Gaming machine

Abstract

To improve the design of the reel tape. [Solution] The pattern P12 is formed from multiple paints including light blue (WB), blue (BU), and white 1 (WH1), with the light blue (WB) being printed before the white 1 (WH1), and the blue (BU) being printed before the light blue (WB). The pattern P12 has a light area P12M and a dark area P12D. The light area P12M has a region ArT2 represented by overlapping a solid layer of white 1 (WH1) and a fourth dot area Dt4, and the dark area P12D has a region ArT1 represented by overlapping a solid layer of light blue (WB) and a third dot area Dt3. The dots in the fourth dot area Dt4 are arranged in a first direction D1, and the dots in the third dot area Dt3 are arranged in a second direction D2 at a different angle to the first direction D1, and the edges of the fourth dot area Dt4 and the edges of the third dot area Dt3 are in contact.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines equipped with multiple reels on which patterns are arranged on their outer surface (slot machines) are known. These types of gaming machines assign a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and the game is played to acquire such media. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines perform an internal lottery and start the rotation of multiple reels when the player operates the start lever, and stop the multiple reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when the player operates the stop button. The result of the game is determined by the combination of patterns displayed on the winning judgment line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals or other items are paid out according to the result of the game.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, there is a reel tape that is wrapped around the outer circumference of the reel frame to form the reel, and multiple types of patterns are formed on this reel tape by printing multiple types of paint (each color or transparent) on a transparent base material in layers (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-137428 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] By the way, for example, in the design of patterns and their backgrounds, simply applying solid colors of paint lacks design appeal, so halftones are sometimes used to represent intermediate colors and gradients. However, when halftones are used in multiple layers of paint (i.e., multiple printing layers), there is a risk of moiré patterns occurring when multiple halftones overlap, which can reduce the design appeal of the reel tape.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can improve the design of the reel tape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) One aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming machine, It features a reel with a tape featuring multiple patterns, The aforementioned multiple patterns include a specific pattern, The aforementioned specific design is formed by multiple paints, The aforementioned plurality of paints include a first paint, a second paint, and a third paint. The first paint is printed before the third paint. The second coating is printed before the first coating. The first coating comprises a first solid area formed as a solid color and a first halftone area formed as halftone dots. The second coating has a second halftone area formed by halftone dots, The aforementioned third coating forms a second solid portion which is formed as a solid layer. The aforementioned specific pattern has a bright area indicating that it is illuminated by light, and a dark area indicating that it is not illuminated by light from the bright area. The bright area has a region represented by overlapping the second solid area and the first halftone area. The dark area has a region represented by overlapping the first solid area and the second halftone area. The halftone dots in the first halftone section are arranged and represented in a first direction. The halftone dots in the second halftone section are arranged and represented in a second direction at a different angle from the first direction. The edges of the first halftone dot area and the edges of the second halftone dot area are shown to be in contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the design of reel tapes can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the reels of the reel unit of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the reel tape of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] The diagram shows the symbols according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the 7 symbol, (b) is a diagram showing the BAR symbol, (c) is a diagram showing the watermelon symbol, (d) is a diagram showing the bell A symbol, (e) is a diagram showing the bell B symbol, (f) is a diagram showing the replay symbol, (g) is a diagram showing the blank A symbol, and (h) is a diagram showing the blank B symbol. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the details of the bell A design according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a cross-section of the reel tape in the seventh design according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] The diagram shows the symbols according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the bell symbol, (b) is a diagram showing the replay A symbol, (c) is a diagram showing the replay B symbol, (d) is a diagram showing the cherry symbol, (e) is a diagram showing the watermelon symbol, (f) is a diagram showing the white 7 symbol, (g) is a diagram showing the silver BAR symbol, (h) is a diagram showing the black BAR symbol, (i) is a diagram showing the blank symbol, and (j) is a diagram showing the bonus symbol. [Figure 9](a) is a diagram showing details of the bell symbol, and (b) is a diagram showing details of the replay A symbol. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram showing details of the cherry symbol, and (b) is a diagram showing details of the watermelon symbol. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing details of the blank symbol according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the background pattern in one section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a cross-section of the reel tape in the replay A symbol according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the types of ink and each layer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the background pattern in one section according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a cross-section of the reel tape in the replay A symbol according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] (a) is a diagram showing the background pattern in one section when the backlight is turned off according to the fourth embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing the background pattern in one section when the backlight is turned on according to the fourth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0011] [Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called reel-type gaming machine, and is a so-called medalless gaming machine that records the gaming value that can be used by the player by an electromagnetic method based on a lending signal output from an external device provided outside the slot machine 1 and a dedicated unit SU (see Figure 2) which is a specific unit, and the gaming value that can be used by the player by an electromagnetic method. The slot machine 1 stores information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals, and is configured 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 dispensing it.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a box-shaped casing consisting of a cabinet BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD, which houses a reel unit RU consisting of multiple reels R1 to R3 (in order, R1 is the left reel, R2 is the middle reel, and R3 is the left reel). The casing of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the slot machine 1, which is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc.

[0013] Reels R1 to R3, shown in Figure 1, are each divided into 20 regions (hereinafter referred to as "frames") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is equipped with a display device 410, which serves as a display means for displaying various videos and images to assist or enhance the gameplay. The display device 410 has a display area 410a for displaying images, and a specific area 410b facing the reels R1 to R3 is made of a transparent liquid crystal display, allowing the rotation and stopped states of the reels R1 to R3 to be observed through the display device 410. When the reels R1 to R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each reel R1 to R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of electronic tokens required for one game, the so-called specified number (specified number), is set to 3 tokens (first specified number) or 2 tokens (second specified number), and when the specified number of electronic tokens is inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle section of reels R1 to R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that combination is considered to have been won, and control corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB, which is an insertion operation means for setting the electronic tokens stored in the slot machine 1 to the insertion state; a start lever SL, which is a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to start the game by rotating the reels R1 to R3; stop buttons B1 to B3, which are stop operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to stop each of the reels R1 to R3, which are driven to rotate by stepping motors; a counting button KB, which is a counting operation means for transmitting the number of game tokens stored in the slot machine 1 to a dedicated unit SU; and a settlement button AB, which is a settlement operation for releasing the insertion state and returning the electronic tokens set to the insertion state to the token counter 311 (see Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 1000 (see Figure 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display and other components, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (notification display) indicating how to press stop buttons B1, B2, and B3, which are related to the payout of electronic tokens. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D corresponds to the winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning combination information in the current game when a specified number of electronic tokens are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0019] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a game token count display device MD controlled by the token count control CPU 3001 (see Figure 2). The game token count display device MD consists of a 7-segment display and functions as a conceptual container by displaying the number of game tokens stored in the slot machine 1.

[0020] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with multiple sound devices 420 for sound-based effects. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0021] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 1000, a sub-control board 2000, and a medal count control board 3000 as control boards. 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 played using game value. The sub-control board 2000 has a sub-control CPU 2001 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal count control board 3000 has a medal count control CPU 3001 that manages electronic medals and is configured to communicate with a dedicated unit SU to perform control related to the number of game medals.

[0022] The main control CPU 1001 functions as a setting change means 100, an input acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize 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 the respective control program pre-stored in the main memory means 190 when executing each control process.

[0023] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main memory means 190. The setting change means 100 operates when a setting key is inserted into the setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 1000 and the setting key is turned, causing the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC to turn ON. When the setting change switch SS is ON and the power is turned on, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permission state, which allows setting changes. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to the setting change permission state if the setting change switch SS is ON while the power is on.

[0024] The setting change means 100, in the setting change permission state, receives an input signal output when the setting change button BS on the power supply is operated, and cyclically changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ..., and confirms the setting value based on the reception of a start signal output when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In this 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 initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 1001 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, 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 restarted from the state before the power outage, and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the power outage is also maintained in the state before the power outage.

[0026] The input receiving means 105, during the input receiving period for accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, receives an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311 (described later) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Based on this, it sets the electronic tokens stored in the token counter 311 to the insertion state, up to a predetermined number set for each game state, and activates the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the electronic tokens corresponding to the predetermined number have been set to the insertion state.

[0027] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the initial press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens, is accepted as the player's operation to start playing, triggering the rotation of reels R1 to R3 and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to perform an internal lottery. Details of the predetermined numbers set for each game state will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the input receiving means 105, during the period between when the electronic tokens are set to the input state and when the start lever SL is started, receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby releasing the input state and adding the same number of electronic tokens that were set to the input state to the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311, thereby settling the electronic tokens that were set to the input state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In this embodiment, "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal output when a player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main memory means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is started. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[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 is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are lottery flags that can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags that are reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main memory means 190.

[0035] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of reels R1 to R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of reels R1 to R3 based on the fact that the player has performed a start operation on the start lever SL and a start signal has been output. Furthermore, when the rotation state of reels R1 to R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the reels R1 to R3 corresponding to the stopped stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0036] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of reels R1 to R3 and the player operates the valid stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for reels R1 to R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 will also be referred to as the operation. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, when an operation is performed in which the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and then released.

[0038] In this case, if the spinning reels are to be stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, it is possible for the reels to rotate a maximum of 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for reels R1 to R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0039] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main memory means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of electronic medals dispensed based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0041] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of reels R1 to R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the main memory means 190, it determines whether or not the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 when all reels R1 to R3 have stopped represent predetermined winning combinations. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combinations that indicate the winning combination will also be referred to as "prize symbol combinations".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for each process executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small prize is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of game tokens to be dispensed as electronic tokens; if a replay is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to execute a process that will allow the next game to be played without consuming electronic tokens; and if a prize that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is won, the game state transition control means 160 is instructed to transition to a game state.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of electronic tokens according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, it determines the number of electronic tokens to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and virtually controls the payout by adding the number of game tokens corresponding to the determined payout number to the token counter 311.

[0044] Furthermore, the payout control means 150, when it is determined by the winning determination means 140 that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay process (re-play process) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of electronic tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted without using the electronic tokens held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] In slot machine 1, the system is configured so that even if the settlement buttons A and B are operated during the period from when a replay is awarded until the start of the next game, that is, during the period when a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted due to the replay process and the game has not yet started, the same number of game tokens as the predetermined number will not be added to the token counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 is an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications assisting in winning specific roles on the main control display device 10D, can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, thereby performing control related to the normal section, advantageous section, and auxiliary games.

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

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and provides operation notification to assist in winning specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 10D, which consists of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the performance control means 200, described later, executes a navigation performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct sequence of hits on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified through operation notification and navigation performance assistance for winning, thereby executing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 170, when a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous period, as will be described in more detail later, is met, executes a predetermined termination process that ends the advantageous period and starts the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period.

[0051] The AT control means 170 performs an update process (advantageous section difference in tokens update process) that cumulatively records the difference (difference in tokens, number of tokens acquired) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens dispensed from the game in which the advantageous section started by the number of electronic tokens inserted into the advantageous section counter 196a. When the AT control means 170 is in an advantageous section, it performs an advantageous section difference in tokens update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a to a value equivalent to the difference in electronic tokens, regardless of the game state.

[0052] Furthermore, in the process of updating the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 subtracts the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a when the number of electronic tokens dispensed in the game is less than a specified number, and if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than "0", the AT control means 170 also sets the result of the subtraction to the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value to the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] The AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired during the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game. For example, in slot machine 1, if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a was a negative value of "-900" before transitioning to a performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be acquired: 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] The AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes during the advantageous period, such as each flag set to the ON state during the advantageous period and values ​​set during the advantageous period, during a predetermined initialization process. The AT control means 170 can also terminate the advantageous period if a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination conditions set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0055] The complete control means 180 controls the slot machine 1 to activate a complete function, which stops the game when the cumulative number of electronic tokens acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 tokens). The complete control means 180 performs an update process (complete acquired number update process) in which the difference (difference in tokens, acquired number) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens dispensed in each game from the number of electronic tokens inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on is cumulatively recorded in the token acquired counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. However, the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the token acquired counter 197a when a replay is awarded.

[0056] In the complete medal acquisition update process, which updates the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a, the complete control means 180 subtracts the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a when the number of electronic medals dispensed in the game is less than a predetermined number, and if the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a becomes less than "0", the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a to "0". As a result, the complete control means 180 can fix the value of the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a to "0" when it reaches its lowest point, eliminating the need to change the threshold value for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point in the control process using the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a, thereby reducing the load on the control process using the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a.

[0057] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function have been met when the number of medals acquired from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is powered on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a reaches the value "19,000".

[0058] The complete control means 180 activates the complete function when none of the following are activated: the regular bonus (RB) as a first-class special feature, the regular big bonus (RBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the first-class special feature, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the second-class special feature. Based on the fulfillment of the conditions for activating the complete function, the complete function is activated in the game in which the conditions are met, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the reels R1 to R3 have stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, if RB, RBB, or CBB is in operation, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and the reels R1 to R3 stop during a game in which the operating RB, RBB, or CBB has finished.

[0060] The complete control means 180 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 activating the complete function. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a stop state, and no further play can be performed until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag, which is set to the ON state, is reset to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS located inside is operated to initialize it. Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the complete function is activated, the complete function cannot be deactivated by the player's operation.

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

[0062] The performance control means 200 controls game-related effects based on performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210, such as image and video effects using the display device 410 and sound effects using the sound device 420. Specifically, when a player operates various components of the slot machine 1, such as the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, and counting button KB, or when a game event occurs, such as a change in the game state, the performance control means 200 controls the execution of effects that enhance the game, assist the game, or notify the player that an operation has been performed, by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, outputting sound from the sound device 420, etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 200 causes each component of the performance device 400 to execute effects based on each performance state.

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

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

[0065] The medal count control means 300 primarily updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 1000, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or operations on the counting button KB which has a built-in counting switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the updated number of game medals on the game medal count display device MD.

[0066] Specifically, the medal count control means 300, when the counting button KB is operated while the game is playable, transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing 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 that the game machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, power is supplied to both the game machine and the dedicated unit SU, neither the game machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no error has occurred that would prevent the game from being played. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is controlled so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by operation of the counting button KB when it is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, thereby preventing a situation in which the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted but no signal is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU.

[0067] If the counting button KB is pressed for less than 500ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "1" equivalent 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 of "1". If the counting button KB is pressed for 500ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the counting timing after 500ms have elapsed, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value of "50". Thereafter, every 300ms that elapse while the counting button KB is pressed, a value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted by the value of "50". Furthermore, when 500ms or more have elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, if the stored value of the medal counter 311 is less than "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal counter 311 by the value corresponding to that stored value, thereby setting the stored value of the medal counter 311 to "0".

