guide plate, the rear light guide plate, and the drum display device. (a) is a diagram schematically showing the non-lighting states of the first decorative pattern group and the fourth decorative pattern group while the second decorative pattern group and the third decorative pattern are in the lighting state, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing the non-lighting states of the second decorative pattern group, the third decorative pattern, and the fourth decorative pattern group while the first decorative pattern group is in the lighting state. [Figure 26] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 27] A diagram schematically showing the configurations of various counters, each hold ball storage area, and the hold ball execution area. [Figure 28] (a) is a diagram schematically showing an example of a jackpot random number table, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot type table. [Figure 29] A diagram schematically showing an example of a hold number table. [Figure 30] (a) is a diagram schematically showing an example of the A table of the stop pattern table, (b) is a diagram schematically showing an example of the B table of the stop pattern table, and (c) is a diagram schematically showing an example of the C table of the stop pattern table. [Figure 31]This diagram schematically shows an example of a variation pattern table for losing outcomes. [Figure 32] This diagram schematically shows an example of a variation pattern table for jackpots. [Figure 33] This block diagram primarily shows the electrical configuration of the audio lamp control device. [Figure 34] This diagram schematically shows an example of a light guide plate lighting pattern table. [Figure 35] This diagram schematically shows an example of a confirmation lamp illumination pattern table. [Figure 36] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of each information storage area and execution information storage area. [Figure 37] This flowchart shows the startup process performed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 38] This flowchart shows the configuration change process executed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the MPU within the main control unit. [Figure 40] This flowchart shows the timer interrupt processing performed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 41] This flowchart shows the start-up prize-winning process performed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 42] This flowchart shows the special pattern variation processing performed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 43] This flowchart shows the variation initiation process executed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 44] This flowchart shows the NMI interrupt processing performed by the MPU in the main control unit. [Figure 45] This flowchart shows the startup process performed by the MPU within the audio lamp control device. [Figure 46] This flowchart shows the main processing performed by the MPU within the audio lamp control device. [Figure 47]This flowchart shows the command determination process executed by the MPU within the audio lamp control device. [Figure 48] This flowchart shows the variable effect processing performed by the MPU in the sound lamp control device. [Figure 49] This flowchart shows the confirmed lamp illumination setting process executed by the MPU in the audio lamp control device. [Figure 50] This flowchart shows the light guide pattern setting process performed by the MPU in the audio lamp control device. [Figure 51] This diagram schematically shows the optical path of light distributed by the rear-downward diffusion lens when the rear-downward LED (1) is lit. [Figure 52] The diagrams show schematic side cross-sectional views of the front light guide plate, illustrating the light guidance patterns when the front downward LED is lit. (a) schematically shows the light guidance patterns within the front light guide plate when light is incident on the front light guide plate from the front downward LED at an upward angle of 45 degrees. (b) schematically shows the light guidance patterns within the front light guide plate when light is incident on the front light guide plate from the front downward LED at a downward angle of 45 degrees. (c) schematically shows the light guidance patterns within the front light guide plate when light is incident on the front light guide plate from the front downward LED in a direction directly in front of it. [Figure 53] This diagram shows the position of the switching point P in the front view of the front light guide plate shown in Figure 19. [Figure 54] This is a schematic perspective view showing the light guide behavior within the front light guide plate when light is incident on the front right LED at an upward angle of 45 degrees. [Figure 55] This figure shows the positional relationship of the drum display device to a schematic side cross-sectional view of the light guide unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 56] This is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the third upper decorative pattern group and the third upper LED, the positional relationship between the third lower decorative pattern group and the third right LED of the third right LED unit, and the positional relationship between the third lower decorative pattern group and the third left LED of the third left LED unit, which can be illuminated on the third light guide plate in the third embodiment. [Figure 57] This is an explanatory diagram showing patterns of pseudo-stop symbols that can be stopped in the "pseudo-variation" variation element of the variation effect of the third symbol in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 58] The diagrams show the transitions of the fluctuation elements of the "pseudo-fluctuation" performed in the drum display device in the fourth embodiment. (a) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the pseudo-stop symbol, as "pseudo-stop 1," is stopped. (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the pseudo-stop symbol, as "pseudo-stop 2," is stopped, following the state in (a). (c) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the "reach formation symbol" is stopped, following the state in (b). (d) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the "reach display" is being performed, following the state in (c). [Figure 59] This is an exploded perspective view of the left reel unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 60] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the stepping motor in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 61] This is a connection diagram showing the drive system of the stepping motor in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 62] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between excitation data and excitation sequence pointer in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 63] This figure shows an example of the drive characteristics of a stepping motor performed in a series of variation effects in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 64] This figure shows an example of the drive characteristics of the stepping motor that are executed when the "full rotation" effect is performed in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 65] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an excitation pattern for a normal acceleration process in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 66] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an excitation pattern for a special acceleration process in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 67] This is a timing chart showing the relationship between the drive mode of each reel and the output mode of the music during the "full rotation" effect in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 68]The following are schematic diagrams showing the progression of the "full rotation" effect performed by the drum display device in the fifth embodiment: (a) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the provisional jackpot result with the "1" symbol has stopped; (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the middle and right reels have started to rotate with normal acceleration processing from the state in (a); (c) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the middle and right reels are rotating at high speed and constant speed, and the left reel has started to rotate with special acceleration processing from the state in (b); (d) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the left reel, middle reel, and right reel are rotating at high speed and constant speed from the state in (c); (e) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the left reel, middle reel, and right reel are rotating at high speed and constant speed, similar to the state in (d); and (f) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the provisional jackpot result with the "2" symbol has stopped from the state in (e). [Figure 69] This flowchart shows the motor control process performed by the MPU in the display control device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 70] This flowchart shows the reel rotation start process executed by the MPU in the display control device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 71] This is a timing chart showing the relationship between the drive mode of each reel and the output mode of the music during the "full rotation" effect in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 72] This is a timing chart showing the relationship between the drive mode of each reel and the output mode of the music during the "full rotation" effect in the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 11 formed by a roughly rectangular wooden frame, and an inner frame 12 formed to be approximately the same external shape as the outer frame 11 and supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 11 at two locations, upper and lower, on the left side in a front view (see Figure 1) to support the inner frame 12, and the inner frame 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable towards the front, with the side on which the hinges 18 are provided as the axis of opening and closing.

[0012] A game board 13 (see Figure 3), which has numerous nails and prize slots 63, 64a, 64b, 65a, etc., is detachably attached to the inner frame 12 from the back side. The ball game is played by balls flowing down the front of this game board 13. The inner frame 12 is also fitted with a ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 26) that launches balls into the front area of ​​the game board 13, and a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board 13.

[0013] The front side of the inner frame 12 is provided with a front frame 14 that covers the upper front side and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. To support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached to two locations, upper and lower, on the left side in a front view (see Figure 1). The side on which the hinges 19 are provided is used as the axis of opening and closing, allowing the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15 to open and close towards the front. The locking of the inner frame 12 and the locking of the front frame 14 are released by inserting a special key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a predetermined operation. The pachinko machine 10 is also provided with a door release switch (not shown) that detects when either the inner frame 12 or the front frame 14 is unlocked and opened (the door is opened).

[0014] The front frame 14 is assembled with decorative resin parts and electrical components, and has a roughly oval-shaped window 14c in its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is arranged on the back side of the front frame 14, and the front of the game board 13 is visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0015] The front frame 14 is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an upper tray 17 that protrudes forward and has an open top surface, into which prize balls and loaned balls are discharged. The bottom surface of the upper tray 17 is formed to slope downward to the right side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and this slope guides the balls placed in the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a. In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the left side of the top surface of the upper tray 17 when viewed from the front.

[0016] The frame button 22 is a button that is pressed by the player, for example, to change the stage of the performance executed by the drum display device 81 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. The frame button 22 is also used as an operation button to allow the player to select the content and execution timing of the performance, such as the type of so-called pre-announcement display, which is one form of the variable performance.

[0017] The variable animation is an animation displayed on the drum display device 81, which, as described below, is triggered when a ball launched into the front area of ​​the game board 13 enters a specific prize entry point (the first start entry point 64a or the second start entry point 64b described below; see Figure 3) (start entry). After the symbols (each third symbol printed on the drum display device 81 described below) are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, the combination of symbols that are stopped on display indicates to the player the result of the lottery conducted for that start entry (whether it is a jackpot or not).

[0018] A "stage" refers to a performance mode that provides a unified presentation for the various effects displayed on the drum display device 81. This pachinko machine 10 has three stages: "City Stage," "Sky Stage," and "Island Stage." Various effects, such as the aforementioned reel spinning effects and the reach effects performed during the reel spinning effects, are designed to be performed in accordance with the theme assigned to each stage.

[0019] The stage changes when the player presses the frame button 22 during periods when no reel spinning animation is active, or during high-speed spinning when the third symbol is displayed in a way that makes it impossible for the player to see. Each time the frame button 22 is pressed, the stage changes repeatedly in the following order: "City Stage" → "Sky Stage" → "Island Stage" → "City Stage" → ... Also, immediately after powering on, the "City Stage" is set as the initial stage.

[0020] Furthermore, when the "normal reach" performance element described later is initiated during the variation performance performed on the drum display device 81, and the "normal reach" performance element progresses to the "super reach" performance element described later, the drum display device 81 is configured such that a selection screen for the "super reach" performance element may be displayed during the "normal reach" performance element.

[0021] On the selection screen, multiple candidate performance elements that can be selected as performance elements for "Super Reach" are displayed, and one of the candidate performance elements is selected. If the player presses the frame button 22 while the selection screen is displayed, the selected candidate performance element changes. Then, when the performance element of "Super Reach" is to develop (i.e., when the selection screen ends), the content of the performance element of "Super Reach" is determined based on the candidate performance element that was selected, and the performance element of "Super Reach" is executed by the drum display device 81 according to that content.

[0022] In this embodiment, the frame button 22 is configured as a button to be pressed, but instead of the frame button 22, an operating lever that can be tilted by the player in a predetermined direction relative to the pachinko machine 10 (for example, forward, backward, right, and left relative to the pachinko machine 10) may be used. Based on the direction in which the operating lever is tilted, the performance stage may be selected or the "super reach" performance element may be selected.

[0023] The front frame 14 is equipped with various light-emitting means such as lamps around its periphery (for example, the corners). These light-emitting means are controlled to change their illumination pattern by lighting up or flashing in response to changes in the game state, such as during a jackpot or a predetermined reach, thereby enhancing the visual effects during gameplay. Around the periphery of the window section 14c are illuminated sections 29 to 33, which incorporate light-emitting means such as full-color light-emitting diodes ("Light Emitting Diode"; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "LEDs") capable of emitting in seven colors (white, purple, blue, blue-green, green, yellow, and red). In the pachinko machine 10, these illuminated sections 29 to 33 function as effect lamps such as jackpot lamps, and during jackpots or reach sequences, the built-in LEDs light up or flash, causing each illuminated section 29 to 33 to light up or flash, indicating that a jackpot is in progress or that the machine is in a reach state just before a jackpot. Furthermore, an indicator lamp 34 is provided in the upper left corner of the front frame 14, which has a built-in light-emitting means such as an LED and can display whether a prize ball is being dispensed or an error has occurred.

[0024] On the lower side of the right-side illuminated section 32, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be seen. This allows the stickers and other labels attached to the attachment space K1 (see Figure 3) on the front of the game board 13 to be visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. In addition, to create a more dazzling appearance, the pachinko machine 10 is fitted with plated ABS resin members 36 that have been chrome-plated around the illuminated sections 29-33.

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

[0026] In pachinko machines where balls are dispensed directly to the upper tray 17 from a ball dispensing device without the use of a card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is unnecessary. In this case, the component configuration can be made common by adding decorative stickers or the like to the installation area of ​​the ball dispensing operation unit 40. This allows for the commonality of pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0027] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a roughly box-shaped lower tray 50 in its center, which stores balls that could not be stored in the upper tray 17. To the right of the lower tray 50 is an operating handle 51, which is operated by the player to launch balls onto the front of the game board 13. Inside the operating handle 51 are a touch sensor 51a for allowing the ball launching unit 112a to be driven, a push-button type stop switch 51b that stops ball launching while the handle is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51 by a change in electrical resistance.

[0028] When the operating handle 51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the amount of rotation. A ball is then launched with a force corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, which changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51, and the ball is driven onto the front of the game board 13 by a distance corresponding to the player's operation. The ball launch interval in the ball launching unit 112a is set to approximately 0.6 seconds. When the operating handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the stop switch 51b are turned off.

[0029] A ball release lever 52 is provided on the lower front of the lower tray 50 for operating when discharging the balls stored in the lower tray 50 downwards. This ball release lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall out naturally from this bottom opening and are discharged. This ball release lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryobako") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower tray 50. As described above, an operating handle 51 is provided to the right of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left of the lower tray 50.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90 and 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit in which 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) are mounted. The control board unit 91 is a unit in which a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply unit 115), and a card unit connection board 116 are mounted.

[0031] The back pack unit 94 is a unitized unit consisting of the back pack 92, which forms the protective cover, and the dispensing unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a single-chip microcontroller that manages each control, ports for communication with various devices, a random number generator used during various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc., as needed.

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

[0033] Furthermore, the circuit board box 100 (main control device 110) and the circuit board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) are indestructibly connected (connected by a crimping structure) to the box base and box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing sticker (not shown) is attached to the connection between the box base and the box cover, spanning both the box base and the box cover. This sealing sticker is made of a brittle material, and if someone tries to peel off the sealing sticker to open the circuit board boxes 100 and 102, or tries to forcibly open the circuit board boxes 100 and 102, it will be cut on the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing sticker, it is possible to know whether the circuit board boxes 100 and 102 have been opened.

[0034] The dispensing unit 93 includes a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upwards, a tank rail 131 connected below the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically downstream of the tank rail 131, and a dispensing device 133 provided at the downstream end of the case rail 132, which dispenses balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of the dispensing motor 216 (see Figure 26). Balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are continuously replenished to the tank 130, and the required number of balls are dispensed as needed by the dispensing device 133. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to add vibration to the tank rail 131.

[0035] Furthermore, the dispensing control device 111 is provided with a state reset switch 120, and the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operating knob 121. The state reset switch 120 is operated to clear a ball jam (return to normal state) when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor 216 (see Figure 26). The operating knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid.

[0036] The main board of the main control unit 110 is equipped with a setting key 501 used by hall staff and others to change or check the set probability setting value, a setting change switch 502 used to update the probability setting value when operated during a setting change, a RAM erase switch 503 used to initialize the pachinko machine 10 (main control unit 110) or to confirm (determine) the probability setting value during a setting change, and a probability display device 504 capable of displaying the probability setting value.

[0037] The setting key 501, the setting change switch 502, and the RAM erase switch 503 are provided protruding from the main board through holes in the circuit board box 100, allowing them to be operated by hall staff and others without opening the circuit board box 100. On the other hand, the probability display device 504 is provided on the main board, which is covered by the circuit board box 100.

[0038] The setting key 501 is configured to rotate between two positions, an "OFF" side and an "ON" side, by inserting a dedicated key, managed by hall staff or other personnel, into the keyhole provided on the setting key 501. The setting key 501 is in the OFF state when in the OFF position and in the ON state when in the ON position. Once rotated to either position, it is configured to maintain that state unless rotated again by an administrator or other person.

[0039] The setting change switch 502 is a switch used to update the probability setting value 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 operated when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on to erase (reset to initial state) the backup data stored in the pachinko machine 10. This RAM erase switch 503 is also used when changing the probability setting value (i.e., in the "setting change mode" described later) to finish updating the probability setting value (i.e., to finish the "setting change mode").

[0041] In the first embodiment, if the RAM erase switch 503 is pressed when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on (i.e., when the power switch is turned on), the main control unit 110 outputs a RAM erase signal to clear the backup data, provided that the setting key 501 is in the off state. When the main control unit 110 receives the RAM erase signal when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and also sends a payout initialization command to the payout control unit 111 to clear the backup data.

[0042] Furthermore, when the RAM erase switch 503 is pressed while the probability setting value is in an updateable state (i.e., the "setting change mode" described later), the MPU201 recognizes that the update of the probability setting value is to be terminated, terminates the updateable state, and returns to the normal game state.

[0043] The probability display device 504 is configured to display the probability setting value when checking 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). In normal conditions (for example, when the machine is ready to play or when the power is off), the probability display device 504 is off and the probability setting value is not displayed. However, in conditions 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 lights up and is displayed.

[0044] Here, the startup mode when the power is turned on in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment 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 state of the RAM erase switch 503 and the setting key 501.

[0045] Pachinko machine 10 has four startup modes: "RAM Clear Mode," "Setting Change Mode," "Setting Confirmation Mode," and "Normal Mode."

[0046] "RAM Clear Mode" is a mode used to erase (clear) the data stored in RAM 203 in order to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

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

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

[0049] The "settings confirmation mode" is a mode for checking the set probability values. When the pachinko machine 10 starts up in this "settings confirmation mode," the current probability values ​​are displayed on the probability display device 504.

[0050] "Normal mode" is a startup mode other than "RAM clear mode," "settings change mode," and "settings confirmation mode." Except in cases where information about a power outage is not stored in RAM203 or the data stored in RAM203 is corrupted, this mode allows the gameplay of the pachinko machine 10 to resume from the state before the power outage by performing various startup processes while retaining the data stored in RAM203.

[0051] In the first embodiment, if the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on without turning on the RAM erase switch 503 (i.e., leaving it in the off state) and with the setting key 501 in the off state, the pachinko machine 10 starts up in "normal mode". Also, if the power to 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 "RAM clear mode".

[0052] On the other hand, if the setting key 501 is turned ON, the RAM erase switch 503 is turned ON, and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the pachinko machine 10 will start up in "setting change mode". Also, if the setting key 501 is turned ON, and the RAM erase switch 503 is turned OFF, and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the pachinko machine 10 will start up in "setting confirmation mode".

[0053] Furthermore, if data is erased in "RAM Clear Mode," or if the setting key 501 is turned off after updating the probability setting value in "Setting Change Mode," or if the setting key 501 is turned off in "Setting Confirmation Mode," the respective mode will be terminated and the system will transition to "Normal Mode," making it possible to start playing the pachinko machine 10.

[0054] In this way, when turning on the power to the pachinko machine 10, if the setting key 501 is left in the OFF position, hall staff and others can choose whether or not to turn on the RAM erase switch 503 to set the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 to either "RAM clear mode," which is a startup mode unrelated to the probability setting value, or "normal mode."

[0055] On the other hand, when turning on the power to the pachinko machine 10, if the setting key 501 is left in the ON position, hall staff and others can choose whether or not to turn on the RAM erase switch 503 to set the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 to either the "setting change mode" or the "setting confirmation mode," which are related to the probability setting value.

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

[0057] If the probability setting is changed, the probability of winning a jackpot in the game will change. If the game continues from the state before the power was turned off, for example, a discrepancy may occur between the probability of winning a jackpot in the currently held variation animation and the probability of winning a jackpot in the variation animation to be acquired from now on, or the jackpots that will be counted as the limit number described later may be accumulated with different jackpot probabilities, which could prevent the pachinko machine 10 from performing as intended. For this reason, when the probability setting is changed in the "setting change mode," the pachinko machine 10 erases (clears) the data stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, the "setting confirmation mode" is a startup mode that only confirms the probability setting, so the data stored in the RAM 203 is retained (not cleared) so that the game can continue from the state before the power was turned off.

[0058] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in "setting change mode" in which the data in RAM 203 is cleared, the setting key 501 is turned ON while the RAM erase switch 503 is turned ON and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON. When starting up the pachinko machine 10 in "setting confirmation mode" in which the data in RAM 203 is not cleared, the setting key 501 is turned ON while the RAM erase switch 503 is left OFF and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON.

[0059] Thus, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode" which are related to probability settings, the setting key 501 should be turned ON before turning on the power to the pachinko machine 10. Then, when starting up the pachinko machine 10 in "RAM clear mode" or "setting change mode" which clear the data stored in RAM 203, the power to the pachinko machine 10 should be turned ON while pressing (turning on) the RAM erase switch 503. In other words, if hall staff and others understand the meaning of each startup mode, they can easily understand what operations are required on the pachinko machine 10 to start up the startup mode they are about to start.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to start up the pachinko machine 10 in "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode," a special key that can be inserted into the setting key 501 is required, and this key will be managed by the hall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent players from arbitrarily checking the probability setting value to find a pachinko machine 10 with a high probability of hitting the jackpot, or arbitrarily changing the probability setting value to a high probability (high setting). In addition, the RAM erase switch 503 is located in a position that players cannot easily touch, so in this respect 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 "setting change mode," there are only two switches to operate simultaneously, and they can be easily operated with both hands, resulting in good operability. Therefore, hall staff and others can easily and simply select the startup mode of the pachinko machine 10 by switching the RAM erase switch 503 and the setting key 501 on and off.

[0062] Furthermore, when starting up in "settings change mode" or "settings confirmation mode," it may be a condition that a door opening switch (not shown) that detects whether or not the inner frame 12 is open is turned on when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, that is, that the inner frame 12 is open.

