Game machine

Abstract

To prevent reduction in design properties.SOLUTION: A slot machine comprises a reel which has reel tapes T1-T3 on which a prescribed number of symbols P11-P20 are arranged, and the reel tapes T1-T3 have a background H which is printed as the background of the symbols. Each of the symbols P11-P20 is arranged respectively in each of a prescribed number of areas arrayed in the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1-T3. Background patterns Hmk3, Hmk4, Hmk5 are printed on the background H. When the length of the prescribed number of areas divided by a prescribed number in the longitudinal direction Y is defined as one set of pattern shapes HmP3, HmP4, the background patterns Hmk3, Hmk4, Hmk5 are constituted by a plurality of pattern shapes HmP3, HmP4 continuously lining in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the reduction in design properties can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (a spinning reel 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 assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to obtain such gaming media. In addition, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon the start operation of the start lever by the player, and controls to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon the stop operation of the stop button by the player. 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, there is a reel tape wound around the outer periphery of the reel frame to form the reel. On this reel tape, a plurality of types (each color or transparent) of paints are printed so as to be overlaid on a transparent base material, thereby forming a plurality of types of symbols and the backgrounds of these 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] Incidentally, the background pattern is often formed at a predetermined pitch interval in the longitudinal direction. However, if the pitch interval is independent of the length of the reel tape in the longitudinal direction, the connection of the background pattern may be poor at the connecting portion when wound around the outer periphery of the reel frame, and the design may be degraded.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a decrease in design.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising a reel having a reel tape on which a predetermined number of symbols are arranged, the reel tape having a background portion printed as a background of the symbol, each of the symbols being arranged one by one in each of the predetermined number of regions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reel tape, a background pattern being printed on the background portion, the background pattern having a length obtained by dividing the predetermined number of regions by a predetermined number in the longitudinal direction as one pattern shape, and being configured by arranging a plurality of the pattern shapes continuously in the longitudinal direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in design.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

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Figure 11

[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 of the player (front) is described as "front" and the opposite side 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 rotary drum type gaming machine, and 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. It is composed of an external device and a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records gaming values by an electromagnetic method based on a lending signal output from a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) as a specific unit. The slot machine 1 stores 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 left 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. Further, 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 in the housing of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment.

[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 lines formed by combinations of the display positions of the reels. 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 insertion operation means for performing an operation to set the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the inserted state, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for causing the 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 operation means for causing the 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 counting operation 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 inserted state and return the electronically - formed medals set to the inserted 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 etc., 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 etc., 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 enlivening 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 includes, 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 communicate 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 is turned 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 is turned 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, it cyclically changes the set value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the set value 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 the roles 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 (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state 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 supply of power to the main control CPU 1001 is cut off (power failure) and then the supply of power is resumed again, 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 acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal that is output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) in a state where the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 described later is equal to or more than the specified number within the input acceptance period for accepting the input of the electronic medals. By doing so, with the specified number set for each game state as the limit, the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 are set to the input state, and 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, 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. The details of the specified number set for each game state will be described later.

[0028] Also, the input acceptance 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 number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling 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 are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function as random numbers because, although the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing or the like is irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of a combination based on a start signal output when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which of 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 prize device or a prize device continuous operation device when winning, "activation of the bonus" means that the bonus wins and activates the prize device or the prize device continuous operation device, and "bonus state" means a state where the prize device or the prize device continuous operation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output by the start lever SL being 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, there are prepared 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 (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to the non-established state without carrying over the established state to the next and subsequent games regardless of winning. 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 modes of reels R1 to R3. Further, when the rotation states of reels R1 to R3 reach a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the 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 to stop and the reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop the respective reels R1 to R3 corresponding to the operated stop buttons B1 to B3.

[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 the present embodiment, for reels R1 to R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 milliseconds (msec) elapses 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 diameters and rotational speeds of the respective reels, the reels can rotate a maximum of four frames 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 five frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to four frames of rotation are within the range (drawing range) where the symbols can be drawn on the active line L1.