[0068] The medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred when the stored value of the medal count counter 311 exceeds the value "16369", which is set as the limit of 16368 medals to be stored in the slot machine 1. Based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, the slot machine 1 issues a medal overflow error, and when the counting button KB is operated and the stored number of medals in the medal count counter 311 is counted, the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16368" or less, the medal overflow error is cleared.

[0069] When the coin count control means 300 is powered on while the coin count clear button CL, which is located inside the gaming machine, is pressed, it initializes the coin count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the coin count, setting the stored value of the coin count counter 311 to "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of coins that remained in the coin count counter 311 before the power was turned off when the power is turned on.

[0070] [Reel unit details] Next, the details of the reel unit RU will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the reels of the reel unit of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the reel unit RU includes a stepping motor M provided for each of the reels R1 to R3 to rotate and drive each reel, reels R1 to R3 supported on the drive shafts of each stepping motor M, and a reel sensor 26 which is a transmissive optical sensor provided corresponding to each of the reels R1 to R3 to detect the rotational position of each reel R1 to R3. The reel unit RU also 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 which reflects the light from the reel backlight BLi and guides it toward the front. The reel backlight BLi has multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as light sources and a backlight substrate BLB on which these multiple LEDs are installed. On the backlight substrate BLB, a total of 6 LEDs are arranged in, for example, 3 rows and 2 columns in each opening of the reflector RL. In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, reel illumination lights are also arranged above and below a specific region 410b (see Figure 1) to illuminate the surface of the reels R1 to R3 from the outside.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, reel R1 has a reel frame FR1, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T1 on which multiple patterns visible from the front are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index section 27. Second reel R2 has a reel frame FR2, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T2 on which multiple patterns visible from the front are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index section 27. Third reel R3 has a reel frame FR3, a thin strip-shaped reel tape T3 on which multiple patterns visible from the front are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y, and an index section 27. The index section 27 is held on reel frames FR1 to FR3 so as to be able to shield the optical axis of the reel sensor 26, and the timing of shielding and transmitting the optical axis of the reel sensor 26 causes the reel sensor 26 to detect the rotational position of each reel.

[0072] Each of the reel frames FR1 to FR3 has a hub portion 24 attached to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor M, a first rim portion 21 and a second rim portion 22, a plurality of connecting portions 23 connecting the first and second rim portions 21 and 22, and a plurality of spoke portions 25, and is integrally formed from a highly translucent (transparent in this embodiment) synthetic resin.

[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), i.e., in the short direction (width direction) X which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1 to T3. Multiple connecting portions 23 are provided at different positions on the circumference of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, extending along the short direction X to bridge the gap between the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, and connecting the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22.

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

[0075] Multiple spokes 25 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22, connecting either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22 to the hub portion 24, and transmitting 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 this embodiment, the spokes 25 connect the hub portion 24 and the second rim portion 22.

[0076] The outer circumference of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 are formed with cylindrical end support surfaces 21a and 22a, each having a predetermined width (for example, about 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm) in the left-right direction. These end support surfaces contact the back surface (inner surface) of the reel tapes T1 to T3, supporting the left and right ends of the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel. In this embodiment, the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 are formed such that the width of the end support surface 21a and the width of the end support surface 22a in the short-side direction X are approximately the same. However, the first rim portion and the second rim portion may be formed so that the widths of their respective end support surfaces are different.

[0077] Furthermore, the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 have flange portions 21b and 22b located outside the end support surfaces 21a and 22a in the left-right direction, which can contact the short-side X end of the reel tapes T1 to T3. The flange portions 21b and 22b are formed to have a width of approximately 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm in the left-right direction, for example, and regulate the left-right position of the reel tapes T1 to T3.

[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 connecting support surface 23a is formed between the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 for supporting the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel. This connecting support surface 23a and the aforementioned end support surfaces 21a and 22a form a support surface FRa that supports the reel tapes T1 to T3 in the radial direction of the reel.

[0079] [Reel tape mounting structure] Next, the mounting structures of reel tapes T1 to T3 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 7. Figure 4 shows the reel tape of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment, and Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the reel tape at the 7th symbol. Since the mounting structures of reel tapes T1 to T3 are the same, the mounting structure of reel tape T1 will be described below as an example, and the details of the mounting structures of reel tapes T2 and T3 will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, adhesive areas are formed on the back surfaces of both ends of the reel tape T1 in the short direction X, where adhesive members 65, 65 such as double-sided tape are attached to the end support surface 21a of the first rim portion 21 and the end support surface 22a of the second rim portion 22 to adhere the reel tape T1. When the reel tape T1 is viewed from the surface side, this adhesive area includes the left adhesive area, which is within a distance b inward from the surface. For example, distance b is set to a distance of about 4 mm, and it is desirable that it is formed to be about 1 mm smaller in the left-right direction (short direction X) than the end support surfaces 21a, 22a. In other words, as shown in Figure 7, the end support surface 21a of the first rim portion 21 and the end support surface 22a of the second rim portion 22 have a distance a that is about 1 mm larger in the left-right direction (short direction X) than the adhesive members 65, 65.

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

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the reel tape T1 is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction Y is longer than the circumferential length (circumferential length) of the end support surfaces 21a and 22a, and is wound around the reel frame FR1 such that one end (start end) T11 on one side in the longitudinal direction Y is superimposed on the other end (end end) T12 on the other side from the radial outside of the reel. With the reel tape T1 wound around the reel frame FR1, the transparent portion 63 and the pattern P4, which is the pattern (pattern 19) located on the farthest side in the longitudinal direction Y, overlap in the radial direction of the reel. In other words, with the reel tape T1 wound around the reel frame FR1, the outer surface (surface, outer circumference) of the transparent portion 63 is covered by the other end T12 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0083] Furthermore, when 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 other end, are bonded together by an adhesive member 66 such as double-sided tape. This adhesive member 66 extends inward from the other end T1b along the short direction X within a distance c. The reel tape T1 is able to maintain a state in which the back surface of the other end T12 and the surface of the one end T11 are in close contact by the adhesive member 66. The distance c is set, for example, in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm. In addition, it is preferable that the adhesive members 65 and 66 are made of double-sided tape or the like made of a material that allows light from the reel backlight BLi to pass through easily, such as white, milky white, or transparent, but they may also be made of an adhesive applied to the back surface of the reel tape T1.

[0084] [Details of the reel tape] As shown in Figure 3, the reel tape T1 (and similarly the reel tapes T2 and T3) is wound around the support surface FRa of the reel frame FR1 (and similarly the reel tapes T2 and T3) in a cylindrical (endless) shape, such that one end T11 on the Y1 side in the longitudinal direction Y is overlapped from the outside by the other end T12 on the Y2 side in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0085] The diagram of the reel tape T1 shown in Figure 4 is a view from the surface side (the outer surface side when wound around the reel frame FR1 (see Figure 3)). As shown in Figure 4, the multiple patterns arranged on the reel tape T1 (and similarly on reel tapes T2-T3) consist of, for example, numbers, strings of characters, fruits, characters, etc., designed specifically for each model, or combinations thereof.

[0086] These multiple symbols include, for example, symbol P1 (symbol "7"), symbol P2 (symbol "BAR"), symbol P3 (symbol "Watermelon"), symbol P4 (symbol "Bell A"), symbol P5 (symbol "Bell B"), symbol P6 (symbol "Replay"), symbol P7 (symbol "Blank A"), symbol P8 (symbol "Blank B"), etc. (see Figure 5). Details regarding the color schemes (ink colors used) of these symbols and background H will be discussed later.

[0087] Symbols P1 (symbol "7") and P2 (symbol "BAR") are formed to have a larger width in the short direction X compared to other symbols, thereby increasing their visibility. These symbols can be displayed on the active line L1 or within a specific area 410b when the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing according to the results of an internal lottery, etc., and are symbols that form a combination of symbols that triggers a transition to a state advantageous to the player, such as a bonus state or an AT state (assist state).

[0088] Symbol P3 (the "watermelon" symbol) is a symbol that can be displayed on the active line L1 or within a specific area 410b when the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing according to the results of an internal lottery, etc. It is a symbol that is used to form combinations of symbols that are chance roles (so-called rare roles) that trigger a lottery favorable to the player, or combinations of symbols that trigger a reward favorable to the player.

[0089] Symbols P4 (symbol "Bell A"), P5 (symbol "Bell B"), and P6 (symbol "Replay") are symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 or within a specific area 410b regardless of when the stop button is pressed, depending on the results of the internal lottery, etc., and are symbols that, when hit, form combinations of symbols for small wins or replays.

[0090] Symbols P7 ("Blank A") and P8 ("Blank B") are symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 or within a specific area 410b when the stop button is operated at a predetermined timing according to the results of an internal lottery, etc. Even if they line up in a straight line on the active line L1 or within the specific area 410b, they do not constitute a winning combination and are symbols that constitute a loss, etc. In addition, if symbols P7 ("Blank A") and P8 ("Blank B") stop to line up in a straight line or to stop in a predetermined shape (such as a mountain shape or L shape), they may be used as a chance combination that gives the player an advantage in the lottery, or to inform the player that they are in an advantageous state, depending on the machine, even though they do not result in a winning combination. Furthermore, symbols P7 ("Blank A") and P8 ("Blank B") may be used in combination with other symbols as special small wins (such as a single-coin win).

[0091] Each of the above-mentioned patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 has edges P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, and P6a that form the outline (contour) of the pattern by being printed with paint, as will be described in detail later, and colored parts P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, P5b, and P6b that are colored inside the edges P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, and P6a.

[0092] Furthermore, when viewed from the radial direction, the patterns P1 and P2 are arranged such that the edges P1a and P2a 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, while the colored portions P1b and P2b do not overlap with either the first rim portion 21 or the second rim portion 22. As a result, the light from the reel backlight BLi that passes through the colored portions P1b and P2b is not blocked by the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22, allowing the patterns P1 and P2 to be displayed larger in the short-side direction X.

[0093] On the other hand, each of the above-mentioned patterns P7 and P8 has colored parts P7b and P8b that form the pattern of the design. In pattern P7 and P8, the colored parts P7b and P8b are drawn with lines, and the other parts are printed with a background forming layer 61 which forms the background H, which will be described in more detail later. In other words, the parts of the colored parts P7b and P8b of pattern P7 and P8 that are not lines are the same color as the background H.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the reel tape T1, when wound around the reel frame FR1 (i.e., with the other end T12 overlapping the transparent part 63), is divided virtually into 20 equal virtual regions (i.e., 1 frame) along its longitudinal direction Y. In each of the 20 regions arranged along the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tapes T1 to T3, one of the patterns P1 to P8 is placed. The numbers on the left side of the reel tape T1 shown in Figure 4 indicate the pattern numbers. The side closest to one end T11 is pattern number 0, and from there, in the Y2 direction, the patterns are numbered 1, 2, 3, ... 19, with one of the patterns P1 to P8 arranged in the order shown in Figure 4. In addition, in reel tapes T2 and T3, one of the symbols P1 to P8 is placed in each virtual area as symbols 0 to 19, in a different arrangement from that of reel tape T1 shown in Figure 4.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the patterns placed in each virtual region (1 frame) are positioned such that the center of the pattern where the center lines for both ends in the X direction (width direction) intersect with the center lines for both ends in the Y direction (circumferential direction) coincides with the center of the virtual region where the center line for the X direction (width direction) intersects with the center line for both ends in the Y direction (circumferential direction) of the pattern. However, this is not limited to this, and the center of the pattern may be positioned so that it is offset from the center of the virtual region depending on the shape and arrangement of the pattern. In this embodiment in particular, for pattern 19, in which the adhesive member 66 is placed on the back surface, the adhesive member 66 is positioned so that it overlaps with the edge P4a of pattern P4 but does not overlap with the colored portion P4b, so that the colored portion P4b does not become dark, and pattern P4 is made to look nice and be easily visible. For example, if the height distance of the pattern P4 in the Y direction (circumferential direction) is even greater, the center of the pattern can be offset in the Y1 direction relative to the center of the virtual area, thereby preventing the colored portion P4b of the pattern P4 from becoming difficult to see due to the shadow of the adhesive member 66.

[0096] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the reel tape T1 in the portion where, for example, pattern P1 (pattern "7") is placed. Reel tapes T1 (and similarly for reel tapes T2 to T3) differ in the arrangement of patterns (type of pattern, number of specific patterns, order in which patterns are arranged, etc.) and the identification markings 70 used to identify them, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the following explanation will use reel tape T1 as an example, and the explanation of the configurations of reel tapes T2 and T3, which are similar to those of reel tape T1, will be omitted.

[0097] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the reel tape T1 is constructed by layering printed layers on the back surface of a transparent synthetic resin base material 60, using multiple types of paints with different colors (Y, M, C, K, and WH (background)) and transparency (wrinkle). For example, starting from the side closest to the back surface of the base material 60, a pattern forming layer (pattern section) 67 forms multiple patterns, a background forming layer 61 forms the background H which is the area extending around the pattern when viewed from the front side, a transparent wrinkle forming layer (diffusion layer) 64 for diffusing light from the reel backlight BLi in the area where the second background forming layer 61b (described in more detail later) is not formed, and a complementary color forming layer 69 for complementary coloring the colored part of the pattern from the back of the pattern forming layer 67 are layered on top, with each layer formed by screen printing or the like. In this first embodiment, no backing layer is formed on the reel tapes T1 to T3, allowing light from the reel backlight BLi to pass through easily. The entire reel tapes T1 to T3 are brightly illuminated within the specific region 410b, and even when an image is displayed in the specific region 410b using liquid crystal, the individual patterns on the reel tapes T1 to T3 are easily visible.

[0098] In this embodiment, the silk screen printing used to form the design consists of four colors: Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The printing is done so that intermediate colors can be represented by dots or solid areas of these four inks being adjacent to or overlapping each other. In addition to these four colored printing layers, two layers of white (WH) background forming layer 61 are formed to create the background H for designs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, and P8. However, when the colored areas P1b, P2b, P3b, P4b, P5b, and P6b of the reel tape T1 are formed using this four-color ink printing method, the color of the colored areas of the design may become lighter due to gaps between the dots of each color. Therefore, a complementary color forming layer 69 is printed on the back of each colored part to prevent the colors of each design from fading. In this embodiment, the complementary color forming layer 69 is formed on the back of the transparent shrinkage forming layer 64, but this order may be reversed. When forming the complementary color forming layer 69, the ink color is preferably the main color of the design. For example, in the case of design P1 (design "7"), as will be described in detail later, the main color of the design is dark pink (see Figure 5(a)), so red or pink is preferable. Also, for example, in the case of design P3 (design "watermelon"), as will be described in detail later, the main color of the design is green (see Figure 5(c)), so green is preferable. Also, for example, in the case of design P4 (design "bell A") or design P5 (design "bell B"), as will be described in detail later, the main color of the design is yellow (see Figures 5(d) and 5(e)), so yellow is preferable. For example, in the case of symbol P6 (symbol "Replay"), the main color of the symbol is light blue (see Figure 5(f)), so blue or light blue is preferable.