[0063] This is because, in order to change or confirm the probability setting, hall staff and others need to be able to see the probability setting displayed on the probability display device 504 on the back of the pachinko machine 10, and therefore the inner frame 12 needs to be open. Therefore, if the setting key 501 is ON but the inner frame 12 is not opened when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it will not start in "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode." Instead, similar to when the setting key 501 is OFF, if the RAM erase switch 503 is OFF, the pachinko machine 10 will start in "normal mode," and if the RAM erase switch 503 is ON, it will start in "RAM clear mode." This prevents the pachinko machine 10 from starting in "setting change mode" or "setting confirmation mode" and not starting gameplay even if the setting key 501 is ON and the inner frame 12 is closed. Furthermore, a special key managed by the hall is required to open the inner frame 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent players from arbitrarily opening the inner frame 12, checking the probability setting value, searching for a pachinko machine 10 with a high probability of hitting the jackpot, or arbitrarily changing the probability setting value to a high probability.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling numerous nails, windmills and rails 61, 62 for guiding balls, a general prize entry point 63, a first start entry point 64a, a second start entry point 64b, a standard electric charger 64c, a variable prize entry device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., onto a resin base plate 60 that has been cut into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front.

[0065] An outer rail 62, formed by bending a strip of metal plate into a roughly arc shape, is installed on the front of the game board 13, and an arc-shaped inner rail 61, also formed from a strip of metal plate, is installed inside the outer rail 62. The outer rail 61 and outer rail 62 surround the outer perimeter of the front of the game board 13, and the front and back are surrounded by the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see Figure 1), thus forming a game area on the front of the game board 13 where the game is played by the movement of balls. The game area is a roughly circular area on the front of the game board 13, demarcated by the two rails 61 and 62 and the arc member 70 (an area where prize slots are located and the launched balls flow down).

[0066] The two rails 61 and 62 are provided to guide the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 26) to the top of the game board 13. A ball return prevention member 68 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 61 (upper left in Figure 2) to prevent the balls that have been guided to the top of the game board 13 from returning to the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip of the outer rail 62 (upper right in Figure 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight distance of the ball. Balls launched with a force exceeding a predetermined amount will hit the return rubber 69, have their force reduced, and be bounced back towards the center. In addition, a resin arc member 70, formed by providing an arc on the inner side that connects the rails, is driven into the base plate 60 and fixed between the lower right tip of the inner rail 61 and the upper right tip of the outer rail 62.

[0067] The general prize entry slot 63, the first start slot 64a, the second start slot 64b, the standard electric charger 64c, the variable prize entry device 65, the through gate 67, and the variable display unit 80 are installed in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with wood screws or the like. In addition, the central front portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window portion 14c (see Figure 1) of the front frame 14.

[0068] The game area of ​​the game board 13 is equipped with multiple general prize slots 63, from which 10 balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters a prize slot.

[0069] Furthermore, a variable display unit 80 is provided in the central part of the game area. The variable display unit 80 is equipped with a drum display device 81, which is a drum-type rotating device that triggers the entry of a ball into the first start opening 64a (start entry) or the entry of a ball into the second start opening 64b (start entry) and synchronizes with the dynamic display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol on the special symbol display device 37 to perform a variation effect on multiple reels (left reel LR, middle reel CR, and right reel RR (see Figure 4)) on which the third symbol is printed, and a normal symbol display device 83, which is equipped with LEDs that trigger the passage of a ball through the through gate 67 to display a variation of a normal symbol (hereinafter, the variation display of a normal symbol is referred to as "variable display"). In addition, a center frame 86 is provided on the variable display unit 80 so as to surround the outer circumference of the drum display device 81.

[0070] The drum display device 81 is assembled to the back panel unit 300 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, and has a drum unit 81a which integrally comprises a left reel unit 81a1 having left reel LR, a middle reel unit 81a2 having middle reel CR, and a right reel unit 81a3 having right reel RR. The drum unit 81 is variably driven by the display control device 114 (see Figure 26), which will be described later, so that each reel LR, CR, and RR is displayed as it changes. The effective line in the drum display device 81 is set as the range visible from the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430 (see Figure 10) of the light guide unit 400, which will be described later, on the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0071] Each reel (LR, CR, RR) has multiple symbols printed on it, and these symbols scroll vertically for each reel (LR, CR, RR) so that the third symbol is displayed variably on the drum display device 81. In the pachinko machine 10, the game state corresponding to the control of the main control device 110 is displayed on the special symbol display device 37, while decorative displays corresponding to the display on the special symbol display device 37 are displayed on the drum display device 81. Alternatively, instead of a drum-type rotating device, a display device for the third symbol may be configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0072] Alternatively, instead of a drum-type rotating device, a display device that performs variable display of the third pattern may be configured using, for example, a dot matrix display device or a 7-segment display device.

[0073] Now, with reference to Figure 4, the symbol arrangements of each reel LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81 will be explained. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the symbol arrangements placed on each reel LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81. As shown in Figure 4, each reel LR, CR, and RR has 16 symbol areas, and with a few exceptions (i.e., the "543" symbol on the middle reel CR), the third symbol and blank (empty) areas are arranged alternately.

[0074] For example, on the left reel LR, the symbols are arranged from top to bottom as follows: "1" symbol, blank area, "2" symbol, blank area, "3" symbol, blank area, "5" symbol, blank area, "6" symbol, blank area, "7" symbol, blank area, "8" symbol, blank area, "Chance" symbol, blank area. Therefore, when the left reel LR is rotated downwards, the symbols are displayed in a variable order so that the numbers appear in descending order, such as "8" symbol → "7" symbol → "6" symbol → ...

[0075] Furthermore, on the right reel RR, the symbols are arranged from top to bottom as follows: "8" symbol, blank area, "7" symbol, blank area, "6" symbol, blank area, "5" symbol, blank area, "3" symbol, blank area, "2" symbol, blank area, "1" symbol, blank area, "Chance" symbol, blank area. Therefore, when the right reel RR is rotated downwards, the symbols are displayed in a variable order so that the numbers appear in ascending order, such as "1" symbol → "2" symbol → "3" symbol → ...

[0076] Furthermore, the symbols on the middle reel (CR) are arranged from top to bottom as follows: "8" symbol, blank area, "7" symbol, blank area, "6" symbol, blank area, "543" symbol, blank area, "2" symbol, blank area, "1" symbol, blank area, "Chance" symbol, blank area. Therefore, when the middle reel (CR) is rotated downwards, the symbols are displayed in a variable order, similar to the right reel (RR), with the numbers appearing in ascending order: "1" symbol → "2" symbol → "3" symbol → ...

[0077] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, three symbols each for each reel LR, CR, and RR are visible through the central opening of the display area forming member 430 (see Figure 10), which will be described later. Therefore, when all reels LR, CR, and RR are stopped, 3 x 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the central opening of the display area forming member 430. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, a total of five effective lines are set as effective lines for displaying the variation of the third symbol: an upper parallel line formed by the symbols at the top of the left reel LR, the symbols at the top of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the top of the right reel RR; a middle parallel line formed by the symbols in the middle of the left reel LR, the symbols in the middle of the middle reel CR, and the symbols in the middle of the right reel RR; a lower parallel line formed by the symbols at the bottom of the left reel LR, the symbols at the bottom of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the bottom of the right reel RR; a downward-sloping line formed by the symbols at the top of the left reel LR, the symbols in the middle of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the bottom of the right reel RR; and an upward-sloping line formed by the symbols at the bottom of the left reel LR, the symbols in the middle of the middle reel CR, and the symbols at the top of the right reel RR.

[0078] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, three number symbols (third symbols; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "main symbols") and blank areas for each reel LR, CR, and RR are visible through the central opening of the display area forming member 430 (see Figure 10), which will be described later. Therefore, when all reels LR, CR, and RR are stopped, 3 x 3 = 9 number symbols and blank areas are visible through the central opening of the display area forming member 430. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the effective lines for displaying the variation of the third symbol are: the upper parallel line formed by the number symbols or blank area at the top of the left reel LR, the number symbols or blank area at the top of the middle reel CR, and the number symbols or blank area at the top of the right reel RR; the middle parallel line formed by the number symbols or blank area in the middle of the left reel LR, the number symbols or blank area in the middle of the middle reel CR, and the number symbols or blank area in the middle of the right reel RR; the number symbols or blank area at the bottom of the left reel LR, and the bottom of the middle reel CR. There are a total of five valid lines: a downward parallel line formed by the number symbols or blank areas and the number symbols or blank areas at the bottom of the right reel RR; a downward sloping line formed by the number symbols or blank areas at the top of the left reel LR, the number symbols or blank areas in the middle of the center reel CR, and the number symbols or blank areas at the bottom of the right reel RR; and an upward sloping line formed by the number symbols or blank areas at the bottom of the left reel LR, the number symbols or blank areas in the middle of the center reel CR, and the number symbols or blank areas at the top of the right reel RR.

[0079] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when the lottery result by the main control device 110 (see Figure 26), which will be described later, is a jackpot, a variation display (variation effect) is performed in which the same main symbols line up on any of the active lines, and a jackpot occurs after the variation display has finished. If the machine transitions to a high probability state (probability variation state) after the jackpot ends, a variation display is performed in which the main symbols with odd numbers added (corresponding to "high probability symbols") line up on any of the active lines. On the other hand, if the machine transitions to a low probability state after the jackpot ends, a variation display is performed in which the main symbols with even numbers added (corresponding to "low probability symbols") line up on any of the active lines.

[0080] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, during each spin animation, the third symbol is displayed in the order of left reel LR → right reel RR → middle reel CR. If a combination of jackpot symbols (a combination of the same main symbols) aligns on any of the active lines when the third symbol stops, a jackpot animation (for example, a rainbow lighting display) is executed. Also, because the symbol arrangement of the left reel LR and the right reel RR is reversed (ascending and descending order), the machine is configured so that when the left reel LR and the right reel RR stop, the same symbol can stop on either active line 1 or line 2, respectively. That is, it is configured so that a single reach, where the same symbol is displayed only on active line 1, and a double reach, where the same symbol is displayed on both active lines 2, can occur.

[0081] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation. If a ball enters the first start opening 64a while the drum display device 81 (special symbol display device 37) is performing a dynamic display of the third symbol corresponding to the first or second special symbol, the number of balls that enter (number of reserved balls) will be reserved up to a maximum of four times. The number of reserved balls is shown by the special symbol display device 37, as well as by the special symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of the first reserved symbol display section Db1, which corresponds to the first special symbol, located at the bottom of the front view of the drum display device 81. In the Special Feature 1, the 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db1a to Db1d each display one reserved symbol (in the normal display mode, the "○" symbol (white circle symbol)) for each reserved ball (1 reserved ball count) of the 1st Special Symbol. The number of reserved balls for the variation effect of the 1st Special Symbol is displayed according to the number of reserved symbols displayed in the Special Feature 1, 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db1a to Db1d.

[0082] In other words, in the first to fourth reserved symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of Special Figure 1, if one reserved symbol is displayed in the first reserved symbol display section Db1a of Special Figure 1, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is 1. If one reserved symbol is displayed in each of the first and second reserved symbol display sections Db1a and Db1b of Special Figure 1, for a total of two reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is 2. If one reserved symbol is displayed in each of the first to third reserved symbol display sections Db1a to Db1c of Special Figure 1, for a total of three reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is 3. If one reserved symbol is displayed in each of the first to fourth reserved symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of Special Figure 1, for a total of four reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is 4. Furthermore, if no reserved symbols are displayed in the reserved symbol display sections Db1a to Db1d of Special Feature 1, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 1 is 0 and there are no reserved variation effects.

[0083] Furthermore, if a ball enters the second start port 64b while the drum display device 81 (special symbol display device 37) is performing a dynamic display of the third symbol corresponding to the first or second special symbol, the number of balls that enter (number of reserved balls) will be reserved up to a maximum of four times. The number of reserved balls is shown by the special symbol display device 37, as well as by the special symbol 2 first to fourth reserved symbol display sections Db2a to Db2d of the second reserved symbol display section Db2, which corresponds to the second special symbol in the reserved symbol display section Db located at the bottom of the front view of the drum display device 81. In the Special Feature 2, the 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a to Db2d each display one reserved symbol (the "○" symbol (white circle symbol) in the normal display mode) for each reserved ball (1 reserved ball count) of the 2nd Special Symbol. The number of reserved balls for the variation effect of the 2nd Special Symbol is displayed according to the number of reserved symbols displayed in the Special Feature 2, 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a to Db2d.

[0084] In other words, in the Special Figure 2 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a to Db2d, if one reserved symbol is displayed in the Special Figure 2 1st Reserved Symbol Display Section Db2a, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the 2nd Special Symbol is 1; if one reserved symbol is displayed in the Special Figure 2 1st and 2nd Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a and Db2b, respectively, for a total of 2 reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the 2nd Special Symbol is 2; if one reserved symbol is displayed in the Special Figure 2 1st to 3rd Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a to Db2c, respectively, for a total of 3 reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the 2nd Special Symbol is 3; and if one reserved symbol is displayed in the Special Figure 2 1st to 4th Reserved Symbol Display Sections Db2a to Db2d, respectively, for a total of 4 reserved symbols, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for the 2nd Special Symbol is 4. Furthermore, if no reserved symbols are displayed in the reserved symbol display sections Db2a to Db2d of Special Feature 2, it indicates that the number of reserved balls for Special Feature 2 is 0 and there are no reserved variation effects.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the pachinko machine 10, the first lottery game for the first special symbol and the second lottery game for the second special symbol are not executed simultaneously, and only one of the lottery games is executed at a time. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the pachinko machine 10, if, when either of the currently running lottery games finishes, there are retained balls for the first special symbol and retained balls for the second special symbol stored, the second lottery game for the second special symbol is executed with priority over the first lottery game for the first special symbol (so-called "special symbol 2 priority variation"). Alternatively, the lottery games may be executed in the order in which the winning combinations are achieved (so-called "winning order variation"), or the first lottery game for the first special symbol and the second lottery game for the second special symbol may be executed simultaneously (so-called "special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 simultaneous variation").

[0086] The central part of the hold display section Db is provided with an execution symbol display section Db0, which displays an execution symbol indicating that a variation effect is being executed on the drum display device 81. This execution symbol display section Db0 is located in the central part of the hold display section Db, that is, to the right of the first hold symbol display section Db1a of Special Figure 1 and to the left of the first hold symbol display section Db2a of Special Figure 2, and is configured to display execution symbols that are larger than the hold symbols displayed in each of the hold symbol display sections Db1a~Db1d and Db2a~Db2d. In addition, the hold symbols that were displayed in the first hold symbol display section Db1a of Special Figure 1 or the first hold symbol display section Db2a of Special Figure 2 are moved (shifted) and displayed as execution symbols in this execution symbol display section Db0.

[0087] The execution symbols displayed in the execution symbol display unit Db0 are erased when the variation performance ends, and as a result of the erasure of the execution symbols, the displayed reserved symbols move to the lower side (to the right if it is the first special symbol, and to the left if it is the second special symbol) and are displayed as reserved symbols. Specifically, for example, in a situation where there are no reserved symbols for the second special symbol but there are four reserved symbols for the first special symbol, if the execution symbols displayed in the execution symbol display unit Db0 are erased when the variation performance of the first or second special symbol ends, the reserved symbols that were displayed in the special figure 1 first reserved symbol display unit Db1a will move (shift) and be displayed as the execution symbols in the execution symbol display unit Db0. Also, the reserved symbols that were displayed in the special figure 1 second reserved symbol display unit Db1b will move (shift) and be displayed as the reserved symbols in the special figure 1 first reserved symbol display unit Db1a. Furthermore, the reserved symbols that were displayed in the third reserved symbol display section Db1c of Special Feature 1 are moved (shifted) and displayed as reserved symbols in the second reserved symbol display section Db1b of Special Feature 1. Also, the reserved symbols that were displayed in the fourth reserved symbol display section Db1d of Special Feature 1 are moved (shifted) and displayed as reserved symbols in the third reserved symbol display section Db1c of Special Feature 1.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, in a situation where there are four reserved symbols for the second special symbol, if the execution symbol displayed in the execution symbol display unit Db0 is erased upon the end of the variation performance of the first or second special symbol, the reserved symbol displayed in the special symbol 2 first reserved symbol display unit Db2a will move (shift) and be displayed as the execution symbol in the execution symbol display unit Db0. Also, the reserved symbol displayed in the special symbol 2 second reserved symbol display unit Db2b will move (shift) and be displayed as the reserved symbol in the special symbol 2 first reserved symbol display unit Db2a. In addition, the reserved symbol displayed in the special symbol 2 third reserved symbol display unit Db2c will move (shift) and be displayed as the reserved symbol in the special symbol 2 second reserved symbol display unit Db2b. Additionally, the reserved symbol that was displayed in the fourth reserved symbol display section Db2d of Special Feature 2 is moved (shifted) and displayed as the reserved symbol in the third reserved symbol display section Db2c of Special Feature 2.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the number of reserved balls for the variable performance based on ball entry into the first start port 64a or the second start port 64b is configured to be reserved up to a maximum of 4 times each. However, the maximum number of reserved balls is not limited to 4 times and may be set to 3 times or less, or 5 times or more (for example, 8 times) each. In addition, instead of displaying the reserved symbols in the reserved display unit Db, the number of reserved balls may be displayed numerically on a separate display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) separate from the reserved display unit Db, or by dividing the area into four sections and displaying them in different ways (for example, colors or lighting patterns) for the number of reserved balls. Furthermore, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the special symbol display device 37, it is not necessary to display the number of reserved balls in the reserved display unit Db. In addition, the variable display device unit 80 may be provided with four reserved lamps, corresponding to the maximum number of reserved balls for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and the number of reserved balls may be displayed according to the number of lit reserved lamps.

[0090] The standard symbol display device 83 performs a variable display by alternately lighting up the "○" symbol and the "×" symbol as display symbols (standard symbols) each time a ball passes through the through gate 67. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the variable display in the standard symbol display device 83 stops at a predetermined symbol (the "○" symbol in the first embodiment), the standard electric valve 64c located above the front view of the second start port 64b becomes operational (opens) for a predetermined time.

[0091] The through gate 67 can hold up to four balls, and the number of held balls is displayed by the special symbol display device 37 mentioned above, as well as by the regular symbol hold lamps 84. There are four regular symbol hold lamps 84, corresponding to the maximum number of balls held, and they are arranged symmetrically above the drum display device 81. The number of held balls is displayed by the number of regular symbol hold lamps 84 that are lit.

[0092] Furthermore, the variable display of the regular symbols may be performed not only by switching the illumination and de-illumination of multiple lamps in the regular symbol display device 83, as in the first embodiment, but also by using the special symbol display device 37 or a part of the drum display device 81. Similarly, the illumination of the regular symbol hold lamp 84 may be performed by a part of the drum display device 81. In addition, the number of times the balls pass through the through gate 67 is not limited to a maximum of 4, but may be set to 3 or less, or 5 or more (for example, 8). Also, since the number of balls held is indicated by the special symbol display device 37, the regular symbol hold lamp 84 may not be illuminated to indicate this.

[0093] More specifically, the variable display of the regular symbols may be performed using a part of the special symbol display device 37 or a part of the drum display device 81 other than the third symbol execution part. Similarly, the illumination of the regular symbol hold lamp 84 may be performed using 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, a light guide unit 400 is provided, arranged in the following 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 (for example, polycarbonate) and is formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the outer circumference of the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 of the light guide unit 400, and is also formed in a shape that conforms to (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. Furthermore, the display area forming member 430 has a central opening 431 formed so that three symbols each on each reel LR, CR, and RR of 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 this central opening 431, and is configured so that the area behind the lens cut 432 is not visible or difficult to see from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. Thus, the lens cut 432 on the periphery of the central opening 431 clearly indicates the display area and effective lines of the symbols on the drum display device 81 to the player. Details of the display area forming member 430 will be described later.

