Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of players. [Solution] In a gaming machine comprising a light-transmitting member having light-transmitting properties and a light source into which light can be incident from the side of the light-transmitting member, the light-transmitting member is provided with a reflective portion that reflects the light from the light source incident from the side to the front side of the light-transmitting member, and the reflective portion is configured to be located on the front of the light-transmitting member and on the side of the light-transmitting member opposite to the side.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there has been devised a gaming machine including a light source such as an LED, a light guide plate into which light from the light source can be incident and which guides the light in a predetermined direction, and a sheet irradiated with the light guided by the light guide plate, and capable of irradiating the sheet with light so that the sheet appears to emit light (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the gaming machine as described above, although it is possible to improve the production effect and enhance the interest of the player, in recent years as the gaming performance and production diversify, the appearance of a gaming machine with a more diverse production expression and capable of enhancing the interest of the player has been desired.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest of the player.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. (1) The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a translucent member having translucency and a light source capable of incident light from a side portion of the translucent member, and the translucent member is provided with a reflection portion that reflects light from the light source incident from the side portion to the front side of the translucent member. A decorative part of a predetermined shape is provided on the front side of the light-transmitting member.The aforementioned reflective portion is The decorative part is arranged to frame the aforementioned decorative part, The side of the light-transmitting member opposite to the aforementioned side Distributed to It is characterized by being placed in a specific location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the players. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the exterior of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine with its front door open. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view of the game board and set board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the decorative panel unit of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is a design sheet for a pachinko machine and a magnified front view of the light guide lens. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the reflection of light in a light guide lens. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the design sheet attached to the light guide lens. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the design sheet glows. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the front / rear (front and rear), left / right (sides), and up / down (bottom) directions of each component provided in the pachinko machine P refer to the directions when the pachinko machine P is viewed from the front with each component fixed to the pachinko machine P.

[0010] (External configuration of a Pachinko machine P) The gaming machine in this configuration is a pachinko machine P that uses game balls as the game medium. Although not specifically shown in the illustrations, generally, in a gaming parlor where pachinko machines P are installed, multiple pachinko machines P are arranged in a row in an area called an island, and a game ball dispensing device (not specifically shown) for dispensing game balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. In addition, each pachinko machine P is connected to the corresponding game ball dispensing device. The game ball dispensing device allows for the insertion of banknotes and a storage medium (card) that stores the value information necessary for dispensing game balls. By inserting banknotes (or a card) into the game ball dispensing device and then performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P, the player can receive game balls from the game ball dispensing device.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the pachinko machine P comprises a rectangular frame F1 fixed to an island and having a hollow section (not shown), a rectangular frame F2 attached to the machine frame F1 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown) and having a hollow section (not shown), and a front door D attached to the main door F2 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown) and having an opening (not shown) on its front.

[0012] A lower speaker SP2 is provided in the lower left part of the machine frame F1, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In addition, the hollow part of the main frame F2 houses a game board 110 for forming the game area 120, and a set plate 100 which is positioned behind the game board 110 (see Figure 4). The set plate 100 is a box-shaped member having an opening (not shown) that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. A control device (not shown) for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P and a liquid crystal display device 200 for displaying images are attached to the back of the set plate 100. The game board 110 is a colorless and transparent synthetic resin plate-shaped member having a rectangular shape in a front view with a predetermined thickness, and an opening 110A penetrating in the front-rear direction is provided in the central portion. Further, a decorative panel unit 1 that emits light in various colors is provided on the back surface of the game board 110 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Details of the decorative panel unit 1 will be described later.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the front door D is provided with a transparent plate 400 that covers the opening, an upper plate 600 and a saucer 700 that are located below the transparent plate 400 and can receive game balls, an operation handle 500 that is attached to the right of the saucer 700 and is used to perform a shooting operation of the game balls, and upper speakers SP1 that are attached one by one to the upper left and right of the transparent plate 400. Further, on the outer periphery of the front door D, an effect lamp 230 that performs an effect by emitting light in various colors and light emission patterns is provided. Although not particularly shown, this effect lamp 230 is composed of LEDs that can emit light in a plurality of colors.

[0014] The upper plate 600 is configured to guide game balls lent out by a game ball lending device and prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine P. The upper plate 600 can receive a predetermined amount of game balls. When the upper plate 600 is full of game balls, the game balls lent out or paid out thereafter are guided to the saucer 700. Further, although not particularly shown, a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening / closing plate that can open and close the discharge hole are provided on the bottom surface of the saucer 700. In a normal state, although the discharge hole is closed by the opening / closing plate, by moving an opening / closing lever 800 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally with the opening / closing plate in the lateral direction, the opening / closing plate also moves in the same direction and the discharge hole is opened. Thereby, the game balls can be dropped from the discharge hole and discharged outside the saucer 700.

[0015] The operation handle 500 is for hitting out game balls and is formed so that a player can rotate it. Here, the upper plate 600 has a supply passage (not particularly shown) for supplying game balls to a game ball launching device (not particularly shown). When the player rotates the operation handle 500 to perform a launching operation in a state where the game balls on the upper plate 600 are supplied from the supply passage to the launching device, the game balls are launched by a launching mechanism (not particularly shown) with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 500.

