Gaming machines

Abstract

To improve game amusement.SOLUTION: A game machine is provided with a first game state advantageous to a game player and a second game state more advantageous to the game player than the first game state. The first game state is a game state controlled in an advantageous section and the second game state is a game state controlled in the advantageous section. In the advantageous section, a stipulated amount as an upper limit is fixed. When the advantageous section is completed by approaching the stipulated amount in the second game state and a new advantageous section is started, the game machine sometimes shifts to the second game state without shifting to the first game state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a game table represented by a reel gaming machine (slot machine) or a pachinko machine (pinball gaming machine). 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, there are game tables provided with various game states in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game (for example, Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-49146 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 However, there is room for improvement in enhancing the enjoyment of the game. 【0005】 An object of the present invention is to provide a game table capable of enhancing the enjoyment of the game. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 To solve the above problems, the game table of the present invention is a game table including a first game state advantageous to a player and a second game state more advantageous to the player than the first game state, where the first game state is a game state controlled in a favorable section, the second game state is a game state controlled in the favorable section, The aforementioned first game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The aforementioned second game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The second game state is a game state in which the expected value of acquiring game value is higher than that of the first game state. a specified amount serving as an upper limit is defined for the favorable section, In the second game state, after approaching the predetermined amount and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins, If certain conditions are met in the third game state, Return to the first game state described above. teeth transfer Without doing so, To the second game state described above. of transfer It was decided , If, in the second game state, the specified amount is approached and the advantageous period ends, and a new advantageous period begins, and if the specific condition is not met in the third game state, the game does not transition to the second game state, and a transition to the first game state is decided. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention] 【0007】 According to the present invention, the enjoyment of games can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0008】 [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the winning line. [Figure 3] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the arrangement of the patterns on each reel in a two-dimensional view. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an internally awarded role. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows the transitions in the game state of slot machine 100. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 9] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 10](a) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 11] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing an example of the flow of the game. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the operation navigator, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the display content of the instruction monitor. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an external view of a part of the front door 1102 provided in the medal-less slot machine as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 16] (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the members constituting the lower tray 1200. (b) is a partially enlarged view of the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray base 1202 as seen from above. (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the bottom surface 1208a and the rear standing wall 1208b of the lower tray cover 1208. [Figure 17] (a) is an external perspective view of the ticket attachment unit 1250 as seen from the front. (b) is an external perspective view of the ticket attachment unit 1250 as seen from the rear. [Figure 18] It is an external perspective view of the lower part of the front door 1102 as seen from the rear. [Figure 19] (a) is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing the state before the ticket attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102. (b) is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing the state after the ticket attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1101. [Figure 20] (a) is a front view showing a part of the door relay board 1300 of the medal-less slot machine. (b) is a partially enlarged view showing the periphery of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300 in an enlarged manner. [Figure 21] (a) A cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 20(a). (b) A cross-sectional view along line YY in Figure 20(a). (c) A diagram showing a modified example of the "raised portion" according to the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows a modified example of the "raised portion" according to the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic plan view of the door relay board 1300. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0009】 Hereinafter, a slot machine embodying an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0010】 The slot machine of this embodiment, described below, is a gaming machine that proceeds through a series of games in which a predetermined number of game tokens are inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of symbols, start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and the success or failure of internal winnings of multiple types of roles is determined by lottery based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the role based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, game tokens are paid out and the game ends, and if they do not match, the game ends without paying out game tokens. 【0011】 First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front (player side). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. 【0012】 The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor. 【0013】 In this embodiment, each pattern is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three patterns are displayed vertically from the display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine patterns are visible. To explain in detail using Figure 2, the pattern displayed on the upper part of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure) is the left reel upper pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle part of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure) is the left reel middle pattern, the pattern displayed on the lower part of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure) is the left reel lower pattern, the pattern displayed on the upper part of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure) is the middle reel upper pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle part of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle pattern, and the pattern on the lower part of the middle reel 111 is the middle reel upper pattern. The symbols displayed on the first row (position 6 in the diagram) are called the lower row symbols of the middle reel, the symbols displayed on the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the diagram) are called the upper row symbols of the right reel, the symbols displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the diagram) are called the middle row symbols of the right reel, and the symbols displayed on the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the diagram) are called the lower row symbols of the right reel. Each of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed vertically in groups of three, for a total of nine symbols, through the display window 113. By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this. 【0014】 A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each reel 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this optical sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line. 【0015】 The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines. A winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. In this embodiment, there are three lines: the middle winning line L1, which consists of the middle symbols on the left reel, the middle symbols on the middle reel, and the middle symbols on the right reel; the upward-sloping winning line L2, which consists of the lower symbols on the left reel, the middle symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel; and the downward-sloping winning line L3, which consists of the upper symbols on the left reel, the middle symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel. Figure 2 shows these winning lines L1 to L3. The valid winning lines (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid lines") are predetermined by the number of medals (predetermined number) bet as the game medium. The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 requires three tokens. When the number of tokens inserted is less than three, none of the winning lines are active. When three tokens are bet, winning lines L1 to L3 become active. Once the winning lines are active, the player can start playing by operating the start lever 135. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to three. For example, only winning line L1 may be set as an active winning line, or a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of tokens bet may be set as active winning lines. 【0016】 The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination in the internal lottery described later, or that they are in a specific game state. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the game (no need to insert coins) if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects. 【0017】 The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one token is inserted each time bet button 130 is pressed, two tokens are inserted when bet button 131 is pressed, and three tokens are inserted when bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, bet button 132 will also be called the MAX bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started. 【0018】 The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals into the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion includes both methods. 【0019】 The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for showing various internal information numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens that will be paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize. In the following, the expression "given to the player" may be used interchangeably with "paid out to the player". In this embodiment, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are all composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays. 【0020】 The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation. 【0021】 The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139, consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the last stop operation being the third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations will be referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the sequence in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation sequence or pressing order. Moreover, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the left reel 110 is called the "forward pressing operation sequence" or simply "forward pressing," and the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the right reel 112 is called the "reverse pressing operation sequence" or simply "reverse pressing." In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player. 【0022】 The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100. 【0023】 A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161. 【0024】 The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from speaker 277 (see Figure 3), which is located at the bottom inside the slot machine 100, to the outside. The side lamps 144, located on the left and right sides of the front door 102, are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is installed at the top of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the top of the performance device 160 for outputting sound from speaker 272 (see Figure 3), which is located at the top inside the slot machine 100, to the outside. This display device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a display image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) positioned behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the display image display device 157, the display screen of the display image display device 157 appears on the front (player side, front side) of the slot machine 100. Note that any display device capable of displaying various display images and various game information is acceptable, rather than a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) can be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by these decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. 【0025】 <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 3. Note that Figure 3 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. 【0026】 The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, since a large data capacity would make it difficult to verify the program and could also lead to security problems such as becoming a breeding ground for illegal modifications, the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is limited. 【0027】 <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping positions, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of spins, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 315b as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmits drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms. 【0028】 The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316, which is used as a hardware random number counter that varies a value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a startup signal output circuit 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 304 receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit 338, it starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later). 【0029】 Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 180, optical sensor for the left reel 110, optical sensor for the middle reel 111, optical sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at interrupt intervals. 【0030】 Furthermore, if the sensor circuit 320 detects a high level from the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery. 【0031】 Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the player's start operation. The left stop button sensor 137, the middle stop button sensor 138, and the right stop button sensor 139 are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, to detect the player's operation of the stop buttons. 