Game machine

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of individual differences in a background pattern.SOLUTION: A slot machine comprises a reel which has a reel tape T1 on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and the reel tape T1 has a background H which is printed as the background of the plurality of symbols. The background H is printed up to both ends in the transverse direction of the reel tape T1, and the background H has a background pattern Hm having a pattern shape printed on it. The background H further has pattern end parts Hmed that are formed on both end parts in the transverse direction, and the pattern shapes Hmk1, Hmk2 are not printed on the pattern end parts. As a result, an individual difference in the background pattern is prevented from being caused by an accidental error in cutting the reel tape T1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (a rotary gaming machine, a slot machine) having a plurality of reels with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface has been known. This type of gaming machine imparts a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game for acquiring such gaming media. Further, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon a start operation by the player on a start lever, and performs control to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon a stop operation by the player on a stop button. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, it has a reel tape wound around the outer periphery of a reel frame to form a reel, and on this reel tape, a plurality of types (each color or transparent) of paints are printed so as to be overlapped on a transparent base material, thereby forming a plurality of types of symbols and the backgrounds of those plurality of types of symbols (see Patent Document 1). And those having a background pattern in the background have been proposed (see Patent Document 1, FIG. 22).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the reel tape is manufactured by printing a plurality of reel tapes on a single sheet and cutting it in the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the reel tape). However, the cutting position may shift due to errors. If the cutting position shifts, the shape of the background pattern changes at both ends of the reel tape with respect to the reel tape where the cutting position has not shifted, that is, there is a risk of individual differences occurring in the reel tape.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing individual differences from occurring in the background pattern.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is in a gaming machine, comprising a reel having a reel tape on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, the reel tape has a background portion printed as a background for the plurality of symbols, the background portion is printed up to both ends in the short direction of the reel tape, a background pattern having a pattern shape is printed on the background portion, the background portion has ends formed at both ends in the short direction, the pattern shape is not printed on the ends.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent individual differences from occurring in the background pattern.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention. Further, in the following description, the side (front) of the player is described as "front", and the opposite side is described as "rear".

[0011] [Overview of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called rotating drum type gaming machine. Also, regarding the gaming value that can be used by the player for gaming, it is provided outside the slot machine 1 and has a configuration for lending and settling electronic medals that become gaming values by an electromagnetic method. Based on the lending signal output from the external device and the dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) as a specific unit, it is configured to record gaming values by an electromagnetic method, and is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine. The slot machine 1 stores the information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals, and is configured to be able to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharging it.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a reel unit RU composed of reels R1 to R3 (in order, R1 is the left reel, R2 is the middle reel, and R3 is the right reel) as a plurality of reels housed in a box-shaped housing composed of a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. Also, inside the housing of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a control board that mounts a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc. and controls the operation of the slot machine 1 is also housed.

[0013] The reels R1 to R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have an outer peripheral surface partitioned into 20 regions at regular intervals (hereinafter, each region is referred to as a "frame"), and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The upper front door UD is provided with a display device 410 as display means for performing an effect composed of various videos and images for assisting the game and livening up the game. Further, in the display area 410a of the display device 410 for displaying an image, a specific area 410b facing the reels R1 to R3 is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the rotational state and the stopped state of the reels R1 to R3 can be observed through the display device 410. In the stopped state of the reels R1 to R3, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels R1 to R3, three symbols (upper-stage symbol, middle-stage symbol, lower-stage symbol) continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Also, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for each reel, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are provided as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 410, and an effective line L1 is set for the effective line formed by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of electronic medals required for one game, so-called the specified number (specified number), is set to 3 (first specified number) or 2 (second specified number), and when the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are inserted, the effective line L1 formed by the middle stages of the reels R1 to R3 is activated.

[0016] Then, the game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 (on the effective line). When the symbol combination on the effective line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined role, control corresponding to the winning role is executed as if the role has won.

[0017] On the front lower door DD, various operating means are provided. As the operating means, there are a max bet button MB as an input operating means for performing an operation to set the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the input state, a start lever SL as a game start operating means for causing a player to execute a start operation that triggers the start of the game by rotating the reels R1 to R3, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operating means for causing a player to execute a stop operation that triggers the stopping of each of the reels R1 to R3 that are rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operating means for performing a counting operation to transmit the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, and a pay - out button AB for performing a pay - out operation to cancel the input state and return the electronic medals set to the input state to the medal number counter 311 (see FIG. 2).

[0018] Also, on the front lower door DD, a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 1000 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The main control display device 10D consists of a 7 - segment display or the like, and various game information such as information on the winning combination selected in the current game, and display (notification display) of information suggesting how to press the stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to the payout of electronic medals is displayed. The notification display displayed on the main control display device 10D is a display corresponding to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning information, which is the information on the winning combination selected in the current game, when a prescribed number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0019] Also, on the front lower door DD, a game medal number display device MD controlled by the medal number control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The game medal number display device MD consists of a 7 - segment display or the like and functions as a conceptual tray by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0020] And, a plurality of acoustic devices 420 for performing effects using sound are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds for assisting or livening up the game are output from the acoustic devices 420.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 1000, a sub-control board 2000, and a medal number control board 3000. The main control board 1000 has a main control CPU 1001 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game performed using game values. The sub-control board 2000 has a sub-control CPU 2001 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal number control board 3000 has a medal number control CPU 3001 that manages the electronic medals and performs control related to the number of game medals by being configured to be communicable with the dedicated unit SU.

[0022] The main control CPU 1001 functions as a setting change means 100, an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 1001 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0023] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) for changing the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. The setting change means 100 has a setting key inserted into a setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 1000, and when the setting key is turned, a setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC becomes ON. The setting change means 100 shifts to a setting change permission state that permits setting changes when the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to shift to the setting change permission state when the setting change switch SS becomes ON while the power is on.

[0024] When the setting change means 100 receives an input signal output by operating a setting change button BS provided in the power supply device in the setting change permission state, every time it receives the input signal, the set value is cyclically changed in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and the set value is determined based on receiving a start signal output by operating a start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, according to the set value determined in the set value storage means 191, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the set value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time state (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") described later, and the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the setting change is also configured to be initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 1001 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is restarted, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure, and the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the power failure is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0026] The input accepting means 105 accepts an input signal that is output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) in a state where the medal number counter 311 described later stores a game medal number equal to or greater than a specified number within the input acceptance period for accepting the input of electronic medals. By doing so, up to the specified number set for each game state, the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 are set to the input state. Based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the input state, a process is performed to enable the game start operation for the start lever SL.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the input state is accepted as the game start operation by the player. It serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the reels R1 to R3 and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute an internal lottery. Also, details of the specified number set for each game state will be described later.

[0028] Also, the input accepting means 105 accepts an input signal that is output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period until the electronic medals are set to the input state and the start lever SL is started. By doing so, the input state is released and the same number as the electronic medals set to the input state is added to the game medal number stored in the medal number counter 311 to settle the electronic medals set to the input state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In the present embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values that randomly occur in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function as random numbers in practice because, although the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing etc. are irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal that is output when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs processes such as lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, and lottery flag setting processing.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which internal lottery table among the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190 is used for internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, minor winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" means a role that activates a device or a continuous device operating device by winning, "activation of the bonus" means that the bonus wins and activates the device or the continuous device operating device, and "bonus state" means a state in which the device or the continuous device operating device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start, the random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is obtained based on the comparison result.

[0034] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be won is set from the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap and win, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning combinations that overlap and win are set to the established state. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry over the established state to the next and subsequent games until winning, and a lottery flag (carry-over impossible flag) that is reset to the non-established state without carrying over the established state to the next and subsequent games regardless of winning are prepared. Further, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0035] Based on the player executing a start operation on the start lever SL and the start signal being output, the reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotational drive of reels R1 to R3 and control the rotation mode of reels R1 to R3. Further, when the rotation states of reels R1 to R3 reach a rotation state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable a stop operation in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to the respective reels are operated. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated for a stop operation and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop the respective reels of reels R1 to R3 corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 that have been operated for the stop operation.

[0036] In the following description, regarding the start of the rotation of reels R1 to R3 by the reel control means 130 and the player operating the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation is also described as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for reels R1 to R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped before 190 milliseconds (msec) elapse from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed as a predetermined period. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is also described as an operation. Further, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that a stop signal is output not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, at the timing when an operation of releasing the pressed and depressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is executed.

[0038] Here, when stopping the rotating reels within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop positions of the rotating reels are configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, the reels can rotate up to 4 frames at most from the time of pressing the stop button until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the reels R1 to R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to 4 frames of rotation are within the range (drawing-in range) where the symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1.

[0039] The reel control means 130, at the time of executing the reel stop control, performs a drawing-in process of stopping the rotating reels so as to enable winning of the roles for which the lottery flag is set to the established state as much as possible, and a kicking-out process of stopping the rotating reels so as to prevent winning of the roles for which the lottery flag is set to the non-established state. Based on the preset priority order in the logic operation including these, the reel control means 130 performs a logic operation process for obtaining the stop position of the rotating reels, and a table reference process for determining the stop position of the rotating reels by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190. Then, the rotating reels are stopped to display the symbols on the active line L1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "stop display" for stopping the rotating reels by the reel stop control and displaying the symbols on the active line L1).

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are selected in the internal lottery, there are a method of obtaining the priority of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (number priority control), and a method of obtaining the priority according to the number of payout medals based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combinations (number of medals priority control). However, when executing the number of medals priority control, if minor winning combinations with the same payout overlap in winning, the priorities of the candidates for the stop positions that can cause each minor winning combination to win are treated as the same.

[0041] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop modes of the reels R1 to R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, when all of the reels R1 to R3 have stopped, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 is in a form of winning for each of the predetermined winning combinations. And a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, replay, or minor winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as a "winning symbol combination".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a minor winning combination has won, a process for determining the number of game medals to be paid out to cause the payout control means 150 to pay out electronic medals is performed. When a replay has won, a process is performed to cause the payout control means 150 to execute in the next game without consuming electronic medals. When a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus has won, a process for causing the game state transition control means 160 to transition the game state is performed.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process regarding the payout of electronic medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor winning combination has won, the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout predetermined for each winning combination, and control is performed to virtually pay out the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number by adding it to the medal number counter 311.