[0096] The front light guide plate 410 is made of a transparent resin material (for example, acrylic) and, like the display area forming member 430, is formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the outer circumference of the drum display device 81, and is also formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the shapes of the display area forming member 430 and the rear light guide plate 420 which are assembled to the light guide unit 400. Furthermore, the front light guide plate 410 is configured so that the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10, and a portion of the rear light guide plate 420 are visible from the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. Furthermore, the back side of the front light guide plate 410 (i.e., the back side of the pachinko machine 10) is provided with lens cuts of various uneven shapes, and by lighting up the LEDs 414c, 415c, and 416c of the lower LED unit 414, the front right LED unit 415, or the front left LED unit 416 (see Figures 8 and 9) described later, the second decorative pattern group 411, which is a pattern resembling multiple cherry blossom petals (a so-called cherry blossom blizzard pattern), the third decorative pattern 412, which is a pattern resembling a sunfish, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 (see Figure 17), which is a pattern resembling multiple bubbles (a so-called bubble group pattern), are displayed so that they can be seen 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, like the front light guide plate 410, is made of a transparent resin material (for example, acrylic), and, like the display area forming member 430 and the front light guide plate 410, is formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the outer circumference shape of the drum display device 81, and is also formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the shape of the display area forming member 430 and the front light guide plate 410 which are assembled to the light guide unit 400. Furthermore, like the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420 is configured so that the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10, can be seen from the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. Furthermore, the rear light guide plate 420 (i.e., the rear side of the pachinko machine 10) is provided with lens cuts of various uneven shapes, and by lighting up the LEDs 422c and 424 of the rear upper LED unit 422 and / or the rear lower LED unit 414 (see Figures 8 and 9), the first decorative pattern group 421 (see Figure 12), which consists of patterns resembling multiple types of fish (so-called fish school patterns), is configured to be 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, the first decorative symbol group 421, the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol, 412, and / or the fourth decorative symbol group 413 are illuminated during the execution of the variation performance of the third symbol (for example, when a reach display is formed), according to the result of the lottery for the variation performance of the third symbol. Specifically, when a jackpot is achieved in the variation animation, the symbols are more likely to light up in the following order: 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. On the other hand, when a losing result is achieved in the variation animation, the symbols are more likely to light up in the following order: 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.

[0099] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the result of the lottery for the variation performance of the third symbol, 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 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 is lit up during the execution of the variation performance (for example, when a reach display is formed). Specifically, when a jackpot is achieved in the variation animation, the symbols are more likely to light up in the following order: 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. On the other hand, when a losing result is achieved in the variation animation, the symbols are more likely to light up in the following order: 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.

[0100] In other words, based on the appearance rate associated with the fluctuation results of the fluctuation effects, the probability (expected value) of each decorative symbol group 411, 412, 413, and 421 hitting the jackpot is predetermined to increase in the following order: 1st decorative symbol group 421 > 2nd decorative symbol group 411 & 3rd decorative symbol 412 > 3rd decorative symbol 412 only > 2nd decorative symbol group 411 only > 4th decorative symbol group 413.

[0101] More specifically, based on the appearance rates associated with the fluctuation results of the fluctuation effects, the probability (expected value) of each decorative symbol group 411, 412, 413, and 421 hitting the jackpot is predetermined to increase in the following order: 4th decorative symbol group 413 < 2nd decorative symbol group 411 only < 3rd decorative symbol 412 only < 2nd decorative symbol group 411 & 3rd decorative symbol 412 < 1st decorative symbol group 421.

[0102] In the first embodiment of the pachinko machine 10, the probability of a jackpot is set 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 appear by setting the appearance rates for jackpots and misses, respectively. However, instead, the probability of a jackpot may be set regardless of the frequency of appearance. For example, decorative symbols may be provided that have a low appearance rate when a jackpot is achieved and also have a low appearance rate when a miss, resulting in a low probability of a jackpot. Alternatively, decorative symbols may be provided that have a high appearance rate when a miss is achieved and also have a high appearance rate when a jackpot is achieved, resulting in a high probability of a jackpot.

[0103] Thus, each component 430, 410, and 420 of the light guide unit 400 is formed in a shape that conforms to (corresponds to) the outer circumference of the drum display device 81 located on the rear side when viewed from the front, and is configured to illuminate (guide) the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413, which will be described later. Therefore, by combining the variation effect of the third pattern in the drum display device 81 with the effect in the light guide unit 400, a variety of effects can be performed, enhancing the effect of each device 81 and 400 and increasing the attention given to the game. Furthermore, by configuring the light guide unit 400 in a shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the effect device so that the effect device (i.e., the drum display device 81) located on the rear side when viewed from the front can be placed in the space behind it, the design freedom of the effect device located on the rear side when viewed from the front of the light guide unit 400 can be increased.

[0104] Furthermore, by unitizing and fixing at least the front light guide plate 410, the front downward LED 414c, the front right LED 415c, and the front left LED 416c, as well as the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upward LED 422c, and the rear downward LED 424 as a light guide unit 400 while positioning them with through holes and screws, etc., positional misalignment between each LED 414c, etc. and each light guide plate 410, 420 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to appropriately illuminate each light guide plate 410, 420 with light from each LED 414c, etc., and accurately represent each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420.

[0105] The specific selection rates for 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 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "each decorative symbol 411, 412, 413, 421") during a big win or a loss will be described later in Figure 34.

[0106] On the right side of the game board 13 (base plate 60) in a front view of the variable display unit 80, a first decorative pattern group 60a is provided, which is the same as the first decorative pattern group 421 provided on the rear light guide plate 420. On the left side of the game board 13 (base plate 60) in a front view of the variable display unit 80, a second decorative pattern group 60b is provided, which is the same as the first decorative pattern group 421 and the first decorative pattern group 60a provided on the rear light guide plate 420. The first decorative pattern group 60a and the second decorative pattern group 60b are configured to light up in conjunction with the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420. Specifically, when performing a performance related to the first decorative symbol group 421 in the variation performance of the third symbol, first, the first decorative symbol group 60a on the right side of the front view of the variable display unit 80 is lit up, then the first decorative symbol group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 is lit up sequentially from the right side to the left side of the front view, and then the second decorative symbol group 60b on the left side of the front view of the variable display unit 80 is lit up. By configuring it in this way, in the performance related to the first decorative symbol group 421, the performance on the rear light guide plate 420 and the performance on the game board 13 are executed as an integrated unit, providing a powerful performance using the entire game board 13 and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0107] More specifically, in the variation effect of the third symbol, when the lottery for lighting the first decorative symbol group 421 is won and the timing to light up the first decorative symbol group 421 arrives, first the light-emitting effects on the game board 13 and drum display device 81 are stopped or suppressed, and the entire game board 13 is darkened. Then, LEDs (not shown) located on the back side of the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board 13 are lit up, as if the first decorative symbol group 60a on the game board 13 is moving from the right side to the left side in a front view. Then, when the leftmost of the first decorative pattern group 60a on the play surface is lit, the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 (see Figure 8; hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "LED 422c, 424") corresponding to the rightmost of the first decorative pattern group 421 located in the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, making the rightmost of the first decorative pattern group 421 in the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 visible from the front side (front view; hereinafter the same) of the pachinko machine 10.

[0108] At this time, the front right LED unit 415a (see Figure 8) is configured to block the light emitted from the LEDs corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board from leaking to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410). This configuration ensures that the light emitted from the LEDs corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board is guided to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410), preventing the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 from illuminating earlier than the intended illumination timing.

[0109] Next, with the first decorative pattern group 60a on the play surface illuminated, the LEDs 422c and 424 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the right-side area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420 are sequentially illuminated from the right side in a front view, starting from the right side in a front view. At the moment when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost end of the right-side area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420 are illuminated, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the rightmost end of the first decorative pattern group 421 located in the central area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420 are illuminated, making the first decorative pattern group 421 at the rightmost end of the central area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420 visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board and the first decorative pattern group 421 in the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 create an effect that makes it appear as if a series of fish patterns are moving from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0110] More specifically, among the LEDs 422c, 424 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 in the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420, when lighting up the LED 422c, 424 located to the left of the rightmost LED 422c, 424 in a front view (i.e., the center of the right-side region), it inherits the light-emitting color that was lit by the rightmost LED 422c, 424. Furthermore, when lighting up the LED 422c, 424 located to the left of the leftmost LED 422c, 424 in a front view (i.e., the leftmost LED in the right-side region), it inherits the light-emitting color that was lit by the leftmost LED 422c, 424 in a front view. For example, if the rightmost LED 422c,424 in the right-side area is emitting red light, then when the LED 422c,424 located to the left of the rightmost LED 422c,424 in a front view will light up, it will also light up in red. Furthermore, when the LED 422c,424 located to the left of the LED 422c,424 in a front view (i.e., the leftmost LED in the right-side area) will light up, it will also light up in red. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to perform an effect in which the same fish pattern in the first decorative pattern group 421 appears to be moving.

[0111] Next, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see Figure 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 to the left of the rightmost LED 422c and 424 in the central region are sequentially lit from the right. At the moment when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost position in the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the rightmost first decorative pattern group 421 located in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, making the rightmost first decorative pattern group 421 in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 visible from the front 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 of 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 are sequentially turned off from the right side in a front view. As a result, the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board and the first decorative pattern groups 421 in the right, central, and left regions of the rear light guide plate 420 create an effect in which a series of fish patterns of a fixed width (i.e., the width of the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 combined with the display width of the first decorative pattern group 60a on the game board) appear to move from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0112] Next, among the LEDs 422c and 424 (see Figure 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 to the left of the rightmost LED 422c and 424 in the left region are sequentially lit from the right. At the moment when the LEDs 422c and 424 corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421 located at the leftmost position in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit, the LED (not shown) corresponding to the rightmost LED of the second decorative pattern group 60b on the left side of the game board 13 is lit, thereby illuminating the second decorative pattern group 60b. At this time, when the LED corresponding to the leftmost LED of the second decorative pattern group 60b 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 sequentially turned off from the right side in the front view. As a result, the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board and the first decorative pattern group 421 in the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 create a series of fish patterns of a fixed width (i.e., the combined width of the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420, or the combined width of the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 and the display width of the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board) that appear to move from the right to the left side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0113] Subsequently, 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 a front view. Then, at the moment 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, 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 a front view. Furthermore, at the moment 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 display surface are configured to be turned off in preparation from the right side in a front view. With this configuration, the first decorative pattern group 60a on the play surface, the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420, and the second decorative pattern group 60b on the play surface create an effect in which a series of fish patterns of a fixed width move from the right side to the left side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0114] At this time, the front left base 416a (see Figure 8) of the front left LED unit 416 is configured to block the light emitted from the LED corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board from leaking to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410). With this configuration, the light emitted from the LED corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board is guided to the rear light guide plate 420 (front light guide plate 410), preventing the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 from illuminating at a later stage than the illumination timing.

[0115] In this way, in the effects related to the first decorative pattern group 60a, the first decorative pattern group 421, and the second decorative pattern group 60b on the game board, the effects on the rear light guide plate 420 and the effects on the game board 13 are executed as a single unit, and when each LED is lit up sequentially, the problem of patterns being lit up at different timings due to the light from other LEDs is resolved, thereby providing a series of powerful and integrated effects using the entire game board 13, and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0116] Below the variable display unit 80, a first start opening 64a into which a ball can enter is provided. When a ball enters this first start opening 64a, a first start opening switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and the main control device 110 (see Figure 26), described later, performs a lottery for a jackpot of the first special symbol as a result of this first start opening switch being turned on. The result of this lottery is then displayed on 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 on the drum display device 81. The first start opening 64a is also one of the prize entry openings from which five balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters.

[0117] Below the first start opening 64a, there is a second start opening 64b into which a ball can only enter when the normal electric switch 64c is open. When a ball enters this second start opening 64b, a second start opening switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and the main control device 110 (see Figure 26), described later, performs a lottery for a jackpot of the second special symbol as a result of this second start opening switch being turned on. The result of this lottery is then displayed on 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 on the drum display device 81. The second start opening 64b is also one of the prize entry openings from which one ball is dispensed as a prize ball when a ball enters it.

[0118] As described above, above the second start port 64b in a front view, there is a standard electric valve 64c that can displace the second start port 64b into an open state (expanded state) or a closed state (contracted state) by opening and closing two vane members that cover the opening into which the ball enters the second start port 64b. Normally, the standard electric valve 64c is in a closed state with its vanes closed (vanes standing upright), making it impossible or difficult for the ball to enter the second start port 64b.

[0119] On the other hand, when the variable display on the normal symbol display device 83 stops on the "○" symbol, the normal electric motor 64c operates for a predetermined time. While the normal electric motor 64c is operating, the wings of the normal electric motor 64c move from an upright position to a roughly V-shape (inverted V-shape), and the second start port 64b opens. When the second start port 64b is open, it becomes possible for a ball to enter the second start port 64b, or it becomes easier for a ball to enter compared to when it is closed. In other words, when the variable display on the normal symbol display device 83 stops on the "○" symbol as a result of a win, and the second start port 64b opens, it is possible to make it possible for a ball to enter the second start port 64b and for many jackpot draws to be performed.

[0120] Below the first start port 64a and the second start port 64b, a variable prize winning device 65 is provided, and a horizontally elongated rectangular large prize winning port (also called a large open port or specific prize winning port) 65a is provided in the approximate center of the device. In the pachinko machine 10, when the lottery in the main control device 110 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variation time) has elapsed, the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37 is lit up to show the jackpot stopping symbols, and the stopping symbols corresponding to the jackpot are displayed on the drum display device 81 to indicate that a jackpot has occurred. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to enter. In this special game state, the large prize winning port 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined number of times (10 or 5 times) for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed, or until 10 balls have entered).

[0121] This large prize slot 65a, when opened, closes after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening or after a predetermined number of balls have been entered. After closing, the large prize slot 65a is opened again. This opening and closing operation of the large prize slot 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 10 times (10 rounds). This state in which the opening and closing operation is performed is a form of special game state (jackpot state) that is advantageous to the player, and by getting a ball into the large prize slot 65a, the player receives a larger payout of prize balls than usual as a way of adding value to the game (game value).

[0122] The variable prize winning device 65 specifically comprises a horizontally elongated rectangular opening / closing plate that covers the large prize winning opening 65a, and a large prize winning opening solenoid (not shown) for driving the opening / closing plate to open and close forward around the lower edge of the opening / closing plate as an axis. Normally, the large prize winning opening 65a is in a closed state where balls cannot enter or enter with difficulty. When a jackpot is hit, the large prize winning opening solenoid is driven to tilt the opening / closing plate downwards and forwards, temporarily creating an open state where balls can easily enter the large prize winning opening 65a, and the device operates to alternately repeat the state between this open state and the normal closed state.

[0123] The variable prize-winning device 65 is positioned so that balls can enter the large prize-winning opening 65a whether the player is playing left-handed or right-handed. When a ball enters the large prize-winning opening 65a, a large prize-winning opening switch (not shown) located on the back of the game board 13 is turned on. The number of times this large prize-winning opening switch is turned on is counted, which determines the number of balls that have entered the large prize-winning opening 65a and the conditions for closing the large prize-winning opening 65a. Additionally, 15 balls are dispensed as prize balls when the large prize-winning opening switch is turned on. As the large prize-winning opening 65a repeatedly opens and closes due to a jackpot, it becomes easier for many balls to enter the large prize-winning opening 65a, and the player receives a larger payout of prize balls than usual as a way of adding value to the game. This state is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

[0124] Furthermore, the special game state is not limited to the above-described configuration. A specific prize entry point and a large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific prize entry point may be provided in the game area, and when a special LED group 37b corresponding to a jackpot lights up on the special symbol display device 37, the specific prize entry point will be opened for a predetermined time, and when a ball enters the specific prize entry point while it is open, the large opening will be opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, forming a special game state.

[0125] Through gates 67 are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 80 when viewed from the front. The through gates 67 have through holes (not shown) running vertically for the ball to pass through. When a ball launched into the game area passes through the through gates 67, a through gate switch (not shown) provided in the through hole is turned on, and this causes the main control device 110 to perform a lottery for winning with a normal symbol.

[0126] If the result of the lottery for the regular symbols performed on the ball that has passed through the through gate 67 is determined to be a win, the regular symbol display device 83 will change the regular symbol display to a variable display, and then the symbol "○" will be stopped, after which the regular electric switch 64c located above the front view of the second start opening 64b will be activated. As a result, the plate of the regular electric switch 64c, which makes it difficult for the ball to enter the second start opening 64b, will close the second start opening 64b, and the ball will be able to enter the second start opening 64b for a predetermined time, or the ball will be able to enter more easily than when it is closed.

[0127] In the upper right side of the game area (upper right side in Figure 3), a special symbol display device 37 is provided, which consists of a state LED group 37a and a special LED group 37b, both composed of multiple LEDs that serve as light-emitting means. The special symbol display device 37 displays the fluctuations of the first special symbol (hereinafter, the first special symbol may be referred to as "Special Symbol 1") and the second special symbol (hereinafter, the second special symbol may be referred to as "Special Symbol 2") in accordance with each control performed by the main control device 110 (see Figure 2), and also displays the game status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0128] The status LED group 37a indicates the number of reserved balls, which are the number of balls that have entered the first start port 64a or the second start port 64b (described later) but for which the variation display has not yet been executed (reserved balls), by the state of the lights. In addition, the number of rounds for a jackpot and error displays are also indicated by the state of the corresponding status LED group 37a. The status LED group 37a is configured so that each LED emits a different light color (for example, red, green, blue), and by combining these light colors, various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated with a small number of LEDs.

[0129] In the context of a jackpot, a "round" refers to the period from when the large prize slot 65a, described later, is opened to when it is closed, in order to mark the number of prize balls awarded for a jackpot. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, one "round" is executed when "30 seconds" have elapsed since the large prize slot 65a began to open, or when 10 balls enter the large prize slot 65a while it is open.

[0130] The special LED group 37b consists of a total of 12 LEDs: 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, which indicates the result of the first lottery game. The lower LED group 37b2 dynamically displays the second special symbol, which indicates the result of the second lottery game.

[0131] Specifically, the upper LED group 37b1 displays a dynamic display (in the first embodiment, the LEDs in the upper LED group 37b1 are lit one by one in sequence from the uppermost LED downwards, and this lighting pattern is repeated) until a variable time (dynamic display time) determined based on the entry into the first start opening 64a located in the center of the game board 13 has elapsed. After that, it displays a symbol indicating the judgment result (in the first embodiment, one of a total of 64 different stop symbols, determined by the combination of lighting patterns of the six LEDs).

[0132] Furthermore, the lower LED group 37b2 displays a dynamic display (in the first embodiment, the LEDs in the lower LED group 37b2 are lit one by one in sequence from the uppermost LED downwards, and this lighting pattern is repeated) until a variable time (dynamic display time) determined based on the entry into the second start opening 64b located on the right side of the game board 13 has elapsed. After that, it displays a symbol indicating the judgment result (in the first embodiment, one of a total of 64 different stop symbols, determined by the combination of lighting patterns of the six LEDs).

[0133] In both LED groups 37b1 and 37b2, if the result is a loss, only the leftmost LED will light up. If the result is a win, each LED group will light up in a pattern corresponding to the type of win. Details of the stopping patterns for each LED group will be described later.

[0134] In this pachinko machine 10, when a ball enters the first starting port 64a or the second starting port 64b, a determination is made as to whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot lottery), and if it is determined to be a jackpot, the type of jackpot is also determined.

[0135] The types of jackpots determined here include "Probability Variation A," which corresponds to a "10-round (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "R") probability variation jackpot," "Probability Variation B," which corresponds to a "5-round probability variation jackpot," and "Shortened Time A," which corresponds to a "10-round jackpot with shortened time" (see Figure 24(b)).

[0136] Here, the "Probability Fluctuation A" jackpot type, which corresponds to the "10R Probability Fluctuation Jackpot," refers to a jackpot in which, after a jackpot with a maximum of 10 rounds, the probability of each special symbol winning becomes higher than the "normal game state" until one of the following jackpots occurs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "next jackpot"), and the probability of regular symbols winning also becomes higher than the "normal game state" until the next jackpot occurs, thus transitioning to a "probability fluctuation state."

[0137] Furthermore, the "Probability Fluctuation B" jackpot type, which corresponds to the "5R Probability Fluctuation Jackpot," is a jackpot in which, after a jackpot with a maximum of 5 rounds, the probability of each special symbol winning becomes higher than the "normal game state" until one of the following jackpots occurs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "next jackpot"), and the probability of regular symbols winning also becomes higher than the "normal game state" until the next jackpot occurs, thus transitioning to a "probability fluctuation state."

[0138] Furthermore, the "Time-Saving A" jackpot type, which corresponds to the "10R Time-Saving Jackpot," is a jackpot in which, after a jackpot with a maximum of 10 rounds, the probability of each special symbol winning becomes the same as in the "normal game state," while the probability of regular symbols winning remains high until the dynamic display of the special symbols is executed 100 times (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Time-Saving State").

[0139] Here, we will explain each game state in more detail. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the "normal game state" refers to a game state that is neither the "probability fluctuation state" nor the "time reduction state," and is a state in which the jackpot probability of each special symbol and the winning probability of the ordinary symbols are in their normal state (i.e., low probability state) and the opening of the ordinary electric motor 64c is short (so-called non-opening extension state). In other words, the "normal game state" is a state in which the jackpot probability of each special symbol is lower than in the "probability fluctuation state," and the winning probability of the ordinary symbols is lower than in the "probability fluctuation state" and the "time reduction state," and the opening time of the ordinary electric motor 64c is also short, so it is not a game state in which it is easy for balls to enter the second start port 64b (hereinafter, the state in which it is easy for balls to enter the second start port 64b may be called the "winning assistance state"), and is the most disadvantageous (least advantageous) game state for the player.