[0039] When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a drawing process for stopping the rotating reels so as to allow the roles for which the lottery flag is set to the established state to win as much as possible, and a kicking process for stopping the rotating reels so that the roles for which the lottery flag is set to the non-established state cannot win. 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, and stops the rotating reels to display the symbols on the active line L1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "stop display" for stopping the rotating reels by 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 won in the internal lottery, there are a method of obtaining the priority of the stop position candidates (number priority control) by obtaining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1, 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 win repeatedly, the priorities of the stop position candidates for each minor winning combination to be able 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, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 when all of the reels R1 to R3 have stopped 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 active 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 wins, 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, and when a replay wins, the payout control means 150 is caused to perform a process for causing it to be executed without consuming electronic medals in the next game, and when a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, 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 wins, 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] In addition, 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 described later has stopped being displayed on the active line L1, and the replay has won, the replay process (replay game process) is performed to set the state to a preparatory state in which the game can be executed without requiring the insertion of electronic medals 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 next start lever SL is waited for in a state where the same active line L1 as in the previous game is set.

[0045] In the slot machine 1, even if the settlement button AB is operated during the period from the game in which the replay wins to the start of the next game, that is, during the period in which a prescribed number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process and the game has not started, the same number of game medal counts as the prescribed number are not added to the medal count 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, as the transition conditions for 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 predefined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predefined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 executes 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 the 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 an 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 operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation production for displaying an index corresponding to the correct order of hitting on the display device 410 by the production control means 200 described later is executed. 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 combination of operation notification and navigation production for assisting winning, and thus an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player is executed.

[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 number of paid-out electronic medals from the number of inserted electronic medals since the start of 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 due to the number of paid-out electronic medals in the game being less than the specified number, and 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 "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "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 winning number update process) of cumulatively recording, in the medal winning number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197, the difference value (difference number of medals, winning number) 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 winning number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0056] In the complete winning number update process in which the complete control means 180 updates the stored value of the medal winning number counter 197a, when the stored value of the medal winning number counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the medal winning number 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 winning number 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 winning number counter 197a to the value "0". Therefore, in the control process using the stored value of the medal winning number 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 winning number counter 197a can be reduced.

[0057] When the number of medals obtained from the lowest point of the number of paid-out 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 pause state, and thereafter, it cannot execute the game 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 by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside for initialization. With 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 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 for games, such as image and video productions using the display device 410 and acoustic productions using the acoustic device 420. Specifically, when a 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 occurs, such as a change in the game state, the production control means 200 executes productions using the lighting or blinking of lamps and LEDs and the output of sounds from the acoustic device 420 to liven up the game, assist the game, and execute control for productions to notify 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 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 games 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 counter 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 counter 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 counter 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. Also, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, it controls so that the stored value of the medal count counter 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 counter 311 has been subtracted.

[0067] When the time that the count button KB is pressed is less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a 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 count counter 311 by the value "1". Further, when the time that the count button KB is pressed is 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a 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 has elapsed, subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "50", and thereafter, every time 300 ms elapses while the count button KB is pressed, transmits a 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 count counter 311 by the value "50". Incidentally, when the count button KB is pressed and 500 ms or more has elapsed, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value corresponding to the stored value, so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes the value "0".

[0068] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16369" or more, the medal count 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 count counter 311 is counted so that the stored value of the medal count 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, 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 the surface from the outside of the reels R1 to R3.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the reel R1 includes a reel frame FR1, a thin belt-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 belt-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 belt-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 have 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, and 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, and 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 and abut against the back surfaces (inner surfaces) of the reel tapes T1 to T3 to 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 and 22a in the short-side direction X are substantially the same. Note that the first rim portion and the second rim portion may be formed such that the widths of their 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 abut against 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 tape 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-side adhesive region that is a range of a distance b inward from the right end T1c of the reel tape T1 in the short-side direction X when viewed from the surface side of the reel tape T1, and a left-side adhesive region that is a range of a distance b inward from the left end (the edge on the X2 direction side) T1d of the reel tape T1 in the short-side direction X. 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 larger by about 1 mm (for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm) in the left-right direction (short-side direction X) than the end support surfaces 21a and 22a.