[0099] As shown in Figure 7, the pattern-forming layer 67 is roughly formed by an edge-forming layer 67a and a color-forming layer 67b. The edge-forming layer 67a is formed by printing a black (K) layer (ink layer) that forms the edges P1a to P6a of each of the patterns P1 to P6. That is, the edges P1a to P6a form the outer shape (outline) of the pattern, and are formed in black with the black paint so that light (visible light) from the reel backlight BLi does not easily pass through, i.e., they are formed to have low brightness. Note that the edge-forming layer 67a only needs to form the edge of the pattern, and a part of the internal area of ​​the edge may be formed with the same paint as the paint that forms the edge. Furthermore, the edge-forming layer 67a is not limited to being formed with the same paint for each pattern, but may be formed with different paints for each pattern. In addition, although the edges in this embodiment are described as being formed in black with black paint, they may also be dark gray, dark blue, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the color-forming layer 67b is formed by layering the four colors of paint mentioned above. That is, the edge-forming layer 67a and the color-forming layer 67b form the shape (design) of each pattern when viewed from the surface of the reel tape T1. The color-forming layer 67b is formed, for example, by printing layers of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) in order from the side closest to the back of the base material 60, so that the colors correspond to the patterns P1 to P8 described in detail later. The color-forming layer 67b is formed so that a portion of it overlaps with the edge-forming layer 67a, so that even if printing misalignment occurs, no gap will be created between the edge-forming layer 67a and the color-forming layer 67b, and the printing area is set accordingly. In addition, the black (K) layer is basically used for the edge-forming layer 67a, but depending on the pattern, it may also be used for the pattern or the outlines of each pattern in the color-forming layer 67b.

[0101] The color-forming layer 67b is formed, for example, mostly with cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) paints, which have higher saturation and brightness than the edge-forming layer 67a (black). In Figure 7, the color-forming layer 67b is shown as a single layer, but the dots of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are printed in a suitable area ratio so that the proportions of each paint color are appropriate so that they represent the desired color.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, the background forming layer 61 includes a first background forming layer 61a, which is printed on the side of the substrate 60 closer to the back surface and is printed on the side of the substrate 60 closer to the back surface as the first layer of background H, and a second background forming layer 61b, which is printed on the side of the substrate 60 opposite to the first background forming layer 61a. In this first embodiment, the first background forming layer 61a is formed by a first white layer (hereinafter referred to as "white 1 (WH1)"), and the second background forming layer 61b is formed by a second white layer (hereinafter referred to as "white 2 (WH2)"). These white 1 (WH1) layer and white 2 (WH2) layer consist of the same ink layer, and in background H, basically the white 1 (WH1) layer and the white 2 (WH2) layer are printed, meaning that background H is formed to have a two-layer structure of white ink layers.

[0103] Furthermore, in the coloring layer 67b of the pattern forming layer 67 described above, in the areas where white is to be represented (see Figure 5(a)), only the white 1 (WH1) layer used for the background H is printed, and the white 2 (WH2) layer is not printed. As a result, the white areas in the coloring layer 67b are configured to allow light from the reel backlight BLi to pass through more easily than the two-layer structure of the background H, thereby enabling the representation of a brighter white.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a transparent portion 63 is formed at one end T11 on one side (Y1 direction side, the lower side shown in Figure 4) of the reel tape T1 in the longitudinal direction Y, where neither the pattern forming layer 67 nor the background forming layer 61 is formed. The transparent portion 63 (end T11) is positioned so as to overlap and be hidden by the other end T12 when the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, in other words, it is formed so that the background H is continuous at least once around.

[0105] As shown in Figure 7, the transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64 is a layer printed on the opposite side of the background-forming layer 61 from the substrate 60. It is formed by a wrinkle-forming layer created by curing and shrinking the paint (ink) by irradiating it with ultraviolet light after printing, for example, to create wrinkles (fine irregularities). In this first embodiment, the transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64 is printed so as to overlap and cover the pattern-forming layer 67, that is, so as to cover the areas of each pattern P1 to P6. As a result, the light from the reel backlight BLi transmitted through the colored parts P1b to P6b of each pattern P1 to P6 is diffused by being irregularly bent or reflected by the transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64, preventing the occurrence of point-like light from the LEDs of the reel backlight BLi, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the appearance of the patterns P1 to P6 and improving the visibility of the patterns P1 to P6. In this embodiment, the transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64 is not formed on the patterns P7 to P8.

[0106] [Details of each design] Next, the detailed color schemes of each symbol P1 to P8 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the symbols according to the first embodiment, where (a) shows the 7 symbol, (b) shows the BAR symbol, (c) shows the watermelon symbol, (d) shows the bell A symbol, (e) shows the bell B symbol, (f) shows the replay symbol, (g) shows the blank A symbol, and (h) shows the blank B symbol.

[0107] As shown in Figure 5(a), the pattern P1 (pattern "7") is formed with black (K) ink so that the edge P1a is black (BL) as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P1b is formed with a pattern (inner outline) using YMCK ink formulated to be dark pink (PK1) as the color forming layer 67b, and a pattern (painted part inside the edge P1a) using white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, a layer of shrink (TP) ink is formed as a transparent shrink forming layer 64 so as to cover the entire back side of the pattern P1.

[0108] As shown in Figure 5(b), the design P2 (design "BAR") is formed with black (K) ink so that the edge P2a becomes black (BL) as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P2b is formed with a pattern (outline of the BAR lettering) using YMCK ink formulated to be pink (PK2) as the color forming layer 67b, and a pattern (filled area inside the edge P2a and filled area inside the BAR lettering) using white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, a layer of shrinkage (TP) ink is formed as a transparent shrinkage forming layer 64 so as to cover the entire back side of the design P2.

[0109] As shown in Figure 5(c), the design P3 (design "Watermelon") has an edge P3a formed with black (BL) ink as an edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored part P3b has a color-forming layer 67b with patterns formed using black (K) ink to be black (BL) (watermelon stripes and seed pattern), a YMCK ink blended to be dark pink (PK1) (watermelon cross-section pattern), a YMCK ink blended to be green (GN) (watermelon surface pattern, orange stem pattern), a YMCK ink blended to be orange (OL) (orange surface pattern), a black (K) ink to be gray (GR) (orange shadow pattern), and a white 1 (WH1) ink pattern (watermelon rind cross-section pattern, orange depression pattern). Furthermore, a transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64 is formed with a layer of wrinkle (TP) ink to cover the entire back side of the design P3.

[0110] As shown in Figure 5(d), the pattern P4 (pattern "Bell A") is formed with black (K) ink so that the edge P4a is black (BL) as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P4b is formed with a pattern using black (K) ink so that it is black (BL) (pattern of the bell's outline), a pattern using YMCK ink blended to be yellow (YL) (pattern of the bell's surface), a pattern using YMCK ink blended to be orange (OL) (pattern of the darkened parts of the bell), and a pattern using YMCK ink containing magenta (M) dots and black (K) dots so that it becomes moiré black (MBL), which will be described in more detail later (pattern of the shadowed parts of the bell). Furthermore, a pattern is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (pattern of the bell's shine). Furthermore, a transparent wrinkle-forming layer 64 is formed, consisting of a layer of wrinkle (TP) ink, so as to cover the entire back side of the design P4.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5(e), the pattern P5 (pattern "Bell B") is also formed with black (K) ink so that the edge P5a becomes black (BL) as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P5b is formed with a pattern using black (K) ink so that it becomes black (BL) (pattern of the bell's outline), a pattern using yellow (Y) ink so that it becomes yellow (YL) (pattern of the bell's surface), a pattern using magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink so that it becomes orange (OL) (pattern of the darkened parts of the bell), and a pattern using YMCK ink including magenta (M) dots and black (K) dots so that it becomes moiré black (MBL), which will be described in more detail later (pattern of the shadowed parts of the bell). Furthermore, a pattern is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (pattern of the bell's shine). Furthermore, a transparent shrinkage-forming layer 64 is formed, consisting of a layer of shrinkage (TP) ink, so as to cover the entire back side of the design P5. Note that the design P5 (design "Bell B") has a different position for the bell's clapper compared to the design P4 (design "Bell A"), but the other parts are formed in the same way as the design P4 (design "Bell A"). Therefore, the design P4 (design "Bell A") and the design P5 (design "Bell B") are designs that players can recognize as being of the same type.

[0112] As shown in Figure 5(f), the design P6 (design "Replay") is formed with black (K) ink so that the edge P6a is black (BL) as the edge forming layer 67a, and the colored part P6b is formed with a color forming layer 67b so that it is black (BL) as the pattern with black (K) ink (inner contour of the edge P6a), a pattern with YMCK ink formulated to be light blue (WB) (filled area surrounding the outline of REP), and a pattern with white 1 (WH1) ink (filled area inside the edge P4a, filled area inside the REP font). Furthermore, a layer of shrinkage (TP) ink is formed as a transparent shrinkage forming layer 64 so that it covers the entire back side of the design P6.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5(g), the pattern P7 (pattern "Blank A") has no edge formed, and the colored area P7b has a pattern (outer outline and inner star pattern) formed with black (K) ink so that it becomes gray (GR) with the color forming layer 67b, while the rest of the area is left with the background H exposed, meaning that the inside of the pattern is painted with a background H formed of two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). Note that the transparent shrinkage forming layer 64 is not formed on pattern P7 (pattern "Blank A").

[0114] As shown in Figure 5(h), the pattern P8 (pattern "Blank B") has no edge formed, and the colored area P8b has a pattern (outer outline and inner star pattern) formed with black (K) ink so that it becomes gray (GR) with the color forming layer 67b, while the rest of the area is left with the background H exposed, meaning that the inside of the pattern is painted with a background H formed of two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). Also, the transparent shrinkage forming layer 64 is not formed on pattern P8 (pattern "Blank B").

[0115] [Details of the printing configuration for the "Bell A" and "Bell B" designs] Next, we will explain the details of the first specific symbol, symbol P4 (symbol "Bell A"), and the second specific symbol, symbol P5 (symbol "Bell B"), in particular, the method of representing the light and dark areas in the symbols. As shown in Figure 5(d), symbol P4 (symbol "Bell A") is designed to have a light area P4M as the first bright area, indicating that the symbol is illuminated by the light source, with the light source located in the upper left direction of the figure, and a dark area P4D as the first dark area, indicating that it is not illuminated by the light source as much as the light area P4M. In particular, the light area P4M has a glossy Tk area that indicates that light is being reflected, and conversely, the dark area P4D has a shadow Kg area formed on the bell's tongue. By forming the light area P4M and the dark area P4D in this way, the symbol P4 can be given a visual sense of three-dimensionality, which improves its design.

[0116] Similarly, as shown in Figure 5(e), the design of the pattern P5 (the "bell B" pattern) is also represented in a design way that the light source is located in the upper left direction in the figure, and it has a bright area P5M as a second bright area indicating that the pattern is illuminated by the light source, and a dark area P5D as a second dark area indicating that it is not illuminated by the light source. In particular, the bright area P5M has a glossy Tk area that indicates that light is being reflected, and conversely, the dark area P5D has a shadow Kg area formed on the bell's tongue. By forming the bright area P5M and the dark area P5D in this way, the pattern P5 is given a visual three-dimensionality, which improves its design quality.

[0117] [Problems when forming dark areas (shadows)] Here, we will explain the problems in forming the shadowed areas (Kg) in the dark areas P4D and P5D described above. If these shadowed areas (Kg) are formed by simply filling the entire area with solid black (K) ink, the black becomes too strong, resulting in a glossy black design. Not only does the black appear more strongly emphasized than other areas, but it also looks flat and lacks three-dimensionality, creating a strong sense of incongruity in the dark areas P4D and P5D, which should not be noticeable. Furthermore, even if the shadowed areas (Kg) are formed by dots of black (K) ink, they may also appear flat and lack three-dimensionality, potentially creating an incongruity in a design that attempts to create a sense of depth by forming light and dark areas. Therefore, in this embodiment, this problem is resolved by forming the shadowed areas (Kg) as follows.

[0118] [Moire formation in shadows] Next, the formation methods for the dark area P4D in the design P4 (design "Bell A") and the dark area P5D in the design P5 (design "Bell B") in this first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the details of the Bell A design according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram that shows a magnified view of the dark area in particular. Note that the design P5 (design "Bell B") has a changed position of the bell's clapper compared to the design P4 (design "Bell A"), and the other parts are formed in the same way as the design P4 (design "Bell A"), so the design P4 (design "Bell A") will be explained as an example, and the explanation of the design P5 (design "Bell B") will be omitted.

[0119] As shown in Figure 6, in pattern P4 (pattern "Bell A"), the bright area P4M is yellow (YL) in all areas except the glossy Tk, and the entire area of ​​the colored part P4b representing the bell, excluding the glossy Tk, is filled with yellow (Y) ink, for example, so that it is 100% by area ratio, i.e., the yellow (Y) ink is solid. The dark area P4D is formed by superimposing the first dot area Dt1, which is a first dot area formed of magenta (M) ink dots (hereinafter also referred to as "dots"), onto the area formed in this way where the yellow (Y) ink is solid. The first dot area Dt1 is formed so that the magenta (M) ink dots are, for example, 30% to 50% by area ratio, and the magenta (M) dots of the first dot area Dt1 mix with the yellow (Y) solid to form orange (OL), thereby forming the dark area P4D, which is visually darker than the bright area P4M. In this first dot section Dt1, the first direction D1 in which the magenta (M) dots are arranged (i.e., the direction in which the dots are aligned) is at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure).