[0140] Next, in the "time-reduced state," the probability of hitting a jackpot with each special symbol is low, similar to the "normal game state," but the probability of hitting with regular symbols increases, and the opening time of the regular electric motor 64c becomes longer, making it easier to get the ball into the second start port 64b. (Hereafter, the function that increases the probability of hitting with regular symbols and extends the opening time of the regular electric motor 64c may be referred to as the "winning assistance function." Also, the state in which the probability of hitting with regular symbols increases and the opening time of the regular electric motor 64c becomes longer, making it easier to get the ball into the second start port 64b, may be referred to as the "state in which the winning assistance function is activated.") In other words, the "time-reduced state" is a state in which jackpots with special symbols are equivalent to those in the "normal game state," but wins with regular symbols are easier to obtain, and the opening time of the regular electric motor 64c is longer. Therefore, in the "time-saving state," it is easier to get the launched ball into the second starting port 64b, making it possible to continuously execute the dynamic display in Special Figure 2. This allows the player to play while suppressing the decrease in their number of balls by obtaining prize balls (for example, 1 ball per entry) based on the ball entering the second starting port 64b.

[0141] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the "time reduction state" is maintained, as described above, after a jackpot of the jackpot type "Time Reduction A" (see Figure 24(b)), until a predetermined number of special symbols are dynamically displayed for each jackpot (100 times in the first embodiment). After the dynamic display of the special symbols is completed for the predetermined number of times (i.e., after the "electric support ends"), the machine is configured to transition from the "time reduction state" to the "normal game state" (see Figure 10).

[0142] Next, in the "probability fluctuation state," after the jackpot ends, the probability of hitting a jackpot with each special symbol increases as an added value, and the probability of hitting with a regular symbol also increases, and the prize-winning assist function of the regular electric motor 64c is activated. In other words, the "probability fluctuation state" is a state in which jackpot results with special symbols are easily obtained, as are win results with regular symbols, and the open state of the regular electric motor 64c is extended. Therefore, in the "probability fluctuation state," the prize-winning assist function is activated, and the launched balls are more likely to enter the second starting port 64b, allowing for continuous dynamic display of special symbol 2, and enabling the player to play while suppressing the decrease in their ball count by obtaining prize balls (for example, 1 ball / entry) based on the entry into the second starting port 64b. Furthermore, it is possible to play in a state in which jackpot games (special game states) based on the dynamic display of special symbol 2 are more likely to occur.

[0143] Here, we will explain the display patterns of the special LED group 37b for each type of jackpot. For the upper LED group 37b1 and lower LED group 37b2 for the first special symbol, there is one display pattern corresponding to a miss, 21 display patterns corresponding to jackpot type "Kakuhen A", 21 display patterns corresponding to jackpot type "Kakuhen B", and 21 display patterns corresponding to jackpot type "Jitan A", for a total of 64 display patterns. Furthermore, each display pattern does not have a specific regularity for each type of jackpot, and a random display pattern is pre-assigned. Therefore, when a player looks at the display pattern of the upper LED group 37b1 or the lower LED group 37b2, they can recognize that the stop display for a miss has stopped, but it is configured to be difficult to distinguish whether the stop display is for jackpot type "Kakuhen A", "Kakuhen B", or "Jitan A".

[0144] With this configuration, even if the special LED group 37b of the special symbol display device 37 displays each type of jackpot when it stops, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the type of jackpot they have won unless they are aware of all the types of jackpots corresponding to each stop display. Therefore, for example, even if the player has won "Probability Change A" in the lottery for the first or second special symbol, the drum display device 81 displays a jackpot result corresponding to "Short Time A" as a temporary display, making it difficult to determine which game state is being played. As a result, it is possible to create a gameplay element that makes the player guess which game state they are playing in, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game, and by performing an upgrade effect during or after a jackpot, it is possible to provide an unexpected gameplay experience and improve the enjoyment of the game.

[0145] Alternatively, instead of changing the probability of winning with a regular symbol, the machine may change the duration for which the regular electric motor 64c associated with the second start port 64b (described later) is open, or the number of times the regular electric motor 64c is opened for a single win with a regular symbol, depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10. Specifically, in a "time-reduced state," the duration for which the regular electric motor 64c associated with the second start port 64b is open may be made longer than in a "normal game state," or the number of times the regular electric motor 64c is opened for a single win may be increased compared to a "normal game state." Furthermore, in a "time-reduced state," at least two of the following may be done simultaneously: increasing the probability of winning with a regular symbol, increasing the duration for which the regular electric motor 64c is open, and increasing the number of times the regular electric motor 64c is opened.

[0146] At the left and right corners of the lower side of the game board 13, there are attachment spaces K1 for attaching certificates, identification labels, etc. Certificates, etc. attached to the attachment spaces K1 can be viewed through the small window 35 (see Figure 1) of the front frame 14.

[0147] Furthermore, the game board 13 is provided with an out-out port 66. Balls that do not enter any of the prize-winning ports 63, 64a, 64b, or 65a are guided through the out-out port 66 to a ball discharge path (not shown). Balls that enter the prize-winning ports 63, 64a, 64b, or 65a pass through a switch provided for each prize-winning port to detect the ball's entry, and are then guided to the ball discharge path. Balls guided to the ball discharge path pass through an out-switch (not shown) to detect the ball they have entered, and are then discharged to the island equipment (not shown) on which the pachinko machine 10 is installed.

[0148] Furthermore, the game board 13 has numerous nails embedded in it to appropriately disperse and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and various components (mechanisms) such as windmills are also installed.

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

[0150] First, as shown in Figure 5, the game board 13 consists of a base plate 60, a board back unit 300, and a drum display device 81. The board back unit 300 is attached to the back side of the pachinko machine 10 of the base plate 60 which forms the game area, and the drum display device 81 is attached to the board back unit 300.

[0151] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the back panel unit 300 consists of a back panel unit base 301, a light guide unit 400, an LED board 302 for the right-side notification lamp, a right-side notification lamp member 303, an LED board 304 for the left-side notification lamp, a left-side notification lamp member 305, a notification lamp assembly section 306, and a confirmation lamp unit 310. First, the light guide unit 400, the LED board 302 for the right-side notification lamp, the LED board 304 for the left-side notification lamp, and the confirmation lamp unit 310 are each assembled to the front side of the back panel unit base 301 by screw fastening. Then, the right-side notification lamp member 303 is assembled to correspond to the LED board 302 for the right-side notification lamp, and the left-side notification lamp member 305 is assembled to correspond to the LED board 304 for the left-side notification lamp. With the notification lamp assembly section 306 then screw fastened to the back panel unit base 301, the back panel unit 300 is formed.

[0152] The right-side notification lamp member 303 and the left-side notification lamp member 305 are lamps that indicate to the player various game statuses during the variation performance of the third symbol. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, various information regarding the variation performance of the third symbol and information regarding the game status can be indicated to the player by the lighting patterns and colors of the right-side notification lamp member 303 and the left-side notification lamp member 305.

[0153] The confirmation lamp unit 310 is a drive-type lamp that indicates the occurrence of a jackpot in the variation performance by lighting up and driving the confirmation lamp 311. The confirmation lamp unit 310 consists of a confirmation lamp 311, an LED for the confirmation lamp (not shown) for lighting up the confirmation lamp 311, and a rotary drive motor (not shown) for rotating the confirmation lamp 311. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when a jackpot occurs in the variation performance of the third symbol, the confirmation lamp 311 is lit up and rotated at a timing determined by lottery, thereby clearly indicating to the player that a jackpot has occurred. Furthermore, the confirmation lamp 311 is configured to light up in a long lighting pattern (for example, "10 seconds") when a jackpot that generates a "probability variation state" is won, and to light up in a short lighting pattern (for example, "2 seconds") when a jackpot that does not generate a "probability variation state" is won. The timing of the illumination of this confirmation lamp 311 will be described later.

[0154] Here, with reference to Figures 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 explained. Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the light guide unit 400, Figure 8 is an exploded front perspective view of the light guide unit 400, and Figure 9 is an exploded rear perspective view of the light guide unit 400. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drum display device 81 with respect to a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 400 along line XX in Figure 7.

[0155] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the light guide unit 400 consists 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 constructed with a positive R-shaped portion that follows the outer circumference of the drum display device 81, and upper and lower flat portions that extend parallel to the surface of the base plate 60, which are formed continuously. More specifically, an upper inverted R-shaped portion is formed from the upper flat portion of the front light guide plate 410, which is bent toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R32. From there, a positive R-shaped portion is formed that bulges toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R80, following the outer circumference of the drum display device 81 (rear light guide plate 420). Furthermore, a lower inverted R-shaped portion is formed that is bent toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R32, and a lower flat portion is formed continuously from this lower inverted R-shaped portion.

[0157] On the back side of the front light guide plate 410 (the surface facing the back of the pachinko machine 10), as described above, various lens cuts with concave and convex shapes are provided so that the various patterns—a second decorative pattern group 411 modeled after a cherry blossom blizzard composed of multiple cherry blossom petals, a third decorative pattern 412 modeled after a single sunfish, and a fourth decorative pattern group 413 modeled after a group of bubbles composed of multiple bubbles—can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by guiding light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from various directions. The second decorative pattern group 411 is formed in the left and right end regions when viewed from the front of the positive R-shaped section, the third decorative pattern is formed in the central region when viewed from the front of the positive R-shaped section, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is evenly formed throughout the lower inverted R-shaped section and the lower flat plate section.

[0158] The lens cuts (horizontal grooves) with a concave and concave shape corresponding to the patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411 are configured to guide light out toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident upward from the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, from the front lower LEDs 414c at both ends mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414. Therefore, the second decorative pattern group 411 lights up and becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 due to the light incident upward from both ends of the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410.

[0159] The concave and convex lens cuts (horizontal grooves) corresponding to the patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411 are configured to emit only the light incident from above outwards toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 from the light guided to the flat plate portion. Light incident from other directions (for example, from the side) is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 due to the concave and convex lens cuts corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411. In other words, the second decorative pattern group 411 is configured to emit only the light incident from the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. Light incident from other directions is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, but passes through the area where the second decorative pattern group 411 is formed and does not emit light (is not visible or difficult to see).

[0160] More specifically, the concave and convex lens cuts (horizontal grooves) corresponding to the patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411 are configured to emit light incident from the upward and downward directions when viewed from the front (light guided in the upward and downward directions when viewed from the front) toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, while light incident from the side when viewed from the front (light guided in the left and right directions when viewed from the front) is configured not to be emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the concave and convex lens cuts corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411. Here, the lens cut could be shaped such that, of the light guided to the flat plate, only light incident from either the upward or downward direction in a front view (light guided in either the upward or downward direction in a front view) illuminates the concave and convex lens cut (horizontal groove) corresponding to the patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411, and the light is emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. However, in that case, the shape of the lens cut would need to be precise, and the processing cost of the lens cut would increase. Therefore, by making the lens cut concave and convex so that the light illuminated on the second decorative pattern group 411 is emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 regardless of whether the light guided to the flat plate is incident from either the upward or downward direction in a front view (light guided in either the upward or downward direction in a front view), the increase in the processing cost of the lens cut can be suppressed.

[0161] On the other hand, as described above, the lens cut may be configured such that the light irradiated onto the second decorative pattern group 411 is emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 only by light incident from either the upward direction or the downward direction when viewed from the front (light guided in either the upward or downward direction when viewed from the front).

[0162] Furthermore, since the front light guide plate 410 is positioned closer to the front of the pachinko machine 10 than the rear light guide plate 420, it is more susceptible to the effects of light emitted from the confirmation lamp 311 located above the front light guide plate 410 and from the indoor lighting installed on the ceiling of the gaming hall than the rear light guide plate 420. Therefore, it is preferable that the second decorative pattern group 411 (and similarly the third decorative pattern group 412 and the fourth decorative pattern group 413) formed on the front light guide plate 410 have a lens cut with an uneven shape that does not react to light from above when viewed from the front (does not light up unintentionally) and lights up (emits light) only when light is emitted from below when viewed from the front (or from the side when viewed from the front). Furthermore, by not arranging the light-guiding LEDs on the upper side of the front light guide plate 410 when viewed from the front, and instead arranging the front downward LEDs 414c on the lower side when viewed from the front, and configuring the system so that the second decorative pattern group 411 can be illuminated by the front downward LEDs 414c, it is possible to suppress the false illumination of the second decorative pattern group 411 due to the illumination of the confirmation lamp 311 or the indoor lighting of the gaming hall, etc.

[0163] In the first embodiment, the second decorative pattern group 411 of the front light guide plate 410 was illuminated only by the front downward LED 414c located below the front of the front light guide plate 410. However, instead, a front upward LED may be placed above the front of the front light guide plate 410, and the second decorative pattern group 411 may be illuminated only by this front upward LED, or the second decorative pattern group 411 may be illuminated by both the front upward LED and the front downward LED 414c. Furthermore, the third decorative pattern 412 may also be illuminated by the front upward LED and / or the front downward LED 414c.

[0164] The lens cuts (horizontal grooves) with a concave and concave shape corresponding to the pattern of the third decorative pattern 412 are configured to guide light outwards towards the front of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident upward from the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, from the front lower LEDs 414c mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414, excluding the left and right ends. Therefore, the third decorative pattern 412 becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident upward from anywhere other than the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 (i.e., the central part of the lower end surface).

[0165] The concave and convex lens cuts (horizontal grooves) corresponding to the pattern of the third decorative pattern 412 are configured to emit only light incident from above outwards toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, while light incident from other directions (for example, from the side) is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the concave and convex lens cuts corresponding to the third decorative pattern 412. In other words, the third decorative pattern 412 is configured to emit only light incident from the lower end surface of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, while light incident from other directions is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, but passes through the area where the second decorative pattern group 411 is formed and does not emit light (is not visible or difficult to see).

[0166] The lens cuts (vertical grooves) with a concave and concave shape corresponding to the patterns of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are configured to guide the light outwards towards the front of the pachinko machine 10 when light is incident laterally from the left and / or right end faces of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, by the front right LED 415c (see Figure 19) mounted on the front right LED substrate 415b of the front right LED unit 415, and / or the front left LED 416c (see Figure 19) mounted on the front left LED substrate 416b of the front left LED unit 416. Therefore, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 lights up and becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 due to the light incident laterally from the left and / or right end faces of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410.

[0167] The lens cuts (vertical grooves) with a concave and convex shape corresponding to the patterns of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are configured to emit only light incident in the lateral direction from the light guided to the flat plate portion toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, while light incident from other directions (for example, from below to above) is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the lens cuts with a concave and convex shape corresponding to the fourth decorative pattern group 413. In other words, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to emit only light incident from the left or right end face of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, while light incident from other directions is not emitted toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, but passes through the area where the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is formed and does not emit light (is not visible or difficult to see). Details regarding the light emission patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 will be described later.

[0168] The rear light guide plate 420, like the front light guide plate 410, is constructed by continuously forming upper and lower flat plate portions parallel to the surface of the base plate 60 with respect to a positive R-shaped portion that follows the outer circumference of the drum display device 81. More specifically, an upper inverted R-shaped portion is formed from the upper flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, bending toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R30. From there, a positive R-shaped portion is formed that bulges toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R75, following the outer circumference of the drum display device 81 (front light guide plate 410). Furthermore, a lower inverted R-shaped portion is formed that bends toward the front of the game board 13 with a radius of approximately R30. A lower flat plate portion is continuously formed from this lower inverted R-shaped portion.

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

[0170] On the rear side of the rear light guide plate 420 (the surface facing the back of the pachinko machine 10), as described above, various concave and convex lens cuts are provided so that the first decorative pattern group 421, which imitates a school of fish composed of multiple types of fish, can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by guiding light incident on the rear light guide plate 420 from above and / or below. This first decorative pattern group 421 is formed evenly throughout the positive R-shaped portion.

[0171] The lens cuts with concave and convex shapes corresponding to the patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 are configured such that when light is incident on the lower and / or upper flat portion of the rear light guide plate 420 from the rear lower LED 424 mounted on the lower LED substrate 414b of the lower LED unit 414, and / or from the multiple rear upper LEDs 422c (see Figure 12) mounted on the rear upper LED substrate 422b of the rear upper LED unit 422, the guided light is emitted towards the front of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the first decorative pattern group 421 is illuminated and visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by light incident on the lower end (surface) of the lower flat portion and / or the upper end (surface) of the upper flat portion of the rear light guide plate 420.

[0172] The lens cuts with concave and convex shapes corresponding to the patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 are configured to emit light from various directions towards the front of the pachinko machine 10, from among the light guided to the flat plate. Details of the light emission patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 will be described later.

[0173] More specifically, the lens cuts with concave and convex shapes corresponding to the patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 are configured to emit light from the flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, when the light guided to the flat plate portion is incident from directions parallel to the flat plate portion of the rear light guide plate 420, such as the upward direction when viewed from the front, the downward direction when viewed from the front, the right direction when viewed from the front, and the left direction when viewed from the front. When light is incident from the non-flat portion of the rear light guide plate 420, i.e., the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the light that is repeatedly reflected within the rear light guide plate 420 is guided with slightly different incident angles and reflection angles between the front and back surfaces when reflected by the R-shaped portions of the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion. Therefore, even if light is incident on the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion from the side when viewed from the front, the light is not guided in the side direction when viewed from the front, but rather guided in the diagonally upward direction or diagonally downward direction when viewed from the front, causing the light to be guided unevenly (non-uniformly) to the first decorative pattern group 421 applied to the back side of the rear light guide plate 420, which may result in uneven illumination of the first decorative pattern group 421 in some areas. Therefore, by incidenting light 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 incident on the first decorative pattern group 421 evenly, and the illumination of the first decorative pattern group 421 can be kept uniform.

[0174] In the first embodiment, when light is incident on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the light is incident from the end face (part) of one of the flat plate portions of each light guide plate 410 or 420, and the light is not incident from the R-shaped portion (i.e., the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion). This is because if light is incident from the R-shaped portion, the direction of travel of the incident light will be changed by the R-shaped portion, which may prevent or make it difficult to properly illuminate the desired pattern. In addition, LEDs etc. 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 performance member such as the drum display device 81 or the movable part, and if an LED substrate etc. is placed to the side of the R-shaped portion, it may restrict the design freedom of the performance member. Therefore, by allowing light to enter from the end face (part) of either of the flat plates in each of the R-shaped light guide plates 410, 420, the above problem can be suitably solved, and the design freedom of each component can be increased.

[0175] More specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 are each composed of an upper flat plate portion (upper flat plate portion), an upper inverted R-shaped portion, a positive R-shaped portion, a lower inverted R-shaped portion, and a lower flat plate portion (lower flat plate portion), and the light from each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 is incident on the upper side, right side, left side, and lower side when viewed from the front, respectively, of the upper flat plate portion and the lower flat plate portion.

[0176] The first reason for this is to properly illuminate each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421 of each light guide plate 410 and 420. The non-flat portion of each light guide plate 410 and 420, i.e., the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion, is formed with a slightly different radius of R-shape on the front and back surfaces by the thickness of each light guide plate 410 and 420. Therefore, when light is incident from the end face (side surface) of the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion of each light guide plate 410 and 420, the light that is repeatedly reflected within each light guide plate 410 and 420 is guided with slightly different angles of incidence and reflection on the front and back surfaces when reflected by the R-shaped portion of the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, or the lower inverted R-shaped portion. As a result, light is guided unevenly (non-uniformly) to each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421 applied to the back side of each light guide plate 410 and 420, which may result in uneven illumination of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421 in some areas, potentially leading to sparse illumination.

[0177] Therefore, by injecting light from the end faces (sides) of the upper and lower flat sections of each light guide plate 410, 420, the light that repeatedly reflects within each light guide plate 410, 420, while being guided at least within the upper and lower flat sections, repeatedly reflects off the surface or back surface of each planar light guide plate 410, 420, and is guided while the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are always equal. As a result, light is first stably guided within the upper and lower flat sections of each light guide plate 410, 420, and then evenly (uniformly) guided to each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 provided on the back side of each light guide plate 410, 420, making it possible to properly illuminate each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421.

[0178] Secondly, this is to improve the design flexibility regarding the placement of each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424. The front-view lateral end faces of the R-shaped portions (i.e., the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, and the lower inverted R-shaped portion) of each light guide plate 410 and 420 are shaped along the R-shaped portion. Therefore, when attempting to have light incident from the lateral end face of the R-shaped portion, the placement of each LED on the LED substrate must also be aligned with the lateral end face of the R-shaped portion. In particular, when arranging the LEDs while also considering the placement of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421, the adjustment of the position and spacing of each LED on the LED substrate becomes complex, which may reduce the design flexibility.

[0179] Therefore, the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 on each LED substrate 414b, 415b, 416b, and 422b are arranged so that light is incident from the end faces (sides) of the upper and lower flat sections of each light guide plate 410 and 420, and the LED substrates and LEDs are not placed on the end faces (sides) of the R-shaped sections of each light guide plate 410 and 420. By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to arrange the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 on each LED substrate 414b, 415b, 416b, and 422b in a simple arrangement that follows the shape of the end faces of the upper and lower flat sections (i.e., arranged in a straight line and at equal intervals), thereby improving the degree of design freedom.