[0081] The reel tape T1 wound around the reel frame FR1 is adhered by the adhesive member 65 such that the right adhesive area formed on the inner surface (back surface) is adhered to the end support surface 21a, and the left adhesive area 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 on one side 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 most other 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 peripheral surface) of the transparent portion 63 is covered by the other end T12 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0083] Also, 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 where 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, so that their visibility is high. They are symbols that can be displayed on the valid 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 effective 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 an internal lottery or the like. They are symbols that form 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 symbol combination 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 effective line L1 or within the specific area 410b regardless of the timing at which the stop button is operated to stop according to the result of an internal lottery or the like. They are symbols that form 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 effective 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 an internal lottery or the like. They are symbols that do not form a winning combination even if they are aligned in a straight line on the effective line L1 or within the specific area 410b, and are symbols that form 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 in a straight line or 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-mentioned symbols P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, and P8 has, as will be described in detail later, by printing paint, edge portions P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8a that form the edges (contours) of the outer shapes of the symbols, and colored portions P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, P5b, P6b, P7b, P8b that are 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-side 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-back light 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-side direction X.

[0093] On the other hand, each of the above-mentioned symbols P9 and P10 has edge portions P9a and P10a that form the edges of the outer shapes of the symbols, and colored portions P9b and P10b that form patterns inside the edge portions P9a and P10a. Note that for the symbols P9 and P10, the edge portions P9a and P10a and the colored portions P9b and 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 symbols. That is, the portions other than the lines in the colored portions P9b and P10b of the symbols P9 and P10 have the same color as the background H.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned reel tape T1 has its longitudinal direction Y virtually and evenly divided into 20 virtual regions (i.e., one frame), which are in a state of being wound around the reel frame FR1 (i.e., a state where the other end portion T12 overlaps the transparent portion 63). That is, in each of the 20 regions arranged in the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1 to T3, 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 portion T11 is the 0th pattern, and in order in the Y2 direction from there, 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 that of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. 4, similarly, any one of the above-mentioned patterns P1 to P10 is arranged in the virtual regions as the 0th pattern to the 19th pattern.

[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 end portions in the X direction (width direction) of the pattern and the center line for both end portions 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 so as to be displaced 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, by arranging it so as to overlap the edge portion 7a of the pattern P7 with respect to the adhesive member 66 and not overlap the colored portion P7b, the colored portion P7b does not become dark, and the pattern P7 is configured to be beautiful and easy to see. For example, when the distance of the height in the Y direction (circumferential direction) of this pattern P7 is even larger, etc., by displacing the center of the pattern in the Y1 direction with respect to the center of the virtual region, it is possible to avoid the colored portion 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 the symbol P1 is arranged, for example. The reel tapes T1 to T3 have different symbol arrangements (the type of symbol, the number of specific symbols, the order in which the symbols are arranged, etc.) and identification displays 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 inks 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 mesh 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 forming layer 67 is roughly formed by an edge forming layer 67a and a coloring forming layer 67b. As shown in FIG. 8, the edge forming 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 forming 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 forming the edge. Also, the edge forming 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] Also, the coloring forming layer 67b is formed by overlapping paints of a plurality of types. That is, the shape (design) of each symbol is formed by the above-mentioned edge forming layer 67a and coloring forming layer 67b when viewed from the surface of the reel tape T1. The coloring forming 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 have the color arrangement of the respective symbols P1 to P10 described in detail later. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the coloring forming layer 67b is formed so as to partially overlap the edge forming layer 67a, so that the printing area is set so that no gap is generated between the edge forming layer 67a and the coloring forming layer 67b even if printing misalignment occurs. Also, the black (BK) layer is basically used for the above-mentioned edge forming layer 67a, but depending on the symbol, it is also used as the coloring forming layer 67b for patterns and outline lines of each pattern.