[0016] Then, when the pachinko machine P closes the main body frame F2 with respect to the machine frame F1 and further closes the front door D, the transparent plate 400 is positioned with a gap in front of the game board 110. As a result, the game board 110 located behind can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 400, and the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 located further behind the game board 110 can be visually recognized from the opening 100A of the game board 110.

[0017] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a guide rail R composed of a metal outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 is provided on the board surface of the game board 110 (the portion excluding the opening 100A in the game board 110). Among the spaces formed between the game board 110 and the transparent plate 400 in a state where the main body frame F2 and the front door D are closed with respect to the machine frame F1, a region formed between the inside of the guide rail R (the center side of the game board 110) and the opening 100A and through which the game balls can flow down constitutes the game area 120. Further, in the left region of the game area 120, a game ball launching passage is formed between the outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2, and when the launching intensity of the game balls launched from the launching mechanism is sufficient, the game balls travel upward along the outer rail R1 in the launching passage and are released into the game area 120 from the upper left part of the game area 120.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the game area 120 consists of a first game area 121, which is the area to the left of the player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 122, which is the area to the right of the player facing the pachinko machine P. The possibility of game balls entering these two game areas 120 differs depending on the launching strength of the launching device. Specifically, if the launching strength of the launching device is less than a predetermined strength (a strength such that the game ball launched by the launching device does not reach the highest point of the game area 120), the game ball enters the first game area 121. On the other hand, if the launching strength of the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength (a strength such that the game ball launched by the launching device can reach the highest point of the game area 120), the game ball enters the second game area 122.

[0019] Within the game area 120, as shown in Figure 3, there is a windmill and numerous nails (not specifically shown) to make the direction of the flow of the game balls irregular, a general prize entry opening 140 into which game balls can enter, a first starting prize entry opening 150 which serves as a starting area into which game balls can enter, an upper unit U1 and a lower unit U2 made of a colorless, transparent synthetic resin case member with components used for the progression of the game inside, and an out opening 190 that guides the game balls out of the game area 120. In addition, the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 fixed to the set plate 100 is located in the center of the game area 120 (opening 110A of the game board 110), and the display screen 210 is visible.

[0020] There are two general prize slots 140 located in the lower left of the game area 120 (below the first game area 121). The number of general prize slots 140 is not limited to two, nor is their installation location limited to the illustrated location.

[0021] The first starting prize entry point 150 is located in the lower center of the game area 120. Only game balls flowing down the first game area 121 can enter the first starting prize entry point 150, and game balls flowing down the second game area 122 cannot enter the first starting prize entry point 150.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the upper unit U1 is attached to a notch (not shown) in the game board 110 so as to be located from the upper right to the center of the game area 120 (from the upper to the center of the second game area 122). Inside the upper unit U1, components used for the progression of the game are provided, including a gate 130 through which game balls can pass, a second starting prize entry opening 160 which serves as a starting area into which game balls can enter, and a flow passage (not shown) through which game balls can flow down.

[0023] Gate 130 is located in the upper interior of the upper unit U1, and the second starting prize entry opening 160 is located to the lower right of gate 130 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, a movable piece 161 is provided to the left of the second starting prize entry opening 160 to guide the game ball to the second starting prize entry opening 160. The movable piece 161 is a component that can protrude from and retract into the game board 110. When the movable piece 161 is retracted into the game board 110, the game ball is not guided to the second starting prize entry opening 160 and the game ball cannot enter the second starting prize entry opening 160. On the other hand, when the movable piece 161 protrudes from the game board 110, the protruding movable piece 161 functions as a guide member that directs the game ball flowing down the second game area 122 toward the second starting prize entry opening 160, thereby enabling the game ball to enter the second starting prize entry opening 160. The configuration of the movable piece 161 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be configured as a pair of wing members that rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 110 to open and close the second starting prize opening 160, or as a lid member that rotates front and back around a horizontal axis to open and close the second starting prize opening 160, or as a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second starting prize opening 160.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the lower unit U2 is attached to the game board 110 so as to be located from the center right to the lower right of the game area 120 (from the center to the lower part of the second game area 122), and with the upper unit U1 and the lower unit U2 attached to the game board 110, the lower end of the upper unit U1 and the upper end of the lower unit U2 are connected. Inside the lower unit U2, an attacker device 170 is provided as a component used for the progression of the game, and a flow passage (not specifically shown) through which game balls can flow down is formed.

[0025] The attacker device 170 is located inside the upper part of the lower unit U2 (see Figure 3). This attacker device 170 includes a large prize opening 180 into which game balls can be entered, and an opening / closing plate 181 that opens and closes the large prize opening 180. Under normal conditions, the opening / closing plate 181 is in the closed position, and the large prize opening 180 is closed, so game balls flow straight down in the vicinity of the large prize opening 180, making it impossible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 180. On the other hand, when a special game, which will be described later, is performed, the opening / closing plate 181 is displaced to the open position and functions as a receiving member that guides game balls to the large prize opening 180, making it possible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 180.