[0180] Furthermore, a third reason is to improve the design freedom of the performance devices (drum display device 81, movable parts, etc.) on the back and side sides of each light guide plate 410, 420. Performance devices related to the variation of the third symbol, which is the main gameplay of the pachinko machine 10 (drum display device 81 that performs the variation performance itself, and movable parts that perform various effects in the variation performance) are arranged on the back and side sides of each R-shaped part of each light guide plate 410, 420. However, if an LED board is placed on the side of each R-shaped part of each light guide plate 410, 420 when viewed from the front, there is a risk that the design freedom of each performance device will be restricted by the amount of the LED board that is installed.

[0181] Therefore, in order to allow light to enter from the end faces (sides) of the upper and lower flat sections of each light guide plate 410, 420, the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 of each LED substrate 414b, 415b, 416b, and 422b are arranged on the upper side of the upper flat section when viewed from the front, and on the lower side, right side, and left side when viewed from the front, respectively, and the LED substrates and LEDs are not arranged on the lateral positions when viewed from the front of the R-shaped section of each light guide plate 410, 420. With this configuration, when a performance device is installed on the back and side of each light guide plate 410, 420, the LED substrates and the like are not obstructed by the arrangement of the performance device, thereby improving the design freedom of each performance device.

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

[0183] The downward base 414a is configured to hold the downward LED substrate 414b with screws or the like, and the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 and the front downward focusing lens 414d are each held in predetermined positions by positioning bosses (ribs) or the like, and are connected and fixed to the front right LED unit 415 and the front left LED unit 416 and the display area forming member 430 with screws or the like, respectively, thereby enabling them to be positioned and fixed.

[0184] Furthermore, the downward base 414a has predetermined partition ribs formed so that light emitted from the front downward LED 414c mounted on the downward LED substrate 414b is emitted only to the front light guide plate 410 via the front downward focusing lens 414d, and light emitted from the rear downward LED 424 is emitted only to the rear downward diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end (surface) of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, the light emitted from each LED 414c, 424 can be accurately emitted to the front light guide plate 410 or the rear light guide plate 420, so that the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, or the third decorative pattern 412 can be illuminated accurately at the appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as unintended illumination of decorative patterns can be suppressed. The details of the light irradiation (passage) patterns by the front downward focusing lens 414d and the light irradiation (diffusion) patterns by the rear downward diffusing lens 425 will be described later.

[0185] The front right LED unit 415 is located to the right of the front view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and consists of a front right base 415a, a front right LED substrate 415b on which a plurality of front right LEDs 415c (see Figure 19) are mounted, and a front right focusing lens 415d.

[0186] The front right base 415a is configured to hold the front right LED substrate 415b with screws or the like, and is provided with positioning ribs that conform to the shape of the right end faces of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (the outer shape of the ends of the upper flat plate portion, upper inverted R-shaped portion, regular R-shaped portion, lower inverted R-shaped portion, and lower flat plate portion). The front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 and the front right focusing lens 415d are held in predetermined positions by their respective positioning bosses and positioning ribs, and are 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, respectively, thereby enabling them to be positioned and fixed.

[0187] Furthermore, the front right base portion 415a has predetermined partition ribs formed on it so that the light emitted from the front right LED 415c (see Figure 19) mounted on the front right LED substrate 415b is emitted only to the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 via the front right focusing lens 415d. As a result, the light emitted from the front right LED 415c can be accurately emitted to the front light guide plate 410, so that the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be lit accurately at the appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (passage) manner by the front right focusing lens 415d will be described later.

[0188] The front left LED unit 416 is located to the left of the front view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, and consists of a front left base 416a, a front left LED substrate 416b on which a plurality of front left LEDs 416c (see Figure 19) are mounted, and a front left focusing lens 416d.

[0189] The front left base 416a is configured to hold the front left LED substrate 416b with screws or the like, and is provided with positioning ribs that conform to the shape of the left end faces of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (the outer shape of the ends of the upper flat plate portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, the regular R-shaped portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, and the lower flat plate portion). The front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 and the front left focusing lens 416d are held in predetermined positions by their respective positioning bosses and positioning ribs, and are 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, respectively, thereby enabling them to be positioned and fixed.

[0190] Furthermore, the front left base portion 416a has predetermined partition ribs formed on it so that the light emitted from the front left LED 416c (see Figure 19) mounted on the front left LED substrate 416b is emitted only to the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 via the front left focusing lens 416d. As a result, the light emitted 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 lit accurately at the appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the lighting of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (passage) manner by the front left focusing lens 416d will be described later.

[0191] The rear upper LED unit 422 is located above the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 in a front view, and consists of a rear upper base 422a and a rear upper LED substrate 422b on which a rear upper LED 422c (see Figure 12) is mounted.

[0192] The rear upper base 422a is configured to hold the rear upper LED substrate 422b with screws or the like, and the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 are each held in predetermined positions by positioning bosses (ribs) or the like, and are connected and fixed to the front right LED unit 415 and 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.

[0193] Furthermore, the rear-upper base portion 422a has predetermined partition ribs formed on it so that the light emitted from the rear-upper LED 422c (see Figure 12) is emitted only to the rear-upper diffusion lens 423 formed on the upper end (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 lit accurately at the appropriate timing, and display abnormalities such as the illumination of unintended patterns can be suppressed. Details of the light irradiation (diffusion) manner 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. These upper spacer 417 and lower spacer 418 are arranged between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 in order to provide a predetermined space between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420. 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 light incident on one light guide plate 410, 420 to incident on the other light guide plate 420, 410, thereby preventing unintended illumination of decorative patterns 411, 412, 413, 421, etc.

[0195] As described above, the display area forming member 430 is positioned on the front side when viewed from the front of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (drum display device 81), and has a central opening 431 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 seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and a lens cut 432 is formed on 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 also to suppress (prevent) light from being emitted from the confirmation lamp 311, which is located in the upper part of the front view of the display area forming member 430, onto the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 (drum display device 81) when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit.

[0197] Here, with reference to Figure 10, the positional relationships between 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 explained. Figure 10 shows the positional relationship between the drum display device 81 and the confirmation lamp 311 and the display area forming member 430 with respect to a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 400 along line XX in Figure 7. Note that in Figure 10, for the sake of explanation, the spacing between the display area forming member 430, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81 is shown enlarged.

[0198] As shown in Figure 10, when the pachinko machine 10 is viewed from the front, 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 that order from the outside (front side of the pachinko machine 10 (left side of the drawing)). Through the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430, a total of nine symbol display areas, three for each reel LR, CR, and RR of the drum display device 81, are visible, while the other symbol areas (third symbols) are covered by the lens cut 432 and are therefore not visible or difficult to see. In addition, 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 illuminated through the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430. Furthermore, since the lower part of the lens cut 432 below the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430 is transparent, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed on the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 is made visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 when it is illuminated. Thus, the display area forming member 430 clarifies the effective line of the variation effect in the drum display device 81, and when the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are illuminated, they can be viewed while avoiding the portion of the lens cut 432 of the display area forming member 430.

[0199] Furthermore, the lens cut 432 is positioned in the upper portion (lower portion, both sides) of the positive R-shaped portion of each light guide plate 410, 420 so that when the confirmation lamp 311 is illuminated, the light emitted from the confirmation lamp 311 is not guided to the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, or is difficult to guide to them, that is, so as to shield the light from the confirmation lamp 311.

[0200] More specifically, the lens cut 432 is configured in a rib shape with multiple ribs continuously erected on its back side (back side of the pachinko machine 10), and is configured to disperse the light incident on the lens cut 432 and reduce the amount of light transmitted in the lens cut 432 area.

[0201] In addition, the lens cut 432 may be constructed by knurling or mirror polishing instead of multiple rib shapes, thereby reducing the amount of light transmitted through the lens cut 432.

[0202] Furthermore, a lens cut 432 may also be applied to the inner surface of the upright wall (entire bulge) on the side of the central opening 431 of the display area forming member 430 when viewed from the front. This configuration clearly defines the display area indicating the effective line of the fluctuation effect in a rectangular shape, and the lens cut 432 disperses the light that may be incident from the side when viewed from the front of the light guide unit 400, thereby reducing the amount of light transmitted in the lens cut 432 area.

[0203] Furthermore, the display provided by the confirmation lamp 311, located above the front of the light guide unit 400, is a display that suggests (notifies) that a jackpot will occur in the variable display. Because it is a display of higher importance in the game than the displays of the first decorative symbol group 421, second decorative symbol group 411, third decorative symbol 412, or fourth decorative symbol group 413 of the light guide unit 400 (i.e., displays that suggest the likelihood of a jackpot), the lamp is configured to light up brighter than the displays of the first decorative symbol group 421, second decorative symbol group 411, third decorative symbol 412, or fourth decorative symbol group 413. This is to make it easier for the player to recognize the display of the confirmation lamp 311, which is of higher importance, if these displays are combined.

[0204] The front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 are formed in a shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the drum display device 81 (positive R-shaped portion). If a lamp or the like is lit at the upper or lower position of the positive R-shaped portion, the light from the lamp will enter the positive R-shaped portion, and if each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, 421 is abnormally lit, there is a risk that a discrepancy will occur between the lighting pattern of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, 413, 421 and the result of the variation in the variation performance.

[0205] Therefore, by positioning the lens cut 432 between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 at a vertical position in the positive R-shaped portion and the confirmation lamp 311, the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 can be diffused (weakened) by the lens cut 432. As a result, by suppressing the incidence of light other than the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 due to the lighting of each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 on the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, it is possible to suppress the abnormal lighting of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of performance discrepancies such as the abnormal lighting of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, 413, and 421.

[0206] Furthermore, in this pachinko machine 10, the front light guide plate 410 is positioned on the front side of the first decorative symbol group 421, which has the highest probability of winning a jackpot. Therefore, the front light guide plate 410 can also suppress the incidence of light on the rear light guide plate 420 when light is incident from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Thus, by positioning the front light guide plate 410 as a noise cover on the front side of the rear light guide plate 420, the light incident by the front light guide plate 410 is diffused (weakened) to some extent, thereby suppressing the abnormal illumination of the first decorative symbol group 421, which would cause a significant discrepancy in the performance if it were mistakenly illuminated. As a result, the occurrence of performance discrepancies such as the abnormal illumination of each decorative symbol group 411, 412, 413, and 421 can be suppressed.

[0207] Next, referring to Figures 11 to 25, we will explain the direction of light propagation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "optical path") from the rear upward diffusing lens 423 and the rear downward diffusing lens 425 to the rear light guide plate 420, and the optical paths of light from the front downward concentrating lens 414d, the front right concentrating lens 415d, and the front left concentrating lens 416d to the front light guide plate 410, while describing the light emission patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420, the light emission patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 on the front light guide plate 410, and the performance patterns of the confirmation lamp 311, the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81.

[0208] First, the positional relationship between the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 11, the arrangement 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 will be shown differently from that in Figure 12 and other figures described later.

[0209] As shown in Figure 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). As described above, the front light guide plate 410 has a third decorative pattern 412 modeled after a sunfish formed in the central part of the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410, and a second group of decorative patterns 411 modeled after cherry blossom petals is formed on both the left and right sides of the positive R-shaped section on which the third decorative pattern 412 is formed, and a fourth group of decorative patterns 413 modeled after a bubble pattern is formed over the entire area of ​​the lower inverted R-shaped section that is continuous with the lower flat section of the front light guide plate 410.

[0210] Furthermore, as described above, the rear light guide plate 420 has a first decorative pattern group 421 that mimics a school of fish pattern formed on the entire area 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 a 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 (superimpose). In this way, in the performance of the light guide unit 400, a variety of performances can be performed in a single display area, enhancing the performance effect of the light guide unit 400 and increasing attention to the game.

[0212] Next, with reference to Figures 12 to 16, the optical paths of light from the rear upward diffuser lens 423 and the rear downward diffuser lens 425 to the rear light guide plate 420, and the light emission modes (lighting modes or display modes; the same applies hereinafter) of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the first decorative pattern group 421 that can be illuminated and displayed on the rear light guide plate 420, and the rear upward LED 422c of the rear upward LED unit 422 and the rear downward LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged view of part A of Figure 12, and is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the rear downward diffuser lens 425 formed on the lower end face of the rear light guide plate 420 and the rear downward LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the optical path of light through the rear downward diffuser lens. Figure 15 shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. Figure 15(a) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit. Figure 15(b) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which correspond to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, are additionally lit, starting from the state in Figure 15(a). Figure 16 shows the lighting configuration of the first decorative pattern group 421 displayed on the rear light guide plate 420. Figure 16(a) schematically shows the lighting configuration of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, are additionally lit, starting from the state shown in Figure 15(b). Figure 16(b) schematically shows the lighting configuration of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, are turned off, starting from the state shown in Figure 16(a). Note that in Figures 12, 15, and 16, each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 and each diffusion lens 423, 425 are omitted or represented schematically for the sake of clarity.

[0213] As shown in Figure 12, the rear light guide plate 420 has a first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the entire positive R-shaped portion, which is a fish school pattern that imitates a school of multiple types of fish. Furthermore, when light is shone on the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which are provided above and below the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upper diffusion lens 423 formed on the upper end face of the rear light guide plate 420 and the rear lower diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end face of the rear light guide plate 420 are configured to diffuse light in multiple directions (in the first embodiment, three directions: left, center, and right) from each of the diffusion lenses 423 and 425.

[0214] Furthermore, the positions of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 are such that the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 of 1 are paired in the vertical direction.

[0215] Here, with reference to Figures 13 and 14, the manner in which light is diffused by the rear downward diffusion lens 425 (rear upward diffusion lens 423) will be described. Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged view of part A of Figure 12, and is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the rear downward diffusion lens 425 formed on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420 and the rear downward LED 424 of the lower LED unit 414. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged view of part B of Figure 13, and is a schematic diagram showing the optical path of light by the rear downward diffusion lens 425. Note that the configuration of the rear upward diffusion lens 423 is the same as that of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0216] More specifically, the rear upward diffuser lens 423 and the rear downward diffuser lens 425 are constructed with completely identical shapes, differing only in their position relative to the upper and lower end faces of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front. Therefore, when molding the rear upward diffuser lens 423 and the rear downward diffuser lens 425, they can be molded using the same molding process (manufacturing process, same mold, etc.), thereby suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rear light guide plate 420.

[0217] Furthermore, since the rear upward diffusion lens 423 and the rear downward diffusion lens 425 have the same shape, the optical path of the light diffused from the rear upward diffusion lens 423 and the optical path of the light diffused from the rear downward diffusion lens 425 are the same, making it easier to set (understand) the destination of the diffused light paths and the overlapping portions of the light paths at the design stage. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the optical path of the light irradiated from the rear upward diffusion lens 423 and the optical path of the light irradiated from the rear downward diffusion lens 425 may overlap in one or more places in 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-facing diffusion portion 425b of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, the entire optical path overlaps with the optical path of the light irradiated from the front-facing diffusion portion (unnumbered) opposite the rear upward diffusion lens 423. Furthermore, the optical path of light emitted from the leftward diffusion portion 425a of the rear downward diffusion lens 4251 overlaps with the optical path of light emitted from the leftward diffusion portion (no designation) of the opposite recess of the rear upward diffusion lens 423, and also overlaps with the optical path of light emitted from the frontward diffusion portion (no designation) of the recess one to the left of the opposite recess. In addition, the optical path of light emitted from the rightward diffusion portion 425c of the rear downward diffusion lens 4251 overlaps with the optical path of light emitted from the rightward diffusion portion (no designation) of the opposite recess of the rear upward diffusion lens 423, and also overlaps with the optical path of light emitted from the frontward diffusion portion (no designation) of the recess one to the right of the opposite recess. As a result, the placement of decorative patterns on the rear light guide plate 420 becomes easier, allowing the decorative patterns on the rear light guide plate 420 to be illuminated accurately, and the decorative patterns to be highlighted can be placed in overlapping areas to highlight them.

[0218] As shown in Figure 13, a rear-downward diffusion lens 425 is formed on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420, corresponding to each of the multiple rear-downward LEDs 424 of the lower LED unit 414. As shown in Figure 14, the rear-downward diffusion lens 425 is formed with multiple recesses connected together, and each recess consists of a leftward diffusion section 425a, a frontward diffusion section 425b, and a rightward diffusion section 425c, all having the same side length.

[0219] The front-facing diffuser 425b is formed in a planar shape so as to be perpendicular to the direction of light irradiation from the rear-downward LED 424. The left-facing diffuser 425a is formed in a planar shape inclined approximately 50 degrees (θ1=50°) to the left of the front-facing diffuser 425b. The right-facing diffuser 425c is formed in a planar shape inclined approximately 50 degrees (θ1=50°) to the right of the front-facing diffuser 425b. The recess formed by the left-facing diffuser 425a, the front-facing diffuser 425b, and the right-facing diffuser 425c is continuously formed on the lower end surface of the rear light guide plate 420 for a length equal to the width of the light-emitting surface of at least one rear-downward LED 424.

[0220] In the first embodiment, the rear light guide plate 420 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA). When the refractive index of the acrylic resin is 1.49 to 1.53, the optical path of light incident from the rear downward LED 424 to the front direction diffusion section 425b exits straight into the rear light guide plate 420 (towards the top of the drawing in Figure 14). Light incident from the rear downward LED 424 to the left direction diffusion section 425a is refracted in a direction tilted approximately 20 degrees (θ2=20°) to the left relative to the light exiting from the front direction diffusion section 425b and exits into the rear light guide plate 420. Light incident from the rear downward LED 424 to the right direction diffusion section 425c is refracted in a direction tilted approximately 20 degrees (θ3=20°) to the right relative to the light exiting from the front direction diffusion section 425b and exits into the rear light guide plate 420.

[0221] Furthermore, the rear downward diffusion lens 425 has multiple recesses formed by the leftward diffusion section 425a, the frontward diffusion section 425b, and the rightward diffusion section 425c, each with a width equal to at least the width of the light-emitting surface of the rear downward LED 424. As a result, the light emitted from the rear downward LED 424 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., the front direction, a direction tilted 20 degrees to the left of the front direction, and a direction tilted 20 degrees to the right of the front direction) by the multiple recesses of the rear downward diffusion lens 425. In addition, since the leftward diffusion section 425a, the frontward diffusion section 425b, and the rightward diffusion section 425c are each composed of the same side length, the width of the light path of the diffused light is also configured to be the same width. As a result, by lighting up one LED, multiple groups of first decorative patterns 421, each formed at a position corresponding to the diffused light path, can be illuminated in the same color. This allows for diverse effects to be performed even with a small number of LEDs, enhancing the visual effects of the rear light guide plate 420 and increasing the player's attention to the game.

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

[0223] As shown in Figure 51, the rear downward diffuser lens 425 is composed of a left-direction diffuser 425a, a front-direction diffuser 425b, and a right-direction diffuser 425c, each formed in a single recess with predetermined side lengths (for example, the side irradiating light in the forward direction is 50 micrometers, and the sides irradiating light in the left and right directions are 62.5 micrometers; hereafter, micrometers may be referred to as "μm"). Each of the diffuser sections 425a to 425c is configured such that the optical path width of the light irradiated from each diffuser section 425a to 425c is the same. Specifically, in each recess, the side irradiating light in the forward direction is configured to be the same length (for example, 50 μm), and the side irradiating light in the left and right directions is configured to be the same length (for example, 62.5 μm), and the optical path width of the light irradiated from each of the diffuser sections 425a to 425c is the same. Multiple such recesses are arranged in a continuous sequence. That is, the lateral width of the recess in 1 is 130.35 μm, which is the sum of the length of the front-facing diffusion portion 425b (50 μm) and the lateral widths X of the left-facing diffusion portion 425a and the right-facing diffusion portion 425c (cos 50° = x / 62.5, x = 40.175, X = 2x = 80.35 μm). Therefore, for example, if the light-emitting surface (irradiation width) of the LED 424 of 1 is 3 millimeters wide, then approximately 23 rear-downward diffusion lenses 425 will be formed for the LED 424 of 1.

[0224] Here, when the rear-down LED 424 of 1 emits light and the light is shone into each recess, the width of the light distributed in the forward direction by the front-direction diffuser 425b of the recess of 1 is 50 μm, the width of the light distributed to the left by the left-direction diffuser 425a of the recess of 1 is also 50 μm, and the width of the light distributed to the right by the right-direction diffuser 425c of the recess of 1 is also 50 μm. The light distributed in the forward, left, and right directions by each recess combine to form an optical path of at least a predetermined width (for example, 50 μm × 26 = 1300 μm). In this case, for example, the front-facing diffuser 425b that constitutes recess 1 and the front-facing diffuser 425b that constitutes the recess to the right of recess 1 are separated by the lateral distance between the right-facing diffuser 425c that constitutes recess 1 and the left-facing diffuser 425a that constitutes the recess to the right. Therefore, the front-facing optical paths distributed from the front-facing diffuser 425b that constitutes recess 1 and the front-facing diffuser 425b that constitutes the recess to the right are also separated by the aforementioned lateral distance. However, due to the diffusion effect of the light distributed from the right-facing diffuser 425c and the left-facing diffuser 425a, as well as the light distributed from the front-facing diffuser 425b itself, light is distributed comprehensively within the front light guide plate 410.