[0044] Further, when the payout control means 150 determines, based on the winning determination means 140, that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay roles (to be described later) has stopped being displayed on the active line L1 and the replay has won, the replay process (re - game process) is performed to set the machine in a ready state where the game can be executed without the need to insert an electronic medal for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a prescribed number of electronic medals without using the electronic medals held by the player, and the machine waits for a start operation on the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as in the previous game set.

[0045] In the slot machine 1, during the period from the game in which the replay wins until the next game starts, that is, during the period when a prescribed number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process and the game has not started, even if the settlement button AB is operated, the same number of game medals as the prescribed number is not added to the medal number counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states and a process related to the activation and termination of the bonus. Here, for the transition conditions of each game state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 performs control related to the transition between a favorable section (favorable period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including an auxiliary game for assisting the winning of a specific role is displayable on the main control display device 10D, and a normal section (non-favorable period, non-favorable section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to an instruction function) based on the result of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, and constitutes auxiliary game control means for performing control related to the normal section, the favorable section, and the auxiliary game.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to the ON state or the OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of production states including the normal state and the AT state executed within the favorable section.

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the production state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the favorable section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of the specific role selected on the main control display device 10D composed of a 7-segment display, thereby performing operation notification for assisting the winning of the specific role. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation effect for displaying an index corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410 is executed by the effect control means 200 described later. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation effect, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player.

[0050] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the favorable section, which will be described later, is satisfied, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined end process for ending the favorable section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set in the favorable section and information related to the favorable section.

[0051] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantage section difference medal count update process) of cumulatively recording, in the advantage section counter 196a, the value of the difference (difference medal count, number of winnings) obtained by subtracting the paid-out number of electronic medals from the inserted number of electronic medals in a game that has started the advantageous section. When the AT control means 170 is controlling the advantageous section, it executes an advantageous section difference medal count update process of cumulatively updating, in the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a, the value corresponding to the difference medal count of the electronic medals, regardless of the game state.

[0052] Further, in the advantageous section difference medal count update process, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is subtracted because the paid-out number of electronic medals in the game is less than the specified number, and when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than the value "0", the AT control means 170 sets the result of the subtraction in the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] When more than 2400 electronic medals are won in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" until shifting to an effect state where electronic medals can be won, in the effect state where electronic medals can be won, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be won, which is the sum of 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0054] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all the information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and the values set in the advantageous section. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process even when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment will be described later.

[0055] When the cumulative value of the number of electronically converted medals obtained since the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals), the complete control means 180 performs control to activate the complete function as a function of stopping the slot machine 1. The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete number of medals obtained update process) of cumulatively recording, in the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a of the complete storage means 197, the difference value (difference number of medals, number of medals obtained) obtained by subtracting the number of electronically converted medals paid out in each game from the number of electronically converted medals inserted since the power-on of the slot machine 1. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0056] In the complete number of medals obtained update process in which the complete control means 180 updates the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a, when the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a is subtracted because the number of electronically converted medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a is set to the value "0". Thereby, the complete control means 180 can fix the value at the lowest point of the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a to the value "0", so that in the control process using the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a, it is not necessary to change the value serving as the determination threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a can be reduced.

[0057] When the number of medals obtained from the lowest point of the number of dispensed electronic medals after the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000", the complete control means 180 determines that the condition for activating the complete function is satisfied.

[0058] When none of the regular bonus (RB) as the first type of special accessory, the regular big bonus (RBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the first type of special accessory, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the second type of special accessory is operating, based on the establishment of the condition for activating the complete function, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the reels R1 to R3 are stopped in the game where the condition is satisfied, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0059] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB, or CBB is operating, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the reels R1 to R3 are stopped in the game where the operating RB, RBB, or CBB has ended, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0060] When the complete control means 180 activates the complete function, it sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag of the slot machine 1 is set to the ON state, it enters the stop state, and thereafter, the game cannot be executed until the complete function activation flag becomes the OFF state. The complete function activation flag set to the ON state is set to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS provided inside is operated and initialized. Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, it is configured such that the complete function cannot be canceled by the operation of the player.

[0061] The sub-control CPU 2001 functions as the production control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 2001 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the auxiliary storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0062] Based on the production data stored in the production control data storage means 211 of the auxiliary storage means 210, the production control means 200 performs control related to productions related to the game, such as image and video productions using the display device 410 and acoustic productions using the acoustic device 420. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as operations on the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and count button KB, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the production control means 200 executes productions such as lighting or flashing of lamps and LEDs and output of sounds from the acoustic device 420 to liven up the game, assist the game, and execute control for notifying the player that an operation has been performed. Further, the production control means 200 causes each component constituting the production device 400 to execute a production based on each production state.

[0063] The medal number control CPU 3001 functions as the medal number control means 300. Each means constituting the medal number control CPU 3001 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal number storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0064] The medal number control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit a signal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 and to be able to receive a signal transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal number control CPU 3001 stores the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for the game in the slot machine 1, using the medal number counter 311, and displays the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0065] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count register 311 in response to a command received from the main control board 1000, a notification received from the dedicated unit SU, or an operation of the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126. Further, the medal count control means 300 displays the number of game medals updated in this way on the game medal number display device MD.

[0066] Specifically, when the count button KB is operated while the game is playable, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count register 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count register 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, and power is supplied to both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not under maintenance, and no error that makes the game unexecutable has occurred. Further, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, it controls so that the stored value of the medal count register 311 is not subtracted by an operation on the count button KB, thereby preventing a state in which a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count register 311 has been subtracted.

[0067] When the time that the count button KB is pressed is less than 500 ms, the medal number control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal number counter 311 by the value "1". Also, when the time that the count button KB is pressed is 500 ms or more, the medal number control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms have elapsed, subtracts the stored value of the medal number counter 311 by the value "50", and thereafter, every time 300 ms elapses while the count button KB is pressed, transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal number counter 311 by the value "50". In addition, when the count button KB is pressed and 500 ms or more have elapsed, if the stored value of the medal number counter 311 is less than the value "50", the medal number control means 300 transmits the value corresponding to the stored value of the medal number counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal number counter 311 by the value corresponding to the stored value, so that the stored value of the medal number counter 311 becomes the value "0".

[0068] When the stored value of the medal number counter 311 becomes 16369 or more, the medal number control means 300 determines that it is a medal overflow in which the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage. In the slot machine 1, based on the determination that it is a medal overflow, a medal overflow error occurs, and when the count button KB is operated and the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 is counted and the stored value of the medal number counter 311 becomes 16368 or less, the medal overflow error is released.

[0069] When the power is turned on while the medal number clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine is pressed, the medal number control means 300 initializes the medal number counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal number by setting the stored value of the medal number counter 311 to the value "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the medal number remaining in the medal number counter 311 before turning off the power when the power is turned on.

[0070] [Details of the Reel Unit] Next, the details of the reel unit RU will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the reels of the reel unit of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the reel unit RU includes a stepping motor M provided for each of the reels R1 to R3 to rotationally drive each reel, the reels R1 to R3 supported by the drive shafts of the respective stepping motors M, and a reel sensor 26 which is a transmissive optical sensor provided corresponding to each of the reels R1 to R3 for detecting the rotational positions of the respective reels R1 to R3. Further, the reel unit RU includes a reel backlight BLi provided for each of the reels R1 to R3 to illuminate each reel from the inside toward the front, and a reflector RL for reflecting the light from the reel backlight BLi and guiding it forward. The reel backlight BLi includes a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light sources and a backlight substrate BLB on which the plurality of LEDs as light sources are installed. On the backlight substrate BLB, a total of six LEDs, for example, arranged in three columns and two rows, are respectively arranged at each opening of the reflector RL. Although not shown in this embodiment, for example, a reel illumination light is also arranged above and below a specific region 410b (see FIG. 1) to illuminate from the outside to the surface of the reels R1 to R3.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the reel R1 includes a reel frame FR1, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T1 on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index portion 27. The second reel R2 includes a reel frame FR2, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T2 on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index portion 27. The third reel R3 includes a reel frame FR3, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T3 on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index portion 27. The index portion 27 is held by the reel frames FR1 to FR3 so as to be able to shield the optical axis of the reel sensor 26, and causes the reel sensor 26 to detect the rotational position of each reel according to the timing of shielding and transmitting the optical axis of the reel sensor 26.

[0072] The reel frames FR1 to FR3 each include a hub portion 24 attached to the rotation axis of the stepping motor M, a first rim portion 21 and a second rim portion 22, a plurality of connecting portions 23 connecting between the first and second rim portions 21 and 22, and a plurality of spoke portions 25, and are integrally formed of a synthetic resin having high translucency (transparent in the present embodiment).

[0073] The first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 are formed in an annular shape concentric with the rotation axis of the stepping motor M, and are spaced apart in the left-right direction (axial direction), that is, in the short-side direction (width direction) X orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1 to T3. A plurality of the connecting portions 23 are provided at different positions on the circumferences of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, extend along the short-side direction X so as to bridge between the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, and connect the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22.

[0074] Note that the reel frame may not have a connecting portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion may be formed independently, and the first rim portion and the second rim portion may be connected via a reel tape. Further, the reel frame may be formed of a colored synthetic resin. When it is formed of a colored synthetic resin (for example, a black synthetic resin), the above-described index portion can be integrally formed with the reel frame.

[0075] A plurality of spoke portions 25 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22, connect either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22 to the hub portion 24, and transmit the rotational force of the stepping motor from the hub portion 24 to the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22. In the present embodiment, the spoke portion 25 connects the hub portion 24 and the second rim portion 22.

[0076] On the outer circumferences of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, cylindrical end support surfaces 21a and 22a are formed which have a predetermined width (for example, about 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm) in the left-right direction, contact the back surfaces (inner surfaces) of the reel tapes T1 to T3, and support the left and right end portions of the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel. In the present embodiment, the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 are formed such that the widths of the end support surfaces 21a in the short-side direction X and the widths of the end support surfaces 22a are substantially the same. Note that the first rim portion and the second rim portion may be formed such that the widths of their respective end support surfaces are different.