[0120] In the dark area P4D, the shadow Kg region ArM is formed by a solid area of ​​yellow (Y) ink, and by superimposing a second dot area Dt2, which is a second halftone area formed of dots, onto the area where magenta (M) ink dots of the first dot area Dt1 are formed. The second dot area Dt2 is formed such that, for example, black (K) ink dots make up 30% to 50% of the area. The second direction D2 (i.e., the direction in which the dots are aligned) in this second dot area Dt2 is at an angle θ2 (60 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1 (left and right direction in the figure), which is different from the angle of the first direction D1 in which the magenta (M) dots are aligned. In the shadow Kg formed in this way, the magenta (M) dots and black (K) dots interfere with each other, generating interference fringes, and thus forming the region ArM where a so-called moiré pattern is formed. Therefore, the shadow Kg region ArM in the dark area P4D is formed as an interference fringe black (hereinafter referred to as "moire black") which appears as a dark color but is different from solid black or flat dot black. In this way, having a region where moire is formed as a shadow Kg region in the dark area P4D prevents the black from becoming too strong or the sense of depth from being lost, thereby improving the design quality of the pattern, that is, the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0121] Furthermore, in the design P5 (design "Bell B"), the dark area P5D is also formed by superimposing a first dot area Dt1, which is formed of magenta (M) ink dots, onto an area where yellow (Y) ink is applied as a solid block. Similarly, the shadow area Kg ArM of the dark area P5D is also formed by superimposing a second dot area Dt2, which is formed of dots, onto an area where yellow (Y) ink is applied as a solid block and magenta (M) ink dots of the first dot area Dt1 are formed. Here, the first dot area Dt1 is formed in both the design P4 (design "Bell A") and the design P5 (design "Bell B"). This is because the silk screen printing plate that forms the magenta (M) ink dots is the same plate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first dot area Dt1 is defined as the portion in which magenta (M) ink dots are formed in each of the two designs. Similarly, the second dot portion Dt2 is formed on both the design P4 (design "Bell A") and the design P5 (design "Bell B"). This is because the silk screen printing plate that forms the black (K) ink dots is the same plate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second dot portion Dt2 is defined as the portion on each of the two designs that has black (K) ink dots formed on it.

[0122] [Summary of the First Embodiment] As described above, the pattern P4 in the reel tape T1 according to this first embodiment is formed by a plurality of paints including magenta (M) paint (ink) and black (K) paint (ink). The magenta (M) paint forms a first dot portion Dt1 formed of dots, and the black (K) paint forms a second dot portion Dt2 formed of dots. The first dot portion Dt1 and the second dot portion Dt2 overlap to form a moiré pattern, which is a shadow Kg region ArM. By having this shadow Kg region ArM formed by the moiré pattern, the pattern P4 does not appear to be formed as a solid black area with a glossy appearance, nor does it appear flat as it is simply formed as black dots. This improves the design quality of the pattern P4, and thus the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0123] In particular, the pattern P4 has a bright area P4M that indicates where light is hitting, and a dark area P4D that indicates where light is not hitting. In the dark area P4D, there is a shadow Kg region ArM where a moiré pattern is formed by the overlapping of the first dot area Dt1 and the second dot area Dt2. In this way, in the pattern P4, which is given a visual sense of three-dimensionality by the bright area P4M and the dark area P4D, the presence of the shadow Kg region ArM in the dark area P4D, which is formed by a moiré pattern, prevents the pattern from being formed as a solid black and appearing shiny, or as a flat pattern by simply being formed as black dots, thus improving the design quality of the pattern P4, and thus the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0124] Furthermore, it is conceivable to create a moiré pattern by, for example, making the regularity of the dots in the first dot area Dt1 (dot size and spacing) different from that of the second dot area Dt2 (dot size and spacing) and allowing them to interfere with each other. However, if the regularity of the dots is changed, it becomes necessary to change the mesh of the screen used for silk printing of that paint for each color, which may increase costs or lead to poor image quality in other areas, thus compromising the design.

[0125] In this first embodiment, the moiré pattern is formed by arranging the dots in the first dot section Dt1 in a first direction D1, and arranging the dots in the second dot section Dt2 in a second direction D2 at a different angle to the first direction D1. This makes it possible to form a moiré pattern without increasing costs or compromising the design of other parts, thereby improving the design of the reel tape T1.

[0126] Furthermore, in the reel tape T1 according to this first embodiment, the pattern P5 that the player can recognize as being of the same type as the pattern P4 is also formed by a plurality of paints including magenta (M) paint (ink) and black (K) paint (ink), the magenta (M) paint forms a first dot portion Dt1 formed of dots, and the black (K) paint forms a second dot portion Dt2 formed of dots. In addition, the pattern P5 has a bright portion P5M which indicates that light is hitting it and a dark portion P5D which indicates that light is not hitting it, and the dark portion P5D has a shadow Kg which is a region ArM where a moiré pattern is formed when the first dot portion Dt1 and the second dot portion Dt2 are superimposed. Thus, in the pattern P5, which is given a visual sense of three-dimensionality by the light area P5M and the dark area P5D, the dark area P5D has a shadow region ArM formed by moiré, which prevents it from being formed as a solid black and appearing shiny, or simply as black dots and appearing flat. This improves the design quality of the pattern P5, and therefore the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0127] [Modified version of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the design and background were printed on reel tapes T1 to T3 using four inks: Y, M, C, and K. In particular, the shadow area ArM was formed so that moiré patterns were created by dots of magenta (M) paint (ink) and black (K) paint (ink). However, the invention is not limited to this, and multiple layers of silk screen printing may be performed using inks of each color, as in the second embodiment described later, so that moiré patterns are created by dots of different inks.

[0128] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a moiré pattern was created in the negative Kg region ArM by arranging the magenta (M) ink dots in the first dot area Dt1 in the first direction D1, and the black (K) ink dots in the second dot area Dt2 in the second direction D2 at a different angle to the first direction D1. However, the invention is not limited to this, and these dots may be arranged in the same direction. Even if two types of dots are arranged in the same direction, a moiré pattern can be created, for example, by making the spacing between the dots of one ink different from the spacing between the dots of the other ink.

[0129] Furthermore, although the first embodiment described above described a configuration in which the magenta (M) ink dots and the black (K) ink dots were arranged in different directions, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and all ink dots may be aligned in the same direction (for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1).

[0130] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the magenta (M) ink dots were tilted at 30 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, and the black (K) ink dots were tilted at 60 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1. However, these angles can be any angles. However, if the dots of each ink are arranged at 0 degrees or 90 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, there is a risk that they will overlap with the angle at which the liquid crystal elements of the display device 410, which is a transmissive liquid crystal display facing the reels R1 to R3, are arranged. In that case, the dots printed on the reel tapes T1 to T3 and the liquid crystal elements may interfere, impairing visibility. Therefore, by arranging the inks of each color at different angles with respect to 0 degrees (horizontal direction) or 90 degrees (vertical direction, reel rotation direction) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, the visibility of the reel tapes T1 to T3 can be improved.

[0131] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment, which is a modified version of the first embodiment described above, will be explained using Figures 8 to 14. In this explanation of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their explanations are omitted.

[0132] In the first embodiment described above, a design and background were printed on reel tapes T1 to T3 using four inks: Y, M, C, and K. In this second embodiment, however, the design and background are formed on reel tapes T1 to T3 by applying multiple layers of silk screen printing (see Figure 14) using inks of each color (multiple paints including a first paint, a second paint, and a third paint). Furthermore, in this second embodiment, a background pattern Hm is formed on the background H compared to the first embodiment. Note that the multiple inks for applying the multiple layers of silk screen printing shown in Figure 14 are printed in order from the side closest to the substrate 60, and are generally printed in order of decreasing brightness and saturation.

[0133] [Design issues with reel tape] Here, we will explain the design issues of the reel tapes. The patterns and backgrounds formed on reel tapes T1 to T3 must have suitable visibility to ensure fairness in gameplay. For this reason, some reel tapes employ simple patterns and backgrounds that do not have printed areas that create halftones using dots. However, patterns and backgrounds that do not use dots may lack design appeal. In other words, using dots allows for the expression of halftones and gradients, thus improving the design appeal. However, when using dots, especially when printing multiple layers, overlapping dots can cause moiré patterns, which can impair the design appeal. Therefore, in this second embodiment, we aim to improve the design appeal of the reel tapes by making it possible to use dots while preventing the occurrence of moiré patterns.

[0134] [About the background pattern] Next, the background H and its background pattern Hm in the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail using Figures 12, 13, and 14. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the background pattern in one section according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the reel tape in the replay pattern according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ink type and each layer according to the second embodiment. Note that in the diagram shown in Figure 12, the patterns P11 to P20 have been omitted (erased) in order to explain the background H, and the diagram shows one frame as one section. In this second embodiment, the reel tapes T2 to T3 have the same configuration as the reel tape T1, so the explanation will focus on the reel tape T1, and the explanation of the reel tapes T2 to T3 will be omitted.

[0135] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, background H is composed of, in order from the back surface of the substrate 60, a background pattern forming layer 61m on which ultra-thin pink (PK4) ink is printed, a first background forming layer 61a on which white 1 (WH1) ink is printed, and a second background forming layer 61b on which white 2 (WH2) ink is printed. Of these, the first background forming layer 61a is a solid layer on which white 1 (WH1) ink is printed in solid form. Similarly, the second background forming layer 61b is also printed with white 2 (WH2) ink in solid form. In particular, the background pattern forming layer 61m (including the portion formed by dots of ultra-thin pink (PK4) ink as described later) and the first background forming layer 61a (the solid layer of white 1 (WH1) ink) are arranged adjacent to each other in the layer direction relative to the substrate 60, that is, in the front-to-back direction.

[0136] In this second embodiment, we describe a case where the base color of the background H is a white-based color, using white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2) inks. However, it is not limited to this, and any light color is acceptable as long as it is a subtle color that is less conspicuous (has less impact) than the patterns P11 to P20. That is, any light color is acceptable. For example, the base color of the background H could be light pink, light blue, light purple, light orange, etc. Also, in this second embodiment, we describe a case where the background pattern Hm uses very light pink (PK4) ink and its intensity (dot coarseness, or dot area ratio) is varied. However, it is not limited to this, and any light color is acceptable as long as it is a subtle color that is less conspicuous (has less impact) than the patterns P11 to P20. That is, any light color is acceptable. For example, the color of the background pattern Hm could be white, light pink, light blue, light purple, etc., and it is especially acceptable as long as it is a different color from the base color of the background H.

[0137] As shown in Figure 12, the background H is constructed such that, in the short direction X of the reel tape T1, it has background patterns Hm at both ends and a background central area HC in between them, meaning that it is printed to both ends in the short direction X of the reel tape T1. The background central area HC is an area where the background patterns Hm are not formed, that is, in the part where the patterns P11 to P20 are not formed, it is printed in white with two layers, the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b.

[0138] On the other hand, the background pattern Hm is printed on the substrate 60 side of the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b, and is formed to have a width of approximately 15 mm from the right end T1c and the left end T1d, which are the two ends in the short direction X of the reel tape T1, and does not overlap with patterns P11 (pattern "bell"), P12 (pattern "replay A"), P13 (pattern "replay B"), P14 (pattern "cherry"), and P15 (pattern "watermelon") of the patterns P11 to P20 which will be described in more detail later (see Figure 8). In other words, these patterns P11 to P15 are printed to fit within the area of ​​the central part HC of the background.

[0139] Furthermore, the background pattern Hm is formed at both ends of the reel tape T1 in the short direction X after it has been cut, as will be described in more detail later. It has a pattern end Hmed that is not formed at a distance d of, for example, 2 mm from the right end T1c and the left end T1d, and a pattern forming portion Hmmn that is formed to actually have the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 at a width of, for example, 13 mm from the pattern end Hmed. Furthermore, the pattern edge Hmed and pattern forming area Hmmn are printed so as to overlap at least partially with patterns P16 (pattern "White 7"), P17 (pattern "Silver BAR"), P18 (pattern "Black BAR"), P19 (pattern "Blank"), and 20 (pattern "Bonus"), which are among the patterns P11 to P20 described in more detail later. In particular, the pattern edge Hmed is printed so as to overlap with parts of the edges P16a to P18a and P20a of patterns P16 to P18 and P20 (see Figure 8). As a result, patterns P16 to P18 and P20 are arranged to be the largest possible size in the short direction X of the reel tape T1, and are formed as patterns with a strong impact among all the patterns.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pattern-forming portion Hmmn of the background pattern Hm is formed with ultra-thin pink (PK4) as a second paint, and the boundary portion of the pattern end Hmed is formed so that the ultra-thin pink (PK4) is at its darkest concentration (for example, 70% ultra-thin pink (PK4)), and the concentration of the ultra-thin pink (PK4) gradually changes in a continuous or stepwise manner towards the center of the background HC (i.e., towards the center in the short direction of the reel tape T1), becoming lighter and disappearing, thus creating a so-called gradient. The pattern shape Hmk1 formed on this pattern-forming portion Hmmn is formed to be the darkest color of the pattern end Hmed (for example, 70% ultra-thin pink (PK4)), creating a so-called solid color, while the pattern shape Hmk2 is formed to be a so-called white-out pattern, with no ink from the background pattern Hm (for example, 0% ultra-thin pink (PK4)). Therefore, the pattern-forming portion Hmmn of the background pattern Hm has pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2, but is printed so that the pattern is formed using only one type (one color) of ultra-light pink (PK4) ink. In this background pattern Hm, the lighter areas other than the darkest color (for example, 70% ultra-light pink (PK4)) are formed as background halftone areas by dots of ultra-light pink (PK4) ink, and the darkness is defined by the area ratio (%) of the mesh of the screen printing plate that forms the dots relative to the area. In other words, the reason why the darkest color is, for example, 70% ultra-light pink (PK4) is that when the dots are printed, the ink spreads on the surface of the reel tape T1~T3 and connects with adjacent dots, resulting in a solid color that is printed without gaps. In other words, the area ratio (%) of the dots relative to the area, which is the unit that indicates darkness, can be said to be the area ratio of the mesh on the screen printing plate that allows the ink to pass through.

[0141] Furthermore, the background pattern Hm is printed such that the pattern HmP shown in Figure 12 forms a pattern for one frame, which is the area where each of the designs P11 to P20 is placed, and the pattern HmP is printed in a repeating pattern along the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tape T1. In other words, the background pattern HmP is printed so that it is placed as the background for designs 0 to 19 (see Figure 4).

[0142] Incidentally, the background forming layer 61 that forms the background H is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction Y1 than the area of ​​pattern 0, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the background forming layer 61 has a background overlapping portion 61ov which is the area where the other end T1b of the reel tape T1 overlaps, and as a result the end portion 61Aa (61Ba) of the background forming layer 61 protrudes further in the longitudinal direction Y1 than the area of ​​pattern 0, so in short, the background H is formed to be longer than the area of ​​patterns 0 to 19 where patterns P11 to P20 are placed. Furthermore, the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are not formed in this background overlapping portion 61ov. As a result, when overlapping the other end T1b of the reel tape T1 with the transparent part 63 and winding and bonding it to the reel frame FR1, even if there is a misalignment in the bonding position, the pattern shape Hmk1 and pattern shape Hmk2 will not be interrupted, and the pattern forming part Hmmn and pattern end Hmed of the background pattern Hm are formed up to the background overlapping part 61ov, so that the transparent part 63 is not exposed and the light of the reel backlight BLi does not directly leak out, thereby preventing a decrease in appearance.