[0026] In this pachinko machine P, all game balls that reach the second game area 122 enter the interior of the upper unit U1 and flow down the aforementioned flow passage formed inside the upper unit U1. Game balls flowing down the flow passage can pass through the gate 130 and, when the movable piece 161 is protruding from the game board 110, can enter the second starting prize entry opening 160. Game balls that do not enter the second starting prize entry opening 160 are discharged from the upper unit U1 and enter the interior of the connected lower unit U2. Game balls that enter the lower unit U2 flow down the aforementioned flow passage formed within the lower unit U2. When the opening / closing plate 181 is in the open state, game balls flowing down the flow passage can enter the large prize opening 180. Game balls that do not enter the large prize opening 180 are discharged from the lower unit U2 and flow further down the second game area 122 to reach the out opening 190.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the out-out opening 190 is located at the bottom of the game area 120 and accepts game balls that do not enter any of the general prize-winning openings 140, the first starting prize-winning opening 150, the second starting prize-winning opening 160, or the large prize-winning opening 180. Game balls that are accepted into the out-out opening 190 are guided to the back side of the game board 11 and collected.

[0028] The liquid crystal display device 200 is positioned so that when the game board 110 is viewed from the front, the display screen 210 is located approximately in the center. In addition to displaying a background image, the display screen 210 also displays changing symbols (dummy symbols, not specifically shown) as part of a predetermined presentation pattern. The results of the jackpot lottery, described later, are then communicated to the player based on the stopping display pattern of each symbol.

[0029] (Overview of the game) In the pachinko machine P according to this configuration, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not specifically shown) and flowing down the game area 120 enters one of the entry points, such as the general entry point 140, the first start entry point 150, or the second start entry point 160, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to each entry point are dispensed. Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start entry point 150 or the second start entry point 160, a jackpot lottery is held to determine whether or not to execute a special game in which the large entry point 180 is opened, and a special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery is determined. If it is determined by the jackpot lottery that the special game will be executed (a jackpot is won), the special game is executed. In the special game, a predetermined number of round games are played in which the large entry point 180 is opened. When a game ball enters the large entry point 180, a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed. Furthermore, each round of gameplay begins when the large prize slot 180 opens, and ends when a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) have entered the large prize slot 180, at which point the large prize slot 180 closes. After a predetermined interval period (for example, 2 seconds), the next round of gameplay begins. In addition, after the special game ends, the game transitions to one of several predetermined game states, each with different jackpot winning probabilities (low probability game state, high probability game state), and each with different difficulty levels for entering the second starting prize slot 160 (non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state).

[0030] As mentioned above, the special symbols are determined according to the results of the lottery for the special symbols. If a jackpot is won, one of several types of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot symbols) associated with the jackpot is determined by lottery. Each jackpot symbol has predetermined characteristics such as the number of rounds played during the special game and the type of game state to which it transitions after the special game ends.

[0031] Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry 150, the first special symbol display device (not specifically shown) displays a changing special symbol for a predetermined time, and when a game ball enters the second starting prize entry 160, the second special symbol display device (not specifically shown) displays a changing special symbol for a predetermined time. During this time, the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 displays the aforementioned changing symbols. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the changing display on the first or second special symbol display device stops, and a special symbol indicating the result of the jackpot lottery is displayed. If a jackpot is won, the jackpot symbol is displayed; if it is a loss, the special symbol associated with the loss (hereinafter also referred to as the losing symbol) is displayed. Furthermore, in the variable animations performed on the liquid crystal display device 200, if a jackpot is won, the animation symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner that indicates the result, and if a loss occurs, the animation symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner that indicates the result. When a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device or the second special symbol display device, a special game of the type associated with that jackpot symbol is started.

[0032] Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first starting entry point 150 or the second starting entry point 160 while the special symbol variation display is in progress or during the execution of a special game, this fact is stored (reserved), and the number of stored special symbols (reserved number) is displayed in a predetermined reserved display unit (not specifically shown in the diagram). When the special symbol variation display ends or the special game ends, a jackpot lottery and the determination of the special symbol are carried out based on the reserved symbols. The number of reserved symbols can be up to a maximum predetermined number (for example, 4) based on balls entering the first starting entry point 150 and the second starting entry point 160. When a jackpot lottery and the determination of the special symbol are carried out based on the reserved symbols, the number of reserved symbols displayed in the reserved display unit is reduced accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, when a game ball passes through gate 130, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to extend the movable piece 161, which is attached to the second starting prize entry opening 160, from the game board 110. This lottery is conducted as a lottery for a regular symbol, determining one regular symbol from among several types of regular symbols, each associated with the extension (winning) or non-extension (losing) of the movable piece 161. If the result of this regular symbol lottery is a winning one, the movable piece 161 extends from the game board 110 for a predetermined time, allowing the game ball to enter the second starting prize entry opening 160.

[0034] When a game ball passes through gate 130, a regular symbol display device (not shown in the diagram) displays a changing regular symbol for a predetermined period of time. After the changing time has elapsed, the changing display on the regular symbol display device stops, and a regular symbol indicating the result of the regular symbol lottery is displayed. That is, in the case of a win, the regular symbol associated with the win is displayed, and in the case of a loss, the regular symbol associated with the loss is displayed. When the regular symbol associated with a win is displayed, the movable piece 161 protrudes from the game board 110. As described above, when the movable piece 161 is protruding, a game ball can be entered into the second starting prize entry opening 160, increasing the chances of winning a jackpot and creating a more advantageous state than when the movable piece 161 is not protruding (when it is immersed in the game board 110).