[0077] Further, the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 have flange portions 21b and 22b that can contact the short-side direction X ends of the reel tapes T1 to T3 on the outer side in the left-right direction from the end support surfaces 21a and 22a. The flange portions 21b and 22b are formed to have a width of about 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm in the left-right direction, for example, and regulate the positions of the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the left-right direction.

[0078] The connecting portion 23 is continuous with the end support surfaces 21a and 22a of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, and a connection support surface 23a for supporting the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel is formed between the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22. The connection support surface 23a and the above-described end support surfaces 21a and 22a form a support surface FRa for supporting the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel.

[0079] [Mounting Structure of Reel Tape] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the mounting structure of the reel tapes T1 to T3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the reel tape of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of the reel tape. Since the mounting structures of the reel tapes T1 to T3 are the same, hereinafter, the mounting structure of the reel tape T1 will be described as an example, and the details of the mounting structures of the reel tapes T2 and T3 will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, on the back surfaces of both ends of the reel tape T1 in the short side direction X, adhesive members 65, 65 such as double-sided tapes for adhering the reel tape T1 to the end support surface 21a of the first rim portion 21 and the end support surface 22a of the second rim portion 22 are formed. This adhesive region includes a right adhesive region that is a range of a distance b inward from the right end T1c in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1 when viewed from the surface side, and a left adhesive region that is a range of a distance b inward from the left end (the edge on the X2 direction side) T1d in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1. For example, the distance b is set to a distance in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm, and it is desirable that it is formed to be about 1 mm (for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm) larger than the end support surfaces 21a and 22a in the left-right direction (short side direction X).

[0081] The reel tape T1 wound around the reel frame FR1 is adhered by the adhesive member 65 such that the right adhesive region formed on the inner surface (back surface) is adhered to the end support surface 21a, and the left adhesive region formed on the inner surface is adhered to the end support surface 22a, and is held by the reel frame FR1.

[0082] Also, as described above, the reel tape T1 is formed such that the length in the longitudinal direction Y is longer than the circumferential length (circumference) of the end support surfaces 21a and 22a in the circumferential direction, and the other end (terminal end) T12 on the other side overlaps the one end (starting end) T11 in the longitudinal direction Y from the outside in the radial direction of the reel and is wound (wrapped) around the reel frame FR1. In the state where the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, the transparent portion 63 and the pattern P6, which is the pattern (pattern No. 19) arranged on the outermost side in the longitudinal direction Y, overlap in the radial direction of the reel. In other words, in the state where the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, the outer surface (front surface, outer circumferential surface) of the transparent portion 63 is covered by the other end T12 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0083] Further, in the state where the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, the other end T12, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tape T1, and the one end T11, which is the one end, are adhered by an adhesive member 66 such as a double-sided tape. This adhesive member 66 extends along the short-side direction X within a range of a distance c inward from the other end T1b. The reel tape T1 can maintain a state in which the back surface of the other end T12 and the front surface of the one end T11 are in close contact with each other by the adhesive member 66. The distance c is set to a distance in the range of, for example, 8 mm to 12 mm. Also, the adhesive member 65 and the adhesive member 66 are preferably composed of, for example, a double-sided tape or the like made of a material such as white, milky white, or transparent that allows light from the reel backlight BL to easily pass through, but may also be composed of an adhesive or the like applied to the back surface of the reel tape T1.

[0084] [Details of the Reel Tape] As shown in FIG. 3, the reel tape T1 (the same applies to the reel tapes T2 and T3) is wound around the support surface FRa of the reel frame FR1 (the reel frames FR2 and FR3) in a cylindrical (endless) shape such that the other end portion T12 on the Y2 direction side in the longitudinal direction Y overlaps the one end portion T11 on the Y1 direction side in the longitudinal direction Y from the outside.

[0085] The view of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. 4 is a view seen from the surface side (the outer peripheral surface side in the state of being wound around the reel frame FR1 (see FIG. 3)). As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of symbols arranged on the reel tapes T1 to T3 are composed of, for example, numbers, character strings, fruits, characters, etc. designed specifically for each model, or combinations thereof.

[0086] These plurality of symbols include, for example, symbol P1 (symbol "7A"), symbol P2 (symbol "7B"), symbol P3 (symbol "7C"), symbol P4 (symbol "BAR"), symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A"), symbol P6 (symbol "Watermelon B"), symbol P7 (symbol "Bell"), symbol P8 (symbol "Replay"), symbol P9 (symbol "Blank A"), symbol P10 (symbol "Blank B"), etc. (see FIG. 5). Note that the color schemes of these symbols (the colors of the inks used) and the details of the background H will be described later.

[0087] The symbols P1 (symbol "7A"), P2 (symbol "7B"), P3 (symbol "7C"), and P4 (symbol "BAR") are formed such that their widths in the short direction X are at least larger than those of other symbols and their visibility is high. They are symbols that can be displayed on the effective line L1 or within the specific area 410b at a predetermined timing when the stop button is operated to stop according to the result of the internal lottery or the like, and are symbols that constitute a symbol combination that serves as an opportunity for the player to shift to an advantageous state, for example, a bonus state or an AT state (assist state).

[0088] The symbols P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") and P6 (symbol "Watermelon B") are symbols that can be displayed on the valid line L1 or within the specific area 410b when the stop button is operated to stop at a predetermined timing according to the result of the internal lottery or the like, and are symbols that constitute a combination of symbols of a chance winning combination (so-called rare winning combination) that provides an opportunity for a lottery advantageous to the player or a combination of symbols that provides an opportunity for a privilege advantageous to the player.

[0089] The symbols P7 (symbol "Bell") and P8 (symbol "Replay") are symbols that can be displayed on the valid line L1 or within the specific area 410b regardless of the timing when the stop button is operated to stop according to the result of the internal lottery or the like, and are symbols that constitute a combination of symbols of a small winning combination or a replay when winning.

[0090] The symbols P9 (symbol "Blank A") and P10 (symbol "Blank B") are symbols that can be displayed on the valid line L1 or within the specific area 410b when the stop button is operated to stop at a predetermined timing according to the result of the internal lottery or the like, and are symbols that do not constitute a winning combination even if they are aligned in a straight line on the valid line L1 or within the specific area 410b, and are symbols that constitute a losing combination or the like. Note that the symbols P9 (symbol "Blank A") and P10 (symbol "Blank B") may also be used as symbols that, when stopped so as to be aligned in a straight line or stopped in a predetermined shape (such as a mountain shape or an L shape), do not result in a win depending on the model but provide an opportunity for a lottery advantageous to the player as a chance winning combination or inform the player that the state is advantageous to the player. In addition, the symbols P9 (symbol "Blank A") and P10 (symbol "Blank B") may be used as a symbol combination combined with other symbols and used as a special small winning combination (such as a single symbol winning combination).

[0091] Each of the above symbols P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, and P8 has, as will be described in detail later, an edge portion P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8a that forms the edge (outline) of the outer shape of the symbol by printing paint, and a colored portion P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, P5b, P6b, P7b, P8b that is colored inside the edge portions P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8a.

[0092] In addition, when viewed from the radial direction, the edge portions P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a of the symbols P1, P2, P3, P4 partially overlap with the first rim portion 21, the second rim portion 22, and the adhesive members 65, 65 in the short direction X, and the colored portions P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b are arranged so as not to overlap with either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22. As a result, the light from the reel backlight BL that passes through the colored portions P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b is not blocked by the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, and the symbols P1, P2, P3, P4 can be made to look large in the short direction X.

[0093] On the other hand, each of the above symbols P9 and P10 has an edge portion P9a, P10a that forms the edge of the outer shape of the symbol, and a colored portion P9b, P10b that forms a pattern inside the edge portions P9a, P10a. Note that in the symbols P9 and P10, the edge portions P9a, P10a and the colored portions P9b, P10b are drawn by lines, and a background forming layer 61 that forms a background H, which will be described in detail later, is printed inside the symbol. That is, the portions other than the lines in the colored portions P9b, P10b of the symbols P9 and P10 are the same color as the background H.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned reel tape T1 has 20 virtual regions (i.e., one frame) obtained by virtually and equally dividing the longitudinal direction Y into 20 parts in the state of being wound around the reel frame FR1 (that is, the state where the other end T12 overlaps the transparent part 63). That is, in each of the 20 virtual regions (i.e., one frame) obtained by virtually and equally dividing the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1 to T3 into a predetermined number (20) of regions arranged in the longitudinal direction Y, any one of the above-mentioned patterns P1 to P10 is arranged. The numbers on the left side of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. 4 indicate the pattern numbers. The side closest to one end T11 is the 0th pattern, and in order from there in the Y2 direction, the 1st pattern, the 2nd pattern, the 3rd pattern, ··· the 19th pattern, and any one of the above-mentioned patterns P1 to P10 is arranged in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4. In the reel tapes T2 and T3, in an arrangement different from the arrangement of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. 4, any one of the above-mentioned patterns P1 to P10 is arranged as the 0th pattern to the 19th pattern for the virtual regions in the same manner.