【0032】 The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are installed on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when inserting tokens electronically stored in RAM 308 as tokens to be used in the game. The payout button 134 sensor is installed on payout button 134. When payout button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored tokens are paid out (the value stored in RAM 308 is cleared and the same number of tokens are dispensed). The token dispensing sensor is a sensor for detecting the tokens to be dispensed by the token dispensing device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor. 【0033】 The optical sensors on the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110 to 112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. The rotational position information, which indicates how much the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it reaches an L level and the next time it reaches an L level, is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. 【0034】 The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal dispensing device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, and payout number indicator 127). 【0035】 Furthermore, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information of the slot machine 100 (for example, information indicating the state of the game) to an information input circuit 652 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 334. 【0036】 Furthermore, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). The voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment). 【0037】 Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300. 【0038】 <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of spins, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting patterns and various indicators, etc. 【0039】 The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request. 【0040】 Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to instructions from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277. 【0041】 Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. 【0042】 Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404. 【0043】 Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which a shutter sensor 428 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 at interrupt intervals. 【0044】 Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the performance image display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163). 【0045】 The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc. 【0046】 The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request. 【0047】 Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the image display device 157. 【0048】 <Pattern arrangement> Next, Figure 4 will be used to explain the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above. This figure shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view. 【0049】 Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of multiple types (10 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 19 shown on the left end of the figure indicate the positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol number 0 on the left reel 110 is a "bell symbol", the symbol number 0 on the middle reel 111 is a "replay symbol", and the symbol number 3 on the right reel 112 is a "seven 2 symbol". 【0050】 In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 is configured to stop the corresponding reels 110-112 within the maximum retraction range (less than 5 frames in this embodiment) from the stopped position, in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game. 【0051】 <Internal Winners and Prize Winners> In slot machine 100, an internal winning combination is drawn in response to the start operation (operation of the start lever 135), and the winning combination is determined based on the result of that draw. Below, an example of an internal winning combination in slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an internal winning combination. 【0052】 The left column of Figure 5 shows the following internal winning combinations: Miss, Normal Replay 8, Chance RepCLR1, Chance RepCLR2, Chance RepCRL1, Chance RepCRL2, CLR Bell 1, CRL Bell 1, RLC Bell 1, RCL Bell 1, CLR Bell 2, CRL Bell 2, RLC Bell 2, RCL Bell 2, Blue CLR Bell, Blue CRL Bell, Blue RLC Bell, Blue RCL Bell, Red CLR Bell, Red CRL Bell, Red RLC Bell, Red RCL Bell, Blue Bell, and Red Bell. The top section of Figure 5 also shows six different button press sequences (LCR: Left-Middle-Right, LRC: Left-Right-Middle, CLR: Middle-Left-Left, CRL: Middle-Right-Left, RLC: Right-Left-Middle, RCL: Right-Middle-Left). Furthermore, among the above-mentioned internal winning combinations, CLR Bell 1, CRL Bell 1, RLC Bell 1, RCL Bell 1, CLR Bell 2, CRL Bell 2, RLC Bell 2, and RCL Bell 2 may be referred to as "ordered bells." Also, among the above-mentioned internal winning combinations, Blue CLR Bell, Blue CRL Bell, Blue RLC Bell, Blue RCL Bell, Red CLR Bell, Red CRL Bell, Red RLC Bell, and Red RCL Bell may be referred to as "skilled bells." Also, among the above-mentioned internal winning combinations, Blue Bell and Red Bell may be referred to as "skilled bells." 【0053】 In games where each internal winning combination has been determined, the stopping control of reels 110 to 112 is performed so that the symbol combination (display pattern) corresponds to the order in which the buttons are pressed. Figure 5 shows these display patterns. 【0054】 If you win an internally, the display will show that you haven't won any prize (a loss). 【0055】 Normally, if you win an internal replay 8, you will get a replay, but the display will be different depending on the stop operation: if the left stop is first (LCR, LRC), it will be a replay alignment, and if any other stop operation is used, it will be a winning combination. 【0056】 If you win internally in Chance RepCLR1 or Chance RepCLR2, you will be awarded a replay, but the display will be as follows: if the left is the first stop (LCR, LRC), it will be a winning combination 1 or 2; if the middle left and right are stopped (CLR), it will be a push-order chance replay; if the middle right left are stopped (CRL), it will be a replay alignment; and if the right is the first stop (RLC, RCL), it will be a scattered replay. 【0057】 If you win internally in Chance RepCRL1 or Chance RepCRL2, you will win a replay, but the display will be as follows: if the left is the first stop (LCR, LRC), it will be a winning combination 3 or 4; if the middle left and right are stopped (CLR), it will be a replay combination; if the middle right left are stopped (CRL), it will be a push-order chance replay; and if the right is the first stop (RLC, RCL), it will be a scattered replay. 【0058】 If you win internally with CLR Bell 1 or CLR Bell 2, stopping first on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a single scattered coin win (payout of 1 coin), stopping left and right (CLR) will result in a middle bell win (payout of 8 coins), stopping right and right left (CRL) will result in a single diagonal bell win (payout of 1 coin), and stopping first on the right (RLC, RCL) will result in either a single scattered coin win or a miss depending on the timing of your operation. 【0059】 If you win internally with CRL Bell 1 or CRL Bell 2, stopping first on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a single scattered coin, stopping left and right (CLR) will result in a single bell coin diagonally downwards to the right, stopping right and left (CRL) will result in a middle bell, and stopping first on the right (RLC, RCL) will result in either a single scattered coin or a miss depending on the timing of your operation. 【0060】 If you win internally with RLC Bell 1 or RLC Bell 2, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a single scattered coin, the first stop on the middle (CLR, CRL) will result in either a single scattered coin or a miss depending on the timing of the operation, the right-left-middle (RLC) will result in a lower bell (payout of 8 coins), and the right-middle-left (RCL) will result in a single bell on the lower right. 【0061】 If you win internally with RCL Bell 1 or RCL Bell 2, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a single scattered coin, the first stop on the middle (CLR, CRL) will result in either a single scattered coin or a miss depending on the timing of the operation, the first stop on the right-left-middle (RLC) will result in a single bell coin going down to the right, and the second stop on the right-middle-left (RCL) will result in a lower bell coin. 【0062】 If you win an internally with a blue CLR bell or a red CLR bell, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a single scattered bell, the middle left and right (CLR) will result in a middle bell if the timing of the operation of the Seven 1 or Seven 2 symbol is correct, or a single bell diagonally downwards to the right if it is not correct, the middle right left (CRL) will result in a single bell diagonally downwards to the right, and the first stop on the right (RLC, RCL) will result in a single scattered bell or a miss depending on the timing of the operation. 【0063】 If you win an internally with a blue CRL bell or a red CRL bell, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a scattered single bell, the middle left and right (CLR) will result in a diagonal single bell, the middle right and left (CRL) will result in a middle bell if the timing of the operation of the Seven 1 or Seven 2 symbol is correct, or a diagonal single bell if it is not correct, and the first stop on the right (RLC, RCL) will result in a scattered single bell or a miss depending on the timing of the operation. 【0064】 If you win internally with a blue RLC bell or a red RLC bell, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a scattered single coin, the first stop on the middle (CLR, CRL) will result in a scattered single coin or a miss depending on the timing of the operation, the first stop on the right-left-middle (RLC) will result in a lower bell if the timing of the operation of the Seven 1 or Seven 2 symbol is correct, and a downward-sloping single bell if it is not correct, and the first stop on the right-middle-left (RCL) will result in a downward-sloping single bell. 【0065】 If you win an internally with a blue RCL bell or a red RCL bell, the first stop on the left (LCR, LRC) will result in a scattered single coin, the first stop on the middle (CLR, CRL) will result in either a scattered single coin or a miss depending on the timing of the operation, the right-left-center (RLC) will result in a downward-sloping single bell, and the right-center-left (RCL) will result in a lower bell if the timing of the operation of the Seven 1 or Seven 2 symbol is appropriate, otherwise it will result in a downward-sloping single bell. 【0066】 If you win an internal blue bell, when the left reel is the first stop (LCR, LRC), if the timing of operating the 71 symbol on the left reel is correct, you will win a blue eye-stop bell (payout of 8 coins), and if it is not correct, you will win a diagonal 1-coin bell. When the left reel is not the first stop (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL), if the timing of operating the 71 symbol on the left reel is correct, you will win a blue eye-stop bell, and if it is not correct, you will win a diagonal 1-coin bell. 【0067】 If you win an internal red bell, when the left reel is stopped first (LCR, LRC), if the timing of operating the Seven 1 or Seven 2 symbol is correct, you will win a red eye-stop bell (payout of 8 coins), otherwise you will win a diagonal 1-coin bell. When the left reel is not stopped first (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL), if the timing of operating the Seven 2 symbol on the left reel is correct, you will win a red eye-stop bell, otherwise you will win a diagonal 1-coin bell. 【0068】 Furthermore, the internal winning probability for internally winning roles can be set arbitrarily. 【0069】 Furthermore, while the middle bell, lower bell, blue-eye-pressed bell, and red-eye-pressed bell all pay out 8 coins, the payout is not limited to this and may vary. For example, the middle bell, blue-eye-pressed bell, and red-eye-pressed bell may pay out 12 coins, and the lower bell may pay out 8 coins, resulting in two types of payouts exceeding the bet. Alternatively, the blue-eye-pressed bell and red-eye-pressed bell may pay out 12 coins, the middle bell may pay out 8 coins, and the lower bell may pay out 6 coins, resulting in three types of payouts exceeding the bet. Alternatively, any of these bells may pay out 3 coins, resulting in a payout equal to the bet. 【0070】 <Types of game states> Next, we will explain the types of game states for the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1, and the transitions between these game states. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the transitions between game states for the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1. 【0071】 As shown in Figure 6, the game states of the slot machine 100, as shown in Figure 1, include normal mode, CZ-A, CZ-B, normal AT, higher AT-A, higher AT-B, and bonus, and these can be switched depending on the conditions for transition. Note that normal AT, higher AT-A, higher AT-B, and bonus are all AT game states. In the AT game state, when an internal win occurs with a push-order bell, visual-order bell, or visual-press bell, the operation sequence and timing are announced, and by following this announcement (hereinafter sometimes referred to as operation navigation), it is possible to win more profits. 【0072】 The following explains each game state. Note that the conditions for transitioning between game states are not limited to those listed; various conditions can be used (for example, the passage of a certain number of games, the payout of a predetermined number, winning a transition lottery, winning a specific internal winning combination, winning a specific prize combination, or the display of a specific symbol combination). 【0073】 Normally, this is the game state that is set during the first game after a setting change or RAM reset, and is the main game state the player remains in. From this normal state, if the player wins the CZ lottery, they will transition to CZ-A (condition (a) in Figure 6 is met). The CZ lottery is executed when a rare role is internally won, or periodically at predetermined game intervals. 【0074】 In CZ-A, if you win the lottery to transition to AT state before CZ-A ends (for example, until 10 games have been played), you will transition to normal AT (condition (c) in Figure 6 is met). If you do not win the transition lottery before CZ-A ends, you will transition to normal time (condition (b) in Figure 6 is met). 【0075】 Normal AT is a game state in which a net increase of 2 coins per game can be expected. In normal AT, the remaining number of normal AT games is managed, and the remaining number of normal AT games is increased by an additional lottery depending on the internally winning role (for example, rare role or push-order bell), and when the remaining number of normal AT games reaches 0, it returns to normal (condition (k) in Figure 6 is met). Also, if the lottery for transitioning to higher AT-A (for example, executed when an internally winning role is achieved) is won, it transitions to higher AT-A (condition (e) in Figure 6 is met). 