[0035] Furthermore, if a game ball passes through gate 130 while the regular symbol display device is showing a variation of regular symbols, it will be held in reserve up to a maximum predetermined number (for example, 4 balls), similar to the case of special symbols, and the number of reserved regular symbols will be displayed in a predetermined regular symbol reserve display unit (not specifically shown). When the variation display of regular symbols ends, a lottery for regular symbols will be held based on the reserved symbols, the number of reserved symbols will be reduced, and the display of the number of reserved regular symbols in the regular symbol reserve display unit will also be reduced. Furthermore, as described above, any game balls that do not enter the general prize slot 140, the first starting prize slot 150, the second starting prize slot 160, or the large prize slot 180 are received by the out slot 190 and guided to the back side of the game board 110 for collection. Game balls that enter the general prize slot 140, the first starting prize slot 150, the second starting prize slot 160, or the large prize slot 180 are also guided to the back side of the game board 110 for collection.

[0036] (Decorative panel unit 1) Next, the structure of the decorative panel unit 1 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the decorative panel unit 1 is a structure attached to the back of the game board 110, and as shown in Figure 5, it comprises a design sheet 10 positioned on the front facing the player in the pachinko machine P, a light guide lens 20 positioned behind the design sheet 10, a reflector 30 positioned behind the light guide lens 20, an LED substrate 40 positioned behind the reflector 30, and a mounting base 50 positioned behind the LED substrate 40.

[0037] (Design Sheet 10) The design sheet 10 is a colorless, transparent, light-transmitting, elongated, thin sheet made of synthetic resin such as acrylic. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the design sheet 10 has a design portion 11 formed on it, which is decorated with a predetermined character design. The design portion 11 is constructed by drawing a predetermined character on the front surface 10A of the design sheet 10 using light-blocking black opaque (colored opaque) ink by drawing lines and filling in areas, and by making the right edge of the design sheet 10 the shape of the outline of the character. In this embodiment, the design portion 11 is a line drawing of a predetermined character using the aforementioned ink. Specifically, the right edge of the design sheet 10 corresponding to the character is formed to the shape of the outline of the character's profile, and of the parts that make up the character's profile, the hair is filled in, and the ears, eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and the outline of the profile are drawn with lines (see Figure 5). The outline of the profile is drawn by drawing a line of a predetermined thickness that follows the shape of the outline of the profile, slightly to the left of the right edge of the design sheet 10. In other words, the area between the right edge of design sheet 10 and the line drawing the outline of the profile is left blank, with no lines drawn or filled in. Furthermore, as mentioned above, since the design sheet 10 is a colorless and transparent sheet, the parts of the design section 11 that are not drawn or filled in (such as the area from the right edge of the design sheet 10 to the line drawing the outline of the profile, and the parts located inside (to the left of) the outline of the character's profile, excluding the aforementioned parts (i.e., the part corresponding to the character's skin)) are also colorless and transparent. In this specification, the portion of the design portion 11 where lines have been drawn may be referred to as the "drawn line portion 12," the portion where the lines have been filled in may be referred to as the "filled portion 13," and the portion other than the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13 (the portion where lines and fills have not been drawn) may be referred to as the "transparent portion 14." In addition, the drawn line portion 12 that draws the outline of the character's profile (the portion slightly to the left of the right edge of the design sheet 10) may be referred to as the "outline drawing line portion 12A," and the drawn line portion 12 other than the outline drawing line portion 12A may be referred to as the "part drawing line portion 12B." Furthermore, of the transparent portion 14, the portion between the right edge of the design sheet 10 and the line drawing the outline of the profile (outline drawing line portion 12A) may be referred to as the "right edge transparent portion 14A," and the portion other than the right edge transparent portion 14A (the portion corresponding to the character's skin) may be referred to as the "internal transparent portion 14B."

[0038] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the decorative panel unit 1 is attached to the game board 110, the design sheet 10 is positioned on the left side of the back of the game board 110 (see Figures 3 to 5). As shown in Figure 3, a portion of the design part 11 (roughly the left half) is located on the back side of the first game area 121 (the back of the game board 110), and the other portion (roughly the right half) is located inside the opening 110A of the game board 110. In other words, roughly the right half of the design part 11 protrudes from the left side of the back of the game board 110 into the opening 110A of the game board 110. Although the left half of the design portion 11 is covered by the game board 110, since the game board 110 is colorless and transparent, the player can see the left half of the design portion 11 by passing through the game board 110. Furthermore, since the right half of the design portion 11 is located within the opening 110A and is not covered by the game board 110, the player can see the right half of the design portion 11 directly without passing through the game board 110. As a result, the entire design portion 11 is visible.

[0039] (Light guide lens 20) As shown in Figure 5, the light guide lens 20 is a colorless, transparent, light-transmitting, elongated, thin plate-shaped member made of synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.), and is positioned overlapping the back surface 10B of the design sheet 10. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the shape of the right edge of the light guide lens 20 is formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the right edge of the design sheet 10. The design sheet 10 and the light guide lens 20 are positioned overlapping with the right edge of the design sheet 10 coinciding with the right edge of the light guide lens 20 (see Figure 6).