[0095] Also, in the present embodiment, the pattern arranged in each virtual region (one frame) is arranged such that the center of the pattern, where the center line in the X direction (width direction) and the center line in the Y direction (circumferential direction) of the virtual region intersect, coincides with the center of the pattern, where the center line for both ends in the X direction (width direction) of the pattern and the center line for both ends in the Y direction (circumferential direction) of the pattern intersect. However, it is not limited to this. Depending on the shape and arrangement of the pattern, the center of the pattern may be arranged to be offset with respect to the center of the virtual region. In the present embodiment, particularly for the 19th pattern where the adhesive member 66 is arranged on the back surface, it is arranged so as to overlap the edge 7a of the pattern P7 with respect to the adhesive member 66 and not overlap the colored part P7b, so that the colored part P7b does not become dark and is configured to be beautiful and easy to see as the pattern P7. For example, when the distance of the height in the Y direction (circumferential direction) of this pattern P7 is further large, etc., by arranging the center of the pattern to be shifted in the Y1 direction with respect to the center of the virtual region, it is possible to avoid the colored part P7b of the pattern P7 from being difficult to see due to the shadow of the adhesive member 66.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the reel tape T1 in the portion where, for example, the symbol P1 is arranged. The reel tapes T1 to T3 differ in the arrangement of symbols (type of symbol, number of specific symbols, order in which the symbols are arranged, etc.) and the identification display 70 for identifying them, but since the other configurations are the same, hereinafter, the reel tape T1 will be described as an example, and the description of the same configurations as those of the reel tape T1 in the reel tapes T2 and T3 will be omitted.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the types of ink and each layer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the reel tape T1 is configured by laminating a printing layer that is silk-printed with a plurality of types of paints or the like having different colors and transparencies on the back surface of a transparent synthetic resin base material 60. For example, in order from the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60, a symbol forming layer (symbol portion) 67 that forms a plurality of symbols, a background forming layer 61 that forms a background H that is an area extending around the symbol when viewed from the surface side, a lining forming layer 68 for blocking the light of the reel backlight BL in the symbol forming layer 67 and the background H, and a transparent dimpling forming layer (diffusion layer) 64 for diffusing the light from the reel backlight BL in the portion where the lining forming layer 68 is not formed are overlapped, and each layer is formed by screen printing or the like. Note that the order of the layers (ink layers) of each color shown in FIG. 8 is such that the left side in the figure is the ink layer closer to the back surface of the base material 60, and they are arranged in the order of printing as they go to the right side in the figure.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the above-mentioned symbol formation layer 67 is roughly formed by an edge formation layer 67a and a coloring formation layer 67b. As shown in FIG. 8, the edge formation layer 67a is formed by printing a black (BL) layer (ink layer) that forms the edges P1a to P10a of the respective symbols P1 to P10. That is, the edges P1a to P10a form the outer shape (outline) of the symbol, are formed in black with the above-mentioned black paint, and are formed so that light (visible light) from the reel backlight BL is difficult to transmit, that is, the brightness is low. Note that the edge formation layer 67a only needs to form at least the edge of the symbol, and a part of the inner region of the edge may be formed by the same paint as the paint that forms the edge. Further, the edge formation layer 67a is not limited to being formed by the same paint or the like between the respective symbols, and may be formed by different paints between the respective symbols. In addition, although the edge in the present embodiment is described as being formed in black with black paint, it may be dark gray, dark blue, or the like.

[0099] Further, the coloring formation layer 67b is formed by overlapping paints of a plurality of types. That is, the shape (design) of each symbol is formed by the edge formation layer 67a and the coloring formation layer 67b when viewed from the surface of the reel tape T1. The coloring formation layer 67b is formed, for example, by printing in order from the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60, a black (BK) layer, a dark pink color (PK1) layer, a light blue color (WB) layer, a light pink color (PK2) layer, an orange color (OL) layer, a yellow (YL) layer, and a gray color (GR) layer, so as to match the color schemes of the respective symbols P1 to P10 described in detail later. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the coloring formation layer 67b is formed so as to partially overlap the edge formation layer 67a, so that even if printing misalignment occurs, a printing area is set so that no gap is generated between the edge formation layer 67a and the coloring formation layer 67b. Further, the black (BK) layer is basically used for the edge formation layer 67a, but depending on the symbol, it is also used as the coloring formation layer 67b for patterns and the outline lines of each pattern.

[0100] Note that the colored formation layer 67b is formed of, for example, paints in a pink color system, a water color system, a yellow color system, etc., most of which have a higher chroma and lightness than the edge formation layer 67a (black). In FIG. 6, the colored formation layer 67b is shown in a single color, that is, it is shown as a single layer. However, this is not the only case. As will be described in detail later, the paint forming the colored formation layer 67b is made of a plurality of paints of different colors for each design. That is, a plurality of colored formation layers of different colors are formed by being stacked. The details of this colored formation layer 67b will be described later.

[0101] In the present embodiment, in the pattern formation layer 67, in order to improve the design of the pattern, an example will be described in which it has a layer of water color paint and a layer of pink color paint as intermediate colors. However, it may be formed only of the four primary colors of the printed matter without these, or further, other intermediate color layers may be added.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the background formation layer 61 is printed on the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60, and specifically includes a background pattern formation layer 61m for forming a background pattern Hm to be described later, a first background formation layer 61a printed on the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60 next to the background pattern formation layer 61m as the first layer of the background H, and a second background formation layer 61b printed on the side opposite to the base material 60 with the first background formation layer 61a interposed therebetween. In the first embodiment, the background pattern formation layer 61m is formed of a light orange (LW) layer, the first background formation layer 61a is formed of a first layer of white (hereinafter referred to as "white 1 (WH1)"), and the second background formation layer 61b is formed of a second layer of white (hereinafter referred to as "white 2 (WH2)"). These layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) are composed of the same ink layer. In the background H, basically, the layer of white 1 (WH1) and the layer of white 2 (WH2) are printed. That is, the background H is formed such that the white ink layer has a two-layer structure.

[0103] In the coloring formation layer 67b of the symbol formation layer 67, as shown in FIG. 6, only the layer of white 1 (WH1) used for this background H is printed on the part where white is to be expressed, and the layer of white 2 (WH2) is not printed. Thus, the white part in the coloring formation layer 67b is configured such that light from the reel backlight BL can more easily pass through than the two-layer structure of the background H, and a bright white can be expressed.

[0104] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a transparent portion 63 where neither the symbol formation layer 67 nor the background formation layer 61 is formed is formed at one end portion T11 on one side (Y1 direction side, the lower side shown in FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tape T1. The transparent portion 63 (one end portion T11) is arranged so as to overlap and be hidden by the other end portion T12 in a state where the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1. In other words, the background H is formed so as to be continuous with at least one turn.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the underlay formation layer 68 is printed on the side opposite to the substrate 60 with the background formation layer 61 interposed therebetween, and is formed by a layer of silver (SL). The paint (ink) of this silver (SL) layer is composed of a paint having light-shielding properties, that is, it is configured such that light from the reel backlight BL hardly passes through. Further, in the first embodiment, the underlay formation layer 68 is printed so as not to overlap the coloring formation layer 67b of the symbol formation layer 67 and so as to partially overlap the edge formation layer 67a, that is, it is printed in the same region as the second background formation layer 61b (layer of white 2 (WH2)) of the background H. Thus, the colored portions P1b to P10b of the respective symbols P1 to P10 are configured such that light from the reel backlight BL can easily pass through, that is, the patterns of the symbols P1 to P10 are brightened. Also, by printing the underlay formation layer 68 so as to partially overlap the edge formation layer 67a, even if printing misalignment occurs, it is possible to prevent light from the reel backlight BL from passing through outside the edge formation layer 67a.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the transparent dimpling formation layer 64 is printed on the side opposite to the substrate 60 with the backing formation layer 68 interposed therebetween, that is, it is the last layer formed among all the printed layers. It is formed by a layer of dimples (TP) generated by generating wrinkles (fine unevenness) by irradiating ultraviolet rays after printing, for example, with an ultraviolet curable transparent paint (ink) to cure and shrink the paint. Further, in the present first embodiment, the transparent dimpling formation layer 64 is printed so as to overlap and cover the pattern formation layer 67, that is, so as to cover the regions of the respective patterns P1 to P10. Thereby, the light from the reel-backlight BL transmitted through the colored portions P1b to P10b of the respective patterns P1 to P10 is diffused by being irregularly bent or reflected by the transparent dimpling formation layer 64, and it is possible to prevent the so-called point light from occurring in which light shines dot-like from the LEDs of the reel-backlight BL, suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the patterns P1 to P10, and improve the visibility of the patterns P1 to P10.

[0107] [Regarding the background pattern] Next, the details of the background H and its background pattern Hm described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing the background pattern of the first pattern, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing the background pattern of the second pattern. Note that the diagrams shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show one frame in a state where the patterns P1 to P10 are omitted (deleted) for explaining the background H.

[0108] As described above, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the background H is composed of a background pattern formation layer 61m, which is a layer on which a light orange (LW) ink is printed, a first background formation layer 61a, which is a layer on which a white 1 (WH1) ink is printed, and a second background formation layer 61b, which is a layer on which a white 2 (WH2) ink is printed, in this order from the back surface of the substrate 60.

[0109] In addition, in this first embodiment, although an example using inks of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) is described such that the base color of the background H is a white-based color, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any light color that is less prominent (has a smaller impact) than the patterns P1 to P10, that is, any light color may be used. That is, the base color of the background H may be, for example, light pink, light blue, light purple, light orange, etc., as long as it is a color different from the background pattern Hm in particular. Further, in this first embodiment, although an example using an ink of light orange (LW) for the background pattern Hm is described, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any light color that is less prominent (has a smaller impact) than the patterns P1 to P10, that is, any light color may be used. That is, the color of the background pattern Hm may be, for example, white, light pink, light blue, light purple, etc., as long as it is a color different from the base color of the background H in particular.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the background H is configured in a form having background patterns Hm on both end sides and a background central portion HC therebetween in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1, that is, printed to both ends in the short side direction X of the reel tapes T1 to T3. The background central portion HC is an area where the background pattern Hm is not formed, that is, in a portion where the patterns P1 to P10 are not formed, and is printed in white with two layers of a first background forming layer 61a and a second background forming layer 61b.

[0111] On the other hand, the background pattern Hm is printed closer to the base material 60 than the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b, and is formed to have a width of, for example, about 15 mm from the right end T1c and the left end T1d which are both ends in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1. Specifically, it does not overlap with any of the patterns P5 (pattern "Watermelon A"), P6 (pattern "Watermelon B"), P7 (pattern "Bell"), P8 (pattern "Replay"), P9 (pattern "Blank A"), and P10 (pattern "Blank B") among the patterns P1 to P10 to be described later (see FIG. 5). That is, these patterns P4 to P10 are printed so as to be within the range of the area of the background central portion HC.