[0100] Note that the coloring formation layer 67b is formed of, for example, paints such as pink, water, and yellow series, where most of the coloring formation layer 67b has a higher chroma and lightness than the edge formation layer 67a (black). In FIG. 6, the coloring 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 for forming the coloring formation layer 67b is made of a plurality of paints of different colors for each design. That is, a plurality of coloring formation layers of different colors are stacked and formed. The details of this coloring formation layer 67b will be described later.

[0101] In this embodiment, in the pattern formation layer 67, in order to improve the design of the pattern, a layer of light blue paint and a layer of pink paint are described as intermediate colors. However, it may be formed only of the four primary colors of the printed matter without these, or 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. Specifically, it 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)"). The white 1 (WH1) layer and the white 2 (WH2) layer are formed of the same ink layer. In the background H, basically, the white 1 (WH1) layer and the white 2 (WH2) layer 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. As a result, 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 (the 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 connected by 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 silver (SL) layer. 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 (the layer of white 2 (WH2)) of the background H. As a result, 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 made brighter. Further, 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 dimpled layer 64 is printed on the opposite side of the base material 60 with the backing 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 irregularities) by irradiating ultraviolet rays after printing, for example, with an ultraviolet curable transparent paint (ink) to cure and shrink the paint. Further, in the first embodiment, the transparent dimpled layer 64 is printed so as to overlap and cover the pattern forming layer 67, that is, so as to cover the regions of the respective patterns P1 to P10. As a result, 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 dimpled layer 64, and it is possible to prevent the so-called point light, in which light shines pointwise from the LEDs of the reel-backlight BL, from occurring, and to improve the visibility of the patterns P1 to P10 by suppressing the deterioration of the appearance 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 forming layer 61m, which is a layer on which a light orange (LW) ink is printed, a first background forming layer 61a, which is a layer on which a white 1 (WH1) ink is printed, and a second background forming layer 61b, which is a layer on which a white 2 (WH2) ink is printed, in this order from the back surface of the base material 60.

[0109] In the first embodiment, the description is made using inks of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) so that the base color of the background H is a white-based color. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any light color that is less conspicuous (has a small 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 the first embodiment, the description is made using an ink of light orange (LW) for the background pattern Hm. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any light color that is less conspicuous (has a small 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.

[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 the first background forming layer 61a and the 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, among the patterns P1 to P10 described later, it does not overlap with the pattern P5 (pattern "Watermelon A"), pattern P6 (pattern "Watermelon B"), pattern P7 (pattern "Bell"), pattern P8 (pattern "Replay"), pattern P9 (pattern "Blank A"), and pattern P10 (pattern "Blank B") (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 respectively a pattern end portion Hmed having a distance d of about 2 mm and not having the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 to be described later, 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 to be 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). Thereby, 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 concentration of light orange (WL) is the strongest (for example, 70% of light orange (WL)), and the concentration of 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 thin 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, 70% of light orange (WL)) 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, 0% of light orange (WL)). Therefore, although the pattern forming portion Hmmn of the background pattern Hm has the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2, it 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 form the pattern for one frame, which is the area where the respective 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, for example, a pattern in which 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, for example, a pattern in which 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 61ed of the background forming layer 61 and the end 68ed of the backing forming layer 68 are positioned 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. 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 attachment position, the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 do not become interrupted, 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 a deterioration in appearance.

[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 (for example, 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% of light orange (WL) so as to have a uniform density. Here, this 70% refers to a state in which the size of the mesh of the silk printing plate (mesh area ratio) is set to 70% with respect to the area of the region to be printed. 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 form arranged in parallel in the short side direction X, for example, and are cut out by cutting it, and the respective reel tapes T1 to T3 are manufactured. Although the three reel tapes T to T3 are printed in a state of being arranged without gaps, the outer sides on 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, they are printed at a predetermined distance d (for example, 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. When cutting the reel tapes T1 to T3, the end portions in the longitudinal direction (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 similarly possible to prevent the appearance from deteriorating.