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the light guide lens 20 is provided with storage holes 24 that penetrate in the front-to-back direction and accommodate each of the multiple LEDs 41 mounted on the LED substrate 40 (described later) at positions corresponding to each LED 41. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of storage holes 24 corresponding to the number of LEDs 41 are arranged in a roughly inverted J-shape when viewed from the front, in the range from the upper to the left side of the light guide lens 20 (the range to the left and above the position corresponding to the design portion 11 provided on the design sheet 10). In addition, the reflector 30 (described later) is positioned behind the light guide lens 20 and overlaps with the light guide lens 20, but when the light guide lens 20 and the reflector 30 are positioned overlapping, none of the above-mentioned storage holes 24 overlap with the reflector 30.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, V-shaped grooves 21 are provided on the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20 at positions corresponding to the outer edge 12E of the drawn line portion 12 (excluding the right side portion of the contour drawn line portion 12A (right edge transparent portion 14A)) and the outer edge 13E of the filled portion 13 of the design sheet 10. The V-shaped grooves 21 have a V-shaped cross-section and are groove-like recesses provided so as to follow the outer edge 12E of the drawn line portion 12 and the outer edge 13E of the filled portion 13 when the design sheet 10 and the light guide lens 20 are overlapping (so as to border the outer edge 12E of the drawn line portion 12 and the outer edge 13E of the filled portion 13). These V-shaped grooves 21 are formed by cutting away a predetermined thickness (for example, 0.5 mm) from the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20. Furthermore, when the design sheet 10 and the light guide lens 20 are in overlapping position, the groove bottom 22 of the V-shaped groove 21 (the part corresponding to the apex of the V) and the outer edge 12E of the drawn line section 12 and the outer edge 13E of the filled section 13 are positioned almost in overlapping position (see Figure 8). As a result, the V-shaped groove 21 is composed of a part located inside the outer edge 12E of the drawn line section 12 and the outer edge 13E of the filled section 13 (hereinafter also referred to as the inner V-groove part 21A) and a part located outside the outer edge 12E of the drawn line section 12 and the outer edge 13E of the filled section 13 (hereinafter also referred to as the outer V-groove part 21B). The inner V-groove part 21A is located on the side of the drawn line section 12 and the filled section 13 with the groove bottom 22 in between, while the outer V-groove part 21B is located on the opposite side of the groove bottom 22 from the drawn line section 12 and the filled section 13. Furthermore, the inner portion 21A of the V-shaped groove has a width (horizontal distance from the lateral end to the part corresponding to the apex of the V) that fits within the area of ​​the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13. As a result, the inner portion 21A of the V-shaped groove is covered by the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13, and only the outer portion 21B of the V-shaped groove protrudes outside the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13 (see Figure 8).

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the side surface 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes inward from the front surface 20A to the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20.

[0043] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, with the LED 41 mounted on the LED board 40 (described later) housed in the aforementioned storage hole 24, the inner surface 24A of the storage hole 24 on the side where the design portion 11 of the design sheet 10 is located is illuminated, causing the light passing inside the light guide lens 20 to be reflected to the front side (player side) by the V-shaped groove 21 and the side surface 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0044] Here, the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20 is provided with multiple adhesive areas 23 to which a colorless, transparent adhesive such as glue is applied, and the design sheet 10 is attached (fixed) to the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20 by the adhesive in the adhesive areas 23. The adhesive areas 23 are provided, for example, in the light guide lens 20 in areas corresponding to the part drawing lines 12B and filled areas 13 of the design area 11 of the design sheet 10 (not specifically shown), or in areas corresponding to the right edge transparent area 14A of the design area 11 of the design sheet 10 (see Figure 9). In this specification, the adhesive portion 23 provided in the area corresponding to the part drawing portion 12B or the filled portion 13 may be referred to as the "part adhesive portion," and the adhesive portion 23 provided in the area corresponding to the right edge transparent portion 14A may be referred to as the "contour adhesive portion 23A." Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the part adhesive area is located on the back side of the part line area 12B and the filled area 13, and is approximately the same shape and size as the part line area 12B and the filled area 13. Therefore, when the design sheet 10 is attached to the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20, the part adhesive area is covered by the part line area 12B and the filled area 13 of the design sheet 10, and is not visible from the front. In contrast, as shown in Figure 9, the contour adhesive portion 23A is provided on the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20 at a location corresponding to the right edge transparent portion 14A of the design sheet 10, and is a portion in which adhesive is applied in a band shape of a predetermined width along the right edge of the front surface 20A. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the design sheet 10 and the light guide lens 20 are arranged to overlap with the right edge of the design sheet 10 coinciding with the right edge of the light guide lens 20. In this state, the inner portion 23A1 of the contour adhesive portion 23A is covered by the contour drawing portion 12A located to the left of the right edge transparent portion 14A. That is, when the design sheet 10 is attached to the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20, the inner portion 23A1 of the contour adhesive portion 23A is covered by the contour drawing portion 12A of the design sheet 10, and is therefore not visible from the front. On the other hand, the outer portion 23A2 of the contour adhesive portion 23A is not covered by the contour line portion 12A of the design sheet 10, leaving the adhesive exposed (the adhesive is exposed), and can be seen from the front through the right edge transparent portion 14A of the design sheet 10.