[0225] As a result, when the rear-downward LED 424 of 1 is illuminated, the light diffused by the rear-downward diffusion lens 425, which is composed of multiple recesses, causes multiple groups of first decorative patterns 421, which are formed (arranged) at positions corresponding to each light path and the periphery of the light path, to illuminate in the same color. This allows the groups of first decorative patterns 421 to light up over a wider area than the light-emitting surface of the rear-downward LED 424 of 1. As a result, even with a small number of LEDs, a wide range of diverse effects can be performed, enhancing the effects of the rear light guide plate 420 and increasing the attention given to the game. Furthermore, by configuring the side lengths of each diffusion section 425a to 425c so that the optical path width of the light emitted from each diffusion section 425a to 425c is the same, the optical path width of the light emitted from each diffusion section 425a to 425c becomes the same, making it easier to set (understand) the optical path of the light guided into the rear light guide plate 420, and making it easy to understand the pattern arrangement so that the first decorative pattern group 421 can emit light accurately during the setting stage.

[0226] Let's return to Figure 12 and continue the explanation. In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, there are nine rear-upper LEDs 422c and nine rear-downper LEDs 424, and the rear-upper LEDs 422c and rear-downper LEDs 424 are arranged to overlap vertically. Therefore, the light emitted from the rear-upper LEDs 422c through the front-direction diffusion portion (not shown) of the rear-upper diffusion lens 423 toward the downward side in a front view (downward side in the drawing) and the light emitted from the rear-downper LEDs 424 through the front-direction diffusion portion 425b (see Figure 14) of the rear-downper diffusion lens 425 toward the upward side in a front view (upward side in the drawing) are configured to overlap (superimpose). Furthermore, the light emitted (diffused) from the rear-upper LED 422c of 1 to the left or right via the left-direction diffusion section or right-direction diffusion section (neither shown) of the rear-upper diffusion lens 423 is configured to overlap (superimpose) with the light emitted in each direction from the other rear-upper LEDs 422c via the respective diffusion sections (not shown) of the rear-upper diffusion lens 423, and the light emitted in each direction from the rear-downward LED 424 via the respective diffusion sections 425a, 425b, and 425c of the rear-downward diffusion lens 425 at the point where their respective optical paths intersect.

[0227] Specifically, for example, if each LED of the rear upper LED 422c is lit in the order of "red," "blue," "green," "red," "blue," "green," "red," "blue," and "green" from right to left, and each LED of the rear lower LED 424 is lit in the order of "red," "blue," "green," "red," "blue," "green," "red," "blue," and "green" from right to left, then the "red" light will be diffused through a predetermined width optical path from the respective diffusion lenses 423 and 425 corresponding to the rightmost LED of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424, and the rear Blue light is diffused in a predetermined width optical path from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the second LED from the right (i.e., the eighth from the left) of the upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424, and green light is diffused in a predetermined width optical path from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the third LED from the right (i.e., the seventh from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424, and each diffusion lens 422 corresponding to the fourth LED from the right (i.e., the sixth from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and the rear lower LED 424 From 3,425, "red" light is diffused in a predetermined optical path, and from each diffusion lens 423,425 corresponding to the 5th LED from the right (i.e., the 5th from the left, the center) of the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, "blue" light is diffused in a predetermined optical path, and from each diffusion lens 423,425 corresponding to the 6th LED from the right (i.e., the 4th from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, "green" light is diffused in a predetermined optical path, and from the right of the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 Red light is diffused through a predetermined optical path from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the 7th LED (i.e., the 3rd from the left), blue light is diffused through a predetermined optical path from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the 8th LED from the right (i.e., the 2nd from the left) of the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, and green light is diffused through a predetermined optical path from each diffusion lens 423, 425 corresponding to the 9th LED from the right (i.e., the leftmost) of the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424.

[0228] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 is a portion where the light paths of "red" light and the light paths of "red" light overlap ("dark red"), a portion where only the light path of "red" light is displayed ("light red"), a portion where the light paths of "red" light and "blue" light overlap ("purple"), a portion where the light paths of "red" light and "green" light overlap ("yellow"), a portion where the light paths of "red" light, "blue" light, and "green" light overlap (" Each design in the first decorative design group 421 is displayed in a total of 10 different display colors: white, a section where the light paths of blue and blue overlap (dark blue), a section where only the light path of blue is displayed (light blue), a section where the light paths of blue and green overlap (blue-green), a section where two green light paths overlap (dark green), and a section where only the light path of green is displayed (light green). The design is configured to arrange each design in the first decorative design group 421 within each overlapping section.

[0229] As a result, even with a limited number of colors (for example, three colors), the light is diffused by the diffusion lenses 423 and 425 positioned above and below, and the light paths of the diffused light overlap, causing the emitted light color to differ between the overlapping and non-overlapping parts, and enabling the display of more colors than the number of colors specified. Therefore, by realizing a wide variety of display colors even with a limited number of emitted colors, the control of the LEDs is simplified and the control burden on the LEDs can be reduced. In particular, if multiple types of monochromatic light-emitting diodes are used instead of full-color LEDs and the above control is performed, cost reduction can be achieved by using monochromatic light-emitting diodes, which are less expensive than full-color LEDs, and the control of the LEDs is simplified and the control burden on the LEDs can be reduced.

[0230] Furthermore, for one of the designs in the first decorative design group 421, the design is positioned so that it overlaps with the light path of one color in a predetermined area, while overlapping with the light path of other colors in areas other than the predetermined area. In other words, by forming one of the designs in the first decorative design group 421 so that it fits within the size of multiple light path widths, the luminescence color of each part of the design can be made different, allowing the design to be expressed in a variety of colors.

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

[0232] First, as shown in Figure 15(a), when the rear upper LED 422c, which is provided to correspond to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420, is lit sequentially from the right side, the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., downward to the right, downward in front, and downward to the left) with a predetermined optical path width, according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear downward LEDs 424, which are positioned to correspond to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420, are illuminated sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward LEDs 424 corresponding to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., upward right, upward front, and upward left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each diffusion lens 423, 425.

[0233] For example, in the right-side 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 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," resulting in a total of three colors of light emission, the part where the "red" light path and the "red" light path overlap (intersect; the same applies below) will be "dark red," and the part where the "red" light path and the "blue" light path overlap will be "dark red." The first decorative pattern group 421 lights up in a total of 10 colors: purple, yellow where the red and green light paths overlap, white where the red, blue, and green light paths overlap, dark blue where the blue and blue light paths overlap, blue-green where the blue and green light paths overlap, dark green where the green light paths overlap, red where only the red light path is present, blue where only the blue light path is present, and green where only the green light path is present.

[0234] More specifically, among the multiple fish patterns that make up the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is illuminated in one of the following 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 within the range of one light path width, medium patterns formed to fit within the range of two light path widths, and large patterns formed to fit within the range of three or more light path widths. With respect to the first decorative pattern group 421, small patterns formed within the range of one display color's light path width are illuminated with a single display color, and if parts of a medium or large pattern are located within the range of multiple display color's light path widths, each part of the medium or large pattern is illuminated with the light-emitting color of the overlapping light path. Thus, in the first decorative pattern group 421 composed of multiple patterns, a variety of effects can be provided by representing each pattern with a different color or by representing pattern 1 with multiple colors.

[0236] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 remains unlit because it is not illuminated by the light from the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which are provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, it remains difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0237] Next, as shown in Figure 15(b), when the rear upper LED 422c, which is provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, is lit, and then the rear upper LED 422c, which is provided to correspond to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, is lit sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the 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., downward to the right, downward in front, and downward to the left) with a predetermined optical path width, according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear downward LED 424, which is positioned to correspond to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420, is lit, and the rear downward LED 424, which is positioned to correspond to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, is lit sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward LED 424 corresponding to the central and right-side regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., upward right, upward front, and upward left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each diffusion lens 423, 425.

[0238] 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." In addition, 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," resulting in a total of three colors of light emission. In this case, the overlapping areas of the "red" light path and the "red" light path will be "dark red," and the overlapping areas of the "red" light path and the "blue" light path will be "blue." The first decorative pattern group 421 is illuminated in a total of 10 colors: purple for the main section, yellow for the overlapping red and green light paths, white for the overlapping red, blue and green light paths, dark blue for the overlapping blue and blue light paths, blue-green for the overlapping blue and green light paths, dark green for the overlapping green light paths, red for the red light path only, blue for the blue light path only, and green for the green light path only.

[0239] More specifically, among the multiple fish patterns that make up the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is illuminated in one of the following 10 colors: "dark red," "purple," "yellow," "white," "dark blue," "blue-green," "dark green," "red," "blue," and "green."

[0240] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 remains unlit because it is not illuminated by the light from the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which are provided to correspond to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, it remains difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0241] Next, as shown in Figure 16(a), when the rear upper LEDs 422c, which are provided to correspond to the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit, and the rear upper LEDs 422c, which are provided to correspond to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c, which correspond 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., downward to the right, downward in front, and downward to the left) with a predetermined optical path width, according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear downward LEDs 424, which are provided to correspond to the right and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit, and the rear downward LEDs 424, which are provided to correspond to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420, are sequentially lit from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward 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., upward to the right, upward forward, and upward to the left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each diffusion lens 423, 425.

[0242] For example, if, in each of the entire areas of the rear light guide plate 420 (i.e., the left area, the central area, and the right area), 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," resulting in a total of three colors of light emission, then the area where the "red" light path and the "red" light path overlap will be "dark red," and the "red" light path and the "blue" light will overlap. Where the paths overlap, the first decorative pattern group 421 is illuminated in purple; where the red and green light paths overlap, it is yellow; where the red, blue, and green light paths overlap, it is white; where the blue and blue light paths overlap, it is dark blue; where the blue and green light paths overlap, it is blue-green; where the green and green light paths overlap, it is dark green; where only the red light path is red; where only the blue light path is blue; and where only the green light path is green, it is green. A total of 10 colors are used to illuminate each of the first decorative pattern groups 421.

[0243] More specifically, among the multiple fish patterns that make up the first decorative pattern group 421, each fish pattern is illuminated in one of the following 10 colors: "dark red," "purple," "yellow," "white," "dark blue," "blue-green," "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 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", 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", 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", and each first decorative pattern group 421 is lit and displayed in a total of ten 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 ten 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 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 a non-lighting 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 rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 are controlled using a small number of light-emitting colors, such as three, the overlapping of light diffused by the respective diffusion lenses 423 and 425 allows the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 to be displayed with more than the above-mentioned light-emitting colors. Therefore, colorful expressions can be achieved even with light-emitting control using a small number of light-emitting patterns, thereby reducing the control burden on the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, while enabling diverse effects and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0249] Furthermore, of the three rear upper LEDs 422c and rear lower LEDs 424 arranged in the right, central, and left regions of the rear light guide plate 420, the rear upper LEDs 422c and rear lower LEDs 424 located on the far right are sequentially lit, starting with the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 located in the center, and then the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 located on the left. This creates the effect that the first decorative pattern group 421, which is a school of fish, is swimming from right to left.

[0250] Furthermore, by sequentially lighting the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 from the right side in conjunction with the lighting of the first decorative pattern group 60a and the second decorative pattern group 60b (see Figure 3) on the base plate 60 of the game board 13, the effects on the rear light guide plate 420 and the effects on the game board 13 are executed as a single unit, providing a powerful effect using the entire game board 13 and enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0251] Next, with reference to Figures 17 and 18, the optical path of light from the rear upward diffuser lens 423 and the rear downward diffuser lens 425 to the rear light guide plate 420, and the light emission manner of the first decorative pattern group 421 on the rear light guide plate 420 will be described.

[0252] Figure 17 shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 displayed on the rear light guide plate 420 when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit. Figure 17(a) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 when the confirmation lamp 311 is not lit and the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are lit. Figure 17(b) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the first decorative pattern group 421 when, from the state in Figure 17(a), the confirmation lamp 311 is lit and the rear lower LED 424 corresponding to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 is additionally lit, while the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is off. Figure 18 schematically shows the lighting configuration of the first decorative pattern group 421 displayed on the rear light guide plate 420 when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit. Figure 18(a) shows the state from Figure 17(b) with the confirmation lamp 311 remaining lit, and the rear downward LED 424 corresponding to the left region of the rear light guide plate 420 additionally lit, while the rear upward LED 422c corresponding to the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off. Figure 18(b) schematically shows the lighting configuration of the first decorative pattern group 421 in the case of Figure 18(a), where the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off, and the rear upper LEDs 422c corresponding to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are additionally lit, while the rear upper LEDs 422c and rear lower LEDs 424 corresponding to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 are turned off.

[0253] In the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when a jackpot occurs during a variation performance, the confirmation lamp 311 is lit at some point during the variation performance to clearly indicate to the player that a jackpot has occurred. In addition, in order to indicate to the player the reliability of a jackpot during the variation performance, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the rear light guide plate 420 may be lit up.

[0254] Here, the notification by the lighting of the confirmation lamp 311 is an effect that suggests a jackpot will occur, and is a so-called jackpot confirmation effect. On the other hand, the notification by the lighting of the first decorative symbol group 421 is an effect that suggests whether or not a jackpot will occur, and does not definitively suggest that a jackpot will occur. Therefore, in terms of the importance of the effects in the gameplay of the pachinko machine 10, the notification by the confirmation lamp 311 is positioned as a more important effect than the notification by the first decorative symbol group 421.

[0255] However, if the performance of the first decorative symbol group 421 is performed while the performance of the confirmation lamp 311 is performed, the performance of the first decorative symbol group 421 may interfere with the performance of the confirmation lamp 311, which is more important for gameplay (e.g., low visibility and low recognition due to overlapping performances). Alternatively, when the notification of the confirmation lamp 311 is performed, the performance of the first decorative symbol group 421 may not be performed, or the notification of the confirmation lamp 311 may not be performed while the first decorative symbol group 421 is performing. However, this may result in limitations on the performance, an increase in control burden, and a decrease in the variety of performances.

[0256] Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the performance by the confirmation lamp 311 is executed (during execution), the scale of the performance by the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced and executed, so that the performance by the confirmation lamp 311, which is important for the game, stands out. Specifically, when the first decorative symbol group 421 is executed at the timing when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit, the performance width of the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced and executed. In particular, by making the side of the first decorative symbol group 421 where the confirmation lamp 311 is located (i.e., the upper side of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front) not lit or lit slightly, the performance of the first decorative symbol group 421 and the performance of the confirmation lamp 311 can be partitioned so that they do not overlap or do not overlap easily, and the performance by the confirmation lamp 311 can be made to stand out more. Thus, it is possible to configure the machine so as not to hinder the performance of the confirmation lamp 311, which is important for the game. Furthermore, it becomes easy to simultaneously execute the effects using the confirmation lamp 311 and the effects using the first decorative symbol group 421 without complex control, thereby increasing the variety of effects.

[0257] Next, we will explain the specific performance modes using the confirmation lamp 311 and the first decorative pattern group 421. First, as shown in Figure 17(a), when the confirmation lamp 311 is not lit (off), the rear upper LED 422c, which is provided to correspond to the right-side area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420, lights up sequentially from the right side. At this time, the light emitted from the rear upper LED 422c corresponding to the right-side area of ​​the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., downward right direction, downward front direction, and downward left direction) with a predetermined optical path width, according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear downward LEDs 424, which are positioned to correspond to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420, are illuminated sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward LEDs 424 corresponding to the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused within the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., upward right, upward front, and upward left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each diffusion lens 423, 425.

[0258] For example, when the confirmation lamp 311 is off, in the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, the right rear upper LED 422c lights up in "red", the center rear upper LED 422c lights up in "blue", and the left rear upper LED 422c lights up in "green". In addition, the right rear lower LED 424 lights up in "red", the center rear lower LED 424 lights up in "blue", and the left rear lower LED 424 lights up in "green", resulting in a total of three colors of light emission. In this case, the part where the "red" light path and the "red" light path overlap (intersect; the same applies below) will be "dark red", and the "red" light path and the "blue" light path will be... The parts where the light path overlaps are "purple," the parts where the red and green light paths overlap are "yellow," the parts where the red, blue, and green light paths overlap are "white," the parts where the blue and blue light paths overlap are "dark blue," the parts where the blue and green light paths overlap are "blue-green," the parts where the green and green light paths overlap are "dark green," the parts where only the red light path is "red," the parts where only the blue light path is "blue," and the parts where only the green light path is "green," for a total of 10 colors, which illuminate each of the first decorative pattern groups 421.

[0259] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420 remains unlit because it is not illuminated by the light from the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which are provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, it remains difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0260] Next, as shown in Figure 17(b), when the confirmation lamp 311 lights up from the state in Figure 17(a), the rear downward LED 424, which is provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, lights up. Furthermore, when the rear downward LED 424, which is provided to correspond to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, lights up sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward LED 424 corresponding to the central and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420 is diffused inside the rear light guide plate 420 in three directions (i.e., upward right, upward front, and upward left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of the rear downward diffusion lens 425. On the other hand, when the confirmation lamp 311 lights up from the state shown in Figure 17(a), the rear upper LED 422c, which is provided to correspond 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, which is provided to correspond to the central region of the rear light guide plate 420, also does not light up (is off).

[0261] In other words, among the rear downward LEDs 424 located far from the confirmation lamp 311, only the rear downward LEDs 424 located in the central and right-side regions of the rear light guide plate 420 are illuminated, while the rear upward LED 422c located closer to the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off.

[0262] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421, positioned at the location of each light (each light path) emitted from the rear downward LED 424 and diffused by the rear downward diffusion lens 425, is illuminated, while the first decorative pattern group 421, positioned at the location of each light (each light path) that would be diffused by the rear upward diffusion lens 423 when the rear upward LED 422c emits light, is not illuminated (it remains off).

[0263] Here, the first decorative pattern group 421, located in the upper front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420 close to the confirmation lamp 311, is not positioned to be illuminated by the light emitted by the rear downward LED 424 (or only a small number are provided), but is formed in large numbers in positions to be illuminated by the light emitted by the rear upward LED 422c.

[0264] On the other hand, the first decorative pattern group 421, located in the lower front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420, which is far from the confirmation lamp 311, is positioned to be illuminated by the light emitted by the rear downward LED 424 (and is provided in large numbers). The first decorative pattern group 421, located in the lower front view portion of the rear light guide plate 420, which is far from the confirmation lamp 311, may also be positioned to be illuminated by the light emitted by the rear upward LED 422c, or it may be positioned not to be illuminated by the light emitted by the rear upward LED 422c.

[0265] Therefore, when the rear upper LED 422c is lit, the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 formed on the upper part of the front view of the rear light guide plate 420 can be illuminated (it is likely to be illuminated), and when the rear lower LED 424 is lit, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the lower part of the front view of the rear light guide plate 420 can be illuminated (it is likely to be illuminated). On the other hand, of the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed on the upper part of the front view of the rear light guide plate 420 is not illuminated (it is unlikely to be illuminated) even when the rear lower LED 424 is lit, and is not illuminated (it is unlikely to be illuminated) when the rear upper LED 422c is off.

[0266] With this configuration, the illumination or extinguishing of the first decorative pattern group 421 in the front view upper portion of the rear light guide plate 420, which is near the confirmation lamp 311, can be switched on or off depending on whether the rear upper LED 422c is lit or not. Furthermore, when the confirmation lamp 311 is lit, even if the first decorative pattern group 421 is being displayed, the rear upper LED 422c can be turned off to prevent interference between the illumination of the confirmation lamp 311 and the illumination of the first decorative pattern group 421.

[0267] Then, for example, when the right rear lower LED 424 on the right side and the central region of the rear light guide plate 420 lights up in three emission colors of "red" for the right rear lower LED 424, "blue" for the central rear lower LED 424, and "green" for the left rear lower LED 424, 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", "blue", and "green" optical paths 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 region 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, maintaining a state where it 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 light from the state of Fig. 17(b), with the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the central region and the right region of the rear light guide plate 420 lit, and when the rear lower LEDs 424 provided corresponding to the left 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 region, central region, and right 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 light from the state of Fig. 17(b), the rear upper LEDs 422c provided corresponding to the left region, central region, and right region (i.e., the entire region) of the rear light guide plate 420 are not lit (extinguished).

[0270] In other words, only the rear downward LED 424, which is located far from the confirmation lamp 311, lights up, while the rear upward LED 422c, which is located close to the confirmation lamp 311, is turned off.

[0271] In this case, similar to Figure 17(b), the first decorative pattern group 421 positioned at the location of each light (each light path) emitted from the rear downward LED 424 and diffused by the rear downward diffusion lens 425 is illuminated, while the first decorative pattern group 421 positioned at the location of each light (each light path) that would be diffused by the rear upward diffusion lens 423 when the rear upward LED 422c emits light is not illuminated (it is off).