[0112] Further, the background pattern Hm is an end portion formed at both ends in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1 in a state of being cut, as will be described in detail later. From the right end T1c and the left end T1d, there are pattern end portions Hmed having a distance d of about 2 mm each, where the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 described later are not formed, and a pattern forming portion Hmmn formed with a width of about 13 mm from the pattern end portion Hmed and actually having the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2. The pattern end portion Hmed and the pattern forming portion Hmmn are printed so as to overlap at least a part of the patterns P1 to P10 described in detail later, specifically, the pattern P1 (pattern "7A"), the pattern P2 (pattern "7B"), the pattern P3 (pattern "7C"), and the pattern P4 (pattern "BAR"). In particular, the pattern end portion Hmed is printed so as to overlap a part of the edges P1a to P4a of the patterns P1 to P4 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the patterns P1 to P4 are arranged to have the maximum size in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1, and can be formed as patterns with a strong impact among all the patterns.

[0113] Also, in the pattern forming portion Hmmn of the background pattern Hm, the boundary portion of the pattern end portion Hmed is formed such that the density of the light orange (WL) is the thickest state (for example, the light orange (WL) is 70%), and the density of the light orange (WL) gradually changes continuously or stepwise toward the background central portion HC (that is, toward the center in the short side direction of the reel tape T1) and becomes thinner and disappears, so as to form a so-called gradation. The pattern shape Hmk1 formed in this pattern forming portion Hmmn is formed to be a so-called solid pattern with the darkest color (for example, the light orange (WL) is 70%) in the pattern end portion Hmed, while the other pattern shape Hmk2 is formed to be a so-called white-out pattern with no ink of the background pattern Hm (for example, the light orange (WL) is 0%). Therefore, the pattern forming portion Hmmn of the background pattern Hm has the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2, but is printed so that the pattern is formed only with one kind (one color) of light orange (WL) ink.

[0114] In addition, there are two types of background patterns Hm, namely the first pattern HmP1 shown in FIG. 7(a) and the second pattern HmP2 shown in FIG. 7(b). These two patterns form the pattern for one frame in the area where the symbols P1 to P10 are arranged, and are printed such that the first pattern HmP1 and the second pattern HmP2 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tape T1. Specifically, the first pattern HmP1 shown in FIG. 7(a) is a pattern in which, for example, the pattern shapes Hmk2, Hmk1, and Hmk2 are arranged in order in the longitudinal direction Y, and the second pattern HmP2 shown in FIG. 7(b) is a pattern in which, for example, the pattern shapes Hmk1, Hmk2, and Hmk1 are arranged in order in the longitudinal direction Y. Then, the first pattern HmP1 and the second pattern HmP2 are printed so as to be arranged as the background for the symbols from symbol 0 to symbol 19 (see FIG. 4).

[0115] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 4, the background forming layer 61 that forms the background H and the backing forming layer 68 formed on the back thereof are formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction Y1 than the area of symbol 0. That is, the background forming layer 61 has a background overlapping portion 61ov that is the area where the other end T1b of the reel tape T1 overlaps, and the backing forming layer 68 has a backing overlapping portion 68ov that is the area where the other end T1b of the reel tape T1 overlaps. Accordingly, the end portion 61ed of the background forming layer 61 and the end portion ed of the backing forming layer 68 are positioned so as to protrude to the side of the longitudinal direction Y1 from the area of symbol 0. In short, the background H is formed to be longer than the area of symbols 0 to 19 where the symbols P1 to P10 are arranged. And the background overlapping portion 61ov is configured such that the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are not formed thereon. Thereby, when the other end T1b of the reel tape T1 is overlapped with the transparent portion 63 and wound around the reel frame FR1 and adhered, even if a deviation occurs in the pasting position, the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 do not become discontinuous, and since the pattern forming portion Hmmn and the pattern end portion Hmed of the background pattern Hm are formed up to the background overlapping portion 61ov, it is also possible to prevent the transparent portion 63 from being exposed and the light of the reel backlight BLi from leaking directly, thereby preventing the appearance from deteriorating.

[0116] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the pattern end portion Hmed of the background pattern Hm is at a predetermined distance d (e.g., 2 mm) from the right end T1c and the left end T1d, which are both ends in the short side direction X of the reel tape T1, and is printed with, for example, 70% light orange (WL) so as to have a uniform density. Note that this 70% refers to a state where the mesh size (mesh area ratio) of the silk printing plate is set to 70% with respect to the area of the printed region. In the actual printed state, since the ink applied through the mesh spreads on the back surface of the reel tape T1, it is printed in a state with substantially no gaps.

[0117] (Regarding the pattern end portion of the background pattern) By the way, the three reel tapes T1 to T3 are printed on a single sheet-like base material 60 in a parallel arrangement in the short side direction X, for example, and are cut out by cutting it, thereby manufacturing the respective reel tapes T1 to T3. Note that the three reel tapes T to T3 are printed in a state without gaps, but the outer sides of both sides of the reel tape T1 and the reel tape T3 located at both ends (for example, the left end T1d of the reel tape T1 (see FIG. 4)) are also cut as margin portions. When performing this cutting, there is a possibility that a deviation may occur in the cutting position by, for example, up to about 0.5 mm due to the error of the cutting machine. However, in the reel tapes T1 to T3 of the first embodiment, as described above, it is printed at a predetermined distance d (e.g., 2 mm) that is larger than the cutting error from the pattern end portion Hmed of the background pattern Hm so as to have a uniform density. Therefore, even if a deviation occurs in the cutting position, the background pattern Hm does not change significantly, and it is possible to prevent the appearance of the reel tapes T1 to T3 after cutting from deteriorating. Also, it is possible to reduce the individual differences of the gaming machines due to the deviation of the cutting position, and it is possible to prevent misrecognition by the player. Note that when cutting the reel tapes T1 to T3, the longitudinal end portions (for example, one end T1a and the other end T1b (see FIG. 4)) are also cut. However, since the above-described background overlapping portion 61ov is formed to be about 2 mm, for example, even if a deviation occurs in the cutting position, it is possible to similarly prevent the appearance from deteriorating.

[0118] In the present embodiment, although an example is described in which the pattern end portion Hmed is formed at a predetermined distance d (for example, 2 mm) in the short side direction X, since the error of the cutting machine is about 0.5 mm at maximum, it is sufficient that the predetermined distance d is equal to or greater than the error of the cutting machine. However, since there is a possibility that the pattern end portion Hmed may disappear due to misalignment during cutting, preferably the predetermined distance d is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less so as not to compress the area of the background pattern Hm. In this case, it may be made larger than or equal to the width of the adhesive member 65 (see FIG. 4) that adheres the reel tapes T1 to T3 to the reel frames FR1 to FR3 so that the adhesive member 65 is not conspicuous.

[0119] [Details of Each Design] Next, the detailed sizes and color schemes (types of inks used) of each of the designs P1 to P10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the designs according to the first embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing the 7A design, (b) is a diagram showing the 7B design, (c) is a diagram showing the 7C design, (d) is a diagram showing the BAR design, (e) is a diagram showing the watermelon A design, (f) is a diagram showing the watermelon B design, (g) is a diagram showing the bell design, (h) is a diagram showing the replay design, (i) is a diagram showing the blank A design, and (j) is a diagram showing the blank B design.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the symbol P1 (symbol "7A") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "32.10 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "76.50 mm", and is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P1a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(a)). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum width, and combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 8, for the symbol P1 (symbol "7A"), the edge P1a is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P1b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern (inner contour line and spiral pattern) of dark pink (PK1) ink, a pattern (spiral pattern) of light blue (WB) ink, a pattern (petal pattern) of light pink (PK2) ink, and a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P1a) of white 1 (WH1) ink. Further, as a transparent crepe forming layer 64, a layer of crepe (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P1. That is, a total of six colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the symbol P2 (symbol "7B") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "32.10 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "76.50 mm", and is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P2a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(b)). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum width, and combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 8, for the symbol P2 (symbol "7B"), the edge P2a is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P2b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern (petal pattern) of light pink (PK2) ink and a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P2a) of white 1 (WH1) ink. And for the symbol P2 (symbol "7B"), the transparent crepe forming layer 64 is not formed. That is, a total of three colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the symbol P3 (symbol “7C”) has a longitudinal (longitudinal direction Y) size of “32.10 mm” and a lateral (lateral direction X) size of “76.50 mm”. It is arranged to overlap the background pattern Hm in the lateral direction, and in particular, the edge P3a is arranged to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(a)). That is, it is a symbol with the largest lateral width, and combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured to be a symbol with relatively strong impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 8, the edge P3a of the symbol P3 (symbol “7C”) is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P3b is formed by a pattern (spiral pattern) of dark pink (PK1) ink, a pattern (spiral pattern) of light blue (WB) ink, a pattern (inner contour line) of yellow (YL) ink, and a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P3a) of white 1 (WH1) ink as the colored forming layer 67b. Furthermore, as the transparent pleating forming layer 64, a layer of pleating (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of the symbol P3. That is, a total of six colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 5(d), the symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "33.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "76.50 mm", and is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P4a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(b)). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum vertical width, and in combination with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(d) and 8, the edge P4a of the symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P4b is formed as the coloring forming layer 67b by a pattern (outline of the font of BAR) with dark pink (PK1) ink, a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P4a) with light pink (PK2) ink, and a pattern (painted portion inside the font of BAR) with white 1 (WH1) ink. Further, as the transparent crepe forming layer 64, a layer with crepe (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P4. That is, a total of five colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 5(e), the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "29.70 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "41.50 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7(a)), that is, it is a symbol with a medium vertical and horizontal width. Together with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all the symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(e) and 8, the edge P5a of the symbol P5 is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P5b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with patterns made of black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and variety pattern of the watermelon), patterns made of dark pink (PK1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon), green patterns made of light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the watermelon, the pattern of the orange stem), patterns made of orange (OL) ink (the surface pattern of the orange), patterns made of gray (GR) ink (the shadow pattern of the orange), patterns made of white 1 (WH1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon rind, the depression pattern of the orange), are formed. Furthermore, as a transparent crepe forming layer 64, a layer made of crepe (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P5, that is, a total of 8 colors of ink, which is the largest number of color types (quantity) among all the symbols, are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 5(f), the symbol P6 (symbol "Watermelon B") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "28.60 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "43.00 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see Fig. 7(b)), that is, it is a symbol with medium vertical and horizontal widths. Coupled with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in Fig. 5(f) and Fig. 8, the edge portion P6a of the symbol P6 (symbol "Watermelon B") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P6b is formed by a pattern (watermelon stripe pattern and species pattern) by black (BL) ink, a pattern (cross-sectional pattern of watermelon) by dark pink (PK1) ink, a green pattern (surface pattern of watermelon, pattern of orange stem) by light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) inks, a pattern (surface pattern of orange) by orange (OL) ink, and a pattern (cross-sectional pattern of watermelon rind, depression pattern of orange) by white 1 (WH1) ink as the colored forming layer 67b. Furthermore, as the transparent crepe forming layer 64, a layer by crepe (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P6. That is, a total of 7 colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol. Note that this symbol P6 (symbol "Watermelon B") is not arranged on the reel tape T1 (see Fig. 4), but is arranged on the reel tapes T2 to T3.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 5(g), the symbol P7 (symbol "bell") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "30.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "43.30 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7(a)), that is, it is a symbol with a medium vertical and horizontal width, and together with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(g) and 8, the edge P7a of the symbol P7 (symbol "bell") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P7b is formed as the coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern by black (BL) ink (pattern of the outline of the bell), a pattern by yellow (YL) ink (surface pattern of the bell), and a pattern by orange (OL) ink (pattern of the darkened portion of the bell). Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer by pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P7, that is, a total of 4 colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 5(h), the symbol P8 (symbol "replay") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "27.50 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "37.00 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7(b)), that is, it is a symbol with a medium vertical and horizontal width, and is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(h) and 8, the edge P8a of the symbol P8 (symbol "replay") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P8b is formed as the coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern by black (BL) ink (outline inside the edge P8a), a pattern by light blue (WB) ink (font of REP), and a pattern by white 1 (WH1) ink (painted portion inside the edge P4a). Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer by pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P8, that is, a total of 4 colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 5(i), the symbol P9 (symbol "Blank A") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "25.95 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "35.70 mm". It is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7(a)), that is, it is a symbol with the minimum vertical and horizontal widths. Considering the number of types (quantity) of colors used as well, it is configured as a symbol with relatively weak impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(i) and 8, the symbol P9 (symbol "Blank A") has no formed edge, and the colored part P9b is formed as the coloring formation layer 67b with a pattern (outer contour and inner star pattern) made of gray (GR) ink. The other parts have the background H exposed as it is, that is, the interior of the symbol is painted with the background H formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). And for the symbol P9 (symbol "Blank A"), the transparent pleating formation layer 64 is not formed, that is, the shape of the symbol is formed by using only a total of one color of ink.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 5(j), the symbol P10 (symbol "Blank B") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "29.90 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "40.95 mm". It is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7(a)), that is, it is a symbol with medium vertical and horizontal widths. Considering the number of types (quantity) of colors used as well, it is configured as a symbol with relatively weak impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(j) and 8, the symbol P10 (symbol "Blank B") has no formed edge, and the colored part P10b is formed as the coloring formation layer 67b with a pattern (outer contour and inner star pattern) made of gray (GR) ink. The other parts have the background H exposed as it is, that is, the interior of the symbol is painted with the background H formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). And for the symbol P10 (symbol "Blank B"), the transparent pleating formation layer 64 is not formed, that is, the shape of the symbol is formed by using only a total of one color of ink.