【0076】 The upper AT-A is a game state where a net increase of 4 medals per game can be expected. In the upper AT-A, the remaining number of games in the upper AT-A is managed. The remaining number of games in the upper AT-A is added by a supplementary lottery according to internal winning combinations (for example, rare combinations or push-order bells), and when the remaining number of games in the upper AT-A becomes 0, it shifts to the normal AT (condition (o) in Fig. 6 is satisfied). When shifting from the upper AT-A to the normal AT, a result screen is displayed, and the number of played games and the number of acquired medals in the upper AT-A are displayed. With this display, it is possible to inform the player that the number of medals has increased in the upper AT-A and to make the player feel the feeling of getting more balls. 【0077】 From the normal AT and the upper AT-A, when winning the transfer lottery to the upper AT-B, it transfers to the upper AT-B (condition (ka) in Fig. 6 is satisfied). This transfer lottery is executed, for example, when winning an internal winning combination for a rare combination or according to the number of played games in the upper AT-A. In the transfer lottery according to the number of played games, the higher the number of played games, the higher the winning probability, and it becomes easier to transfer to the upper AT-B. For example, when transfer lotteries a, b, and c are executed for 50, 100, and 150 played games respectively, the winning probabilities are in the relationship of "a < b < c". Also, when the difference in the number of medals in the AT game state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 2000 medals) or more, or when the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous period reaches a predetermined number or more, the transfer lottery to the upper AT-B is also executed. When these conditions based on the difference in the number of medals are satisfied, the transfer lottery may be executed in each game, or the winning probability may be set to 100%. 【0078】 From the normal AT and the upper AT-A, when winning the transfer lottery to the bonus, it transfers to the bonus (condition (ki) in Fig. 6 is satisfied). This transfer lottery is executed, for example, when winning an internal winning combination for a rare combination. In the bonus, when the payout (or the difference in the number of medals) exceeds 100, it transfers to the state before the bonus transfer (normal AT or upper AT-A) (condition (ku) in Fig. 6 is satisfied). 【0079】 The higher-level AT-B is a game state in which a net increase of 4 coins per game can be expected. In the higher-level AT-B, the number of remaining sets of the higher-level AT-B is managed, with each set lasting 20 games. This number of remaining sets of the higher-level AT-B is increased by a lottery based on the internally winning combination (e.g., rare combination). In addition, in the higher-level AT-B, a lottery for the right to transition to CZ-B is performed depending on the internally winning combination (e.g., rare combination). 【0080】 In the higher AT-B, when the number of games that can be continued reaches 0, there is a 3-game continuation judgment period. If the number of remaining sets in the higher AT-B is not 0 at the end of this continuation judgment period, the number of sets is reduced by 1, and a new number of games that can be continued is given, amounting to 20 games, allowing the player to continue playing in the higher AT-B. Even if the number of remaining sets in the higher AT-B is 0, a continuation lottery is conducted in the 3-game continuation judgment period based on the internally winning role, and if the player wins this lottery, they can continue playing in the higher AT-B for another set (20 games). In this embodiment, the probability of winning the continuation lottery is approximately 80%, making it easier to stay in the higher AT-B. If both the number of games that can be continued in the higher AT-B and the number of remaining sets in the higher AT-B reach 0, and the player does not win the continuation lottery, the player will transition to CZ-B if they have the right to transition to CZ-B (condition (S) in Figure 6 is met), or transition back to normal mode if they do not have the right to transition (condition (K) in Figure 6 is met). When transitioning to CZ-B, the advantageous period is reset (becoming a non-advantageous period), and the new advantageous period starts from CZ-B. 【0081】 Furthermore, if the advantageous period ends in the higher AT-B, the player will transition to CZ-B if they have the right to transition to CZ-B (the next advantageous period will start from CZ-B, condition (S) in Figure 6 will be met), and if they do not have the right to transition, they will transition to normal time (the next advantageous period will start from normal time, condition (K) in Figure 6 will be met). In addition, when the advantageous period ends, an ending sequence may be performed in the higher AT-B, after which the player will transition to CZ-B or normal time (the next advantageous period will start from CZ-B or normal time). Furthermore, if the player transitions to the higher AT-B due to the conditions based on the difference in the number of tokens, the player may be granted the right to transition to CZ-B. 【0082】 While the higher-level AT-B has a higher net increase and continuation rate compared to the regular AT and higher-level AT-A, it could also have the same net increase as the regular AT (no change in net increase) but a higher continuation rate. 【0083】 In CZ-B, if the player wins the lottery to transition to AT state before CZ-B ends (for example, until 10 games have been played), they will transition to the higher-level AT-B via a special bonus zone (not shown) (condition (c) in Figure 6 is met). If the player does not win the transition lottery before CZ-B ends, they will transition to normal mode (condition (s) in Figure 6 is met). In the special bonus zone (for example, 10 games), the player can acquire the number of games that can be continued when transitioning to the higher-level AT-B. Note that the special bonus zone is not limited to a fixed state of 10 games, for example. For example, there may be a minimum guaranteed number of games of 5, and from the 6th game onwards, it may continue until the continuation lottery for the special bonus zone itself is not won, or from the 6th game onwards, it may continue until the bonus lottery is not won. Alternatively, there may be no minimum guaranteed number of games, and it may continue until the continuation lottery for the special bonus zone itself is not won, or it may continue until the bonus lottery is not won. 【0084】 In slot machine 100, in addition to the game states described above, there are also non-advantageous and advantageous periods. After a setting change or RAM clear, the machine is in a non-advantageous period, and when a winning combination is achieved, it transitions to an advantageous period. In the advantageous period, upper limits (limiters) are set for both the number of games played and the number of coins paid out to prevent excessive gambling. When these limits are reached, the machine returns to a non-advantageous period (the advantageous period is reset). In AT game states, when the number of games played or the number of coins paid out approaches these limits, an animation (for example, an ending animation) is performed to indicate that the end is near. In this embodiment, when transitioning from higher-level AT-B to CZ-B, the advantageous period is also reset (a non-advantageous period is set). Note that the upper limit of the advantageous period may be based on the number of coins paid out only, or vice versa. Furthermore, while 2400 coins could be considered as the upper limit for the number of coins paid out, it is also acceptable to use the lowest net net coin value as the baseline (the so-called MY value, where a situation of -3000 coins becomes 2400 coins, and the final result ends at -600 coins), or the net coin value after entering the positive range (where a situation of -3000 coins becomes 5400 coins, and the final result ends at +2400 coins). 【0085】 Furthermore, the advantageous period does not only end when the upper limit is reached (when the upper limit is reached or exceeded), but may also end at a value just before the upper limit (for example, a net difference of 2200 coins). 【0086】 <Process Overview> The processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained below with reference to the drawings. 【0087】 <Main processing of the main control unit> First, using Figure 7, we will explain the main processing performed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit. 【0088】 As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302, upon receiving this startup signal, resets via a reset interrupt and executes the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 7 according to the control program pre-stored in the ROM 306. 【0089】 When power is turned on, the main control unit initial setup process is performed in step S101. This main control unit initial setup process includes setting the initial stack value for the CPU 304's stack pointer (SP), disabling interrupts, initializing the I / O 310, initializing various variables to be stored in RAM 308, and enabling and setting the initial value for WDT 314. 【0090】 Step S103 executes the game start process. This process checks whether medals have been inserted (by hand or by operating bet buttons 130-132), and if medals have been inserted, prepares to send an insertion command to indicate this. If a replay was won in the previous game, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game will be inserted, so the player does not need to insert any more medals. In addition, it checks whether the start lever 135 has been operated when a predetermined number of medals (for example, 3) have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of medals inserted and the valid winning lines are determined, and the game starts. 【0091】 In step S105, the lottery table for internal winning roles stored in ROM 306 is read according to the current lottery state, and an internal lottery (lottery for roles) is performed using this and a random number obtained from the random number generation circuit 316 to determine the internal winning role, and various lottery processes such as lotteries related to transitions in game state are executed. 【0092】 In step S107, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning combination lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. 【0093】 In step S109, the rotation of reels 110-112 is started on the condition that the game interval timer (decremented in the timer update process described later) is 0, and an initial value is set for the game interval timer. Also, when the rotation of reels 110-112 starts, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when reels 110-112 reach a predetermined rotation speed, the optical sensors provided on each reel detect the position of the symbols on each reel, and the stop operation for stop buttons 137-139 is activated. The game interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one game (4.1s in this embodiment), thereby suppressing the element of chance. 【0094】 Step S111 is the execution of the reel stop control process. In this process, after the stop operation is activated, when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137 to 139 are stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, the stop table of reel stop data is referred to, and the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation are stopped according to the number of reel pull-in frames set in the stop table. In addition, for the first stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. Furthermore, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press command) to the first sub-control unit 400, and each time a reel 110 to 112 stops, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third stop command) to the first sub-control unit 400. When all reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S113. 【0095】 In step S113, a prize determination process is performed. Here, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that a prize has been won for that combination. After determining the winning combination, preparations are made to send a prize command to the first sub-control unit 400. 【0096】 In step S115, if any winning combination that results in a payout is achieved, the corresponding number of medals are awarded (paid out), and the number of medals awarded is displayed using the payout display 127. 【0097】 Step S117 executes a state update process. Specifically, processes such as transitions in game state are performed. 【0098】 This concludes one game. From here on, the game will continue by returning to step S103 and repeating the process described above. 【0099】 <Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing> Next, using Figure 8, we will explain the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. 【0100】 The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined interval (approximately once every 2ms in this embodiment), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is started at a predetermined interval triggered by this timer interrupt signal. 【0101】 Step S201 performs the timer interrupt start process. This timer interrupt start process includes temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU304 to the stack area. 【0102】 In step S203, the WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent a WDT interrupt from occurring (to prevent detection of a processing abnormality) if the count value of the WDT314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8ms in this embodiment). 【0103】 In step S205, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, and the presence or absence of detection signals is monitored. These signals are then stored in the signal status storage area of ​​the RAM 308, which is partitioned for each sensor 318. The status of the optical sensor is confirmed in this process. 【0104】 In step S207, various game processing is executed, and processing is performed according to the interrupt status. 【0105】 In step S209, timer update processing is performed. For example, processing is executed to update various timers according to their respective time units, such as subtracting the game interval timer. 【0106】 In step S211, the command setting transmission process is performed, and various commands that were prepared for transmission by the main processing and timer interrupt processing of the main control unit 300 are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The output information to be sent to the first sub-control unit 400 consists of strobe information (if on, it indicates that data is set), command type (in this embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever acceptance command, internal winning command, performance command associated with performance lottery processing, reel rotation start command associated with the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, first to third press command associated with acceptance of operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, first to third stop command associated with the stopping of reels 110 to 112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command associated with medal payout processing, status update command, setting change command, power restoration command), and command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type). 