[0045] (Reflector 30) As shown in Figure 5, the reflector 30 is a white, elongated, thin plate-shaped reflective member, and is positioned overlapping the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20. The shape of the right edge of the reflector 30 is formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the right edge of the design sheet 10 and the right edge of the light guide lens 20. The reflector 30 and the light guide lens 20 are positioned overlapping with the right edge of the reflector 30 coinciding with the right edge of the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20. When the design sheet 10, light guide lens 20, and reflector 30 are placed overlapping, the design sheet 10 and the reflector 30 face each other with the light guide lens 20 in between. Here, in the design portion 11 formed on the design sheet 10, the part drawing portion 12A and the filled portion 13 corresponding to each part of the character's profile are opaque black, but the internal transparent portion 14B and the right edge transparent portion 14A are colorless and transparent. Therefore, in the internal transparent portion 14B, the reflector 30 is visible through the colorless and transparent light guide lens 20. As a result, the skin of the character depicted on the design portion 11 is represented by the color of the reflector 30 (white). In other words, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the design portion 11 formed on the design sheet 10 and the reflector 30 corresponding to this design portion 11 constitute the profile (decoration) of a predetermined character. As described above, although the light from the LED 41 passing through the inside of the light guide lens 20 is reflected to the front by the V-shaped groove 21 and the side surface 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20, the light travels while diffusing. Therefore, some of the light may travel toward the back of the light guide lens 20, but the light that travels toward the back of the light guide lens 20 is reflected to the front by the reflector 30.

[0046] (LED board 40) As shown in Figure 5, the LED substrate 40 is a plate member on which multiple LEDs 41 are mounted on the substrate surface 40A. With the substrate surface 40A facing the front side (the back of the reflector 30), it is placed overlapping the back surface 30B of the reflector 30. When the design sheet 10, light guide lens 20, reflector 30, and LED substrate 40 are stacked on top of each other, the light guide lens 20 and the LED substrate 40 face each other with the reflector 30 in between. Multiple LEDs 41 are arranged in a roughly inverted J-shape when viewed from the front, in the area from the upper to the left side of the substrate surface 40A, and are arranged so as not to overlap with the reflector 30 when the design sheet 10, light guide lens 20, reflector 30 and LED substrate 40 are stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, as described above, the light guide lens 20 is provided with storage holes 24 at positions corresponding to each of the multiple LEDs 41, so that when the design sheet 10, light guide lens 20, reflector 30 and LED substrate 40 are stacked on top of each other, one LED 41 will fit inside each storage hole 24 (see Figure 7). As described above, by illuminating the inner surface 24A of the storage hole 24 with the LED 41, the light passing through the inside of the light guide lens 20 is reflected to the front side (player side) by the V-shaped groove 21 and the side 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20, causing the design portion 11 of the design sheet 10 to emit light. In this embodiment, all LEDs 41 are full-color LEDs capable of emitting different chromatic colors such as red, green, and blue light, but the invention is not limited to this, and white LEDs capable of emitting only white light may also be used. Furthermore, instead of making all LEDs 41 full-color LEDs, some LEDs 41 may be full-color LEDs and the others white LEDs.

[0047] (Mounting base 50) As shown in Figure 5, the mounting base 50 is a thin plate-like member that is roughly inverted U-shaped when viewed from the front, and is positioned behind the LED substrate 40. This mounting base 50 serves as the base for the decorative panel unit 1. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the light guide lens 20 to which the design sheet 10 is attached is fixed with a reflector 30 sandwiched between the light guide lens 20 and the LED substrate 40, and the decorative panel unit 1 is formed by attaching the LED substrate 40 to the front surface 50A of the mounting base 50. The decorative panel unit 1 thus formed is then attached to the back of the game board 110.

[0048] (Overview of the illumination of decorative panel unit 1) Next, an overview of the light emission of the decorative panel unit 1 having the above configuration will be described. When the LED 41 mounted on the LED board 40 lights up, the light from the LED 41 enters the light guide lens 20 from the inner surface 24A of the housing hole 24, and travels through the light guide lens 20 while diffusing. Specifically, the light travels towards the right side of the light guide lens 20 (towards the right edge), the back side of the light guide lens 20, the front side of the light guide lens 20, etc. The light that travels towards the right side of the light guide lens 20 is reflected to the front side by the V-shaped groove 21 and the side surface 20C of the right edge, and illuminates the design sheet 10. The light that travels towards the back side of the light guide lens 20 is reflected to the front side by the reflector 30, passes through the light guide lens 20 again, and illuminates the design sheet 10. The light that travels towards the front side of the light guide lens 20 illuminates the design sheet 10 as is.

[0049] As described above, the design sheet 10 has a design section 11 in which the profile of a predetermined character is depicted. Of the design section 11, the internal transparent section 14B, which corresponds to the skin part of the character's profile, is colorless and transparent, while the outline line section 12A, which corresponds to the outline of the character's profile, the part line sections 12B, which correspond to each part, and the filled-in section 13 are black and opaque.

[0050] As a result, the colorless, transparent internal transparent section 14B emits light when light shining on the design sheet 10 passes through it. This makes the character's skin appear brighter due to the color (white) of the reflector 30, improving the expressiveness and visibility of the skin.

[0051] On the other hand, the black, opaque part lines 12B and filled areas 13 do not receive light from the design sheet 10, and the part lines 12B and filled areas 13 themselves do not emit light. Here, V-shaped grooves 21 are provided in the light guide lens 20 at locations corresponding to the outer edges 12E of the part lines 12B and the outer edges 13E of the filled areas 13, so as to outline the outer edges 12E and 13E. Light from the LED 41 is reflected to the front by these V-shaped grooves 21, illuminating the outer edges 12E of the part lines 12B and the outer edges 13E of the filled areas 13. As the illuminating light passes through the outer edges 12E and 13E, light emission occurs that outlines these outer edges 12E and 13E (see Figure 10). The dotted lines in Figure 10 indicate the light emission that outlines the outer edges 12E and 13E. This allows the outer edges of each part of a character's profile, drawn with opaque black ink, to appear brighter, highlighting the contours of each part and improving expressiveness.