[0130] (Regarding the number of ink printing steps for symbol P2 (symbol "7B") and symbol P1 (symbol "7A")) Next, the number of ink printing steps for symbol P2 (symbol "7B") and symbol P1 (symbol "7A") will be described. As described above, symbol P2 (symbol "7B") is formed with a total of 3 colors (3 types) of ink, namely black (BL), light pink (PK2), and white 1 (WH1) to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(b)), and the number of times of printing (coating) the 3 colors of ink is 3 times. That is, symbol P2 (symbol "7B") has the lowest number of ink types among all symbols P1 to P10 and is the symbol with the fewest ink types used. On the other hand, symbol P1 (symbol "7A") is formed with a total of 6 colors (6 types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), light pink (PK2), white 1 (WH1), and dark gray (TP) to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(a)), and the number of times of printing (coating) the 6 colors of ink is 6 times. Among the inks forming symbol P1 (symbol "7A"), black (BL), light pink (PK2), and white 1 (WH1) are the inks used in symbol P2 (symbol "7A"). Therefore, when the symbol P2 (symbol "7B") with the fewest ink types is completed, more than half of the printing steps for the ink of symbol P1 (symbol "7A") are completed, and the remaining printing steps are only for 3 types, namely dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), and dark gray (TP). That is, more than half of symbol P1 (symbol "7A") can be completed, and the remaining printing steps can be reduced to less than half. Thus, for symbol P1 (symbol "7A"), while the number of types of ink (paint) used can be reduced, symbol P1 (symbol "7A") can be brought closer to completion, and cost reduction can be achieved for the cost of completing the reel tapes T1 to T3 on which symbol P1 is arranged.

[0131] (Regarding the number of ink printing steps for symbol P2 (symbol "7B") and symbol P4 (symbol "BAR")) Next, the number of ink printing steps for symbol P2 (symbol "7B") as the first symbol, symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") as the second symbol, and symbol P1 (symbol "7A") as the third symbol will be described. As described above, symbol P2 (symbol "7B") is formed with a total of 3 colors (3 types) of ink, namely black (BL), light pink (PK2), and white 1 (WH1) to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(a)). That is, the number of ink types is 3 types as the first number, and the number of times the 3-color ink is printed (applied) is 3 times. That is, symbol P2 (symbol "7B") has the lowest number of ink types among all symbols P1 to P10 and uses the fewest types of ink. On the other hand, symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") is formed with a total of 5 colors (5 types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light pink (PK2), white 1 (WH1), and tatami (TP) to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(d)). That is, the number of ink types is 5 types as the second number, and the number of times the 5-color ink is printed (applied) is 5 times. Among the inks forming symbol P4 (symbol "BAR"), black (BL), light pink (PK2), and white 1 (WH1) are the inks used in symbol P2 (symbol "7B"). Therefore, when the symbol P2 (symbol "7B") with the fewest ink types is completed, more than half of the printing steps for the ink of symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") are completed, and the remaining printing steps are only 2 types, namely dark pink (PK1) and tatami (TP). That is, symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") can be completed by more than half, and the remaining printing steps can be reduced to less than half. As a result, for symbol P4 (symbol "BAR"), while the number of types of ink (paint) used can be reduced, symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") can be brought closer to completion, and cost reduction can be achieved for the cost of completing the reel tapes T1 to T3 on which symbol P4 is arranged.

[0132] (Summary of the effects of completing symbol P2 (symbol "7B")) As described above, when the printing process of the three-color ink is completed to complete the symbol P2 (symbol "7B"), more than half of the other multiple types (at least symbol P1 (symbol "7A") and symbol P4 (symbol "BAR")) can be completed, that is, it can be brought closer to completion. Therefore, when the symbol P2 (symbol "7B") is completed, more than half of the multiple types of symbols are completed, and overall, regarding the cost for completing the reel tapes T1 to T3, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0133] (Regarding the completion of other multiple types of symbols due to the completion of symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A")) Subsequently, the completion of other multiple types of symbols by completing the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") as a specific symbol will be described. As described above, the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") is formed with the shape of the symbol by a total of eight colors (eight types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), yellow (YL), orange (OL), gray (GR), white 1 (WH1), and chidimi (TP) (see Fig. 5(e)), that is, the number of types of ink is the predetermined number "8", and the number of times of the printing (coating) process of the eight-color ink is eight times. That is, the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") has the highest number of types of ink among all the symbols P1 to P10 and is the symbol that uses the most types of ink.

[0134] On the other hand, the symbol P3 (symbol "7C") is formed with the shape of the symbol by a total of six colors (six types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), yellow (YL), white 1 (WH1), and chidimi (TP) (see Fig. 5(c)), and the number of times of the printing (coating) process of the six-color ink is six times. And these six colors of ink are all the ink used in the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A").

[0135] In addition, the symbol P6 (the symbol "Watermelon B") is formed by a total of 7 colors (7 types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), yellow (YL), orange (OL), white 1 (WH1), and checkered (TP), to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(f)). The number of printing (coating) processes for the 7-color ink is 7 times. And all of these 7 colors of ink are the same as the ink used in symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A").

[0136] In addition, the symbol P7 (the symbol "Bell") is formed by a total of 4 colors (4 types) of ink, namely black (BL), yellow (YL), orange (OL), and checkered (TP), to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(g)). The number of printing (coating) processes for the 4-color ink is 4 times. And all of these 4 colors of ink are the same as the ink used in symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A").

[0137] And the symbol P8 (the symbol "Replay") is formed by a total of 4 colors (4 types) of ink, namely black (BL), light blue (WB), white 1 (WH1), and checkered (TP), to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(i)). The number of printing (coating) processes for the 4-color ink is 4 times. And all of these 4 colors of ink are the same as the ink used in symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A").

[0138] Therefore, by completing symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A") printed with 8 colors of ink, 5 types of symbols are completed, including symbol P3 (the symbol "7C"), symbol P6 (the symbol "Watermelon B"), symbol P7 (the symbol "Bell"), and symbol P8 (the symbol "Replay"), that is, 5 types of symbols, which are more than half of the 10 types of symbols of all symbols P1 to P10. In short, by completing symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A"), more than half of the types of symbols are completed, so there is no need to prepare the types of ink for the other symbols (symbol P3, symbol P6, symbol P7, symbol P8), and the types of ink can be reduced. As a result, cost reduction can be achieved for the cost of completing the reel tapes T1 to T3 in which a plurality of types of symbols including symbol P5 (symbol P3, symbol P6, symbol P7, symbol P8) are arranged.