[0143] (Regarding the edges of the background pattern) Incidentally, the three reel tapes T1 to T3 are printed on a single sheet-like base material 60, for example, in parallel in the short direction X, and then cut out by cutting to produce each reel tape T1 to T3. The three reel tapes T to T3 are printed side by side without any gaps, but the outer edges on both sides of the reel tapes T1 and T3 located at the ends (for example, the left end T1d of reel tape T1 (see Figure 4)) are also cut off as margins. When performing this cutting, there is a risk that the cutting position may be off by up to approximately 0.5 mm due to the error of the cutting machine. However, in the reel tapes T1 to T3 of this second embodiment, as described above, the background pattern Hm is printed with uniform density at a predetermined distance d (for example, 2 mm) from the pattern edge Hmed that is larger than the cutting error. Therefore, even if there is a shift in the cutting position, the background pattern Hm does not change significantly, preventing a decrease in the appearance of the reel tapes T1 to T3 after cutting. Furthermore, individual differences in gaming machines due to shifts in the cutting position can be reduced, preventing misidentification by players. When cutting the reel tapes T1 to T3, the ends in the longitudinal direction (for example, one end T1a and the other end T1b (see Figure 4)) are also cut, but since the background overlap portion 61ov described above is formed for about 2 mm, even if there is a shift in the cutting position, a decrease in appearance can be prevented in the same way.

[0144] In this embodiment, the pattern edge Hmed is described as being formed at a predetermined distance d (for example, 2 mm) in the short direction X. However, since the error of the cutting machine is, for example, up to about 0.5 mm, it is sufficient if the predetermined distance d is greater than or equal to the error of the cutting machine. However, there is a risk that the pattern edge Hmed may disappear due to misalignment during cutting, so it is preferable that the predetermined distance d be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less so as not to compress the area of ​​the background pattern Hm. In this case, the width of the adhesive member 65 (see Figure 4) that adheres the reel tapes T1 to T3 to the reel frames FR1 to FR3 may be made larger than or equal to the width of the adhesive member 65 so that the adhesive member 65 is not noticeable.

[0145] [Details of each design] Next, the detailed sizes and color schemes (types of ink used) of each pattern P11 to P20 arranged on the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the patterns according to the second embodiment, where (a) shows the bell pattern, (b) shows the replay A pattern, (c) shows the replay B pattern, (d) shows the cherry pattern, (e) shows the watermelon pattern, (f) shows the white 7 pattern, (g) shows the silver BAR pattern, (h) shows the black BAR pattern, (i) shows the blank pattern, and (j) shows the bonus pattern.

[0146] In this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the pattern forming layer 67 has a layer of gold (GL) ink as part of the color forming layer 67b, on the side closer to the back surface of the substrate 60 than the edge forming layer 67a, which is black (BL) ink that forms the edges P11a to P18a and P20a of each pattern P11 to P18 and P20. The color forming layer 67b is formed by printing, for example, a gold (GL) layer, a black (BL) layer, a blue (BU) layer, a red (RD) layer, a light blue (WB) layer, a dark pink (PK1) layer, a pink (PK2) layer, a light pink (PK3) layer, a purple (PU) layer, an orange (OL) layer, a yellow (YL) layer, a gray (GR) layer, and a brown (BW) layer in order from the side closer to the back surface of the substrate 60, so as to the color scheme of each pattern P11 to P20, which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the background pattern forming layer 61m is formed of an ultra-thin pink (PK4) layer, the first background forming layer 61a is formed of a white 1 (WH1) layer, and the second background forming layer 61b is formed of a white 2 (WH2) layer. In other words, in this second embodiment, 16 types (16 colors) of ink are used. In this second embodiment as well, no backing forming layer is formed on the reel tapes T1 to T3, allowing the light of the reel backlight BLi to easily pass through, so that the entire reel tapes T1 to T3 are brightly illuminated inside the specific area 410b, and even when an image is displayed in the specific area 410b using liquid crystal, the patterns on the reel tapes T1 to T3 are easily visible.

[0147] As shown in Figure 8(a), the design P11 (design "Bell") has an edge P11a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and a colored part P11b formed with a color forming layer 67b which has a pattern made of black (BL) ink (the outline of the bell), a pattern made of yellow (YL) ink (the surface pattern of the bell), an orange (OL) pattern created by overlapping yellow (YL) ink and pink (PK2) ink (the pattern of the darkened surface of the bell), and a moiré black (MBL) pattern created by overlapping yellow (YL) ink, pink (PK2) ink and black (BL) ink (the shadow pattern of the darkened part of the bell). Furthermore, a pattern is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (the glossy Tk pattern of the bell).

[0148] Furthermore, yellow (YL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than white (WH1) ink, pink (PK2) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than yellow (YL) ink, and black (BL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than pink (PK2) ink. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the printing order is that black (BL) ink is printed first, followed by pink (PK2) ink, then yellow (YL) ink, and finally white (WH1) ink. In other words, in the area where the design P11 (design "bell") is printed, black (BL) ink, pink (PK2) ink, yellow (YL) ink, and white (WH1) ink are printed in order of increasing brightness. Note that this explanation describes printing in order of increasing brightness, but it is not limited to this order; printing in order of decreasing saturation is also acceptable. In other words, the inks are printed in the order of black (BL), pink (PK2), yellow (YL), and white 1 (WH1), so it is acceptable even if the colors are printed in order of decreasing saturation.

[0149] As shown in Figure 8(b), the specific design or first specific design, design P12 (design "Replay A"), has an edge P12a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and a colored part P12b formed with a blue (BU) ink pattern (outline of the REP font), a pattern made of blue (BU) ink and light blue (WB) ink (fan-shaped part inside the edge P12a), and a pattern made of light blue (WB) ink (fan-shaped part inside the edge P12a) as the color forming layer 67b, while the rest of the design has the background H exposed, meaning the inside of the design is painted with a background H formed of two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2).

[0150] Furthermore, the light blue (WB) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than the white 1 (WH1) ink, the blue (BU) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than the light blue (WB) ink, and the black (BL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than the blue (BU) ink. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the printing order is that the black (BL) ink is printed first, followed by the blue (BU) ink, then the light blue (WB) ink, and finally the white 1 (WH1) ink. In other words, in the area where the design P12 (design "Replay A") is printed, the black (BL) ink, blue (BU) ink, light blue (WB) ink, and white 1 (WH1) ink are printed in order of increasing brightness. Note that this explanation describes printing in order of increasing brightness, but it is not limited to this order; printing in order of decreasing saturation is also acceptable. In other words, the inks are printed in the order of black (BL), blue (BU), light blue (WB), and white 1 (WH1), so it is acceptable even if the colors are printed in order of decreasing saturation.

[0151] As shown in Figure 8(c), the second specific symbol, symbol P13 (symbol "Replay B"), is similar to symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A"), and is a symbol that players can recognize as the same symbol. The design is the same as symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A") except that the REP font is solid (the entire letter is filled without any gaps). In detail, the design P13 (design "Replay B") has an edge P13a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, while the colored area P13b has a pattern formed with blue (BU) ink (the REP font), a pattern formed with blue (BU) ink and light blue (WB) ink (the fan-shaped part inside the edge P13a), and a pattern formed with light blue (WB) ink (the fan-shaped part inside the edge P13a). The rest of the design has the background H exposed, meaning the inside of the design is painted with a background H formed of two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). The printing order (brightness, saturation) is the same as for the design P12 (design "Replay A"), so the explanation is omitted.

[0152] As shown in Figure 8(d), the design P14 (design "cherry") has an edge P14a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored part P14b formed with a color-forming layer 67b which includes a pattern with red (RD) ink (fruit part), a glossy Tk pattern with white 1 (WH1) and red (RD) ink (fruit glossy Tk pattern), a shadow Kg pattern with red (RD) and black (BL) ink (fruit shadow Kg pattern), a green pattern with light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (leaf part), and a pattern with gray (GR) ink (leaf shadow).

[0153] Furthermore, gray (GR) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than white (WH1) ink, red (RD) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than gray (GR) ink, and black (BL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than red (RD) ink. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the printing order is that black (BL) ink is printed first, followed by red (RD) ink, then gray (GR) ink, and finally white (WH1) ink. In other words, in the area where the design P14 (design "Cherry") is printed, black (BL) ink, red (RD) ink, gray (GR) ink, and white (WH1) ink are printed in order of increasing brightness. Note that this explanation describes printing in order of increasing brightness, but it is not limited to this order; printing in order of decreasing saturation is also acceptable. In other words, the inks are printed in the order of black (BL), red (RD), gray (GR), and white 1 (WH1), so it is acceptable even if the colors are printed in order of increasing saturation.

[0154] As shown in Figure 8(e), the design P15 (design "watermelon") has an edge P15a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge forming layer 67a, and a colored part P15b formed with a color forming layer 67b which has patterns made of black (BL) ink (watermelon stripes and seeds), patterns made of dark pink (PK1) ink (watermelon cross-section pattern), green patterns made of light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink (watermelon surface pattern), patterns made of light pink (PK3) ink (heart pattern), and patterns made of gray (GR) ink (heart shadow pattern). Furthermore, a pattern is formed where the background H (a layer made up of two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (pattern of the rind part of the watermelon cross-section).

[0155] Furthermore, gray (GR) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than white (WH1) ink, yellow (YL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than gray (GR) ink, light pink (PK3) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than yellow (YL) ink, dark pink (PK1) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than light pink (PK3) ink, light blue (WB) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than dark pink (PK1) ink, and black (BL) ink has lower brightness (saturation) than light blue (WB) ink. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the printing order is as follows: black (BL) ink is printed first, followed by light blue (WB) ink, then dark pink (PK1) ink, then light pink (PK3) ink, then yellow (YL) ink, then gray (GR) ink, and finally white 1 (WH1) ink. In other words, in the area where the design P15 (the "watermelon" design) is printed, the black (BL) ink, gray (GR) ink, light blue (WB) ink, dark pink (PK1) ink, light pink (PK3) ink, yellow (YL) ink, gray (GR) ink, and white 1 (WH1) ink are printed in order of increasing brightness. Note that while this explanation describes printing in order of decreasing brightness, it is not limited to this order; printing in order of decreasing saturation is also acceptable. In other words, the inks are printed in the following order: black (BL), gray (GR), light blue (WB), dark pink (PK1), light pink (PK3), yellow (YL), gray (GR), and white 1 (WH1). It is acceptable even if the colors are printed in order of decreasing saturation.

[0156] As shown in Figure 8(f), the pattern P16 (pattern "White 7") has an edge P16a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored area P16b formed with a gold (GL) ink pattern (decorative line pattern on the edge P16a) and a purple (PU) ink pattern (internal diagonal line pattern and petal pattern) as the color-forming layer 67b. The rest of the pattern is left as is, with the background H exposed. In other words, the inside of the pattern is painted with a background H formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2). The printing order (order of brightness and saturation) of each ink in the area where the pattern P16 (pattern "White 7") is printed is as shown in Figure 14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0157] As shown in Figure 8(g), the design P17 (design "Silver BAR") has an edge P17a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored area P17b formed with gray (GR) ink as the color-forming layer 67b (the painted area inside the edge P17a). Furthermore, a pattern (the pattern of the BAR font) is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed. Note that the printing order of each ink (in order of brightness and saturation) in the area where the design P17 (design "Silver BAR") is printed is the same as shown in Figure 14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0158] As shown in Figure 8(h), the design P18 (design "Black BAR") has an edge P18a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored area P18b formed with red (RD) ink as the color-forming layer 67b (the painted area inside the edge P18a). Furthermore, a pattern (the pattern of the BAR font) is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed. Note that the printing order of each ink (in order of brightness and saturation) in the area where the design P18 (design "Black BAR") is printed is the same as shown in Figure 14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0159] As shown in Figure 8(i), the design P19 (design "blank") has no edges, and the colored area P19b acts as a color-forming layer 67b, forming a pattern with brown (BW) ink (outer diamond pattern, inner diamond pattern, cross pattern), a pattern with brown (BW) ink dots (light brown (BWD)) (between the outer and inner diamond patterns, and the inner part of the inner diamond pattern), which will be described in more detail later, and a pattern where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (the pattern of the BAR font). The printing order of each ink (in order of brightness and saturation) in the area where the design P19 (design "blank") is printed is also the order shown in Figure 14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0160] As shown in Figure 8(j), the design P20 (design "Bonus") has an edge P20a formed with black (BL) ink as the edge-forming layer 67a, and a colored area P20b formed with a color-forming layer 67b containing patterns of gold (GL) ink (outline pattern of the "ONUS" font), blue (BU) ink (filled part of the "B" font), light blue (WB) ink (filled part inside the edge 20a), orange (OL) ink (star pattern), and yellow (YL) ink (lightning pattern). Furthermore, a pattern is formed where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed (pattern of the "BAR" font). Note that the printing order of each ink (order of brightness and saturation) in the area where the design P20 (design "Bonus") is printed is the same as shown in Figure 14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0161] [Details of the printing configuration for each design] Next, the configuration of the patterns P11 ("Bell" pattern), P12 ("Replay A" pattern), P13 ("Replay B" pattern), P14 ("Cherry" pattern), P15 ("Watermelon" pattern), and P19 ("Blank" pattern) in the second embodiment, when formed by multi-layer (multicolor) silk screen printing, will be explained using Figures 9 to 11 and Figure 13. Figure 9(a) shows the details of the Bell pattern, and (b) shows the details of the Replay A pattern. Figure 10(a) shows the details of the Cherry pattern, and (b) shows the details of the Watermelon pattern. Figure 11 shows the details of the Blank pattern according to the second embodiment.

[0162] (Details of the "Bell" design) First, the details of the design P11 (design "Bell") will be explained using Figure 9(a). As shown in Figure 9(a), the design P11 (design "Bell"), like the design P4 (design "Bell A") of the first embodiment, has a light source in the upper left direction in the figure, and the colored part P11b is designed to have a bright area P11M that indicates the design is illuminated by the light source, and a dark area P11D that indicates the design is not illuminated by the light source. In particular, the bright area P11M has a glossy Tk area that indicates the reflection of light, and conversely, the dark area P11D has a shadow Kg area that is formed on the clapper of the bell. By forming the bright area P11M and the dark area P11D in this way, the design P11 can be given a visual three-dimensional effect, and its design quality can be improved.

[0163] In the design P11 (design "Bell"), the bright area P11M is yellow (YL) in all areas except the glossy Tk, and the entire area of ​​the colored part P11b representing the bell, excluding the glossy Tk, is covered with yellow (YL) ink as a third paint, forming a solid area (solid layer) (for example, 70%). The dark area P11D is formed by superimposing the first dot area Dt1, which is a first halftone area formed with dots of pink (PK2) ink as the first paint, onto the area where the yellow (YL) ink is formed as a solid.