[0052] As described above, the V-shaped groove 21 is composed of an inner V-shaped groove portion 21A located on the side of the part line portion 12B and the filled portion 13, with the groove bottom 22 in between, and an outer V-shaped groove portion 21B located on the opposite side of the groove bottom 22 from the part line portion 12B and the filled portion 13. The inner V-shaped groove portion 21A is covered by the part line portion 12B and the filled portion 13, while the outer V-shaped groove portion 21B protrudes to the outside of the part line portion 12B and the filled portion 13. In other words, the outer edges 12E and 13E are formed to be bordered by only half of the V-shaped groove 21 (the outer V-shaped groove portion 21B). This prevents the range of light emission bordering the outer edges 12E and 13E from becoming too wide, making it possible to effectively highlight the contours of each of the parts. Furthermore, if, for example, the inner part 21A of the V-shaped groove is also positioned outside the part drawing area 12B and the filled area 13, and the entire V-shaped groove 21 is used to border the outer edge 12E and outer edge 13E, the orientation of the inner surface of the inner part 21A of the V-shaped groove and the inner surface of the outer part 21B of the V-shaped groove will be different, resulting in uneven light reflection and potentially making it difficult to distinguish the outlines of each of the parts. However, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the outer edge 12E and outer edge 13E are bordered by only half of the V-shaped groove 21 (the outer part 21B of the V-shaped groove), resulting in uniform light reflection and preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem.

[0053] Furthermore, the right edge transparent portion 14A, which is the area between the right edge of the design sheet 10 and the line drawing the outline of the profile (outline drawing portion 12A), corresponds to the outline bonding portion 23A of the light guide lens 20, where a colorless, transparent adhesive (glue) is applied. The light reflected to the front by the side surface 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20A is directed onto the right edge transparent portion 14A via the outer portion 23A2 of the outline bonding portion 23A, where the adhesive is exposed. Here, the light directed onto the right edge transparent portion 14A passes through the light guide lens 20 and the adhesive which has different properties from the light guide lens 20 in the outer portion 23A2 of the outline bonding portion 23A, resulting in a different appearance (for example, a smoky appearance) compared to the light directed onto the internal transparent portion 14B, which only passes through the light guide lens 20 (see Figure 10). The hatched areas in Figure 10 indicate the light emission in the outer portion 23A2 of the contour bonding portion 23A. As a result, the right edge transparent section 14A emits light with a different appearance than the internal transparent section 14B, giving the viewer a different impression and improving expressiveness. Furthermore, since the same adhesive used for forming the decorative panel unit 1 was used to produce the different appearance of light emission in the design sheet 10, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0054] In the contour adhesive portion 23A, adhesive is applied in a band of a predetermined width along the right edge of the light guide lens 20. However, if the left edge of the contour adhesive portion 23A is exposed, any unevenness in the coating will be easily noticeable and the appearance will be poor. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the inner portion 23A1 of the contour adhesive portion 23A is formed to be covered by the contour drawing portion 12A of the design sheet 10. This makes it possible to prevent unevenness in the coating that occurs on the left edge of the contour adhesive portion 23A from being visible, thus preventing the appearance from becoming poor.

[0055] As described above, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment enables a wide variety of visual effects using the decorative panel unit 1, thereby enhancing the player's enjoyment.

[0056] (modified version) In the above-described configuration, the design sheet 10 was a colorless, transparent sheet, but it is not limited to this, and may be a colored, transparent sheet, for example. Also, the material of the design sheet 10 is not limited to acrylic, but may be a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, for example.

[0057] The design portion 11 in the above-described form was formed by drawing the profile of a predetermined character with light-blocking black opaque ink, but is not limited to this. For example, the objects depicted in the design section 11 may be natural objects (celestial bodies, living things, plants, food, etc.), artificial objects (buildings, etc.), abstract symbols or figures, letters, numbers, etc. Furthermore, the drawings may be made with opaque colored inks other than opaque black (for example, opaque red ink, opaque blue ink, opaque yellow ink, etc. that have light-blocking properties), or with transparent colored inks (for example, transparent red ink, transparent blue ink, transparent yellow ink, etc. that have transparency), or with one or more types of ink. The objects may also be drawn using only lines, or only by filling them in. The drawing method is also not particularly limited and may include, for example, printing, vapor deposition, or handwriting.

[0058] Although the design sheet 10 in the above-described form had only one design section 11, it is not limited to this, and multiple design sections 11 may be provided. For example, the design sheet 10 may have multiple design sections 11, each depicting a different (or identical) character, arranged vertically. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the decorative panel unit 1 (design portion 11) was provided only on the left side of the game board 110, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the decorative panel unit 1 (design portion 11) may also be provided on the upper or right side of the game board 110.

[0059] In the above-described configuration, the design portion 11 is positioned such that a part of it is located on the back side of the first game area 121 and the other part is located within the opening 110A of the game board 110. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the entire design portion 11 may be positioned on the back side of the first game area 121 (game area 120), or the entire design portion 11 may be positioned within the opening 110A of the game board 110. Furthermore, the design portion 11 may be configured to be movable by a predetermined movable device.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the light guide lens 20 was a colorless, transparent plate member, but it is not limited to this, and may be a colored, transparent plate member, for example. Also, the material of the light guide lens 20 is not limited to acrylic, polycarbonate, etc., but may be other synthetic resins.