[0139] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment in which the first embodiment is partially modified will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sheet of reel tape after printing and before cutting according to the second embodiment, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing symbols according to the second embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing a bell symbol, (b) is a diagram showing a replay symbol, (c) is a diagram showing a cherry symbol, (d) is a diagram showing a watermelon symbol, (e) is a diagram showing a white 7 symbol, (f) is a diagram showing a silver BAR symbol, (g) is a diagram showing a black BAR symbol, (h) is a diagram showing a red 7 symbol, (i) is a diagram showing a diamond symbol, (j) is a diagram showing a bonus symbol, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the types of ink and each layer according to the second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0140] [Regarding the background pattern] First, the background pattern Hm of the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the background pattern Hm in the first embodiment, it was described that the first pattern HmP1 and the second pattern HmP2 alternate in a pattern for one frame in the longitudinal direction Y. In contrast, the background pattern Hm in the second embodiment is printed such that the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 for four frames are repeated in the longitudinal direction Y and are continuously connected to each other as shown in FIG. 9. That is, the background pattern Hm according to the second embodiment is configured by arranging a plurality of left patterns HmP3 and right patterns HmP4 continuously in the longitudinal direction Y, where each left or right pattern has a length obtained by dividing a predetermined number (20) of regions in the longitudinal direction Y by a predetermined number (5) as one pattern shape. Also, although the background pattern Hm in the first embodiment was described as being formed with light orange (LW) ink (see FIG. 8), the background pattern Hm in the second embodiment is formed with extremely thin pink (PK4) ink (see FIG. 11).

[0141] Specifically, the left pattern HmP3 arranged on the left side in the short direction X (the side in the X2 direction) has a pattern shape Hmk3 which is a so-called solid pattern, a pattern shape Hmk4 which is a so-called white-out pattern, and a pattern shape Hmk5 which is a so-called white-out line pattern, arranged in a predetermined order and with a predetermined size. Similarly, the right pattern HmP4 arranged on the right side in the short direction X (the side in the X1 direction) also has a pattern shape Hmk3 which is a so-called solid pattern, a pattern shape Hmk4 which is a so-called white-out pattern, and a pattern shape Hmk5 which is a so-called white-out line pattern, arranged in a predetermined order and with a predetermined size.

[0142] In this way, by alternately arranging the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 in the longitudinal direction Y in patterns of 4 frames each, in the reel tapes T1 to T3 having 20 frames (20 symbols arranged), since 20 frames can be evenly divided by 4 frames, there is no remainder of 5 patterns. When these reel tapes T1 to T3 are wound around and adhered to the reel frames FR1 to FR3, the patterns are neatly arranged without interruption, and the design and visibility can be improved.

[0143] Also, the specific region 410b (see FIG. 1) that makes the reels R1 to R3 visible displays 3 frames (3 symbols) in the state where those reels R1 to R3 have stopped. Therefore, the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4, which are patterns of 4 frames, can display 4 types of background patterns Hm depending on the stop position. That is, for example, when the symbol "White 7", which is the 3rd symbol on the reel tape T1 in FIG. 9, stops at the upper part of the specific region 410b, when the symbol "Watermelon", which is the 2nd symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific region 410b, when the symbol "Bell", which is the 1st symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific region 410b, and when the symbol "Diamond", which is the 0th symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific region 410b, the patterns displayed by the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 are different at these 4 types of stop positions. Thus, the variations of the background pattern Hm at the time of stopping are not monotonous, and the design can be improved.

[0144] Note that, in the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4, a pattern shape Hmk5, which is a pattern of a white-out line, is formed respectively. The pattern shape Hmk5 is formed, for example, in a size with a horizontal width and a vertical width of about 13 mm to 14 mm, and is formed in a shape that matches the pattern of the colored portion P16b of the symbol "Silver BAR", which will be described in detail later, and is arranged as the 17th symbol of the reel tape T3. That is, in the second embodiment, the background pattern Hm and the pattern of the colored portion P16b have a design relevance, and thereby the design property can be improved.

[0145] (Regarding the pattern end of the background pattern) Also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the three reel tapes T1 to T3 are printed on a single sheet-like base material 60 in parallel in the short-side direction X as shown in FIG. 9, and are cut out by cutting it, and the respective reel tapes T1 to T3 are manufactured. Note that the three reel tapes T to T3 are printed in a state of being arranged without gaps, but the outer sides of both sides of the reel tape T1 and the reel tape T3 located at both ends (for example, the left end T1d of the reel tape T1 and the right end T3c of the reel tape T3) are also cut as blank portions. When performing this cutting, due to the error of the cutting machine, there is a possibility that the cutting position may deviate by, for example, up to about 0.5 mm. However, also in the reel tapes T1 to T3 of the second embodiment, as described above, they are printed so as to have a uniform density at a predetermined distance d (for example, 2 mm) that is larger than the cutting error from the pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm. Therefore, even if the cutting position deviates, the background pattern Hm does not change significantly, and it is possible to prevent the appearance of the reel tapes T1 to T3 after cutting from deteriorating. Also, the individual differences of the gaming machines due to the deviation of the cutting position can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent misrecognition by the player. Also, when cutting the reel tapes T1 to T3, the longitudinal ends (one end T1a and the other end T1b of the reel tape T1, one end T2a and the other end T2b of the reel tape T2, one end T3a and the other end T3b of the reel tape T3) are also cut, but since the above-described background overlapping portion 61ov is formed, for example, about 2 mm, even if the cutting position deviates, it is possible to similarly prevent the appearance from deteriorating.

[0146] [Details of Each Symbol] Next, details of the sizes and color schemes (types of inks used) of each symbol P11 to P20 arranged on the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, in the symbol formation layer 67, a layer of gold (GL) ink is provided as part of the coloring formation layer 67b on the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60 than the black (BL) ink that forms the edge formation layer 67a forming the edges P11a to P20a of each symbol P11 to P20. Further, the coloring formation layer 67b is, for example, in order from the side closer to the back surface of the base material 60, a layer of gold (GL), a layer of black (BK), a layer of blue (BU), a layer of red (RD), a layer of light blue (WB), a layer of dark pink (PK1), a layer of pink (PK2), a layer of light pink (PK3), a layer of purple (PU), a layer of orange (OL), a layer of yellow (YL), a layer of gray (GR), a layer of light orange (LW), and is formed by being printed so as to have the color schemes of each symbol P11 to P20 described in detail later. The background pattern formation layer 61m is formed of a layer of extremely light pink (PK4), the first background formation layer 61a is formed of a layer of white 1 (WH1), the second background formation layer 61b is formed of a layer of white 2 (WH2), and the transparent pleat formation layer 64 is formed of a layer of pleat (TP). That is, in the second embodiment, 17 types (17 colors) of inks are used. In the second embodiment, the reel tapes T1 to T3 are not formed with a backing formation layer 68 (see FIG. 8), and the light of the reel backlight BLi easily passes through, and the entire reel tapes T1 to T3 are brightly illuminated inside the specific region 410b. Even when an image by liquid crystal is displayed in the specific region 410b, each symbol of the reel tapes T1 to T3 is configured to be easily visible.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 10(a), the symbol P11 (the symbol "Bell") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "28.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "42.00 mm". It is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see Fig. 9). That is, it is a symbol with medium vertical and horizontal dimensions. Considering the number of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 11, the edge P11a of the symbol P11 is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P11b is formed as a colored forming layer 67b with patterns formed by black (BL) ink (the pattern of the contour of the bell), yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the bell), orange (OL) ink (the pattern of the darkened surface of the bell), and gray (GR) ink (the pattern of the darkened part of the bell). Further, a pattern (the shiny pattern of the bell) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of the symbol P11. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of five colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 10(b), the symbol P12 (the symbol "Replay") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "26.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "40.00 mm". It is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see Fig. 9). That is, it is a symbol with the minimum vertical and horizontal dimensions. In particular, the area of the region where the symbol is arranged (1040 mm obtained by multiplying the vertical width (26 mm) and the horizontal width (40 mm)) 2) is the symbol that is the minimum among all the symbols P11 to P20, and is configured as the symbol with the weakest impact relatively among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(b) and 8, for the symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY"), the edge portion P12a is formed of black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P12b is formed as the colored forming layer 67b with a pattern (the painted portion inside the edge portion P12a, the font of REP) made of light blue (WB) ink. The other parts are such that the background H is exposed as it is, that is, the inside of the symbol is painted in the form of the background H formed by white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) in two layers. Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer made of pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P8. That is, for the symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY"), excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of three colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 10(c), the symbol P13 (the symbol "cherry") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "26.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "43.00 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with medium vertical and horizontal dimensions, and together with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(c) and 11, the edge P13a of the symbol P13 is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P13b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with patterns made of black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and the seed pattern of a watermelon), patterns made of dark pink (PK1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of a watermelon), green patterns made of light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of a watermelon, the pattern of an orange stem), patterns made of orange (OL) ink (the surface pattern of an orange), patterns made of white 1 (WH1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of a watermelon peel, the recess pattern of an orange), and further, a pattern (the shiny pattern of a cherry) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as a transparent hemming forming layer 64, a layer made of hemming (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P13. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of seven colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 10(d), the symbol P14 (the symbol "Watermelon") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "30.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "47.00 mm", and is arranged so as not to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with medium vertical and horizontal widths. Combined with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a medium impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(d) and 11, the edge P14a of the symbol P14 (the symbol "Watermelon") is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P14b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with patterns formed by black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and the seed pattern of the watermelon), patterns formed by pink (PK2) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon), green patterns formed by light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the watermelon), patterns formed by light pink (PK3) ink (the heart pattern), patterns formed by gray (GR) ink (the shadow pattern of the heart). Furthermore, a pattern (the pattern of the rind portion of the cross-section of the watermelon) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer formed by pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P14. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of 7 colors of ink, which is the largest number of color types (quantity) among all the symbols, are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 10(e), the symbol P15 (symbol "White 7") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "32.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "76.00 mm", and is arranged to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P15a is arranged to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum width, and together with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured to be a symbol with relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(e) and 11, for the symbol P15 (symbol "White 7"), the edge P15a is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P15b is formed as a colored forming layer 67b with a pattern by gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the decorative line of the edge P15a), a pattern by purple (PU) ink (the internal diagonal line pattern and the petal pattern). The other parts have the background H exposed as it is. That is, the inside of the symbol is painted in the form of a background H formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). Further, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of the symbol P15. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of four colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 10(f), the symbol P16 (symbol "Silver BAR") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "29.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "70.00 mm", and is arranged so as to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9), that is, it is a relatively large symbol, and together with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(f) and 11, the edge P16a of the symbol P16 (symbol "Silver BAR") is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P16b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P16a) of gray (GR) ink. Further, a pattern (pattern of the font of BAR, circular pattern) where the background H (layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Further, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P16, that is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of three colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 10(g), the symbol P17 (symbol "black BAR") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "30.50 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "70.00 mm", and is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9), that is, it is a relatively large symbol, and together with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(g) and 11, for the symbol P17 (symbol "black BAR"), the edge P17a is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P17b is formed as the colored forming layer 67b with a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P17a) by red (RD) ink. Furthermore, a pattern (pattern of the font of BAR) is formed where the background H (layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed. Also, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer by pleat (TP) ink is formed so as to cover the entire back side of the symbol P16. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of three colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 10(h), the symbol P18 (the symbol "Red 7") has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of "32.00 mm" and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of "76.00 mm", and is arranged to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P18a is arranged to overlap with the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum width, and combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured to be a symbol with relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(h) and 11, the edge P18a of the symbol P18 (the symbol "Red 7") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge formation layer 67a, and the colored portion P15b is formed by a pattern of gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the decorative line of the edge P18a), a pattern of red (RD) ink (the painted portion inside the edge P17a), a pattern of pink (PK) ink (the pattern of the character's head), a pattern of light orange (LW) ink (the pattern of the character's face), and a pattern of white 1 (WH1) ink (the pattern of the star). Further, a pattern (the pattern of the circle) where the background H (the layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as the transparent pleat formation layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of the symbol P18. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of 7 colors (including the pattern of white 1 (WH1)) with the most types (numbers) of colors are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 10(i), the symbol P19 (the symbol “diamond”) has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of “28.00 mm” and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of “52.00 mm”. It is arranged so as to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with a medium vertical and horizontal size. Considering the number of types of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all the symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(i) and 11, the edge P19a of the symbol P19 is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P19b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern of gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the decorative line of the edge P19a), a pattern of pink (PK2) ink (the portion of the diamond pattern), a pattern of light pink (PK3) ink (the painted portion inside the edge P19a), and further, a pattern (the painted portion inside the diamond) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of the symbol P19. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of five colors of ink are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 10(j), the symbol P20 (the symbol “bonus”) has a vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size of “33.00 mm” and a horizontal (lateral direction X) size of “74.00 mm”. It is arranged so as to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction, and in particular, the edge P20a is arranged so as to overlap with the pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with the largest vertical size. In particular, the area of the region where the symbol is arranged (2442 mm obtained by multiplying the vertical width (33 mm) and the horizontal width (74 mm)) 2) is the symbol that is the largest among all symbols P11 to P20, and together with the types (number) of colors used, it is configured to be the symbol with the strongest impact relatively among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(j) and 11, for symbol P20 (the symbol "BONUS"), the edge portion P20a is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P20b is a colored forming layer 67b with patterns formed by gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the outline of the font "ONUS"), blue (BU) ink (the painted portion of the font "B"), light blue (WB) ink (the painted portion inside the edge 20a), orange (OL) ink (the pattern of a star), and yellow (YL) ink (the pattern of lightning). Further, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed to cover the entire back side of symbol P20. That is, excluding white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) of the background H, a total of 7 types of ink with the most types of colors are used to form the shape of the symbol.