【0107】 The first sub-control unit 400 can determine the performance control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type included in the received output schedule information, and can also determine the content of the performance control based on the command data information included in the output schedule information. 【0108】 In step S213, an external signal setting process is performed. In this external signal setting process, the game information stored in RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334. 【0109】 In step S215, device monitoring is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state memory area in step S205 are first read to check for errors related to abnormal medal insertion and abnormal medal dispensing. If an error is detected, error processing is executed (not shown). Furthermore, the settings of the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid located inside the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) displays are set according to the current game state. 【0110】 In step S217, the system monitors whether a low-voltage signal is on or off. If a low-voltage signal is received (power outage detected), the system proceeds to step S221; otherwise, it proceeds to step S219. 【0111】 In step S219, the timer interrupt termination process is performed. This timer interrupt termination process involves setting the values ​​of each register that were temporarily saved in step S201 back to their original values. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in Figure 7. 【0112】 Meanwhile, in step S221, information that needs to be saved, such as specific variables and the stack pointer, to return to the state at the time of power loss when power is restored is saved to a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308, a checksum value is derived for the predetermined area that includes at least the used area of ​​RAM 308 and stored in RAM 308, and the power flag indicating that power loss processing has been performed is set to ON. 【0113】 <Processing of the first sub-control unit 400> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 9(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 9(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. 【0114】 First, in step S301, various initial settings are performed. These initial settings are executed when the power is turned on. This process includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. In this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which represents the result of an internal win, and an area for storing information representing the game state are each provided in RAM 408. 【0115】 In step S303, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S305. 【0116】 In step S305, the timer variable is assigned the value 0. 【0117】 In step S307, command processing is performed, which is the processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300. 【0118】 In step S309, performance control processing is performed. This involves expanding the performance data, setting device data in the performance execution area provided in RAM 408, setting performance data in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408, and further processing such as setting performance data or executing control processing based on received commands and the information contained in those commands. In some cases, the performance data set in the performance reservation area or the device data set in the performance execution area may be updated (overwritten) with different data. In this case, the performance content will be changed based on the overwritten data. 【0119】 In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from the device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to speakers 272 and 277, and the obtained control data is output to the sound source IC 418 to execute sound effects. 【0120】 In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from the device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to each lamp 420, and the obtained control data is output to the drive circuit 422 to execute the lamp performance. 【0121】 In step S315, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from the device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the shutter 163, and the obtained control data is output to the drive circuit 424 to execute the effect using the shutter 163. 【0122】 In step S317, information output processing is performed to set up the transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the performance image display device 157, preparations are made to transmit this device data to the second sub-control unit 500, and the process returns to step S303. 【0123】 Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 9(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408. 【0124】 Next, the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, will be explained using Figure 9(c). The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt. 【0125】 In step S331, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408, as explained in step S303 of the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 9(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10). 【0126】 In step S333, device data is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, which was set in step S315, and processing is performed to update the random values ​​for the performance. 【0127】 <Processing by the second sub-control unit 500> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 10(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 10(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 10(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. 【0128】 First, in step S401 of Figure 10(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is executed in step S401. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 508. 【0129】 In step S403, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S405. 【0130】 In step S405, the timer variable is assigned the value 0. 【0131】 In step S407, command processing is performed. During command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether or not it has received a command from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. 【0132】 Step S409 performs performance control processing. Specifically, if there was a new command in step S407, the processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, the process of reading performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506 is executed. In addition, processing such as reading other performance data from ROM 506 is performed, and if it is necessary to update the performance data, the performance data update process is performed. 【0133】 In step S411, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control command in the performance data read in step S409, the image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. This image control processing will be described later using Figure 10(d). Once this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S403. 【0134】 Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 10(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S415 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in RAM 508. 【0135】 Next, using Figure 10(c), the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, which is executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, will be explained. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt. 【0136】 In step S417, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508, as explained in step S403 of the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 10(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10). 【0137】 Step S419 performs processes such as updating the random values ​​used for the performance. 【0138】 Next, the image control process in step S411 of the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 10(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control process. 【0139】 In step S421, an instruction is given to transfer image data. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of image stored in the display area not designated as a drawing area is displayed on the animation image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (destination address of VRAM 518), etc., in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then sets an instruction to start the transfer of image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518 based on the instruction set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer completion interrupt signal to the CPU 504. 【0140】 In step S423, it is determined whether or not a transfer completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP516. If a transfer completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S425; otherwise, the process waits for a transfer completion interrupt signal to be input. 【0141】 In step S425, parameter settings are performed based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to provide information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), image overlap and transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to VRAM 518 in step S421. The VDP 516 then performs parameter settings according to the attributes based on the instructions stored in the attribute register. 【0142】 In step S427, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing the image. The VDP 516 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction from the CPU 504. 【0143】 In step S429, it is determined whether or not a generation completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP516 based on the completion of image drawing. If a generation completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S431; otherwise, the process waits for a generation completion interrupt signal to be input. 【0144】 In step S431, the process ends after incrementing (+1) the scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated. 【0145】 ≪Operation Example Explanation≫ The following explains the features of the slot machine 100 described above using an example of its operation. 【0146】 [Example of operation related to transitions in game state (1)] In the game states explained in Figure 6, the higher-level AT-B state is a state where players can easily earn profits because the game continues for 20 games in one set with a high probability, and players aim to transition to this higher-level AT-B state. 【0147】 To transition to the higher-level AT-B, you need to win the lottery for transitioning to the higher-level AT-B in either the regular AT or the higher-level AT-A. Therefore, the goal is to first go through CZ-A and stay in either the regular AT or the higher-level AT-A. In particular, the higher-level AT-A has a high net increase in winnings, and the more games you play, the easier it is to win the lottery for transitioning to the higher-level AT-B. This keeps the excitement of the game alive even as you play more games. 【0148】 Even if you transition to the higher AT-B state, you may still transition to CZ-B or normal mode from this state (conditions (Sa) and (Ko) in Figure 6 are met). Of these, CZ-B is a game state that allows you to transition to the higher AT-B without going through the CZ-A or normal AT routes (condition (Shi) in Figure 6 is met). In other words, even if the higher AT-B state ends, it is possible to transition to the higher AT-B state without going through CZ-A, normal AT, or higher AT-A. 【0149】 Based on the above, the gameplay involves aiming to transition to Higher AT-B via CZ-A, Normal AT, and Higher AT-A during normal gameplay, and if transitioning from Higher AT-B to CZ-B, aiming to transition to Higher AT-B again. 【0150】 Figure 11(a) shows an example of the game flow. In this example, during the first advantageous period (advantageous period 1), condition (ka) is met in the higher AT-A, transitioning to the higher AT-B, and then condition (sa) is met in the higher AT-B. In this case, as shown in Figure 11(a), the advantageous period ends and a non-advantageous period begins, and the game state becomes CZ-B at the start of a new advantageous period (advantageous period 2). In this example, an animation indicating that CZ-B is being prepared is performed while the non-advantageous period is set, and an animation indicating that CZ-B has started is performed when CZ-B starts in advantageous period 2. This animation indicating that it is being prepared is just one example; it would also be possible to make it clear that it is being prepared by displaying the title screen of CZ-B. In this way, even in a non-advantageous period, indicating that CZ-B is being prepared can prevent players from quitting the game. Furthermore, when the higher-level AT-B ends, the ending screen (the so-called results screen) may display or show effects that suggest a transition to CZ-B, which can prevent players from quitting the game when the ending screen is displayed. 【0151】 Furthermore, in the example in Figure 11(a), it is shown that in the second advantageous period (advantageous period 2), condition (shi) is met in CZ-B, the game transitions to the higher-level AT-B via the bonus-adding special zone, and then condition (sa) is met in the higher-level AT-B. In this case, similar to the end of the second advantageous period, the advantageous period ends and becomes a non-advantageous period, and the game state becomes CZ-B at the start of the new advantageous period (advantageous period 3). Although not shown in the illustration, the same effects as in the non-advantageous period between the first and second advantageous periods are executed in this non-advantageous period. Furthermore, in the third advantageous period (advantageous period 3), it is shown that condition (shi) is met in CZ-B, the game transitions to the higher-level AT-B via the bonus-adding special zone. 【0152】 In the example shown in Figure 11(a), it is shown that the higher-level AT-B transitioned from the CZ-B at the beginning of the advantageous period continues until the end of the advantageous period. Thus, in this embodiment, the higher-level AT-B continues until the ending (reaching the upper limit of the advantageous period), and then the transition condition (c) for the higher-level AT-B is met in the next CZ-B, making it possible to loop the higher-level AT-B. 【0153】 In the example above, the advantageous period is reset at the end of the higher-level AT-B, and after a preparation period (1-3 games spent transitioning to the advantageous period, a non-advantageous period), a new advantageous period starts from CZ-B. However, it is also possible to start the new advantageous period from the higher-level AT-B. By doing so, players can experience the feeling of winning big in the higher-level AT-B seamlessly without feeling any break in the advantageous period. 