[0272] For example, in the left, central, and right regions of the rear light guide plate 420, if the right rear-down LED 424 lights up in "red," the central rear-down LED 424 lights up in "blue," and the left rear-down LED 424 lights up in "green," a total of three colors, then the parts where the "red" and "blue" light paths overlap will be "purple," the parts where the "red" and "green" light paths overlap will be "yellow," the parts where the "red," "blue," and "green" light paths overlap will be "white," the parts where the "blue" and "green" light paths overlap will be "blue-green," the parts where only the "red" light path is "red," the parts where only the "blue" light path is "blue," and the parts where only the "green" light path is "green," a total of seven colors will be used to illuminate and display each of the first decorative pattern groups 421.

[0273] Next, as shown in Figure 18(b), when the confirmation lamp 311 is turned off from the state shown in Figure 18(a), the rear upper LEDs 422c, which are provided to correspond to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit, and when the rear upper LEDs 422c, which are provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, are turned off sequentially from the right, the light emitted from the rear upper LEDs 422c, which correspond 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., downward to the right, downward in front, and downward to the left) with a predetermined optical path width, according to the shape of the rear upper diffusion lens 423. Similarly, when the rear downward LEDs 424, which are provided to correspond to the left and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420, are lit, and the rear downward LEDs 424, which are provided to correspond to the right region of the rear light guide plate 420, are sequentially turned off from the right, the light emitted from the rear downward LEDs 424, which correspond 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., upward to the right, upward in front, and upward to the left) according to the shape of the rear downward diffusion lens 425, with a predetermined optical path width corresponding to the lens side width of each diffusion lens 423, 425.

[0274] For example, in the left 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." In addition, 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," resulting in a total of three colors of light emission. In this case, the overlapping areas of the "red" light path and the "red" light path will be "dark red," and the overlapping areas of the "red" light path and the "blue" light path will be "blue." The first decorative pattern group 421 is illuminated in a total of 10 colors: purple for the main section, yellow for the overlapping red and green light paths, white for the overlapping red, blue and green light paths, dark blue for the overlapping blue and blue light paths, blue-green for the overlapping blue and green light paths, dark green for the overlapping green light paths, red for the red light path only, blue for the blue light path only, and green for the green light path only.

[0275] In this case, the first decorative pattern group 421 formed in the right-side region of the rear light guide plate 420 does not receive light from the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424, which are provided to correspond to the left-side and central regions of the rear light guide plate 420. As a result, it remains unlit and is difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0276] Thus, when the confirmation lamp 311 is activated (during activation), the scale of the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced, and the important confirmation lamp 311 is made more prominent. Specifically, when the first decorative symbol group 421 is activated at the same time that the confirmation lamp 311 is lit, the width of the first decorative symbol group 421 is reduced. In particular, by making the side of the first decorative symbol group 421 where the confirmation lamp 311 is located (i.e., the upper side of the rear light guide plate 420 when viewed from the front) unlit or dimly lit, the effects of the first decorative symbol group 421 and the confirmation lamp 311 can be partitioned so that they do not overlap or do not overlap easily, making the confirmation lamp 311 more prominent. Therefore, the game can be configured so as not to interfere with the important confirmation lamp 311 effect. Furthermore, it becomes easy to simultaneously execute the effects using the confirmation lamp 311 and the effects using the first decorative symbol group 421 without complex control, thereby increasing the variety of effects.

[0277] Next, with reference to Figures 19 to 21, the optical paths of light from the front downward focusing lens 414d, the front right focusing lens 415d, and the front left focusing lens 416d (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "each focusing lens 414d, 415d, 416d") to the front light guide plate 410, and the light emission patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 that can be illuminated on the front light guide plate 410 will be described. Figure 19 is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 that can be illuminated on the front light guide plate 410, and the downward LED unit 414, the front right LED unit 415, and the front left LED unit 416. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the optical paths of light through each of the condensing lenses 414d, 415d, and 416d. Figure 21(a) shows the uneven shape forming the second decorative pattern group 411 of the front light guide plate 410 and the direction of light in which the second decorative pattern group 411 can be illuminated, and Figure 21(b) shows the uneven shape forming the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the front light guide plate 410 and the direction of light in which the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be illuminated.

[0278] As shown in Figure 19, the front light guide plate 410 has a second decorative pattern group 411, which is a cherry blossom blizzard pattern resembling multiple cherry blossom petals, formed in the left and right end regions excluding the central part of the positive R-shaped section; a third decorative pattern 412, which is a sunfish pattern resembling a sunfish, formed in the central part of the positive R-shaped section; and a fourth decorative pattern group 413, which is a bubble group pattern resembling multiple bubbles, formed in the entire area of ​​the lower flat plate section and the lower inverted R-shaped section.

[0279] Furthermore, when light is shone on the lower end face of the front downward focusing lens 414d, which is located on the lower side of the front light guide plate 410, by the front downward LED 414c located below the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (upward) from the upper end face of the front downward focusing lens 414d without being diffused. In addition, when light is shone on the right end face of the front right focusing lens 415d, which is located on the right side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, by the front right LED 415c located on the right side of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (to the left) from the left end face of the front right focusing lens 415d without being diffused. Furthermore, when light is shone onto the left end face of the front left focusing lens 416d, which is located on the left side of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, by the front left LED 416c provided on the left side of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, the light is configured to travel straight (to the right) from the right end face of the front left focusing lens 416d without being diffused.

[0280] Furthermore, the positions of the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c are such that the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c of unit 1 are paired in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

[0281] In the front light guide plate 410, the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged in the positive R-shaped section, the lower flat section, and the lower inverted R-shaped section. However, none of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are arranged at the transition point (region) between the lower inverted R-shaped section and the positive R-shaped section. This is because if decorative patterns to be displayed by light guide were placed at the transition point (region) between the lower inverted R-shaped section and the positive R-shaped section, the light reflected (guided) inside the front light guide plate 410 would have difficulty reaching the parts arranged in the positive R-shaped section and the parts arranged in the lower inverted R-shaped section appropriately, which could result in an unintended appearance depending on the player's line of sight. Therefore, by configuring the system so that none of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are placed at the transition point (region) between the downward inverted R-shaped section and the positive R-shaped section, the representation of the patterns displayed by the light guide can be made appropriate, and a consistent and seamless display can be achieved.

[0282] The arrangement of decorative patterns at the switching point of the front light guide plate 410 (hereinafter referred to as "switching point P") will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 52, 53, and 54. Figure 52 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the front light guide plate 410 showing the light guidance pattern of the light guided within the front light guide plate 410 when the front downward LED 414c is lit. Figure 52(a) is a schematic diagram showing the light guidance pattern within the front light guide plate 410 of light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the front downward LED 414c at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the direction of the front of the pachinko machine 10). Figure 52(b) is Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the light guidance pattern within the front light guide plate 410 when light is incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the front downward LED 414c at a downward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees towards the rear of the pachinko machine 10). Figure 52(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the light guidance pattern within the front light guide plate 410 when light is incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the front downward LED 414c in a direction directly in front (vertically upward from the pachinko machine 10). Figure 53 shows the position of the switching point P in the front view of the front light guide plate 410 shown in Figure 19. Furthermore, Figure 54 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the light guidance pattern within the front light guide plate 410 when light is incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the front right LED 415c at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees towards the front of the pachinko machine 10). Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the fourth decorative pattern group 413, as described in Figure 52, is described as being configured to emit light not only from the light incident laterally from the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c, but also from the light incident upward from the front downward LED 414c. Also, in Figure 54, the case in which the fourth decorative pattern group 413 can be lit by light incident to the left from the front right LED 415c is described, and the explanation of the light incident to the right from the front left LED 416c is omitted. However, the light incident to the right from the front left LED 416c has the same effect and function as the light incident to the left from the front right LED 415c.

[0283] First, as shown in Figure 52, the front light guide plate 410 is composed of a flat plate portion at the bottom when viewed from the front (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front lower flat plate portion 410a"), a downward inverted R-shaped portion formed continuously from the front lower flat plate portion 410a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b"), a positive R-shaped portion formed continuously from the front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front positive R-shaped portion 410c"), an upward inverted R-shaped portion formed continuously from the front positive R-shaped portion 410c (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front upper inverted R-shaped portion"), and an upper flat plate portion formed continuously from the front upper inverted R-shaped portion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front upper flat plate portion").

[0284] Furthermore, a fourth decorative pattern group 413 is formed on the back side (downward side in Figure 52) of the front lower flat plate portion 410a and the front lower inverted 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 positive 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 of the pachinko machine 10 (upper side in Figure 52), and when the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c are lit, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0285] Here, as shown in Figures 52(a) to 52(c), the light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the front downward LED 414c at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the direction of the front of the pachinko machine 10; see Figure 52(a)), a downward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the direction of the rear of the pachinko machine 10; see Figure 52(b)), and directly in front (vertically above the pachinko machine 10; see Figure 52(c)) is guided within the front downward flat plate portion 410a. Although the light is reflected repeatedly, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 provided on the back side of the front lower flat plate portion 410a is configured such that, as described above, it does not reflect light from the front lower LED 414c toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 (upward side in Figure 52) or is difficult to reflect light toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured such that it is difficult or impossible to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10 depending on the light emitted (guided) from the front lower LED 414c.

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

[0287] The light guided through the front downward inverted R-shaped section 410b then reaches the front positive R-shaped section 410c, which has an R-shape opposite to that of the front downward inverted R-shaped section. In this case, the light that collides with the back surface of the front positive R-shaped section 410c of the pachinko machine 10 is reflected into the front light guide plate 410 at an angle (e.g., 50 degrees) larger than the reflection angle (e.g., 40 degrees) when it collides with the front downward inverted R-shaped section 410b. On the other hand, the light that collides with the front surface of the front positive R-shaped section 410c of the pachinko machine 10 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 collides with the front downward inverted R-shaped section 410b.

[0288] In other words, the light guided through the front lower flat plate portion 410a to the front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c has a denser amount of collision light on the front surface of the front light guide plate 410 at the switching point (the switching point between the front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b and the front positive R-shaped portion 410c; hereafter, this switching point may be referred to as "switching point P"), while the amount of collision light on the back surface of the front light guide plate 410 becomes sparser.

[0289] Here, as shown in Figures 52(a) to 52(c) and Figure 53, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is positioned at the transition point (section) between the front lower flat plate portion 410a and the front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b, while none of the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 are positioned at the transition point P between the front lower inverted R-shaped portion 410b and the front regular R-shaped portion 410c.

[0290] As described above, at the switching point P between the front downward inverted R-shaped section 410b and the front positive R-shaped section 410c, the amount of light colliding with the back surface of the front light guide plate 410 tends to be sparse (coarse). Even if the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are placed at point P, the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 may not emit light properly, and there is a risk that the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 may not be visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 at the appropriate time. Furthermore, while each decorative pattern group 411, 412, and 413 is configured to light up (become visible) only with light from a predetermined direction, if the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 are placed at point P, there is a possibility that each decorative pattern group 411, 412, and 413 may become visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 due to light shining from a direction that they would not normally light up, potentially causing inconsistencies in the performance due to lighting up at unintended timings. Therefore, by not placing any of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 at the switching point P between the front downward inverted R-shaped section 410b and the front positive R-shaped section 410c, each decorative pattern group 411, 412, and 413 can be made visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 at the appropriate timing, and inconsistencies in the performance can be made less likely, thereby providing an appropriate game.

[0291] Next, as shown in Figure 54, when light emitted from the front right LED 415c is incident on the front right light guide plate 410 from the right end face of the front lower flat plate portion 410a at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the direction of the front of the pachinko machine 10; see Figure 54) via the front right focusing lens 415d, the light is repeatedly reflected by the front and back sides of the front light guide plate 410 while it is being guided within the front lower flat plate portion 410a, and is guided straight to the left in the front view, reaching the left side of the front light guide plate 410. As described above, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 is configured to reflect light from the front right LED 415c toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be clearly visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the light emitted (guided) from the front right LED 415c.

[0292] On the other hand, if an LED and a focusing lens are provided on the right side of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b of the front light guide plate 410, and light is incident from the right end face of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b at an upward angle of 45 degrees (45 degrees in the direction of the front of the pachinko machine 10; see Figure 54), the light guided within the front light guide plate 410 will not be reflected straight to the left in the front view according to its R-shape when it collides with the front side of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b, but will be reflected upward to the front view of the front light guide plate 410. Then, when the reflected light collides with the back side of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b, it will not be reflected straight to the left in the front view according to its R-shape, but will be reflected further upward to the front light guide plate 410. The light will then be guided to the left side of the front light guide plate in the front view, while repeating the above reflection multiple times. In such cases, if a decorative pattern is placed near the switching point P between the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b and the front straight R-shaped portion 410c of the front light guide plate 410, areas where light is not guided may occur, making it difficult to accurately guide light to the decorative pattern and achieve the desired light emission pattern. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the LED and condensing lens are not placed from the side when viewed from the front of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b, and the machine is configured so that light is not irradiated from the side when viewed from the front of the front downward inverted R-shaped portion 410b. Furthermore, a decorative pattern is not placed near the switching point P, thereby enabling each of the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 to be properly illuminated.

[0293] In addition, in the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 may not be placed at the transition point (section) between the front positive R-shaped section and the front upper inverted R-shaped section. By configuring it in this way, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

[0294] Furthermore, the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 may not be placed at the transition point (section) between the front lower flat plate section 410a and the front lower inverted R-shaped section 410b, or at the transition point (section) between the front upper inverted R-shaped section and the front upper flat plate section. At the transition point (section) between the front lower flat plate section 410a and the front lower inverted R-shaped section 410b, or at the transition point (section) between the front upper inverted R-shaped section and the front upper flat plate section, the amount of light colliding with the front light guide plate 410 may be sparse (coarse). Therefore, by configuring the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 not to be placed at the transition point (section) between the front upper inverted R-shaped section and the front upper flat plate section, an effect equivalent to the above effect can be achieved.

[0295] Here, with reference to Figure 20, the light focusing methods of the front downward focusing lens 414d, the front right focusing lens 415d, and the front left focusing lens 416d will be described. As shown in Figure 20, each of the focusing lenses 414d, 415d, and 416d has one first end face (the lower end face in Figure 20) that is formed in a straight line shape (or nearly straight line shape), while the other second end face (the upper end face in Figure 20) formed on the opposite side of the first end face is formed in a series of semicircular convex 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 1.49 to 1.53, the light incident from the first end face of each condensing lens 414d, 415d, and 416d is emitted from the second end face in a straight line (or nearly straight line; towards the top of the drawing in Figure 20). As a result, the light incident from the first end face of each condensing lens 414d, 415d, and 416d is focused and emitted in one direction without being diffusely emitted from the second end face side formed in multiple semicircular convex shapes. Therefore, when the LEDs 414c, 415c, and 416c corresponding to the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that you want to light up are lit, the other decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 will not be lit, and only the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that you want to light up will be properly lit. In particular, when attempting to light up the fourth group of decorative patterns 413, which has the lowest probability of winning a jackpot, if the second group of decorative patterns 411 or the third group of decorative patterns 412, which are formed on the same front light guide plate 410 and have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the fourth group of decorative patterns 413, are lit, it may result in a discrepancy in the presentation and prevent the game from being played as intended by the game specifications. Therefore, by configuring the system so that the light directed towards the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has a low probability of hitting the jackpot, is not diffused by the respective condensing lenses 415d and 416d, it is possible to display only the fourth decorative symbol group 413 at the appropriate timing, thereby making it less likely for discrepancies in the performance content to occur.

[0297] In the first embodiment of the pachinko machine 10, each of the decorative pattern groups 411, 412, and 413 on the front light guide plate 410 is provided with a condensing lens 414d, 415d, and 416d, respectively, and is configured to emit condensed light. However, for decorative pattern groups with a high probability of winning a jackpot, such as the third decorative pattern 412, a diffusing lens, similar to the one used for lighting the first decorative pattern group 421, may be used instead of a condensing lens. The third decorative pattern 412 is a feature that has a higher probability of winning a jackpot than at least the fourth decorative pattern group 413, and is located in front of the drum display device 81, which the player focuses on during gameplay. Therefore, it is necessary to emit light comprehensively to the third decorative pattern 412 using a diffusing lens so that the player can clearly recognize the third decorative pattern 412. Furthermore, if the third decorative symbol 412, which has a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the fourth decorative symbol group 413, is lit when the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is lit, a discrepancy in the presentation will occur. However, if the third decorative symbol 412 is lit, even if the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has a lower probability of winning a jackpot than the third decorative symbol 412, is lit, players will focus on the execution of the third decorative symbol 412, which has a higher probability of winning a jackpot, and will not pay as much attention to the execution of the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has a lower probability of winning a jackpot, thus making a discrepancy in the presentation less likely to occur. Therefore, by using condensing lenses 415d and 416d for the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has a lower probability of winning a jackpot, and using a diffusing lens for the third decorative symbol 412, which has a higher probability of winning a jackpot, the presentation effect of the front light guide plate 410 can be enhanced, and the player's attention to the game can be increased.

[0298] Here, with reference to Figure 21, the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that are illuminated in 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 illuminate in the direction of light in the horizontal (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 illuminate in the direction of light in the vertical (up-down) direction when viewed from the front of the front light guide plate 410. Note that the third decorative pattern 412, which can be illuminated in the direction of light in the vertical direction when viewed from the front, is illuminated by light in the same direction as the second decorative pattern group 411. For the sake of convenience, the explanation 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 Figure 21(a), the bubble pattern forming the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is configured to be represented by forming multiple continuous vertical grooves (recesses) in the vertical direction when viewed from the front on the front light guide plate 410, along the pattern of the bubble pattern. With this configuration, light guided in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) when viewed from the front (for example, light emitted from the front left LED 416c) collides with the vertical grooves and is reflected (emitted) towards the front side of the front light guide plate 410, so that the bubble pattern is illuminated and displayed so that it can be seen from the front side of the front light guide plate 410 (i.e., the front side of the pachinko machine 10). On the other hand, light guided in the vertical direction (up and down direction) when viewed from the front within the front light guide plate 410 (for example, light emitted from the front downward LED 414c) is not reflected to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, or is difficult to reflect, even when it collides with the vertical groove, and is configured so that it cannot be seen or is difficult to see as a bubble pattern from the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0300] Next, as shown in Figure 21(b), the cherry blossom pattern forming the second decorative pattern group 411 is configured to be represented by forming multiple continuous horizontal grooves (recesses) in the lateral direction when viewed from the front on the front light guide plate 410, along the pattern of the cherry blossom pattern. With this configuration, light guided in the vertical direction (up and down direction) when viewed from the front (for example, light emitted from the front downward LED 414c) collides with the horizontal grooves and is reflected (emitted) towards the front side of the front light guide plate 410, so that the cherry blossom pattern is illuminated and displayed in a visible manner from the front side of the front light guide plate 410 (i.e., the front side of the pachinko machine 10). On the other hand, light guided within the front light guide plate 410 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) when viewed from the front (for example, light emitted from the front left LED 416c) is not reflected to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, or is not easily reflected, even when it collides with the lateral groove, and is configured so that it cannot be seen or is difficult to see as a bubble pattern from the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0301] In this way, by configuring the front light guide plate 410 of the machine 1 such that the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that can be illuminated differ depending on the direction (incident direction) of the light guided into the front light guide plate 410, multiple decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 can be illuminated individually on the front light guide plate 410 of the machine 1, thereby improving the expressiveness of the light guide plate and increasing the level of attention given to the game.

[0302] Furthermore, by using the entire front light guide plate 410 to execute the effects of each decorative pattern group 411, 412, and 413 on the front side and surrounding area of ​​the drum display device 81, the effects can be executed in an area expanded beyond the placement area of ​​the drum display device 81. Therefore, the drum display device 81 and the front light guide plate 410 can be used to execute powerful effects, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0303] Furthermore, the front light guide plate 410 may be configured to display two decorative patterns (for example, a third decorative pattern 412 and a fourth decorative pattern group 413) in the same area (for example, the front side of the drum display device 81 (i.e., the front positive R-shaped area)), and one decorative pattern (for example, the fourth decorative pattern group 413) may be illuminated in response to light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the side, and the other decorative pattern (for example, a third decorative pattern 412) may be illuminated in response to light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the vertical. However, it should be noted that in order to configure a single area to illuminate different decorative patterns in response to light from multiple directions, the irregularities in that area must be made into a complex shape, making the design more difficult compared to the case where one decorative pattern is expressed in one area.

[0304] Next, with reference to Figures 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. Figure 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 that are illuminated on the front light guide plate 410. Figure 22(a) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting mode of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 when the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c are lit on the front light guide plate 410. Figure 22(b) is a schematic diagram showing the lighting mode of the second decorative pattern group 411 when the front downward LEDs 414c on the right end and left end of the front light guide plate 410 are lit. Figure 23 shows the lighting patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 that are illuminated on the front light guide plate 410. Figure 23(a) schematically shows the lighting pattern of the third decorative pattern 412 when the front downward LED 414c in the central part of the front light guide plate 410, excluding the right and left ends, is illuminated. Figure 23(b) schematically shows the lighting patterns of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 when all the front downward LED 414c are illuminated on the front light guide plate 410.