[0157] [Regarding the Impact Difference between the Symbol "BONUS" and the Symbol "REPLAY"] Next, the difference in impact between the above symbol P20 (the symbol "BONUS") and the above symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY") will be described. As described above, the symbol P20 (the symbol "BONUS") has a longitudinal (longitudinal direction Y) size of "33.00 mm" and a lateral (lateral direction X) size of "74.00 mm", and the area of the region where the symbol is arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction X (2442 mm 2 ) is the largest symbol that is the largest among all symbols P11 to P20, and the types of ink used are a total of 7 types with the most types of colors. On the other hand, the symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY") has a longitudinal (longitudinal direction Y) size of "26.00 mm" and a lateral (lateral direction X) size of "40.00 mm", and the area of the region where the symbol is arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction X (1040 mm 2) is the minimum symbol that is the minimum in all symbols P11 to P20, and the types of inks used are a total of three types with the fewest number of colors. In short, there is no symbol with more ink types than symbol P20 (symbol "Bonus"), and there is no symbol with fewer ink types than symbol P12 (symbol "Replay").

[0158] In this way, symbol P20 (symbol "Bonus") has a strong impact due to the largest size of the area where it is arranged and also has a strong impact due to the largest number of ink types. These factors combined make it configured to have the strongest impact among all symbols P11 to P20. On the contrary, symbol P12 (symbol "Replay") has a weak impact due to the smallest size of the area where it is arranged and also has a weak impact due to the smallest (fewest) number of ink types. These factors combined make it configured to have the weakest impact among all symbols P11 to P20. Therefore, a suitable impact difference can be given between symbol P20 (symbol "Bonus") (the largest symbol) and symbol P12 (symbol "Replay") (the smallest symbol).

[0159] [Possibilities of Other Embodiments] In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the first background forming layer 61A and the second background forming layer 61B are formed of the same paint (for example, white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)), but it is not limited to this. Those using paints of the same color system may also be used. Further, especially in the second embodiment, the second background forming layer 61B may be a light-shielding layer (a backing layer, so-called silver backing) formed of a paint that shields light (for example, paints such as black, dark gray, dark blue, etc.).

[0160] Also, in the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the background H is formed with the white paint of the first background forming layer 61A as the background color, but it is not limited to this. Any color of the background color may be used, and especially a white-based background color is preferable. For example, those containing a luminous pigment may also be acceptable.

[0161] Also, in the first and second embodiments, although the edges of each symbol have been described as being formed by a paint with a low lightness (black (BL) ink), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any paint with a low lightness such as dark gray or dark navy blue may be used, but it is particularly preferable to use paints of the same color system for each symbol. Note that the same color system includes, in addition to the same color, similar colors, for example, magenta for red, cyan for blue, gray for black, etc. Specifically, the same color system is a color with a small color difference (ΔE * ab), preferably a color with a color difference of less than 10, more preferably less than 5.0. This ΔE * ab is a value represented by ΔE * ab = √((ΔL * ) 2 +(Δa * ) 2 +(Δb * ) 2 ), and the larger the value, the greater the color difference when visually observed.

[0162] Also, in the first and second embodiments, although it has been described that none of the symbols P1 to P20 have a light-transmitting portion formed only by a transparent paint that transmits the light of the reel backlight BLi as a crease, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a light-transmitting portion may be formed in the eyes of a character, a star symbol, a shiny portion, etc., so that a part of the symbol relatively shines brightly. In this case, it is preferable to form a crease on the back surface of the light-transmitting portion so that the light of the reel backlight BLi does not point-light through the light-transmitting portion.

[0163] Also, in the first and second embodiments, although it has been described that the coloring formation layer 67b forms the colored portion inside the symbol with a single layer of a single color or a multi-layer of mixed colors of various paints, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be such that shades are expressed by dots or the like.

[0164] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the present slot machine 1 has been described as a so-called full-face liquid crystal machine including a display device 410 that is a liquid crystal display and covers the specific area 410b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display device 410 may be arranged at a location different from the specific area 410b. Even in this case, by containing a transparent paint in the backgrounds H of the reel tapes T1 to T3 to facilitate the transmission of the illumination of the reel backlight BL, the reels R1 to R3 can be brightened, and together with the easy visibility of the symbols, the appearance can be improved.

[0165] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the reel R1 is arranged on the leftmost side, the reel R2 is arranged on the right side of the reel R1, and the reel R3 is arranged on the rightmost side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The order in which the reels R1 to R3 are arranged may be any order, and there may be a reel R4 (the fourth reel) other than the reels R1 to R3, and it may be arranged at any position.

[0166] Also, in the second embodiment, the symbol P20 (the symbol "bonus") has been described as an example of the maximum symbol in which the area where the symbols are arranged is the largest, and the symbol P3 (the symbol "replay") has been described as an example of the minimum symbol in which the area where the symbols are arranged is the smallest. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The maximum symbol may be a symbol in which at least one of the lengths in the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction X is the largest. Conversely, the minimum symbol may be a symbol in which at least one of the lengths in the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction X is the smallest.

[0167] Also, in the second embodiment, it was described that the background pattern Hm is configured such that one pattern shape (left pattern HmP3 and right pattern HmP4) is a length obtained by dividing 20 regions (20 frames) in the longitudinal direction Y by "5" (i.e., the length of 4 frames), and the pattern shapes of "5" are arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a length obtained by dividing a 20-frame region by "4" (i.e., the length of 5 frames), a length obtained by dividing a 20-frame region by "2" (i.e., the length of 10 frames), a length obtained by dividing a 21-frame region by "7" (i.e., the length of 3 frames), a length obtained by dividing a 21-frame region by "3" (i.e., the length of 7 frames), a length obtained by dividing a 16-frame region by "4" (i.e., the length of 4 frames), etc. That is, as long as the number of positions where the symbols on the reel tape are arranged is divisible, one pattern of the background pattern Hm can have any length.

Explanation of Signs

[0168] 1…Slot machine (gaming machine) H…Background (background part) Hm…Background pattern Hmed…Pattern end (end) Hmk1, Hmk2…Pattern shape P1~P20…Symbols R1~R3…Reels T1~T3…Reel tapes

Claims

**Claim 1** A reel having a reel tape on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, the reel tape has a background portion printed as a background of the plurality of symbols, the background portion is printed up to both ends in the short side direction of the reel tape, a background pattern having a pattern shape is printed on the background portion, the background portion has ends formed at both ends in the short side direction, a gaming machine in which the pattern shape is not printed on the ends.

Images