【0154】 Furthermore, in the above example, we described an example where the new advantageous section transitions to the higher-level AT-B after passing through a state with a higher degree of advantage than normal, such as CZ-B or a special bonus zone. However, it is also possible to transition to the higher-level AT-B after a predetermined number of normal games have been played after transitioning to the new advantageous section. Doing so can suppress excessive payouts. It is preferable that the predetermined number of games is not a large number, such as 32 games. In addition, in the case of a mode-managed game with multiple types of ceilings for transitioning to an advantageous game state (such as Super Heaven with a maximum ceiling of 32 games, Heaven with a maximum ceiling of 128 games, Normal C with a maximum ceiling of 250 games, Normal B with a maximum ceiling of 650 games, Normal A with a maximum ceiling of 1200 games, etc.), it is preferable to transition to the higher-level AT-B after passing through Super Heaven or Heaven, and to prevent Normal A to C from being determined. Furthermore, the transition to the higher AT-B may occur after a fixed number of games, such as 32 or 128 games, or it may occur within a range of 32 or 128 games, or after a certain number of games (a variable number of games) within a predetermined range. In the case of a periodic management type game where opportunities to transition to a more advantageous game state occur periodically, it is preferable to transition to the higher AT-B in the first cycle. When a transition to the higher AT-B is confirmed in such a state, a special effect that identifies or suggests this may be performed, thereby preventing players from quitting midway through the game while maintaining the excitement of transitioning to the higher AT-B. 【0155】 [Example of operation related to transitions in game state (2)] Figure 11(a) illustrates an example where the player transitions from CZ-B to the higher-level AT-B via a special bonus zone during the second advantageous period (advantageous period 2). However, there are cases where the player fails to win the lottery for transitioning to the AT state in CZ-B and transitions to normal mode (condition (s) in Figure 6 is met). In this case, the player may configure the system so that the player always wins the CZ lottery during normal mode, and also always wins the lottery for transitioning to the AT state in CZ-A, thus guaranteeing a transition to normal AT (conditions (a) and (c) in Figure 6 are always met). Figure 11(b) shows an example where the player transitions from CZ-B to CZ-A and then to normal AT via normal mode. In this configuration, even if the player fails to transition from CZ-B to the higher-level AT-B, they are guaranteed to transition to CZ-A in the first cycle's CZ lottery, and furthermore, they are guaranteed to transition to normal AT in CZ-A. Therefore, even if the player fails to transition to the higher-level AT-B, they can still obtain the benefits of the advantageous period reset. 【0156】 [Example of actions related to transitions in game state (3)] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) illustrate a configuration in which the advantageous period is reset, and then the game transitions to CZ-B at the beginning of the new advantageous period. This CZ-B is a game state that is a preliminary stage to transitioning to a more advantageous game state (higher AT-B). Thus, the configuration in which a game state that is a preliminary stage to transitioning to a more advantageous game state starts from the beginning of a new advantageous period is not limited to the example in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). The following describes an example that employs such a configuration. 【0157】 Figure 11(c) shows an example in which a CZ (Chance Zone) is included during the AT (Attack Time). In this example, after obtaining the right to transition from the normal AT to the CZ during the AT, the advantageous period is reset, and the beginning of the new advantageous period is the CZ during the AT. If the player succeeds in the CZ during the AT (wins the lottery), they transition to a higher-level AT, and if they fail (do not win the lottery), they transition back to the normal AT. 【0158】 Figure 11(d) shows an example in which a CZ (Chance Zone) is provided that transitions to either a higher-level AT (Attack Time) or a normal AT (Attack Time). In this example, the advantageous period is reset during the CZ, and the beginning of the new advantageous period is the CZ. If the player succeeds in the CZ (wins the lottery), they transition to a higher-level AT, and if they fail (do not win the lottery), they transition to a normal AT. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the player transitions to normal mode upon failure. Furthermore, if the player obtains the right to a higher-level CZ in the CZ before the advantageous period is reset, the beginning of the new advantageous period may be the higher-level CZ (a more advantageous game state than the CZ). 【0159】 [Technical concepts in examples of operations related to transitions in game states (1) to (3)] The technical concepts based on the above embodiments will be described below, with reference to the corresponding configurations. 【0160】 In the above explanation, The first game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, normal AT), A gaming machine comprising a second gaming state (for example, a higher AT-B) that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, The aforementioned first game state is a game state controlled within the advantageous period. The second game state is a game state controlled in the advantageous period, The aforementioned advantageous period has a predetermined upper limit (for example, an upper limit value), In the second game state, after approaching the predetermined amount and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins (for example, after reaching the upper limit and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins, or after reaching a value just before the upper limit and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins), there are cases where the game transitions to the second game state without transitioning to the first game state (for example, Figure 11(a)). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0161】 In this gaming machine, even if the advantageous period is reset in a more favorable second gaming state, it is possible to transition to the second gaming state in the new advantageous period without going through the first gaming state, thus preventing a decrease in gaming enjoyment when the upper limit of the advantageous period is reached. 【0162】 Also, The first game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, normal AT), A gaming machine comprising a second gaming state (for example, a higher AT-B) that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, The aforementioned first game state is a game state controlled within the advantageous period. The second game state is a game state controlled in the advantageous period, The aforementioned advantageous period has a predetermined upper limit (for example, an upper limit value), In the second game state, after approaching the predetermined amount and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins (for example, after reaching the upper limit and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins, or after reaching a value just before the upper limit and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins), the game may transition to the second game state via a game state different from both the first and second game states (for example, CZ-B, special bonus mode, or normal mode). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0163】 In this gaming machine, even if the advantageous period is reset in a more favorable second gaming state, it is possible to transition to the second gaming state in the new advantageous period without going through the first gaming state, thus preventing a decrease in gaming enjoyment when the upper limit of the advantageous period is reached. 【0164】 Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned second game state is a game state in which continuation is managed using a number of sets corresponding to multiple games (for example, 20 games per set), When the second game state ends at the end of the set number, the advantageous period may end (for example, when condition (S) in Figure 6 is met). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0165】 This gaming machine allows for a clean and decisive ending to the advantageous period. Furthermore, it prevents the player from feeling disappointed if they lose a large bonus due to the end of the advantageous period. 【0166】 Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned first game state is a game state in which the player is notified of the operation method (for example, operation navigation is performed), The aforementioned second game state is a game state in which the player is notified of the operation method (for example, operation navigation is performed), The second game state is a game state in which the expected value of acquiring game value is higher than that of the first game state (for example, a higher net increase in tokens, a higher continuation rate). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0167】 Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, In the second game state, after approaching the predetermined amount and the advantageous period ends and a new advantageous period begins, there is a possibility that the game state will transition back to the second game state if a specific condition is met in the third game state (for example, CZ-B) (for example, winning the lottery for transitioning to the AT state). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0168】 This gaming machine allows players to transition to a second game state after the advantageous period ends, provided certain conditions are met. This suppresses excessive payouts while increasing the sense of anticipation in the third game state, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game. 【0169】 Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, If the aforementioned specific condition is not met in the third game state, the game will not transition to the second game state, and will be more likely to transition to the first game state. A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described. 【0170】 This gaming machine makes it easier to transition to the first game state even if certain conditions are not met, thus preventing a decrease in the enjoyment of the game. 【0171】 [Example of operation of the operation navigation (1)] The following explanation of the operation of the user navigation system will use Figures 12(a) and 12(b). These figures illustrate examples of the operation of the user navigation system. 【0172】 Normally, AT is a game state in which the remaining AT game count is reduced with each game played, while operation guidance and bonus lottery draws are executed. In this example, as a type of operation guidance when an internal win of a push-order bell occurs, there is a "×??" which notifies the player not to stop the left reel first (hereinafter referred to as the left-prohibition guidance). In games where this left-prohibition guidance is displayed, not stopping the left reel first will prevent the player from missing the opportunity to win a middle bell or lower bell. Note that this left-prohibition guidance is not displayed when an internal win of a push-order bell or a push-order bell occurs. 【0173】 Figure 12(a) shows an example where the AT continues as normal, following the "No Left" navigation (not making the left first stop). In contrast, if the "No Left" navigation is not followed (the left first stop is made), as shown in Figure 12(b), the remaining AT game count will not decrease until the "No Left" navigation is displayed again, but operation navigation and bonus lottery will not be executed (hereinafter referred to as the "restricted state"). The duration of the restricted state may be until the next CLR1 bell to RCL2 bell is won, or until the next CLR1 bell to RCL2 bell is won after at least a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), this restricted state is released by following the instructions (not making the left first stop) during a game where the "No Left" navigation is displayed. 【0174】 Furthermore, in slot machines with the above configuration, beginners may not understand the intent of the "no left" navigation and may disregard it, resulting in a restricted state when the left reel is stopped first. For this reason, for example, an upper limit may be set on the number of games in which the restricted state is set during a single normal AT (Automatic Trigger) session, and the restricted state may be released after this limit has been exceeded. In addition, if the number of times the "no left" navigation is not followed (the left reel is stopped first) exceeds a predetermined number, the system may be configured so that subsequent disregards of the "no left" navigation are treated the same as if the navigation had been followed (the left reel was not stopped first). 【0175】 Furthermore, if the user follows the "no left" navigation prompt, or if they achieve a specific combination (for example, an upper bell or middle bell) while following the prompt, they may be given a bonus, such as points that allow the AT (Automatic Trigger) to proceed more favorably. 【0176】 [Example of operation of the operation navigation (2)] The operation of the navigation system will be explained below using Figure 12(c). This figure shows an example of the operation of the navigation system. 【0177】 In games where a player has internally won a button-press sequence bell, a button-press sequence bell, or a button-press bell, if an operation navigation is performed by the performance image display device 157, etc., the instruction monitor (for example, the payout amount display 127) will also display content corresponding to this operation navigation. Figure 12(c) shows the content of this instruction monitor. 【0178】 On the other hand, in normal replay 8, chance repCLR1, chance repCLR2, chance repCRL1, and chance repCRL2, a winning combination may be displayed depending on the order of operations. For this reason, by executing an operation navigation that displays a winning combination when the machine is in an internally advantageous state, the player can be notified that the machine is in an internally advantageous state. In this case, if nothing is displayed on the instruction monitor, the behavior will differ from when an internal win occurs with a push-order bell, etc., so the internal state may be inferred when the operation navigation is executed. For this reason, when executing an operation navigation that displays a winning combination in a game where an internal win occurs with normal replay 8, etc., the content corresponding to this operation navigation may be displayed on the instruction monitor, similar to when an internal win occurs with a push-order bell. For example, when the operation navigation notifies the order of operations for middle, left, and right, the instruction monitor in Figure 12(c) can display any of 01, 05, or 09. Note that the content corresponding to the left-prohibition navigation (15 on the instruction monitor in Figure 12(c)) is not displayed. Furthermore, in a game where a normal replay 8 has been internally won, if you want to stop on a winning combination, the winning combination will be displayed by operating one of the CLR to RCL buttons in the order of pressing the buttons. However, which operation navigation is performed is determined by the main control means, and may be determined by equally randomly selecting from the four types of button presses from CLR to RCL. In addition, if any of the Chance RepCLR1, Chance RepCLR2, Chance RepCRL1, and Chance RepCRL2 combinations include a winning combination in which the left reel contains the Seven 2 symbol, the instruction monitor in Figure 12(c) may display a corresponding red instruction. 