[0118] In addition, 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 the deviation during cutting, preferably the predetermined distance d is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less so as not to compress the region 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". It is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction, and in particular, the edge P1a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(a)). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum horizontal width. Combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with relatively strong impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 8, for the symbol P1 (symbol "7A"), the edge P1a is formed as an edge formation layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P1b is a colored formation 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 formation 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". It is arranged so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction, and in particular, the edge P2a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 7(b)). That is, it is a symbol with the maximum horizontal width. Combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with relatively strong impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 8, for the symbol P2 (symbol "7B"), the edge P2a is formed as an edge formation layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P2b is a colored formation 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 formation 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 so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the lateral direction. In particular, the edge P3a 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 largest lateral width. 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 shading forming layer 64, a layer of shading (TP) ink is formed so as 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 with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P4a is arranged so as to overlap with 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 number of types (quantity) 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) made of dark pink (PK1) ink, a pattern (painted portion inside the edge P4a) made of light pink (PK2) ink, and a pattern (painted portion inside the font of BAR) made of white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, as the transparent crease forming layer 64, a layer made of crease (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 symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(e) and 8, the edge P5a of the symbol P5 (symbol "Watermelon A") is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P5b is formed as a colored forming layer 67b with patterns formed by black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and seed pattern of the watermelon), patterns formed by dark pink (PK1) 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, the pattern of the orange stem), patterns formed by orange (OL) ink (the surface pattern of the orange), patterns formed by gray (GR) ink (the shadow pattern of the orange), patterns formed by white 1 (WH1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon rind, the depression pattern of the orange). Further, as a transparent crepe forming layer 64, a layer formed by 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 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. Combining with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a medium impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(f) and Fig. 8, for the symbol P6 (symbol "Watermelon B"), the edge P6a is formed as an edge formation layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored part P6b is formed as a coloring formation layer 67b with patterns formed by black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and the seed pattern of the watermelon), patterns formed by dark pink (PK1) 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, the pattern of the orange stem), patterns formed by orange (OL) ink (the surface pattern of the orange), patterns formed by white 1 (WH1) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon rind, the depression pattern of the orange). Further, as a transparent pleat formation layer 64, a layer formed by pleat (TP) ink is formed 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 (the 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 combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a medium impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(g) and 8, the edge P7a of the symbol P7 (the symbol "bell") is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P7b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern formed by black (BL) ink (the pattern of the contour of the bell), a pattern formed by yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the bell), and a pattern formed by orange (OL) ink (the pattern of the darkened portion of the bell). Furthermore, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed 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 (the 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 medium impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(h) and 8, the edge P8a of the symbol P8 (the symbol "replay") is formed as an edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P8b is formed as a coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern formed by black (BL) ink (the contour inside the edge P8a), a pattern formed by light blue (WB) ink (the font of REP), and a pattern formed by white 1 (WH1) ink (the painted portion inside the edge P4a). Furthermore, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer of pleat (TP) ink is formed 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. Combining with the type (number) of colors used, 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 portion, and the colored portion P9b is formed as the colored formation layer 67b, with a pattern (outer contour and inner star pattern) formed by 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 crimping formation layer 64 is not formed, that is, only one color of ink is used, and the shape of the symbol is formed.

[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. Combining with the type (number) of colors used, 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 portion, and the colored portion P10b is formed as the colored formation layer 67b, with a pattern (outer contour and inner star pattern) formed by 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 crimping formation layer 64 is not formed, that is, only one color of ink is used, and the shape of the symbol is formed.