[0164] In the bright area P11M, excluding the glossy Tk region, a solid layer of yellow (YL) ink is printed onto the substrate 60, forming a solid-colored region ArM1. On the opposite side of this yellow (YL) ink layer from the substrate 60, a first background-forming layer 61a is formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 1 (WH1) ink. On the opposite side of the first background-forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink from the substrate 60, a second background-forming layer 61b is further formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 2 (WH2) ink. In the glossy Tk region, since the yellow (YL) ink is not printed, the first background-forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink is printed on the substrate 60.

[0165] In the dark area P11D, dots of pink (PK2) ink, which are the first dot area Dt1, are printed on the substrate 60 so that, for example, the area ratio is 30% to 50%, thus forming an area ArD1 represented by overlapping the first halftone area with the solid area. On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the pink (PK2) ink dots, a layer formed by solid yellow (YL) ink (i.e., a solid layer) is printed. As a result, the pink (PK2) dots of the first dot area Dt1 mix with the solid yellow (YL) to form an orange color (OL), creating a dark area P11D that is visually darker than the bright area P11M. The first direction D1 in which the pink (PK2) dots in the first dot area Dt1 are arranged (i.e., the direction in which the dots are aligned) is at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short side direction of the reel tape T1 (left and right direction in the figure).

[0166] In the dark area P11D, the shadow Kg region ArM is formed by solid yellow (Y) ink, and by superimposing a second halftone area Dt2, formed of black (BL) ink dots as a second coating, onto the area where pink (PK2) ink dots of the first dot area Dt1 are formed. That is, in the shadow Kg region ArM, the pink (PK2) ink dots as the first dot area Dt1 are printed on the substrate 60 so that, for example, the area ratio is 30% to 50%. Furthermore, on the side opposite to the substrate 60 from the pink (PK2) ink dots, black (BL) ink dots as the second dot area Dt2 are formed so that, for example, the area ratio is 30% to 50%. The second direction D2 (i.e., the direction in which the dots are aligned) in the second dot section Dt2, where the black (BL) dots are arranged, is at an angle θ2 (60 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure), which is different from the angle of the first direction D1 where the pink (PK2) dots are arranged. Furthermore, the size of each of these pink (PK2) ink dots is larger than the size of each of the black (BL) ink dots. On the side opposite to the substrate 60 relative to the black (BL) ink dots, a solid layer formed with yellow (YL) ink is printed and formed. On the side opposite to the substrate 60 relative to the solid layer of yellow (YL) ink, a first background forming layer 61a is formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, on the side of the first background-forming layer 61a, which is made of white 1 (WH1) ink, opposite to the substrate 60, a second background-forming layer 61b is formed solid (applied without gaps) using white 2 (WH2) ink.

[0167] In this way, the shadowed Kg area is formed as a region ArM where pink (PK2) dots and black (BL) dots interfere with each other, generating interference fringes and creating a so-called moiré pattern. Therefore, the shadowed Kg region ArM in the dark area P11D is formed as a moiré black with interference fringes that appears as a dark color but is different from solid black or the black of flat dots. In this way, having a region in the dark area P11D where moiré is formed (expressed) as a shadowed Kg region prevents the black from becoming too strong or the sense of depth from being lost, thereby improving the design quality of the pattern, and thus the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0168] In this embodiment, the size of each pink (PK2) ink dot is described as being larger than the size of each black (BL) ink dot. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the size of each pink (PK2) ink dot may be larger than the smaller black (BL) ink dot, or they may be the same size.

[0169] (Details of the "Replay A" symbol) Next, the details of symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A") will be explained using Figures 9(b) and 13. As mentioned above, since symbol P13 (symbol "Replay B"), which is similar to symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A"), is basically printed and formed in the same way, we will explain symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A") in detail and omit the explanation of the details of symbol P13 (symbol "Replay B").

[0170] As shown in Figure 9(b), in the colored portion P12b of the symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A"), a fan-shaped first region ArT1 and a fan-shaped second region ArT2 are formed to alternately align in the circumferential direction. That is, similar to the symbol P11 (symbol "Bell"), there is a light source in the upper left direction in the figure, and the design is such that the first region ArT1 has a bright area P12M indicating that the symbol is illuminated by the light source, and the second region ArT2 has a dark area P12D indicating that the symbol is not illuminated by the light source. In short, the first region ArT1 and the second region ArT2 are arranged three-dimensionally in an alternating, adjacent manner, forming a sawtooth shape in cross-section like a fan, and each represents a plane with a different angle.

[0171] In the first region ArT1, a solid layer of light blue (WB) ink is formed, and a third dot region Dt3, which is a second pattern halftone area formed of blue (BU) ink dots, is superimposed on this area. Furthermore, the blue (BU) ink dots are formed to create a gradient, gradually fading from the center. Specifically, the third dot region Dt3 is formed such that, for example, the blue (BU) ink dots have an area ratio of 70% at the center and 0% towards the outside, thereby creating a gradient that gradually fades from the center. This gradient allows the center to appear further away and the outside closer to the viewer due to the difference in light and dark.

[0172] Furthermore, in the second region ArT2, the background H ink (white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is formed as a solid area (i.e., white 1 (WH1) is printed as a solid layer), and the fourth dot area Dt4, which is a pattern halftone area or first pattern halftone area, which is formed as dots of light blue (WB) ink as the first paint, is superimposed on this area, and the light blue (WB) ink dots are formed to create a gradient that gradually fades from the center. Specifically, in the fourth dot area Dt4, the light blue (WB) ink dots are formed such that, for example, the area ratio of the light blue (WB) ink dots is 70% at the center and becomes 0% towards the outside, thereby creating a gradient that gradually fades from the center. By having this gradient, the center is expressed as being in the background and the outside as being in the foreground through the interplay of light and dark.

[0173] Furthermore, in this design P12 (design "Replay A"), the third dot area Dt3, formed with blue (BU) ink dots, has the dots arranged in a second direction D2 at an angle θ2 (60 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure). On the other hand, the fourth dot area Dt4, formed with light blue (WB) ink dots, has the dots arranged in a first direction D1 at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure). In this way, by making the arrangement direction of the blue (BU) ink dots in the third dot area Dt3 and the arrangement direction of the light blue (WB) ink dots in the fourth dot area Dt4 different, it is possible to create a clear contrast between the light area P12M and the dark area P12D, thereby improving the design. Furthermore, the edges of the third dot area Dt3 and the fourth dot area Dt4 are made to touch, thereby forming the boundary line BD between the bright area P12M and the dark area P12D. This effectively represents the point where the bright area P12M and the dark area P12D switch abruptly.

[0174] Furthermore, in the boundary BD between the first region ArT1 and the second region ArT2, the solid area of ​​light blue (WB) ink in the first region ArT1 may extend beyond the dots of blue (BU) ink to form a margin; in other words, the solid area of ​​light blue (WB) ink may be interposed between the third dot area Dt3 and the fourth dot area Dt4. This ensures that, for example, even if a misalignment occurs in at least one of the third dot area Dt3 and the fourth dot area Dt4 during printing, the dots of blue (BU) ink in the first region ArT1 and the dots of light blue (WB) ink in the second region ArT2 do not intersect, preventing interference between these dots and thus preventing moiré patterns from forming.

[0175] (Regarding the order of the printed layers in the "Replay A" design) Next, the order of the printed layers (ink layers) in pattern P12 (pattern "Replay A") will be explained using Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, in the region where the background H is formed, as described above, a background pattern forming layer 61m that forms the pattern forming area Hmmn on the substrate 60 is printed with very thin pink (PK4) ink in a dot or solid gradient manner (see Figure 12). On the side of the background pattern forming layer 61m opposite to the substrate 60, a first background forming layer 61a is formed as a solid layer (applied without gaps) using white 1 (WH1) ink as a third paint, and in other words, the background pattern forming layer 61m and the first background forming layer 61a are formed adjacent to each other in the front-back direction. Furthermore, on the side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink opposite to the substrate 60, a second background forming layer 61b is formed as a solid layer (applied without gaps) using white 2 (WH2) ink. Although the white 1 (WH1) ink and the white 2 (WH2) ink are described separately because they are two layers, in this embodiment they are the same ink.

[0176] Meanwhile, in the region where the colored portion P12b of the pattern P12 (pattern "Replay A") is formed, in the first region ArT1, a third dot portion Dt3, which is a second halftone portion formed by dots using blue (BU) ink as a second paint, is printed on the substrate 60 (see Figure 9(b)). On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the blue (BU) ink dots, a solid layer formed as a first solid portion using light blue (WB) ink is printed. On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the solid layer of light blue (WB) ink, a first background forming layer 61a is formed solidly (applied without gaps) using white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink, a second background forming layer 61b is formed solidly (applied without gaps) using white 2 (WH2) ink.

[0177] Furthermore, in the region where the colored portion P12b of the design P12 (design "Replay A") is formed, in the second region ArT2, a fourth dot portion Dt4, which is a first halftone portion formed by dots with light blue (WB) ink as the first paint, is printed and formed on the substrate 60 (see Figure 9(b)). On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the dots of the light blue (WB) ink, a first background forming layer 61a is formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 1 (WH1) ink, meaning that the fourth dot portion Dt4 and the first background forming layer 61a are formed adjacent to each other in the front-back direction. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink, a second background forming layer 61b is formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 2 (WH2) ink.

[0178] In this way, the dots of ultra-thin pink (PK4) ink in the pattern-forming Hmmn, the dots of blue (BU) ink in the first region ArT1, and the dots of light blue (WB) ink in the second region ArT2 are all formed so that a solid layer of ink overlaps on the opposite side (i.e., the back side) from the substrate 60, meaning that all the dots are covered with solid ink, thus preventing moiré patterns from forming due to dots overlapping.

[0179] (Regarding the "Replay B" symbol) As mentioned above, the symbol P13 (symbol "Replay B") is formed with the same design as the symbol P12 (symbol "Replay A"), except for the letters "REP". In other words, the design is such that there is a light source in the upper left direction of the figure, and the first region ArT1 has a bright area indicating that the symbol is illuminated by the light source, and the second region ArT2 has a dark area indicating that the symbol is not illuminated by the light source.

[0180] In the region where the colored portion P13b of this design P13 (design "Replay B") is formed, in the second region ArT2, the fourth dot portion Dt4 is printed on the substrate 60 as a second design halftone portion formed by dots with light blue (WB) ink, and on the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the light blue (WB) ink dots, the first background forming layer 61a is formed solid (applied without gaps) with white 1 (WH1) ink. In other words, in this design P13 (design "Replay B") as well, the fourth dot portion Dt4 and the first background forming layer 61a are formed adjacent to each other in the front-back direction.

[0181] Furthermore, in the pattern P13 (pattern "Replay B"), the third dot area Dt3, formed with blue (BU) ink dots, has the dots arranged in a second direction D2 at an angle θ2 (60 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure). Also, the fourth dot area Dt4, formed with light blue (WB) ink dots, has the dots arranged in a first direction D1 at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1 (left-right direction in the figure). Therefore, even if a player compares pattern P12 (pattern "Replay A") and pattern P13 (pattern "Replay B"), the direction of the dots is the same, and the pattern is configured so that there is no difference in visibility in the area where the dots are formed, allowing the player to recognize them as the same pattern, or in other words, preventing them from being mistaken for different patterns.

[0182] (Details of the "Cherry" design) Next, the details of design P14 (design "Cherry") will be explained using Figure 10(a). As shown in Figure 10(a), in the colored part P14b of design P14 (design "Cherry"), as described above, the fruit part is made of red (RD) ink as the first paint, the glossy Tk pattern is made of white 1 (WH1) and red (RD) ink as the third paint, the shadow Kg pattern is made of red (RD) and black (BL) ink as the second paint, the leaf part is made of light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink, and the leaf shadow pattern is made of gray (GR) ink. Specifically, similar to the above-mentioned design P11 (design "Bell"), the design is expressed with a light source in the upper left direction, and includes bright areas P14M in the glossy Tk pattern of the fruit and the upper part of the leaves, indicating that the design is illuminated by the light source, and dark areas P14D in the shadow Kg pattern of the fruit and the lower part of the leaves, indicating that the design is not illuminated by the light source. In a broad sense, the parts of the fruit other than the glossy Tk pattern, the shadow Kg pattern and the shadow pattern of the leaves can also be called bright areas where light is hitting them, but in this specification, they are defined as the intermediate parts between the bright areas P14M and the dark areas P14D.

[0183] In this design, the fruit area, excluding the glossy Tk pattern, is formed on the substrate 60 with a solid layer of red (RD) ink as the first solid area. The glossy Tk pattern area is formed on the substrate 60 with a fifth dot area Dt5, which is a first halftone area formed by red (RD) ink dots. On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the red (RD) ink dots, a first background forming layer 61a is formed with white 1 (WH1) ink in a solid (non-gained) state. Furthermore, a second background forming layer 61b is formed with white 2 (WH2) ink in a solid (non-gained) state. Therefore, the glossy Tk pattern area in particular represents the bright area P14M illuminated by light from a light source by forming an area ArM2 created by overlapping red (RD) ink dots on a solid layer of white 1 (WH1) ink.

[0184] Furthermore, the pattern area of ​​the shadow Kg is formed by printing a sixth dot area Dt6, which is a second halftone area formed by black (BL) ink dots, onto the substrate 60. On the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the black (BL) ink dots, a solid layer formed by printing red (RD) ink is printed. On the opposite side of the red (RD) ink layer from the substrate 60, a first background forming layer 61a is formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 1 (WH1) ink. On the opposite side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink from the substrate 60, a second background forming layer 61b is further formed solidly (applied without gaps) with white 2 (WH2) ink. Therefore, the area of ​​this shadow Kg pattern in particular is formed by creating an area ArD2, which is created by overlaying black (BL) ink dots on a solid area of ​​red (RD) ink, thereby representing the dark area P14D, which indicates that the area is not illuminated by light from a light source.

[0185] Furthermore, the leaf pattern area is formed by printing a seventh dot area Dt7, which is made up of dots of light blue (WB) ink, onto the base material 60. On the opposite side of the base material 60 from the light blue (WB) ink dots, a solid layer is printed using yellow (YL) ink. Thus, the green color of the leaves is expressed by the light blue (WB) ink dots and the solid layer of yellow (YL) ink. On the opposite side of the solid layer of yellow (YL) ink from the base material 60, a first background forming layer 61a is formed using white 1 (WH1) ink in a solid (applied without gaps) manner. On the opposite side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink from the base material 60, a second background forming layer 61b is further formed using white 2 (WH2) ink in a solid (applied without gaps) manner.