【0179】 <<Embodiment 2>> The following describes a gaming machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. 【0180】 <Overall Structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front (player side). 【0181】 This slot machine 100 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and openable and closable relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) (not shown) each having multiple types of symbols arranged on its outer surface, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor. 【0182】 In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110-112. From the player's perspective, approximately three symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically through the reel window 113, resulting in a total of nine symbols being visible. By rotating each reel 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this. 【0183】 Behind each of the reels 110-112, a backlight (not shown) is provided to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the reel window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (index sensor; not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each of the reels 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line. 【0184】 The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines 114. The valid winning lines 114 are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are 5 winning lines 114. For example, if 1 medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid; if 2 medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of 3 lines valid; and if 3 medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right downward winning line are added, making a total of 5 lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to 5 lines; it may also be just the middle horizontal winning line. Furthermore, for example, when one medal is bet, five lines may be set as valid winning lines: the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the downward right winning line, and the upward right winning line. Alternatively, the same number of winning lines may be uniformly set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of bets. 【0185】 The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus combination) in the internal winning combination lottery described later, or that they are currently playing a bonus game. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the current game (no coin insertion is required) if they won the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects. 【0186】 Bet buttons 130-132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time bet button 130 is pressed, one token is inserted, up to a maximum of three tokens. When bet button 131 is pressed, two tokens are inserted, and when bet button 132 is pressed, three tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started. 【0187】 The medal slot 141 is where players insert medals to start playing. In other words, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130-132 (betting operation), or by actually inserting medals through the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion encompasses both methods. 【0188】 The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information indicator 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of tokens dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize. In this embodiment, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information indicator 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are all composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays. The payout tokens indicator 127 in this embodiment also functions as a display device that notifies information related to stop operations (for example, the order of operation of stop buttons 137 to 139). 【0189】 The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110-112. In other words, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130-132, and then operating the start lever 135, reels 110-112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation. 【0190】 The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are push switches that individually stop the reels 110 to 112, which have started rotating due to the operation of the start lever 135, and are provided in correspondence to each of the reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating stop button 137 (sometimes called the left stop button), the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating stop button 138 (sometimes called the middle stop button), and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating stop button 139 (sometimes called the right stop button). 【0191】 Hereinafter, operations performed on stop buttons 137-139 will be referred to as stop operations, the first stop operation will be called the first stop operation, the next stop operation the second stop operation, and the last stop operation the third stop operation. The reel targeted by the first stop operation may be called the first stop reel, the reel targeted by the second stop operation the second stop reel, and the reel targeted by the third stop operation the third stop reel. 【0192】 Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110-112 is called the operation order or pressing order. The operation order in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110 is called the "forward pressing operation order" or simply "forward pressing," the operation order in which the first stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called the "middle pressing operation order" or simply "middle pressing," and the operation order in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112 is called the "reverse pressing operation order" or simply "reverse pressing." 【0193】 In this embodiment, the stop operation and the sequence of operations resulting from combinations of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation may be abbreviated. For example, a stop operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110 may be written as "left," and a stop operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110, the second stop reel is the middle reel 111, and the third stop reel is the right reel 112 may be written as "left, middle, right." In addition, light-emitting elements may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operational, these light-emitting elements can be illuminated to inform the player. 【0194】 The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100. The medal payout opening 155 is a payout opening for dispensing medals. 【0195】 A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161. 【0196】 A sound hole 181 is provided next to the medal payout opening 155. Side lamps 144, located on the left and right sides of the front door 102, are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is also provided above the performance device 160. The sound holes 181 and 143 are holes for outputting sound from a speaker located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The performance device 160 consists of a shutter (shielding device) 163, which is made up of two horizontally opening and closing right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown, performance image display device) located behind the shutters 163. When the right shutter 163a and left shutter 163b open horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (player side). 【0197】 The liquid crystal display device (performance image display device) 157 of this embodiment also functions as a performance device that executes performances described later. For example, it performs operation navigation that notifies information regarding stop operations (for example, the order and timing of operation of stop buttons 137 to 139). 【0198】 The information display button 191 is an operation button for calling up and operating a user menu (for example, a menu for setting various information by the player). The information display button 191 consists of a directional pad button 191a and an OK button 191b. The directional pad button 191a is a selection button used when the player selects one of several options. The directional pad button 191a consists of up, down, left, and right arrow keys, and by operating each arrow key, the cursor can be moved in the direction of the arrow. The OK button 191b is a button that confirms the option to which the cursor is positioned. In this embodiment, for example, when setting information via the user menu, it is used when setting volume or brightness, or when selecting characters (stages) for the effects executed after a bonus is won. In this embodiment, the information display button 191 may be referred to as the directional pad button 191. 【0199】 The performance button 192 is a button that becomes operable when an effect prompting the user to press the button is executed. In this embodiment, when the performance button 192 is pressed, an effect is executed in response that suggests the granting of a bonus, such as an additional number of coins in AT. 【0200】 Furthermore, the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display; any device capable of displaying various visual effects and game information is acceptable. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular in shape and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Additionally, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. 【0201】 <Internal structure> Figure 14 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine 100. Figure 14(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Figure 14(b) is an enlarged view of the door relay board 290 installed in the front door 102. 【0202】 The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board housing case 210, which houses the main control board, is positioned so as not to overlap with a ventilation opening 249 located at the top of the rear panel 242. Below this main control board housing case 210, a reel unit 700 equipped with three reels 110 to 112 is positioned. To the side of the main control board housing case 210 and the reel unit 700, i.e., on the left side panel 260, a sub-control board housing case 220, which houses a sub-control board, is provided. On the right side panel 260, an information output circuit 334, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device, is mounted. 【0203】 Furthermore, a setting key switch 281 is provided on the right side of the reel unit 700 for changing the setting value (also called the game mode) of the slot machine 100 and for confirming the changed setting value. Here, the setting value is a value used to adjust the ratio of the total number of game media paid out by the game machine to the total number of game media used by the player as bets during a predetermined period of play, and is what is called the "payout rate". Multiple setting values ​​are possible, for example, from setting "1" to setting "6". 【0204】 The setting key switch 281 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON / OFF by inserting a predetermined setting key (not shown) and rotating it. Specifically, when a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and rotated to the right, the setting key switch sensor provided on the setting key switch 281 detects the ON state, and when rotated to the left, the setting key switch sensor detects the OFF state. 【0205】 A hopper unit 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed on the bottom plate 264, and above the hopper unit 180, that is, below the reel unit 700, a power supply unit 252 having a voltage monitoring circuit 330 (see Figure 32) is installed, and a power switch 244 is installed on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power switch 244 is a toggle switch electrically connected to the power supply unit 252. This power switch 244 can be used to turn the power on or off of the slot machine 100. The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400. Furthermore, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. 【0206】 To the right of the hopper unit 180 is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240 for storing medals that overflow from the hopper unit 180, and an overflow terminal is located behind it (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main body 101. 【0207】 The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the reel window 113 are a display device 160, a display control board (not shown) that controls the display device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the reel window 113 are a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops counterfeit medals into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181. An open sensor 294 is provided on the back of the front door 102. The open sensor 294 is configured to be L (OFF) when the front door 102 is closed and H (ON) when it is open. 【0208】 <Internal Configuration / Door Relay Board> On the rear of the front door 102, a door relay board 290 is located below the reel window 113. As shown in Figure 14(b), this door relay board 290 is equipped with a reset switch 291, a setting change button 292, and a setting value indicator 293. 【0209】 The reset switch 291 is a push-button type switch, and pressing (briefly pressing) this reset switch 291 will clear the error in the slot machine 100. 【0210】 The setting change button 292 is a push-button type switch, similar to the reset switch 291. The procedure for changing the setting value using this setting change button 292 will be described later. 【0211】 The setting value indicator 293 is a display such as a 7-segment LED. This setting value indicator 293 can display the setting values ​​(game modes) 1 to 6 set by the setting change button 292 as numbers. 【0212】 Furthermore, the setting value indicator 293 can be used to check the currently set value by inserting the setting key into the setting key switch 281 and turning it clockwise (setting key OFF → ON) while the power is on. Specifically, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned clockwise (setting key OFF → ON) while the power is on, a setting value confirmation process is started, and when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned counterclockwise (setting key ON → OFF), the setting value confirmation process ends. 【0213】 The procedure for changing the setting value is explained below. Insert the setting key (not shown) into the setting key switch 281 and turn it clockwise (setting key OFF → ON), and turn the power switch 244 from the power off state (power OFF) to the power on state (power ON) to activate the setting value change (setting value change process starts), and each time you press the setting change button 292 the setting value will change sequentially from 1 to 6, allowing you to select the desired setting value. Note that by operating the start lever 135, the setting value that was selected at that time will be confirmed. Finally, by turning the setting key counterclockwise (setting key ON → OFF), the setting value change process will end. 