[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)). 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 indigo (TP) to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(a)). 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. The remaining printing steps are only 3 types, namely dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), and indigo (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 inks (paints) 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 of printing (coating) the 3-color ink 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 crepe (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 of printing (coating) the 5-color ink 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 of the ink for symbol P4 (symbol "BAR") are completed, and the remaining printing steps are only 2 types, namely dark pink (PK1) and crepe (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 the cost for completing the reel tapes T1 to T3 on which symbol P4 is arranged can be reduced.

[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 a symbol shape 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 indigo (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 ink types 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 a symbol shape 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 indigo (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 seven colors (seven types) of ink, namely black (BL), dark pink (PK1), light blue (WB), yellow (YL), orange (OL), white 1 (WH1), and dark brown (TP), to form the shape of the symbol (see Fig. 5(f)). The number of printing (coating) processes for the seven colors of ink is seven times. And all of these seven colors of ink are the same as the ink used for the symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A").

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

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

[0138] Therefore, by completing the symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A") printed with eight colors of ink, five types of symbols are completed, including the symbol P3 (the symbol "7C"), the symbol P6 (the symbol "Watermelon B"), the symbol P7 (the symbol "Bell"), and the symbol P8 (the symbol "Replay"). That is, five types of symbols, which are more than half of the ten types of symbols P1 to P10 in total, are completed. In short, by completing the symbol P5 (the symbol "Watermelon A"), more than half of the types of symbols are completed. Therefore, there is no need to prepare the types of ink for the other symbols (the symbol P3, the symbol P6, the symbol P7, the 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 on which a plurality of types of symbols including the symbol P5 (the symbol P3, the symbol P6, the symbol P7, the symbol P8) are arranged.

[0139] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment in which the above 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 present second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the above 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 above first embodiment, it was described that the first pattern HmP1 and the second pattern HmP2 alternate in the longitudinal direction Y as a pattern for one frame. In contrast, the background pattern Hm in the present second embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 9, configured by repeating the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 for four frames in the longitudinal direction Y and printing them so that they are continuously connected. That is, the background pattern Hm according to the second embodiment is configured by a plurality of left patterns HmP3 and right patterns HmP4, each having a pattern shape with a length obtained by dividing a predetermined number (20) of regions in the longitudinal direction Y by a predetermined number (5), arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction Y. 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 present 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] By arranging the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 alternately in the longitudinal direction Y in a pattern of 4 frames each in this way, 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, and 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 area 410b (see FIG. 1) for making the reels R1 to R3 visible displays 3 frames (3 symbols) in the state where those reels R1 to R3 are 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 area 410b, when the symbol "Watermelon", which is the 2nd symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific area 410b, when the symbol "Bell", which is the 1st symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific area 410b, and when the symbol "Diamond", which is the 0th symbol, stops at the upper part of the specific area 410b, the patterns displayed by the left pattern HmP3 and the right pattern HmP4 are different at these 4 types of stop positions, and it does not become monotonous as a variation of the background pattern Hm at the time of stopping, and the design can be improved.

[0144] In addition, 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 coincides with 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 present second embodiment, the background pattern Hm and the pattern of the colored portion P16b are made to have a design relevance, and thereby the design property can be improved.

[0145] (Regarding the pattern end of the background pattern) Also in the present second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the three reel tapes T1 to T3 are printed in parallel in the short-side direction X, for example, on a single sheet-like base material 60 as shown in FIG. 9, and are cut out by cutting it, and the respective reel tapes T1 to T3 are manufactured. Although the three reel tapes T to T3 are printed in a state of being arranged without gaps, 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 margin portions. When performing this cutting, due to the error of the cutting machine, there is a possibility that the cutting position may shift by, for example, up to about 0.5 mm. However, also in the reel tapes T1 to T3 of the present second embodiment, as described above, it is printed so as to have a uniform density at a predetermined distance d (for example, 2 mm) larger than the cutting error from the pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm. Therefore, even if the cutting position shifts, 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 shift 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. However, since the above-described background overlapping portion 61ov is formed, for example, about 2 mm, it is possible to similarly prevent the appearance from deteriorating even if the cutting position shifts.