[0186] The area representing the shadow pattern of the leaves is formed by applying a solid layer of red (RD) ink to the substrate 60. On the opposite side of the red (RD) ink layer from the substrate 60, an eighth dot area Dt8, formed of gray (GR) ink dots, is printed. This creates the gray (dark) areas of the leaf shadows using the red (RD) ink layer and the gray (GR) ink dots. On the opposite side of the gray (GR) ink dot layer from the substrate 60, a first background forming layer 61a is formed using white 1 (WH1) ink in a solid (unsealed) state. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink from the substrate 60, a second background forming layer 61b is formed using white 2 (WH2) ink in a solid (unsealed) state. Therefore, the shaded areas of the leaves, in particular, represent the dark areas P14D, indicating that they are not illuminated by light, by forming gray (GR) ink dots on a solid background of red (RD) ink.

[0187] Furthermore, in this design P14 (design "Cherry"), the fifth dot area Dt5 formed with red (RD) ink dots, the seventh dot area Dt7 formed with light blue (WB) ink dots, and the eighth dot area Dt8 formed with gray (GR) ink dots are arranged in a first direction D1 at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1 (left and right direction in the figure). As a result, although the seventh dot area Dt7 and the eighth dot area Dt8 are adjacent, even if a misalignment occurs in at least one of them during printing, for example, causing the light blue (WB) dots of the seventh dot area Dt7 and the gray (GR) dots of the eighth dot area Dt8 to overlap, moiré patterns are prevented.

[0188] On the other hand, the sixth dot area Dt6, which is the pattern area of ​​the dark area P14D, shaded Kg, is formed of dots of black (BL) ink, and the dots are arranged in the second direction D2, which is at an angle θ2 (60 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1 (left and right direction in the figure). In other words, the fifth dot area Dt5, which is the pattern area of ​​the bright area P14M, shaded Tk, is formed of dots of red (RD) ink, and the dots are arranged in the first direction D1, while the sixth dot area Dt6, which is the pattern area of ​​the dark area P14D, shaded Kg, is formed of dots of black (BL) ink, and the dots are arranged in the second direction D2, which is different from the first direction D1. This makes it possible to create a clear contrast between the bright area P14M and the dark area P14D, thereby improving the design.

[0189] Furthermore, the area between the glossy Tk pattern and the shaded Kg pattern (the fruit portion), that is, the area between the fifth dot section Dt5 formed with red (RD) ink dots and the sixth dot section Dt6 formed with black (BL) ink dots, is represented by a solid area of ​​red (RD) ink interposed therein. This effectively represents the transition from the light area P14M to the dark area P14D (the intermediate section).

[0190] (Details of the "Watermelon" design) Next, the details of design P15 (design "Watermelon") will be explained using Figure 10(b). As shown in Figure 10(b), in the colored part P15b of design P15 (design "Watermelon") as the third specific design, as described above, the following are formed: the stripes and seed pattern of the watermelon with black (BL) ink, the cross-section pattern of the watermelon with dark pink (PK1) ink, the green surface pattern of the watermelon with light blue (WB) and yellow (YL) ink, the heart pattern with light pink (PK3) ink, the shadow pattern of the heart with gray (GR) ink, and the pattern of the rind part of the watermelon cross-section where the background H (a layer formed by two layers of white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)) is exposed.

[0191] Of these, the areas representing the watermelon's stripes and seeds are formed by applying solid black (BL) ink to the base material 60. The areas representing the watermelon's cross-section are formed by printing a ninth dot area Dt9, which is a third pattern halftone area, on the base material 60 using dark pink (PK1) ink dots. On the side of the base material 60 opposite to the dark pink (PK1) ink dots, a first background forming layer 61a is formed solidly (i.e., a solid layer) using white 1 (WH1) ink. Furthermore, on the side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink opposite to the base material 60, a second background forming layer 61b is formed solidly (applied without gaps) using white 2 (WH2) ink.

[0192] Furthermore, the areas of the watermelon surface pattern are formed by printing a 10th dot section Dt10, which is made up of dots of light blue (WB) ink, onto the base material 60, and on the side opposite to the base material 60 from the light blue (WB) ink dots, a solid layer is printed using yellow (YL) ink.

[0193] Furthermore, the heart pattern area is formed by printing an 11th dot section Dt11 made of dots of light pink (PK3) ink, and on the side opposite to the substrate 60 relative to the light pink (PK3) ink dots, a first background forming layer 61a is formed as a solid layer with white 1 (WH1) ink. In addition, on the side of the first background forming layer 61a made of white 1 (WH1) ink that is opposite to the substrate 60, a second background forming layer 61b is formed as a solid layer (applied without gaps) with white 2 (WH2) ink.

[0194] Furthermore, in this design P15 (design "Watermelon"), the 9th dot area Dt9 formed with dark pink (PK1) ink dots, the 10th dot area Dt10 formed with light blue (WB) ink dots, and the 11th dot area Dt11 formed with light pink (PK3) ink dots are all arranged in a first direction D1 at an angle θ1 (30 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1 (left and right direction in the figure). As a result, even though the 10th dot area Dt10 and the 11th dot area Dt11 are adjacent, if, for example, a misalignment occurs in at least one of the 10th dot area Dt10 and the 11th dot area Dt11 during printing, and the light blue (WB) dots of the 10th dot area Dt10 and the light pink (PK3) dots of the 11th dot area Dt11 overlap, moiré patterns are prevented.

[0195] (Details of the "Blank" design) Next, the details of pattern P19 (pattern "blank") will be explained using Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11, in the colored area P19b of pattern P19 (pattern "blank"), as described above, the outer diamond pattern, the inner diamond pattern, and the cross pattern are formed by solid brown (BW) ink, and the space between the outer diamond pattern and the inner diamond pattern, and the inner part of the inner diamond pattern are formed by dots of brown (BW) ink (light brown (BWD)). In other words, in pattern P19 (pattern "blank"), the colored area P19b is formed using only the same brown (BW) ink.

[0196] Of these, the areas of the outer diamond pattern, the inner diamond pattern, and the cross pattern are formed with solid brown (BW) ink on the substrate 60. In addition, the areas between the outer diamond pattern and the inner diamond pattern, and the areas inside the inner diamond pattern, are formed by printing a 12th dot area Dt12 on the substrate 60, which is made up of dots of brown (BW) ink and is light brown (BWD). On the side of the substrate 60 opposite to the brown (BW) ink dots, a first background forming layer 61a is formed with white 1 (WH1) ink as a solid layer. Furthermore, on the back side of the first background forming layer 61a, a second background forming layer 61b is formed with white 2 (WH2) ink as a solid layer (applied without gaps).

[0197] Furthermore, the brown (BW) ink dot (light brown (BWD)) in the 12th dot section Dt12 of the design P19 (design "Blank") is formed in the same way as the brown (BW) dot in the 2nd dot section Dt2 of the design P11 (design "Bell"). In other words, the 12th dot section Dt12 and the 2nd dot section Dt2 have the same dot color and the same dot arrangement direction.

[0198] [Summary of the second embodiment] As explained above, the pattern P11 in the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to this second embodiment is formed by a plurality of paints including pink (PK2) paint (ink) and black (BL) paint (ink). The pink (PK2) paint forms a first dot portion Dt1 formed of dots, and the black (BL) paint forms a second dot portion Dt2 formed of dots. The first dot portion Dt1 and the second dot portion Dt2 overlap to form a moiré pattern, which is a shadow Kg region ArM. By having this shadow Kg region ArM formed by the moiré pattern, the pattern P11 does not appear to be formed as a solid black area with a glossy appearance, nor does it appear flat as it is simply formed as black dots. This improves the design quality of the pattern P11, and thus the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0199] In particular, the pattern P11 has a bright area P11M, which indicates that light is hitting it, and a dark area P11D, which indicates that light is not hitting it. In the dark area P11D, there is a region ArM, which is shadow Kg, where a moiré pattern is formed by the overlapping of the first dot area Dt1 and the second dot area Dt2. In other words, the bright area P11M has a region represented by solid yellow (YL), and the dark area P11D has a first dot area Dt1, which is represented by overlapping pink (PK2) ink dots on a solid yellow (YL), and a second dot area Dt2, which is represented by overlapping pink (PK2) ink dots and black (BL) ink dots on a solid yellow (YL). Thus, in the pattern P11, which is given a visual sense of three-dimensionality by the light area P11M and the dark area P11D, the dark area P11D has a shadow region ArM formed by moiré, which prevents it from being formed as a solid black and appearing shiny, or simply as black dots and appearing flat. This improves the design quality of the pattern P11, and therefore the design quality of the reel tape T1.

[0200] Furthermore, in pattern P14, the sixth dot area Dt6, formed of black (BL) ink dots in the dark area P14D (Shadow Kg pattern area), has dots arranged in the second direction D2, while the fifth dot area Dt5, formed of red (RD) ink dots in the bright area P14M (Glossy Tk pattern area), has dots arranged in the first direction D1. In other words, the black (BL) ink dots in the dark area P14D (Shadow Kg pattern area) are arranged in a different direction from the red (RD) ink dots in the glossy Tk pattern area, which allows for a clearer contrast between the bright area P14M and the dark area P14D, thereby improving the design's aesthetic appeal.

[0201] Furthermore, in design P14, the area between the glossy Tk pattern and the shaded Kg pattern (the fruit portion), that is, the area between the fifth dot Dt5 formed with red (RD) ink dots and the sixth dot Dt6 formed with black (BL) ink dots, is represented with a solid area of ​​red (RD) ink. This effectively represents the transition from the light area P14M to the dark area P14D (the intermediate section).

[0202] Furthermore, in the design P12, by making the arrangement direction of the blue (BU) ink dots in the third dot area Dt3 different from the arrangement direction of the water (WB) ink dots in the fourth dot area Dt4, a clear contrast can be made between the light area P12M and the dark area P12D, improving the design's aesthetics. In addition, the edges of the third dot area Dt3 and the fourth dot area Dt4 are depicted as touching, thereby forming the boundary line BD between the light area P12M and the dark area P12D, which effectively represents the point where the light area P12M and the dark area P12D switch abruptly.

[0203] Furthermore, since the first background forming layer 61a, which is formed with solid white ink (WH1), is formed adjacent to the fourth dot portion Dt4 in the colored portion P12b of the design P12 (design "Replay A") and the dots of the background pattern Hm in the front-back direction, it is possible to express halftones and gradients, while the solid first background forming layer 61a prevents the fourth dot portion Dt4 and the dots of the background pattern Hm from overlapping with other dots and causing moiré patterns, thereby improving the design of the reel tape.

[0204] Furthermore, since the fourth dot section Dt4 and the dots of the background pattern Hm are arranged in the same direction, the first direction D1, the design is configured to avoid any difference in visibility, thereby improving the design of the reel tape T1.

[0205] Furthermore, since the first background forming layer 61a of the first pattern P12 (pattern "Replay A") is adjacent to the fourth dot area Dt4 of light blue (WB) on the back side, and the second pattern P13 (pattern "Replay B") is adjacent to the fourth dot area Dt4 of blue (BU) on the back side, both are arranged in the same first direction D1, there is no moiré pattern or anything like that, so there is no difference in visibility between pattern P12 (pattern "Replay A") and pattern P13 (pattern "Replay B"), allowing players to recognize them as the same pattern, thereby improving the design of the reel tape T1.

[0206] Furthermore, in the first pattern halftone area of ​​design P12 (design "Replay A"), the fourth dot area Dt4 adjacent to the first solid background forming layer 61a on the back side is formed with the first paint, light blue (WB) ink; in the background halftone area adjacent to the first solid background forming layer 61a on the back side, the dots of the background pattern Hm are formed with the second paint, ultra-light pink (PK4) ink; and in the third pattern halftone area of ​​design P15 (design "Watermelon"), the ninth dot area Dt9 adjacent to the first solid background forming layer 61a on the back side is formed with the third paint, dark pink (PK1) ink. Thus, it is possible to express halftones and gradients with multiple different colors, without causing moiré patterns or other issues, thereby improving the design appeal of the reel tape.

[0207] [Modified version of the second embodiment] In this second embodiment, for example, the fourth dot portion Dt4, the dots of the background pattern Hm, and the ninth dot portion Dt9 were described as being formed on the front side of the first background forming layer 61a and the light blue (WB) layer, which are formed as solids. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the dots may be formed on the back side of the solid layer. Furthermore, even if printing is performed in a pattern of, for example, a dot layer, a solid layer, and a dot layer, it is possible to prevent the dots from directly overlapping, thereby reducing the occurrence of moiré patterns.

[0208] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, we have described a case in which, with the exception of the brown (BW) dot in the shaded Kg portion of the design P11 (design "bell"), the dots of each color are arranged in the first direction. However, we are not limited to this, and the dots may be formed to be arranged at different angles, especially when the regions do not overlap.

[0209] For example, in symbols P12 (symbol "Replay A") and P13 (symbol "Replay B"), the dots in the third dot area Dt3 (blue (BU) dots) and the dots in the fourth dot area Dt4 (light blue (WB) dots) may be formed at the same angle.

[0210] Similarly, for example, in the design P15 (the "watermelon" design), two or three of the dots in the 9th dot section Dt9 (dark pink (PK1) dot), the 10th dot section Dt10 (light blue (WB) dot), and the 11th dot section Dt11 (light pink (PK3) dot) may be arranged at different angles. This can give the design a three-dimensional feel and improve the design of the reel tape.

[0211] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, a moiré pattern was created in the negative Kg region ArM by arranging the pink (PK2) ink dots in the first dot area Dt1 in the first direction D1, and the brown (BW) ink dots in the second dot area Dt2 in the second direction D2 at a different angle to the first direction D1. However, the invention is not limited to this, and these dots may be arranged in the same direction. Even if two types of dots are arranged in the same direction, a moiré pattern can be created, for example, by making the spacing between the dots of one ink different from the spacing between the dots of the other ink.

[0212] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above describes an arrangement where the pink (PK2) ink dots and the brown (BW) ink dots are arranged in different directions, the invention is not limited to these arrangements, and all ink dots may be aligned in the same direction (for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees with respect to the shorter direction of the reel tape T1).

[0213] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the pink (PK2) ink dots were tilted at 30 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, and the brown (BW) ink dots were tilted at 60 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1. However, these angles can be any angles. However, if the dots of each ink are arranged at 0 degrees or 90 degrees with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, there is a risk that they will overlap with the angle at which the liquid crystal elements of the display device 410, which is a transmissive liquid crystal display facing the reels R1 to R3, are arranged. In that case, the dots printed on the reel tapes T1 to T3 and the liquid crystal elements may interfere, impairing visibility. Therefore, by arranging the inks of each color at different angles with respect to 0 degrees (horizontal direction) or 90 degrees (vertical direction, reel rotation direction) with respect to the short direction of the reel tape T1, the visibility of the reel tapes T1 to T3 can be improved.