【0214】 <Front Door> Figure 15 is an external view of a portion of the front door 1102 of a coinless slot machine, as seen from the front (player side). 【0215】 The medalless slot machine (not shown) comprises a main body 1101 (not shown) which is substantially the same shape as the main body 101 of the slot machine 100 described using Figures 13 and 14, and a front door 1102 which is attached to the front of the main body 1101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 1101. 【0216】 The lower part of the front door 1102 is provided with a tray 1200 on which items can be placed (described later using Figure 16), and a sticker attachment unit 1250 (described later using Figures 17 to 19) capable of holding stickers is also attached. 【0217】 <Bottom tray> Next, the lower tray 1200 will be described in detail using Figure 16. Figure 16(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the components that make up the lower tray 1200 in disassembled form. 【0218】 The bottom tray 1200 is comprised of a bottom tray base (base member) 1202 that can be attached to the lower part of the front door 1102, a bottom tray design sheet upper (first decorative member) 1204 that fits onto the upper part of the bottom tray base 1202, a bottom tray design sheet lower (second decorative member) 1206 that fits onto the lower part of the bottom tray base 1202, and a bottom tray cover (cover member) 1208 that is attached to the bottom tray base 1202 while covering the bottom tray design sheet upper 1204 and the bottom tray design sheet lower 1206. 【0219】 The upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray design sheet are each decorated with a predetermined design, and the decorations applied to the upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray design sheet are visible from the front side (player side) through the lower tray cover 1208, which is made of a transparent material. 【0220】 In this example, since the upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray 1200 are configured to be detachable, multiple upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray 1200 with different decorations can be prepared and swapped to apply decorations according to the type of gaming machine, thereby increasing the variety of decorations for the gaming machine. Furthermore, since the upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray 1204 and lower 1206 can be swapped simply by removing the lower tray cover 1208, the design of the lower tray can be easily changed, thereby increasing convenience. 【0221】 <Bottom tray / Bottom tray base> Next, we will explain the lower tray base (base member) 1202 of the lower tray 1200. 【0222】 As shown in Figure 16(a), the lower tray base 1202 is constructed having a bottom surface 1202a made of a plate-like member with a substantially rectangular shape, a vertical wall 1202b made of a plate-like member that extends upward with the long side at the rear of the bottom surface 1202a as its base, and a left frame 1202c and a right frame 1202d that support both ends of the bottom surface 1202a and the vertical wall 1202b. 【0223】 The vertical wall 1202b has a rectangular opening 1202b1 that allows the sticker mounting unit 1250 located at the rear to be seen, a sound hole 1202b2 from which sound from a speaker (not shown) is output, and a locking hole 1202b3 at each end in the longitudinal direction into which the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray cover 1208 is locked. 【0224】 The left frame 1202c consists of a member with a roughly L-shape in side view, and is configured to include a bottom left support portion 1202c1 that supports the left side of the bottom surface 1202a in front view, a vertical wall left support portion 1202c2 that supports the left side of the vertical wall 1202b in front view, and a left locking claw 1202c3 that can be locked to the left bottom of the front door 1102. 【0225】 The left support portion 1202c1 on the bottom surface of the left frame 1202c has a left claw locking hole 1202e into which the left claw 1206a of the lower tray design sheet 1206 can be locked, and the left support portion 1202c2 on the vertical wall of the left frame 1202c has a left claw locking hole 1202g into which the left claw 1204a of the upper tray design sheet 1204 can be locked. 【0226】 The right frame 1202d consists of a member with a roughly L-shape in side view and is configured to include a bottom right support portion 1202d1 that supports the right side of the bottom surface 1202a in front view, a vertical wall right support portion 1202d2 that supports the right side of the vertical wall 1202b in front view, and a right locking claw 1202d3 that can be locked to the right bottom of the front door 1102. 【0227】 The right support portion 1202d1 on the bottom surface of the right frame 1202d has a right claw locking hole (not shown) into which the right claw 1206b of the lower tray design sheet 1206 can be locked, and the right support portion 1202d2 on the vertical wall of the right frame 1202d has a right claw locking hole (not shown) into which the right claw 1204b of the upper tray design sheet 1204 can be locked. 【0228】 As will be explained in more detail later, the lower tray design sheet 1206 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, and the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b have different shapes. For this reason, the left claw locking hole 1202g into which the left claw 1206a can be locked and the right claw locking hole (not shown) into which the right claw 1206b can be locked also have different shapes. 【0229】 <Bottom tray / Top of bottom tray design sheet> Next, we will describe the lower tray design sheet (first decorative member) 1204 of the lower tray 1200. 【0230】 As shown in Figure 16(a), the lower tray design sheet 1204 is a translucent plate-like member that is substantially the same shape as the vertical wall 1202b of the lower tray base 1202, and is configured to be detachable from the vertical wall 1202b. 【0231】 The lower tray design sheet 1204 is composed of a left claw 1204a (protruding piece) that can be locked into the left claw locking hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c, a right claw 1204b (protruding piece) that can be locked into the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d, a cover portion 1204c that covers the rectangular opening 1202b1 of the vertical wall 1202b, and a circular sound hole 1204d formed at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1202b2 of the vertical wall 1202b. 【0232】 The lower tray design sheet 1204 can be attached to the lower tray base 1202 by first placing it on the vertical wall 1202b of the lower tray base 1202 and positioning it, then engaging the left claw 1204a with the left claw locking hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c, and engaging the right claw 1204b with the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d. 【0233】 On the other hand, the lower tray design sheet upper 1204 can be removed from the lower tray base 1202 by releasing the left claw 1204a from the left claw locking hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c and releasing the right claw 1204b from the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d. 【0234】 In this example, the lower tray design sheet 1204 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, with the upper and lower claws of the left claw 1204a and the right claw 1204b having different shapes. 【0235】 In this example, because the upper and lower tabs of the left tab 1204a and right tab 1204b of the lower tray design sheet upper 1204 have different shapes, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as installing the lower tray design sheet upper 1204 upside down when attaching it to the vertical wall 1202b, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0236】 Furthermore, since two left claws 1204a and a right claw 1204b are provided on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the lower tray design sheet 1204, if the lower tray design sheet 1204 is forcibly removed, the left claw 1204a and the right claw 1204b are easily damaged, leaving traces of removal, which makes it easier to detect fraudulent activity. 【0237】 In this example, the upper part 1204 of the lower tray design sheet is symmetrical when viewed from the front, and the shapes of the left claw 1204a and the right claw 1204b are identical. However, as with the lower part 1206 of the lower tray design sheet described later, the shapes of the left claw 1204a and the right claw 1204b may be different. 【0238】 <Bottom tray / Bottom tray design sheet underneath> Next, we will describe the lower tray design sheet (second decorative member) 1206 of the lower tray 1200. 【0239】 As shown in Figure 16(a), the lower tray design sheet 1206 is a translucent plate-like member that has substantially the same shape as the bottom surface 1202a of the lower tray base 1202, and is configured to be detachable from the bottom surface 1202a. 【0240】 The lower tray design sheet 1206 is composed of a left claw 1206a (protruding piece) that can be locked into the left claw locking hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c, and a right claw 1206b (protruding piece) that can be locked into the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d. 【0241】 The lower tray design sheet 1206 can be attached to the lower tray base 1202 by placing it on the bottom surface 1202a of the lower tray base 1202, then engaging the left claw 1206a with the left claw locking hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c, and engaging the right claw 1206b with the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d. 【0242】 On the other hand, the lower tray design sheet 1206 can be removed from the lower tray base 1202 by releasing the left claw 1206a from the left claw locking hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c, and releasing the right claw 1206b from the right claw locking hole of the right frame 1202d. 【0243】 In this example, the lower tray design sheet 1206 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, with the size of the left claw 1206a being larger than the size of the right claw 1206b. 【0244】 In this example, because the left tab 1206a and the right tab 1206b of the lower tray design sheet 1206 have different shapes, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as installing the lower tray design sheet 1206 on the bottom surface 1202a in the wrong direction, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0245】 Furthermore, since two left claws 1206a and a right claw 1206b are provided on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the lower tray design sheet 1206, if the lower tray design sheet 1206 is forcibly removed, the left claws 1206a and the right claws 1206b are easily damaged, leaving traces of removal, which makes it easier to detect fraudulent activity. 【0246】 Furthermore, the lower tray design sheet 1206 in this example has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, with the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206a formed only on the upper part of the lower tray design sheet 1206. 【0247】 In this example, since the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206a are formed only on the upper part of the lower tray design sheet 1206, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as installing the lower tray design sheet 1206 upside down when attaching it to the bottom surface 1202a, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0248】 In this example, the lower tray design sheet 1206 is made asymmetrical both horizontally and vertically when viewed from the front, and the shapes of the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b are different. However, similar to the upper tray design sheet 1204, the shapes of the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b may be made identical by making the upper tray design sheet symmetrical when viewed from the front. 【0249】 <Bottom tray / Bottom tray cover> Next, we will describe the lower tray cover (cover member) 1208 of the lower tray 1200. 【0250】 As shown in Figure 16(a), the lower tray cover 1208 is a tray-shaped member that can be housed in the space formed by the bottom surface 1202a, vertical wall 1202b, left frame 1202c, and right frame 1202d of the lower tray base 1202. 【0251】 The bottom tray cover 1208 is composed of a bottom surface 1208a made of a plate-like member with a roughly rectangular shape, a rear vertical wall 1208b made of a plate-like member extending upward from the long side at the rear of the bottom surface 1208a as its base, a front vertical wall 1208c made of a plate-like member extending vertically from the long side at the front of the bottom surface 1208a as its base, a left frame 1208d and a right frame 1208e disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface 1208a, and a support piece 1208f extending towards the rear from the lower end of the front vertical wall 1208c as its base. 【0252】 The back vertical wall 1208b is configured to have a sound hole 1208b1 formed at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1202b2 of the lower dish base 1202, and two locking claws 1208b2 that can be locked to the vertical wall 1202b of the lower dish base 1202. 【0253】 The lower dish cover 1208 is positioned with respect to the lower dish base 1202 in a state where the lower dish design sheet upper 1204 and the lower dish design sheet lower 1206 are attached, such that the bottom surface 1208a and the support piece 1208f sandwich the upper and lower sides of the bottom surface 1202a of the lower dish base 1202. After positioning, the two locking claws 1208b2 are locked to the locking holes 1202b3 formed at both ends of the vertical wall 1202b, respectively, so that the lower dish cover 1208 can be attached to the lower dish base 1202. 【0254】 <Lower dish / Lower dish cover / Locking claw> FIG. 16(b) is a partially enlarged view of the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower dish base 1202 as viewed from above. 【0255】 The locking claw 1208b2 is composed of a base portion 1208b21 made of a plate-like member, and a locking portion 1208b22 formed to project outward in the longitudinal direction of the back vertical wall 1208b with the tip of this base portion 1208b21 as the base end. 【0256】 In this example, the angle α formed by the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is approximately 90 degrees. 【0257】 When the angle α formed by the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is made an obtuse angle (for example, 135 degrees) rather than 90 degrees, when pulling out the locking claw 1208b2 to remove the lower dish cover 1208 from the lower dish base 1202, the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower dish cover 1208 can be easily removed from the locking hole 1202b3 of the lower dish base 1202, and no trace of removing the lower dish cover 1208 from the lower dish base 1202 can be left on the locking claw 1208b2. 【0258】 On the other hand, in this example, the angle α between the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is acute (approximately 85 degrees in this example). Therefore, when pulling out the locking claw 1208b2 to remove the lower tray cover 1208 from the lower tray base 1202, it becomes difficult to remove the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray cover 1208 from the locking hole 1202b3 of the lower tray base 1202. This prevents fraudulent acts such as removing the lower tray cover 1208, and also leaves a trace on the locking claw 1208b2 indicating that the lower tray cover 1208 has been removed from the lower tray base 1202, allowing for detection of fraudulent activity. 