[0061] In the above-described configuration, V-shaped grooves 21 were provided on the back surface 20B of the light guide lens 20 at positions corresponding to the outer edges 12E of the drawn lines 12 and the outer edges 13E of the filled-in areas 13 of the design sheet 10, so as to border these outer edges, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the V-shaped groove 21 may be provided on all outer edges, or only on some of the outer edges. Alternatively, the V-shaped groove 21 may be provided on the right side of the contour line portion 12A (right edge transparent portion 14A). Furthermore, the V-shaped groove 21 may not be provided at a position corresponding to the outer edge 12E of the drawn line section 12 or the outer edge 13E of the filled section 13, but rather at a predetermined location on the transparent section 14, for example. When the V-shaped groove 21 is provided at a predetermined location on the transparent section 14 in this way, the parts of the transparent section 14 with the V-shaped groove 21 and the parts without the V-shaped groove 21 will have different appearances, thus enriching the visual expression. Furthermore, the V-shaped groove 21 may not be placed in a position that borders the outer edge as described above, but rather, for example, within the drawn line section 12 or the filled section 13, in a position where it is completely covered by these sections. When placed in this manner, the outlines of the drawn line section 12 or the filled section 13 become less prominent, resulting in a visually appealing appearance and enabling different visual expressions. Furthermore, the V-shaped groove 21 may be configured such that not only the outer portion 21B of the V-shaped groove protrudes outside the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13, but also, for example, the inner portion 21A of the V-shaped groove protrudes outside the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13 (i.e., the entire V-shaped groove 21 protrudes outside the drawn line portion 12 and the filled portion 13). In this case as well, different visual expressions become possible. Alternatively, instead of the V-shaped groove 21, a U-shaped groove with a U-shaped cross-section or a trapezoidal groove with a trapezoidal cross-section may be provided. Note that the V-shaped groove 21 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, the front surface 20A of the light guide lens 20 may be given a textured finish (fine irregularities). In this case, the light that passes through the textured part will look different from the light that passes through the untextured part, thus enriching the visual expression and enhancing the player's enjoyment. Additionally, a V-shaped groove 21 may be provided to border the textured portion.

[0063] In the above-described configuration, the side surface 20C of the right edge of the light guide lens 20 was an inclined surface, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a flat surface that does not slope from the front 20A to the back 20B. Also, for example, the side surfaces of the upper edge and the lower edge may be inclined surfaces that slope from the front 20A to the back 20B, similar to the side surface 20C of the right edge.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive was exposed in the outer portion 23A2 of the contour bonding portion 23A, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the adhesive may be exposed in other bonding portions 23.

[0065] In the above-described configuration, the reflector 30 was a white reflective material, but it is not limited to this; for example, it may be a mirror-finish reflective material. In this case, the portion of the reflector 30 that is visible through the design sheet 10 can be made to appear as if it has depth, thereby enriching the visual expression.

[0066] In the above-described configuration, the design sheet 10, light guide lens 20, reflector 30, and LED substrate 40 are arranged in an overlapping configuration, with each LED 41 mounted on the LED substrate 40 fitting into a storage hole 24 provided in the light guide lens 20. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the LEDs 41 may be positioned on the outside of the side end face of the light guide lens 20, so as to be able to illuminate the side end face.

[0067] In the above-described configuration, a predetermined ornament (in the above-described configuration, the profile of a character) is formed by the design portion 11 and the reflector 30 formed on the design sheet 10, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, without providing a design sheet 10, the light guide lens 20 may be molded into a predetermined shape, or a predetermined design may be drawn on the light guide lens 20, and a predetermined decorative object may be constructed by providing a V-shaped groove 21 similar to the above-described form at a predetermined location on the light guide lens 20, forming the outer side surface of the light guide lens 20 as an inclined surface similar to the above-described form, or applying the above-described textured finish to the light guide lens 20. In addition, a reflector 30 may be placed behind the light guide lens 20. Light from the LED 41 may be incident on the light guide lens 20 from the side, causing the light guide lens 20 to emit light.

[0068] Furthermore, the above-described form can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko machines. For example, it can be applied to slot machines that use game tokens as a game medium.

[0069] In addition, the light guide lens 20 in the modified embodiment described above corresponds to the light-transmitting member of the present invention. The LED 41 in the modified embodiment described above corresponds to the light source of the present invention. The V-shaped groove 21 in the modified embodiment described above corresponds to the reflective part of the present invention. The pachinko machine P in the modified embodiment described above corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] P Pachinko machine 1 Decorative panel unit 10 design sheets 20 Light guide lenses 30 Reflectors 40 LED boards 50 Mounting base 110 Game Boards

Claims

[Claim 1] A light-transmitting member having light-transmitting properties, The light source is capable of receiving light from the side of the light-transmitting member, The light-transmitting member is provided with a reflective portion that reflects light from the light source incident from the side to the front side of the light-transmitting member. A decorative part of a predetermined shape is provided on the front side of the light-transmitting member. The gaming machine is characterized in that the reflective portion is arranged to frame the decorative portion and is located on the side of the light-transmitting member opposite to the side portion.

Images