[0214] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the solid layers were described as the first background forming layer 61a in the background H, the solid yellow (YL) ink covering the entire area of ​​the colored portion P11b in the specific design, and the solid light blue (WB) ink covering the first area ArT1 in the specific design, but the invention is not limited to these examples. It is sufficient that at least one solid layer is formed adjacent to the dot layer in the front-back direction, that is, that is, at least one of the printing layers is printed as a solid layer using multiple inks and is arranged adjacent to the dots.

[0215] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment, which is a modified version of the second embodiment described above, will be explained using Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 shows the background pattern in one section according to the third embodiment, and Figure 16 shows a cross-section of the reel tape in the replay A pattern according to the third embodiment. In this explanation of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and their explanations are omitted.

[0216] In the second embodiment described above, the background pattern Hm of the background H having pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 was formed by changing the color intensity (changing the area ratio of dots) when printing the background pattern forming layer 61m with ultra-light pink (PK4) ink. In this third embodiment, however, the background pattern Hm is formed by forming pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 in the parts where the second background forming layer 61b is not printed.

[0217] More specifically, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the background forming layer 61 includes a first background forming layer 61a, which is printed on the back surface of the substrate 60 as the first layer of background H, and a second background forming layer 61b, which is printed on the opposite side of the substrate 60 from the first background forming layer 61a as a first background forming layer. In this third embodiment as well, the first background forming layer 61a is formed by a layer of white 1 (WH1) ink, and the second background forming layer 61b is formed by a layer of white 2 (WH2) ink. As shown in Figure 16, the pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 are formed by not printing the second background forming layer 61b.

[0218] When the reel tape T1-T3 is illuminated by the reel backlight BLi, the background pattern Hm formed in this way will appear brighter and more transparent in the areas where the second background forming layer 61b is not printed, namely pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21, while the areas where the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b are printed will appear relatively darker than the pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the background pattern Hm will be formed in such a way that the pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 stand out.

[0219] [Summary of the third embodiment] As described above, in the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to this third embodiment, a background pattern Hm having pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 is formed on the background H. Since the pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 are formed by not printing the second background forming layer 61b, the light transmittance of the pattern shapes Hmk11 and Hmk21 is increased, resulting in a brighter display and enhanced design appeal, thereby improving the design of the reel tape.

[0220] [Modified version of the third embodiment] In this third embodiment, the first background forming layer 61a, which serves as the second forming layer, is printed on the substrate 60, and the second background forming layer 61b, which serves as the first forming layer, is printed on the substrate 60 on the opposite side of the first background forming layer 61a. However, conversely, the second background forming layer 61b, which serves as the first forming layer, may be printed on the substrate 60, and the first background forming layer 61a, which serves as the second forming layer, may be printed on the substrate 60 on the opposite side of the second background forming layer 61b. In short, the background forming layer 61 is formed of two layers, the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b, and a pattern shape may be formed by leaving an unprinted portion in the first layer, which is closer to the substrate 60. For example, if a background pattern is formed in the second layer, the edges of the background pattern may peel off, potentially causing the background forming layer to delaminate. However, if the background pattern is formed in the first layer, the second layer will be printed on the back of it. This allows the second layer to cover any areas that are not printed as part of the pattern, preventing the edges of the background pattern in the first layer from being exposed and reducing the possibility of peeling of the background layer as described above.

[0221] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the background forming layer 61 was described as being formed of two layers, a first background forming layer 61a and a second background forming layer 61b. However, it is not limited to this, and the background forming layer 61 may have three or more layers, such as printing the first background forming layer 61a, the second background forming layer 61b, and a third background forming layer. In particular, when the background forming layer 61 has three layers, it is conceivable to form a pattern shape by leaving one or two of the layers unprinted. Also, for example, when the background forming layer 61 has three layers and a pattern shape is formed by leaving two layers unprinted, it is conceivable to form the pattern shape of one of the layers slightly larger than the pattern shapes of the other layers, thereby creating a so-called relief in the contour area. This prevents the pattern shape from unintentionally becoming smaller or changing shape even if misalignment occurs during printing of those layers. Furthermore, even when forming a pattern on two or one of the three layers in this way, by forming the pattern on the first or second layer closer to the substrate 60, and covering the pattern with the second and third layers, or only the third layer, the possibility of peeling of the background forming layer can be reduced, as described above.

[0222] Furthermore, although this third embodiment describes patterns Hmk11 and Hmk21 as being square or rhombus-shaped, they are not limited to these and can be any shape. In particular, the patterns can be made up of characters (Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, Roman letters, numbers, symbols, etc.) to include the name of the gaming machine model or copyright name, or numbers to distinguish reel tapes T1 to T3.

[0223] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment, which is a modified version of the second embodiment described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17(a) shows the background pattern in one section when the backlight is off according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 17(b) shows the background pattern in one section when the backlight is on according to the fourth embodiment. In this explanation of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above, and their explanations are omitted.

[0224] In the second embodiment described above, the background pattern Hm of the background H was formed such that the pattern edge Hmed was the darkest in terms of ultra-light pink (PK4), and the pattern forming portion Hmmn was formed in a gradient such that the intensity of ultra-light pink (PK4) gradually changed in a continuous or stepwise manner towards the center of the background HC. However, in this fourth embodiment, the pattern forming portion Hmmn is formed to become lighter relative to the pattern edge Hmed, that is, to have two tones.

[0225] More specifically, as shown in Figure 17(a), in the background pattern Hm of background H, the pattern edge Hmed is formed in a range of distance d1 inward from the right end T1c in the short direction X of the reel tape T1, and also in a range of distance d1 inward from the left end T1d in the short direction X of the reel tape T1. This pattern edge Hmed is formed with dots of, for example, very light pink (PK4) ink, and is formed to a density of about 70% of the area ratio of the screen mesh of the silk screen printing plate. The distance d1 of this pattern edge Hmed is greater than the distance b of the adhesive area, which is 4 mm, and is also greater than the distance a of 5 mm between the end support surface 21a of the first rim portion 21 and the end support surface 22a of the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1, which is about 10 mm. In other words, the pattern edge Hmed is an overlapping region ArA that overlaps the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1.

[0226] Furthermore, in the background pattern Hm of background H, the pattern-forming portion Hmmn is formed in a range of distance d2 inward from each of the pattern ends Hmed at both ends of the reel tape T1. The distance d2 of this pattern-forming portion Hmmn is approximately 14 mm. In this embodiment, the distance d2 of the pattern-forming portion Hmmn overlaps with the patterns P11 to P20, but as in the second embodiment, it may be formed at a distance that does not overlap with patterns P11 (pattern "bell"), P12 (pattern "replay A"), P13 (pattern "replay B"), P14 (pattern "cherry"), and P15 (pattern "watermelon") among the patterns P11 to P20 (see Figure 8). In other words, the pattern-forming portion Hmmn is a non-overlapping region ArB that does not overlap with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1. Therefore, in the pattern-forming section Hmmn, the boundary between the overlapping region ArA, which overlaps with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1, and the non-overlapping region ArB, which does not overlap, is located at a distance a from the right end T1c or the left end T1d in the short-side direction X of the reel tape T1, and can be represented by the boundary line LnB.

[0227] In the background pattern Hm of the background H configured in this way, with the exception of pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2, the background is roughly formed in two stages of tone from both ends of the reel tape T1 by the pattern end Hmed and the pattern forming section Hmmn.

[0228] Furthermore, in the background pattern Hm of background H, pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are formed as described above. These pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are positioned at a distance greater than a from the right end T1c or left end T1d in the short direction X of the reel tape T1. Therefore, pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are formed so as not to overlap on the boundary line LnB, or in other words, pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are not formed on the boundary line LnB.

[0229] Incidentally, the reel backlight BLi can sometimes be switched on and off depending on the progress of the game to create a visual effect. Specifically, it needs to be lit while reels R1 to R3 are rotating, but it can be turned off after each reel R1 to R3 stops rotating. In particular, it is conceivable that the backlight may be turned off during effects such as freeze animations or simulated gameplay.

[0230] Therefore, in the reel tape T1 of this fourth embodiment, when the reel backlight BLi is lit, as shown in Figure 17(b), the shadows of the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1 appear on the pattern end Hmed, resulting in the pattern end Hmed having two tones. In other words, together with the pattern forming portion Hmmn, the reel tape T1 is displayed with three tones from both ends. Also, when the reel backlight BLi is turned off, as shown in Figure 17(a), the reel tape T1 is displayed with two tones from both ends.

[0231] When the reel backlight BLi is illuminated in this manner, a boundary line LnB appears in the pattern forming section Hmmn, which is the boundary between the overlapping region ArA that overlaps with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1 and the non-overlapping region ArB that does not overlap. However, since this boundary line LnB does not overlap with the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2, it does not affect the visibility of the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2.

[0232] [Summary of the fourth embodiment] As described above, in the reel tapes T1 to T3 according to this fourth embodiment, the background H has an overlapping region ArA that overlaps with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22 of the reel frame FR1, and a non-overlapping region ArB that does not overlap with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22. Since the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are not formed on the boundary line LnB between the overlapping region ArA and the non-overlapping region ArB, the visibility of the pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 can be avoided, and the design of the reel tape can be improved.

[0233] [Modified version of the fourth embodiment] In this fourth embodiment, we have described an example in which pattern shapes Hmk1 and Hmk2 are mainly formed on the pattern forming portion Hmmn, but we are not limited to this, and a pattern shape may also be formed on the pattern end portion Hmed, that is, as long as the pattern shape is not formed on the boundary line LnB, and in particular, a pattern shape may be formed in the overlapping region ArA that overlaps with the first rim portion 21 and the second rim portion 22.

[0234] Furthermore, although this fourth embodiment describes a case where the pattern-forming portion Hmmn is a halftone, the invention is not limited to this, and the pattern-forming portion Hmmn may also be a gradient, as in the second embodiment.

[0235] Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, we have described a case where the pattern-forming portion Hmmn is lighter in color than the pattern edge Hmed (where the density (area ratio) of dots is smaller), but the invention is not limited to this, and the pattern-forming portion Hmmn may be darker in color than the pattern edge Hmed.

[0236] <Possibility of other embodiments> In the first to fourth embodiments, the first background forming layer 61a and the second background forming layer 61b were described as being formed of the same paint (for example, white 1 (WH1) and white 2 (WH2)), but the invention is not limited to this, and paints of similar colors may be used, and furthermore, the second background forming layer 61b may be a light-shielding layer (backing layer, so-called silver backing) formed of a light-shielding paint (for example, black, dark gray, dark blue, etc.).

[0237] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the background H was described as having a background color formed by the white paint of the first background forming layer 61A, but it is not limited to this, and any color background color is acceptable, and a white background color is particularly preferred, and for example, one containing a luminous pigment is also acceptable.

[0238] Also, in the first to fourth embodiments, although the edges of each symbol have been described as being formed by a paint with a low brightness (black (BL) ink), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any paint with a low brightness such as dark gray or dark navy may be used, but it is particularly preferable to use paints of the same color system for each symbol. The same color system includes, in addition to the same color, similar colors, for example, magenta for red, cyan for blue, gray for black, etc. Specifically, the same color system is a color with a small color difference (ΔE * ab), preferably a color with a color difference of less than 10, more preferably less than 5.0. This ΔE * ab is represented by ΔE * ab = √((ΔL * ) 2 +(Δa * ) 2 +(Δb * ) 2 ), and the larger the value, the greater the color difference when viewed visually.

[0239] Also, in the second to fourth embodiments, although it has been described that none of the symbols P11 to P20 have a light-transmitting portion formed only by a transparent paint that transmits the light of the reel backlight BLi as a crease, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a light-transmitting portion may be formed in a star symbol, a shiny part, etc. so that a part of the symbol relatively shines brightly. In this case, it is preferable to form a crease on the back surface of the light-transmitting portion so that the light of the reel backlight BLi does not shine through the light-transmitting portion.

[0240] Also, in the first to fourth embodiments, although the present slot machine 1 has been described as a so-called full-face liquid crystal machine equipped with a display device 410 that is a liquid crystal display so as to cover the specific area 410b, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display device 410 may be arranged at a location different from the specific area 410b. Even in this case, by containing a transparent paint in the background H of the reel tapes T1 to T3 to facilitate the transmission of the illumination of the reel backlight BLi, the reels R1 to R3 can be brightened, and the appearance can be improved in combination with the visibility of the symbols.

[0241] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, reel R1 is positioned on the leftmost side, reel R2 is positioned to the right of reel R1, and reel R3 is positioned on the rightmost side. However, the order in which reels R1 to R3 are positioned does not matter, and there may be a reel R4 (a fourth reel) in addition to reels R1 to R3, which may be positioned at any location.

[0242] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the background pattern Hm was described as being arranged in a continuous manner along the longitudinal direction Y, with one unit (1 frame) from among 20 regions (20 frames) forming one unit. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the 20 (20 frames) may be divided into multiple units and arranged continuously. Specifically, for example, the length obtained by dividing the region of 20 frames into "5" (i.e., the background pattern is the length of 4 frames). The length of one pattern of background pattern Hm can be anything, as long as the division of the area into 20 frames is divisible by "4" (i.e., the background pattern is 5 frames long), by 20 frames is divisible by "2" (i.e., the background pattern is 10 frames long), by 7 frames is divisible by "7" (i.e., the background pattern is 3 frames long), by 3 frames is divisible by "3" (i.e., the background pattern is 7 frames long), by 4 frames is divisible by "4" (i.e., the background pattern is 4 frames long), etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 1…Slot machine (amusement machine) ArT1…area ArT2…area BU...Blue ink (second paint) D1…first direction D2…Second direction Dt4…Fourth dot area (first halftone area) Dt3…Third dot area (second halftone area) Pages 11-20...Picture P12…Pattern (Specific pattern) P12D…Dark part P12M…Akube R1~R3... Reels T1~T3…Reel tape WB...Light blue ink (first paint) WH1... White ink (third paint)

Claims

[Claim 1] It features a reel with a tape featuring multiple patterns, The aforementioned multiple patterns include a specific pattern, The aforementioned specific design is formed by multiple paints, The aforementioned plurality of paints include a first paint, a second paint, and a third paint. The first coating is printed before the third coating. The second coating is printed before the first coating. The first coating comprises a first solid area formed as a solid color and a first halftone area formed as halftone dots. The second coating has a second halftone area formed by halftone dots, The aforementioned third coating forms a second solid portion which is formed as a solid layer. The aforementioned specific pattern has a bright area indicating that it is illuminated by light, and a dark area indicating that it is not illuminated by light from the bright area. The bright area has a region represented by overlapping the second solid area and the first halftone area. The dark area has a region represented by overlapping the first solid area and the second halftone area. The halftone dots in the first halftone section are arranged and represented in a first direction. The halftone dots in the second halftone section are arranged and represented in a second direction at a different angle from the first direction. A gaming machine in which the edges of the first halftone area and the edges of the second halftone area are in contact.

Images