[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 this 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 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), and 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. Note that 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 this second embodiment, 17 types (17 colors) of inks are used. Note that in this second embodiment, the reel tapes T1 to T3 are not formed with a backing formation layer 68 (see FIG. 8), light from the reel backlight BLi easily passes through, the entire reel tapes T1 to T3 are brightly illuminated inside the specific region 410b, and each symbol on the reel tapes T1 to T3 is configured to be easily visible even when an image by liquid crystal is displayed in the specific region 410b.

[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", 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. Coupled with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively medium impact among all symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 11, for the symbol P11 (the symbol "bell"), the edge P11a 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 outline 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 portion of the bell). Additionally, 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", 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 the minimum vertical and horizontal widths. 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 smallest 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 as the edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P12b is formed as the colored forming layer 67b with a light blue (WB) ink pattern (the painted portion inside the edge portion P12a, the font of REP), and the other portions have the background H exposed as it is, that is, the inside of the symbol is painted in the form of the background H formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer with pleat (TP) ink is formed 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 widths. Combining 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. 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 colored forming layer 67b with patterns made of black (BL) ink (watermelon stripe pattern and seed pattern), patterns made of dark pink (PK1) ink (cross-section pattern of watermelon), green patterns made of light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (surface pattern of watermelon, pattern of orange stem), patterns made of orange (OL) ink (surface pattern of orange), patterns made of white 1 (WH1) ink (cross-section pattern of watermelon peel, hollow pattern of orange), and further, a pattern (shining pattern of 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 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, 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. 10(d) and 11, the edge portion P14a of the symbol P14 (the symbol "Watermelon") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P14b is formed by patterns with black (BL) ink (the stripe pattern and seed pattern of the watermelon), patterns with pink (PK2) ink (the cross-sectional pattern of the watermelon), green patterns with light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the watermelon), patterns with light pink (PK3) ink (the heart pattern), patterns with gray (GR) ink (the shadow pattern of the heart), as the colored forming layer 67b. Furthermore, a pattern (the pattern of the skin 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 the transparent curtain forming layer 64, a layer of ink of curtain (TP) 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 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 horizontal width. 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(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 are such that the background H is 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). Furthermore, as a transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer with 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 the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a relatively large symbol, and together with the number of types 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 portion P16a of the symbol P16 (symbol "Silver BAR") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P16b is formed as the colored forming layer 67b with a pattern (painted portion inside the edge portion P16a) by gray (GR) ink. Furthermore, a pattern (the pattern of the font of "BAR", the circular pattern) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Also, as the 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 with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a relatively large symbol, and together with the number of types (quantity) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with a relatively strong impact among all the symbols. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10(g) and 11, the edge portion P17a of the symbol P17 (symbol "black BAR") is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P17b is formed as the coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern (painted portion inside the edge portion P17a) by red (RD) ink. Furthermore, a pattern (pattern of the font of BAR) in which the background H (layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. 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 (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 so as to overlap the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. In particular, the edge P18a is arranged so as to overlap the pattern edge Hmed of the background pattern Hm (see FIG. 9). That is, it is a symbol with the largest width, and combined with the type (number) of colors used, it is configured as a symbol with relatively strong impact among all symbols. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10(h) and 11, the edge P18a of the symbol P18 (symbol "Red 7") is formed of black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored portion P15b is a pattern formed of gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the decorative line of the edge P18a), a pattern formed of red (RD) ink (the painted portion inside the edge P17a), a pattern formed of pink (PK) ink (the pattern of the character's head), a pattern formed of light orange (LW) ink (the pattern of the character's face), a pattern formed of white 1 (WH1) ink (the pattern of the star), and a pattern (the pattern of the circle) where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed is formed. Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer formed of pleat (TP) ink is formed so as 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 largest number of color types (numbers) 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", and 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 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 Fig. 10(i) and Fig. 11, for the symbol P19 (the symbol "diamond"), the edge P19a is formed by black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P19b is, as the coloring forming layer 67b, a pattern formed by gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the decorative line of the edge P19a), a pattern formed by pink (PK2) ink (the part of the diamond pattern), a pattern formed by light pink (PK3) ink (the painted part inside the edge P19a), and further, a pattern (the painted part 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 the 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 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", and is arranged so as to overlap with the background pattern Hm in the horizontal direction. 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 width. 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 in combination 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 the edge forming layer 67a with black (BL) ink, and the colored portion P20b is formed as the coloring forming layer 67b with a pattern made of gold (GL) ink (the pattern of the outline of the font of "ONUS"), a pattern made of blue (BU) ink (the painted portion of the font of "B"), a pattern made of light blue (WB) ink (the painted portion inside the edge 20a), a pattern made of orange (OL) ink (the pattern of a star), and a pattern made of yellow (YL) ink (the pattern of a lightning bolt). Further, as the transparent pleat forming layer 64, a layer made 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, for symbol P20 (the symbol "BONUS"), the vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size is "33.00 mm", the horizontal (lateral direction X) size is "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, for symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY"), the vertical (longitudinal direction Y) size is "26.00 mm", the horizontal (lateral direction X) size is "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 smallest symbol that is the minimum among 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 (the symbol "BONUS"), and there is no symbol with fewer ink types than symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY").