[0305] First, as shown in Figure 22(a), when the front right LED 415c, located to the right of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, lights up in "light blue", the light emitted from the front right LED 415c is focused by the front right focusing lens 415d, and the light is projected straight to the left onto the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 with an optical path width equivalent to the vertical width of the front right focusing lens 415d. Furthermore, when the front left LED 416c, located to the left of the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410, lights up in "light blue," the light emitted from the front left LED 416c is focused by the front left focusing lens 416d, and the light is projected straight to the right onto the flat plate portion below the front light guide plate 410 with an optical path width equivalent to the vertical width of the front left focusing lens 416d.

[0306] In this case, the light projected straight to the left and right onto the lower flat portion of the front light guide plate 410 by the front right focusing lens 415d and the front left focusing lens 416d collides with the vertical grooves of the fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed on the lower flat portion and the lower inverted R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410. As a result, the lateral light is emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, causing the fourth decorative pattern group 413 to light up and be visible in "light blue" on the front side of the front light guide plate 410. At this time, the light focused by the respective condensing lenses 415d and 416d does not reach the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 formed on the positive R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, and the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 are not visible or difficult to see on the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0307] More specifically, light incident from the side of the lower flat portion of the front light guide plate 410 by the front right condensing lens 415d and the front left condensing lens 416d is guided straight left and right along the lower flat portion, and then slightly diffuses upward when viewed from the front, reaching the lower inverted R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, while not reaching or having difficulty reaching the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat portion. As a result, the light guided into the front light guide plate 410 by the front right-facing condensing lens 415d and the front left-facing condensing lens 416d illuminates only the fourth decorative pattern group 413, which is located on the lower flat plate portion and the lower inverted R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410, so that it is visible from the player's line of sight on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 (for example, at the horizontal position where the drum display device 81 is installed), while the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412, which are located on the positive R-shaped portion, are not visible or difficult to see from the player's line of sight on the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0308] Furthermore, by sequentially lighting up the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c from bottom to top, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 may be controlled to appear as if it is floating above the front light guide plate 410.

[0309] Next, as shown in Figure 22(b), when the front downward LEDs 414c located at the right and left ends of the front downward LEDs 414c provided below the front light guide plate 410 are illuminated in "pink", the light emitted from these front downward LEDs 414c is focused by the semicircular portions 1 at the right and left ends of the front downward focusing lens 414d, respectively, and illuminates the lower flat plate portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 in a straight upward direction with an optical path width equivalent to the width of the semicircular portion 1.

[0310] In this case, the light emitted by the front downward focusing lens 414d directly upwards onto the lower flat section, lower inverted R-shaped section, positive R-shaped section, upper inverted R-shaped section, and upper flat section of the front light guide plate 410 collides with the horizontal grooves of the second decorative pattern group 411 formed on the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410. As a result, the vertical light is emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, causing the second decorative pattern group 411 to light up in "pink" and be visible on the front side of the front light guide plate 410. However, if the light emitted from the front downward LEDs 414c located at the right and left ends is focused by the front downward focusing lens 414d, the focused light does not reach the third decorative pattern 412, making the third decorative pattern 412 invisible or difficult to see on the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0311] More specifically, the light incident on the front downward focusing lens 414d from the lower sides of the right and left portions of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 is guided straight upward through the lower flat plate portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion. Although the light diffuses slightly in the left-right direction when viewed from the front in the lower flat plate portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion, the position of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the position of the third decorative pattern 412, which are located in the positive R-shaped portion, are set at a predetermined distance apart, so the light does not reach the position of the third decorative pattern 412 in the positive R-shaped portion. As a result, the light guided into the front light guide plate 410 by the front downward focusing lens 414d illuminates only the second decorative pattern group 411 located on the right and left sides of the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410, making it visible, while the third decorative pattern 412 located in the central part of the positive R-shaped section becomes invisible or difficult to see.

[0312] Furthermore, the lower flat section and the lower inverted R-shaped section, which are the optical paths for light irradiated straight upwards to the lower flat section, lower inverted R-shaped section, positive R-shaped section, upper inverted R-shaped section, and upper flat section of the front light guide plate 410, have a fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed by vertical grooves. However, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of vertical grooves is shaped in such a way that light irradiated vertically from the front downward LEDs 414c at the right and left ends does not or does not easily exit to the front side of the front light guide plate 410. As a result, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is not illuminated on the front side of the front light guide plate 410, making it invisible or difficult to see.

[0313] Next, as shown in Figure 23(a), when the front downward LEDs 414c located below the front light guide plate 410, excluding the rightmost and leftmost LEDs 414c, are illuminated in "green", the light emitted from these front downward LEDs 414c is focused by the semicircular portions of the front downward focusing lens 414d, excluding the rightmost and leftmost portions, and illuminates the lower flat portion, lower inverted R-shaped portion, positive R-shaped portion, upper inverted R-shaped portion, and upper flat portion of the front light guide plate 410 straight upward with an optical path width equivalent to the width of the semicircular portion corresponding to the emitting front downward LED 414c.

[0314] In this case, the light emitted by the front downward focusing lens 414d onto the lower flat section, lower inverted R-shaped section, positive R-shaped section, upper inverted R-shaped section, and upper flat section of the front light guide plate 410 collides with the horizontal groove of the third decorative pattern 412 formed on the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410. This vertical light is emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, causing the third decorative pattern 412 to light up in "green" and be visible on the front side of the front light guide plate 410. However, if the light emitted from the front downward LED 414c located at a position other than the right end and left end is focused by the front downward focusing lens 414d, the focused light does not reach the second decorative pattern group 411, and the second decorative pattern group 411 becomes invisible or difficult to see on the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0315] More specifically, the light incident on the front downward condensing lens 414d from the lower side of the central portion of the lower flat plate of the front light guide plate 410 is guided straight upward through the lower flat plate, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate. At the same time, it diffuses slightly in the left-right direction when viewed from the front in the lower flat plate, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate. However, because the positions of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412, which are located in the positive R-shaped portion, are set at a predetermined distance apart, the light does not reach the position of the second decorative pattern group 411 in the positive R-shaped portion. As a result, the light guided into the front light guide plate 410 by the front downward focusing lens 414d illuminates only the third decorative pattern 412 located in the central part of the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410, making it visible, while the second decorative pattern group 411 located in the right and left parts of the positive R-shaped section becomes invisible or difficult to see.

[0316] Furthermore, the lower flat section and the lower inverted R-shaped section, which are the optical paths for light irradiated straight upwards to the lower flat section, lower inverted R-shaped section, normal R-shaped section, upper inverted R-shaped section, and upper flat section of the front light guide plate 410, have a fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed by vertical grooves. However, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of vertical grooves is shaped in such a way that light irradiated vertically from the front downward LEDs 414c, except for the right and left ends, does not or does not easily exit to the front side of the front light guide plate 410. As a result, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is not illuminated on the front side of the front light guide plate 410, making it invisible or difficult to see.

[0317] Next, as shown in Figure 23(b), when the front downward LEDs 414c located at the right and left ends of the front downward LEDs 414c provided below the front light guide plate 410 are illuminated in "pink", the light emitted from these front downward LEDs 414c is focused by the 1 semicircular portion at the right and left ends of the front downward focusing lens 414d, respectively, and illuminates the lower flat portion, lower inverted R-shaped portion, positive R-shaped portion, upper inverted R-shaped portion and upper flat portion of the front light guide plate 410 straight upward with an optical path width equivalent to the width of the 1 semicircular portion. Furthermore, when any of the front downward LEDs 414c located below the front light guide plate 410, except for the rightmost and leftmost ones, are illuminated in "green", the light emitted from these LEDs is focused by the semicircular portions of the front downward focusing lens 414d, excluding the rightmost and leftmost portions, and illuminates the lower flat portion, lower inverted R-shaped portion, positive R-shaped portion, upper inverted R-shaped portion, and upper flat portion of the front light guide plate 410 straight upward with an optical path width equivalent to the width of the semicircular portion corresponding to the emitting front downward LED 414c.

[0318] In this case, the light projected straight upward by the front downward focusing lens 414d onto the lower flat section, lower inverted R-shaped section, positive R-shaped section, upper inverted R-shaped section, and upper flat section of the front light guide plate 410 collides with the horizontal grooves of the second decorative pattern group 411 formed on the positive R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410. As a result, the vertical light is emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, causing the second decorative pattern group 411 to light up in "pink" and the third decorative pattern 412 to light up in "green" on the front side of the front light guide plate 410.

[0319] More specifically, the "green" light incident on the front light guide plate 410 from the lower side of the central portion of the lower flat plate by the front downward focusing lens 414d is guided straight upward through the lower flat plate, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate. While it diffuses slightly in the left-right direction when viewed from the front in the lower flat plate, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate, the position of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the position of the third decorative pattern 412, which are located in the positive R-shaped portion, are set at a predetermined distance apart, so the light does not reach the position of the second decorative pattern 411 in the positive R-shaped portion. Furthermore, the "pink" light incident on the front downward condensing lens 414d from the lower sides of the right and left portions of the lower flat plate portion of the front light guide plate 410 is guided straight upward through the lower flat plate portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion. Although it diffuses slightly in the left-right direction when viewed from the front in the lower flat plate portion, the lower inverted R-shaped portion, the positive R-shaped portion, the upper inverted R-shaped portion, and the upper flat plate portion, the position of the second decorative pattern group 411 and the position of the third decorative pattern 412, which are located in the positive R-shaped portion, are set at a predetermined distance apart, so the light does not reach the position of the third decorative pattern 412 in the positive R-shaped portion. As a result, when the light guided into the front light guide plate 410 by the front downward focusing lens 414d illuminates the different decorative patterns 411 and 412 arranged on the positive R-shaped part of the front light guide plate 410, even if the light is guided to each decorative pattern 411 and 412 with different illumination colors, the lights will not mix, and each will be illuminated with its own individual display color.

[0320] On the other hand, the lower flat section and the lower inverted R-shaped section of the front light guide plate 410, which are the optical paths for light irradiated straight upwards to the lower flat section, the lower inverted R-shaped section, the normal R-shaped section, the upper inverted R-shaped section, and the upper flat section, have a fourth decorative pattern group 413 formed by vertical grooves. However, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of vertical grooves is shaped in such a way that it does not allow light irradiated vertically from the front downward LED 414c to be emitted to the front side of the front light guide plate 410, or makes it difficult to do so. As a result, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is not illuminated on the front side of the front light guide plate 410, making it invisible or difficult to see.

[0321] In this way, when multiple decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 are formed on the front light guide plate 410 of the machine, the light emitted from each LED 414c, 415c, and 416c is collected and illuminated, and the machine is configured so that each decorative pattern 411, 412, and 413 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 depending on the direction of the incident light. By configuring the machine in this way, the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that are to be lit up according to the game result are lit up at the appropriate timing, and the decorative patterns 411, 412, and 413 that are not to be lit up are reliably kept off-center. This prevents inconsistencies in the performance while utilizing the entire front light guide plate 410 to create a variety of performances and increase the player's attention to the game.

[0322] Furthermore, the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has the lowest probability of winning a jackpot, is formed in the area where the vertical and horizontal light paths overlap (i.e., the lower flat plate section and the lower inverted R-shaped section), and is configured so that the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is visible only with horizontal light. In addition, the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol group 412, which have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the fourth decorative symbol group 413, are formed in the areas where the vertical and horizontal light paths do not overlap (i.e., the positive R-shaped section and the upper inverted R-shaped section), and is configured so that the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol group 412 are visible only with vertical light. Here, even if the fourth decorative symbol group 413 becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 due to light in the vertical direction, this vertical light is illuminated when the second decorative symbol group 411 or the third decorative symbol 412, which have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the fourth decorative symbol group 413, are illuminated. Therefore, even if the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is illuminated when the second decorative symbol group 411 or the third decorative symbol 412 are illuminated, the discrepancy in the presentation is small. Thus, by forming the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has the lowest probability of winning a jackpot, in the area where the light paths of the vertical and horizontal directions of the light overlap, even if the fourth decorative symbol group 413 becomes visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 at an unintended timing, the discrepancy in the presentation can be minimized, and a game that does not feel unnatural to the player can be provided.

[0323] Next, with reference to Figures 24 and 25, the effects produced by the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 24 is a diagram showing the effects produced by the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81. Figure 24(a) schematically shows the unlit state of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413. Figure 24(b) schematically shows the unlit state of the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, and the third decorative pattern 412, while the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is lit. Figure 25 shows the effects performed by the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81. Figure 25(a) schematically shows the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 in an illuminated state, while the first decorative pattern group 421 and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are not illuminated. Figure 25(b) schematically shows the first decorative pattern group 421 in an illuminated state, while the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are not illuminated. Note that in Figures 24 and 25, each LED 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, 424 and each condensing lens 414d, 415d, 416d are omitted from the representation.

[0324] First, as shown in Figure 24(a), the LEDs 414c, 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern group 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the front light guide plate 410, as well as the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420, are in a non-illuminated (off) state. As a result, the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern group 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are not visible or are difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0325] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 24(a), the display content (stopping pattern) of the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the position where 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 formed, is visible. Specifically, the left reel LR displays "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, and the middle reel CR and right reel RR display "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, respectively, which can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0326] In the first embodiment, the fourth decorative symbol group 413, which has the lowest probability of winning a jackpot, is formed in the front light guide plate 410 in the portion where the vertical light path and the horizontal light path overlap (i.e., the lower flat plate portion and the lower inverted R-shaped portion), and the fourth decorative symbol group 413 is configured to be visible only with horizontal light. In addition, the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol group 412, which have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the fourth decorative symbol group 413, are formed in the portion of the front light guide plate 410 where the vertical light path and the horizontal light path do not overlap (i.e., the positive R-shaped portion and the upper inverted R-shaped portion), and the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol group 412 are configured to be visible only with vertical light. Furthermore, the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 is formed on the back side of the portion of the front light guide plate 410 where the vertical and horizontal light paths do not overlap (i.e., the positive R-shaped portion and the upper inverted R-shaped portion), and a drum display device 81 that performs the variation effect of the third symbol, which is the main effect of the game, is placed there. In this way, the drum display device 81 that performs the variation effect of the third symbol, which is the main effect of the game, is placed in the portion of the front light guide plate 410 where the vertical and horizontal light paths do not overlap (i.e., the positive R-shaped portion and the upper inverted R-shaped portion), and the first decorative pattern group 421, which is the effect with the highest probability of winning a jackpot in the variation effect, is configured so as not to hinder the display results of the variation effect, which is important to the game, and the effect with the highest probability of winning a jackpot, while enhancing the effect of the front light guide plate 410, the rear light guide plate 420, and the drum display device 81, thereby increasing attention to the game.

[0327] Next, as shown in Figure 24(b), the front right LED 415c and the front left LED 416c corresponding to the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the front light guide plate 410 are both lit in "light blue," while the LEDs 414c, 422c, and 424 corresponding to 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 not lit (off). As a result, the fourth decorative pattern group 413 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, while the first decorative pattern group 421, the second decorative pattern group 411, and the third decorative pattern 412 are not visible or are difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0328] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 24(b), similar to Figure 24(a), the display content (stopping pattern) of the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the position where 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 formed, is visible. Specifically, the left reel LR displays "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, and the middle reel CR and right reel RR display "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, respectively, as can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0329] Therefore, when the third symbol variation effect is executed on the drum display device 81 located on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the effect is executed by the fourth decorative symbol group 413 formed on the lower flat portion and the lower inverted R-shaped portion of the front light guide plate 410. This creates an integrated and three-dimensional, powerful effect between the drum display device 81 and the front light guide plate 410, thereby enhancing the effect of each device 81 and 410 and increasing the player's attention to the game.

[0330] Next, as shown in Figure 25(a), the front downward LEDs 414c at the right and left ends of the front light guide plate 410 corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411 are lit in "pink," and the front downward LEDs 414c other than the right and left ends corresponding to the third decorative pattern 412 of the front light guide plate 410 are lit in "green." On the other hand, the LEDs 415c, 416c, 422c, and 424 corresponding to the fourth decorative pattern group 413 of the front light guide plate 410 and the first decorative pattern group 421 of the rear light guide plate 420 are not lit (off). As a result, the second decorative pattern group 411 and the third decorative pattern 412 are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, while the first decorative pattern group 421 and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are not visible or are difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0331] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 25(a), similar to Figures 24(a) and 24(b), the display content (stopping pattern) of the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the position where 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 formed, is visible. Specifically, the left reel LR displays "7" in the upper position, a "blank pattern" in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, and the middle reel CR and right reel RR display "7" in the upper position, a "blank pattern" in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, respectively, as can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0332] Therefore, when the third symbol variation effect is executed on the drum display device 81 located on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the effect is performed by the second decorative symbol group 411 and the third decorative symbol 412 formed on the positive R-shaped part of the front light guide plate 410. This creates an integrated and three-dimensional, powerful effect between the drum display device 81 and the front light guide plate 410, thereby enhancing the effect of each device 81 and 410 and increasing the player's attention to the game.

[0333] Next, as shown in Figure 25(b), the rear upper LED 422c and rear lower LED 424 of the rear light guide plate 420, corresponding to the first decorative pattern group 421, are lit in "red," "blue," and "green," respectively, while the LEDs 414c, 415c, and 416c of the front light guide plate 410, corresponding to the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413, are not lit (off). As a result, the first decorative pattern group 421 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, while the second decorative pattern group 411, the third decorative pattern 412, and the fourth decorative pattern group 413 are not visible or are difficult to see from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0334] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 25(b), similar to Figures 24(a), 24(b), and 25(a), the display content (stopping pattern) of the drum display device 81, which is located on the rear side of the position where 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 formed, is visible. Specifically, the left reel LR displays "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, and the middle reel CR and right reel RR display "7" in the upper position, a blank pattern in the middle position, and an "8" in the lower position, respectively, as can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[0335] Therefore, when the third symbol variation effect is executed on the drum display device 81 located on the back side of the front light guide plate 410 and the rear light guide plate 420, the effect is executed by the first decorative symbol group 421 formed on the positive R-shaped part of the rear light guide plate 420. This creates an integrated and three-dimensional, powerful effect between the drum display device 81 and the rear light guide plate 420, thereby enhancing the effect of each device 81 and 420 and increasing the player's attention to the game.

[0336] In this way, by combining the variation effect of the third symbol in the drum display device 81 with the effects in the light guide unit 400 having a front light guide plate 410 and a rear light guide plate 420, a variety of effects can be performed, enhancing the effects of the drum display device 81, the front light guide plate 410, and the rear light guide plate 420, and increasing the player's attention to the game.

[0337] More specifically, by executing effects related to the variation effect (for example, the probability of a big win) on the front side (front side of the pachinko machine 10) and surrounding area (front view, top, bottom, left, and right areas of the display area of ​​the drum display device 81) that executes the variation effect of the third symbol, the performance area of ​​the variation effect of the third symbol can be expanded in two and three dimensions, making it possible to execute a powerful variation effect of the third symbol.

[0338] Furthermore, when configuring the game to execute multiple patterns of animations indicating the probability of a jackpot in the variable animation, animations with a low probability of a jackpot (i.e., the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol group 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413) are concentrated on one light guide plate (i.e., the front light guide plate 410), while animations with a high probability of a jackpot (i.e., the first decorative symbol group 421) are placed on another light guide plate (i.e., the rear light guide plate 420). This suppresses the display of animations with a high probability of a jackpot due to noise or the player's viewing angle when executing animations with a low probability of a jackpot, thereby enabling the execution of animations without discrepancies.

[0339] More specifically, if a high probability of winning a jackpot (i.e., the first decorative symbol group 421) and a low probability of winning a jackpot (i.e., the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413) are provided on the same light guide plate, when attempting to light up the low probability of winning a jackpot, the player's height and posture may affect their viewing position of the light guide plate. Depending on the viewing angle, the light intended for the low probability of winning a jackpot may appear to illuminate the high probability of winning a jackpot. When this occurs, the player may expect a jackpot because they believe a high probability of winning a jackpot is being performed, even though the third symbol's variation is actually low probability of winning a jackpot. Conversely, if a jackpot does not occur in that variation, the player may mistakenly believe that a variation that should have a high probability of winning a jackpot is actually low probability of winning a jackpot.

[0340] Therefore, when configuring the game to execute multiple patterns of animations that indicate the probability of a jackpot in a variable animation, animations with a low probability of a jackpot (i.e., the second decorative symbol group 411, the third decorative symbol group 412, and the fourth decorative symbol group 413) are concentrated on one light guide plate (i.e., the front light guide plate 410), while animations with a high probability of a jackpot (i.e., the first decorative symbol group 421) are placed on another light guide plate (i.e., the rear light guide plate 420). This prevents misinterpretation due to noise or differences in viewing position depending on the player's height or posture when executing animations with a low probability of a jackpot, and provides the player with animations that match the design specifications.

[0341] Furthermore, when configuring the system to execute multiple patterns of effects indicating the probability of a big win in the variation effect using multiple light guide plates 410 and 420, by utilizing the concentrating lenses 414d, 415d, and 416d in one light guide ...

Claims

[Claim 1] It includes a means for performing predetermined effects in accordance with the progress of the game. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images