[0158] In this way, the symbol P20 (the 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, the symbol P12 (the 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 number of ink types (the fewest). 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 the symbol P20 (the symbol "BONUS") (the largest symbol) and the symbol P12 (the symbol "REPLAY") (the smallest symbol).

[0159] [Possibility of other embodiments] In addition, 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. Furthermore, particularly 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 has a background color formed by the white paint of the first background forming layer 61A, but it is not limited to this. Any color of the background color may be used, and particularly a white-based background color is preferable. For example, those containing a fluorescent pigment may also be acceptable.

[0161] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the edges of the symbols have been described as being formed by a paint with a low lightness (black (BL) ink). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, any paint with a low lightness such as dark gray or dark blue may be used, but it is particularly preferable to use paints of the same color system for each symbol. The same color system refers to colors including not only the same color but also 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 ). The larger the value, the greater the color difference when visually observed.

[0162] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, it has been described that none of the symbols P1 to P20 has a light-transmitting portion formed only by a transparent paint that transmits the light of the reel backlight BLi as a crimp. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and 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 crimp 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] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the coloring formation layer 67b forms the coloring portion inside the symbol with a single layer of a single color or a multi-layer of mixed colors of various paints. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a type that expresses shades with 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 which is a liquid crystal display so as to cover the specific area 410b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and 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 ease of viewing 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, and 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 largest 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 smallest symbol in which the area where the symbols are arranged is the smallest. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the largest 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, and conversely, the smallest 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] In the second embodiment, it was also described that the background pattern Hm is configured such that one pattern shape (the left pattern HmP3 and the 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, the present invention 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 symbols arranged on the reel tape is divisible, one pattern of the background pattern Hm may have any length.

Explanation of Signs

[0168] 1... Slot machine (gaming machine) H... Background (background part) Hm... Background pattern HmP3... Left pattern (pattern shape) HmP4... Right pattern (pattern shape) P11~P20... Symbols R1~R3... Reels T1~T3... Reel tapes Y... Longitudinal direction

Claims

Claim 1 A reel having a reel tape on which a predetermined number of symbols are arranged, wherein the reel tape has a background portion printed as a background of the symbol, each of the symbols is arranged one by one in each of the predetermined number of regions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reel tape, a background pattern is printed on the background portion, the background pattern has a length obtained by dividing the predetermined number of regions in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined number as one pattern shape, and a gaming machine configured by arranging a plurality of the pattern shapes continuously in the longitudinal direction.

Images