【0259】 Note that the angle α formed in this case is not limited to this example; it may be acute (e.g., 70 degrees) or obtuse (e.g., 100 degrees) than 85 degrees. 【0260】 <Bottom tray / Bottom tray cover / Bottom and back vertical wall> Figure 16(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the bottom surface 1208a and the rear vertical wall 1208b of the lower tray cover 1208. 【0261】 In this example, the thickness a of the corner (R-section) spanning from the base surface 1208a to the back vertical wall 1208b is configured to be greater than the thickness b of the base surface 1208a (a>b). 【0262】 Specifically, the inner wall of the corner has a higher curvature than the outer wall of the corner in order to maximize the volume of the lower tray cover 1208. 【0263】 On the other hand, the outer wall of the corner has a lower curvature than the inner wall of the corner in order to prevent it from coming into contact with and damaging the upper 1204 and lower 1206 of the lower tray design sheet when attaching or detaching the lower tray cover 1208, while at the same time ensuring the strength of the lower tray cover 1208 by giving the corner thickness. 【0264】 <Bottom tray / Bundle> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, a medalless slot machine) is characterized by comprising a lower tray on which articles can be placed (for example, a lower tray 1200 shown in Figure 15), the lower tray comprising a base member (for example, a lower tray base 1202 shown in Figure 16(a)) that can be attached to a door body (for example, a front door 1102 shown in Figure 15), a first decorative member with decoration (for example, the upper part of the lower tray design sheet 1204 shown in Figure 16(a)), a second decorative member with decoration (for example, the lower part of the lower tray design sheet 1206 shown in Figure 16(a)), and a cover member (for example, a lower tray cover 1208 shown in Figure 16(a)) that can be attached to the base member while covering the first and second decorative members. 【0265】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, multiple sets of first and second decorative members with different decorations are prepared, and by exchanging the first and second decorative members, decorations can be applied according to the model of the gaming machine, increasing the variety of decorations for the gaming machine. Furthermore, since the first and second decorative members can be replaced simply by removing the cover member, the design of the lower tray can be easily changed, thereby improving convenience. 【0266】 Furthermore, the first decorative member or the second decorative member (for example, the lower tray design sheet 1206 shown in Figure 16(a)) may have a first protruding piece (for example, the left claw 1206a shown in Figure 16(a)) on one side in the longitudinal direction and a second protruding piece (for example, the right claw 1206b shown in Figure 16(a)) on the other side in the longitudinal direction, and the first and second protruding pieces may have different shapes. 【0267】 With this configuration, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as attaching the first or second decorative member to the base member in the wrong direction, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0268】 Furthermore, the cover member may consist of a box-shaped member, and the inner wall of the corner where the bottom surface and back surface of the cover member intersect may have a higher curvature than the outer wall of the corner. 【0269】 With this configuration, the volume of the cover member can be made as large as possible, and when attaching or detaching the cover member from the base member, the first and second decorative members can be avoided from being damaged, while at the same time, the strength of the base member can be ensured by adding thickness to the corners. 【0270】 Furthermore, the cover member is equipped with a locking claw (for example, the locking claw 1208b2 shown in Figure 16(a)) that can be locked onto the base member, and the locking claw is composed of a base portion (for example, the base portion 1208b21 shown in Figure 16(b)) and a locking portion (for example, the locking portion 1208b22 shown in Figure 16(b)) that is formed to protrude from the tip of the base portion, and the angle between the base portion and the locking portion (for example, the angle α shown in Figure 16(b)) may be an acute angle (an angle smaller than 90 degrees; preferably 75 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees). 【0271】 With this configuration, when pulling out the locking tabs to remove the cover member from the base member, it becomes difficult to remove the locking tabs of the cover member from the base member, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as removing the cover member. Furthermore, it leaves traces on the locking tabs indicating that the cover member has been removed from the base member, allowing for detection of fraudulent activity. 【0272】 <Stamp mounting unit> Next, the sticker mounting unit 1250 will be explained using Figures 17 to 19. 【0273】 Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of the sticker mounting unit 1250 as seen from the front, and Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the sticker mounting unit 1250 as seen from the rear. 【0274】 The sticker attachment unit 1250 comprises a transparent sheet 1252 (sticker holding means) capable of holding the sticker, and a sticker cover 1254 (attachment means) to which the transparent sheet 1252 can be attached. 【0275】 Here, the "certificate paper" refers to a paper medium on which information related to the gaming table is displayed. For example, it includes combination certificates issued by the Japan Electric Association (pachislot manufacturer group) or the Japan Pachinko Machine Manufacturers Association, as well as patent certificates, etc. 【0276】 <Certificate paper attachment unit / Transparent sheet> Next, the transparent sheet 1252 (certificate paper holding means) of the certificate paper attachment unit 1250 will be described. 【0277】 As shown in Fig. 17(a), the transparent sheet 1252 is made of a resin sheet having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and one or more certificate papers 1252a can be attached to the front surface (or back surface). 【0278】 Note that the material of the "certificate paper holding means" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, paper, a metal plate, or the like. Also, the method of holding by the "certificate paper holding means" is not particularly limited, and for example, the certificate paper may be attached using double-sided tape or the like, or pockets, slits, or the like for holding the certificate paper may be formed. 【0279】 <Certificate paper attachment unit / Certificate paper cover> Next, the certificate paper cover 1254 (attachment means) of the certificate paper attachment unit 1250 will be described. 【0280】 The certificate paper cover 1254 is composed of a front surface 1254a made of a plate-like member, an upper frame 1254b extending rearward with the upper end of the front surface 1254a as the base end, a lower frame 1254c extending rearward with the lower end of the front surface 1254a as the base end, and a left frame 1254d and a right frame 1254e extending rearward with both ends of the front surface 1254a as the base ends. 【0281】 On both sides in the short side direction of the front surface 1254a, fitting grooves 1254a1 into which the upper edge and the lower edge of the transparent sheet 1252 can be fitted are formed from one side to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 1254a. Also, on the left side of the front surface 1254a in a front view, a clamping portion 1254a2 capable of clamping the transparent sheet 1252 is formed. 【0282】 The transparent sheet 1252 is configured to slide to the left when viewed from the front, with its upper and lower edges fitted into the upper and lower fitting grooves 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a. When the transparent sheet 1252 is slid to the left when viewed from the front along the fitting grooves 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a, the left edge of the transparent sheet 1252 is held by the clamping portion 1254a2 of the front surface 1254a, thereby holding the transparent sheet 1252 in place of the sticker cover 1254. 【0283】 On the other hand, when the transparent sheet 1252, which is held in place by the clamping portion 1254a2 of the front surface 1254a, is slid to the right in a front view, the clamping of the transparent sheet 1252 is released, and the transparent sheet 1252 is removed from the sticker cover 1254 by pulling out the upper and lower ends of the transparent sheet 1252 from the fitting groove 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a. 【0284】 The sticker attachment unit 1250 in this example has a sticker holding means (transparent sheet 1252) capable of holding the sticker and an attachment means (sticker cover 1254) to which the sticker holding means (transparent sheet 1252) can be attached. Therefore, the sticker can be easily replaced, improving the convenience of the worker performing the replacement work. 【0285】 As shown in Figures 17(a) and (b), a door fixing portion 1254b1 (fixing portion) is formed in the longitudinal center of the upper edge 1254b of the sticker cover 1254 for fixing the sticker cover 1254 to the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1102. On both sides of this fixing portion 1254b1, insertion portions 1254b2 are formed through which a projection 1288 formed on the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1102 is inserted. 【0286】 As shown in Figure 17(b), the left frame 1254d has two fitting recesses 1254d1 (fitting parts) that can be fitted into two fitting protrusions 1282 (fitted parts) formed on the front door 1102, and the right frame 1254e has a fixing claw 1254e1 (locking part) that can be locked into a fixing claw locking part 1284 (locked part) formed on the front door 1102. 【0287】 <Stamp mounting unit / mounting base> Next, using Figure 18, we will describe the mounting base 1280 to which the sticker mounting unit 1250 can be attached. 【0288】 Figure 18 is an external perspective view of the lower part of the front door 1102, seen from the rear. 【0289】 A mounting base 1280 is provided at the bottom of the front door 1102, on which a sticker attachment unit 1250 can be attached. 【0290】 The mounting base 1280 has a fitting projection 1282 (fitted portion) into which the fitting recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the certificate cover 1254 can be fitted, a fixing claw locking portion 1284 (locking portion) into which the fixing claw 1254e1 of the right frame 1254e of the certificate cover 1254 can be locked, a cover fixing portion 1286 (fixed portion) into which the door fixing portion 1254b1 of the certificate cover 1254 can be fixed, and a projection 1288 into which the insertion portion 1254b2 of the certificate cover 1254 can be inserted. 【0291】 <Stamp mounting unit / mounting method> Next, we will explain how to install the sticker mounting unit 1250 using Figure 19. 【0292】 Figure 19(a) is an external perspective view and schematic diagram showing the state before the sticker mounting unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102, and Figure 19(b) is an external perspective view and schematic diagram showing the state after the sticker mounting unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1101. 【0293】 First, the front door 1102 is rotated in the X direction relative to the main body 1101 around the pivot axis L1, and with the front door 1102 half-open, the fitting recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is fitted into the fitting projection 1282 of the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1101, thereby positioning the left frame 1254d of the sticker mounting unit 1250 (corresponding to the mounting operation of circle 1 in the figure). 【0294】 Next, using the contact point between the fitting recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the sticker mounting unit 1250 and the fitting projection 1282 of the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1101 as the pivot axis L2, the right frame 1254e of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is rotated in the Y direction toward the front door 1102, and the insertion portion 1254b2 of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is inserted into the protruding portion 1288 of the mounting base 1280, and the door fixing portion 1254b1 of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is inserted into the cover fixing portion 1286 of the mounting base 1280. 【0295】 Next, the right frame 1254e of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is rotated further in the Y direction around the pivot axis L2, and the fixing claw 1254e1 of the right frame 1254e is locked to the fixing claw locking portion 1284 of the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1101, thereby temporarily fixing the sticker mounting unit 1250 (corresponding to the mounting operation marked with circle 2 in the figure). 【0296】 Finally, the sticker mounting unit 1250 is fixed to the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1102 by securing the door fixing part 1254b1 of the sticker mounting unit 1250 and the cover fixing part 1286 of the mounting base 1280 with screws 1290. 【0297】 In this example, the sticker mounting unit 1250 can be positioned by fitting the fitting recess 1254d1 of the sticker mounting unit 1250 onto the fitting projection 1282 of the mounting base 1280. This makes the installation of the sticker mounting unit 1250 easier, reduces the burden on the worker, and prevents work errors. 【0298】 Furthermore, since the fitting recess 1254d1 of the sticker mounting unit 1250 is positioned closer to the pivot axis L1 of the front door 1102 than the fixing claw 1254e1 of the sticker mounting unit 1250, when installing the sticker mounting unit 1250, the worker does not need to stand behind the front door 1102 to work. It is sufficient to insert a hand behind the front door 1102 with the front door 1102 slightly open and work from there. This minimizes the amount the front door 1102 is opened during installation, thereby improving the efficiency of installing and removing the sticker mounting unit 1250. 【0299】 Furthermore, since the rotation direction (X direction) when the front door 1102 is opened and the rotation direction (Y direction) when the sticker mounting unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102 are the same, when attaching the sticker mounting unit 1250, the worker does not need to stand behind the front door 1102 to work. It is sufficient to reach behind the front door 1102 with the front door 1102 slightly open and work from there. This minimizes the amount the front door 1102 is opened during the attachment process, thereby improving the efficiency of attaching and removing the sticker mounting unit 1250. 【0300】 Furthermore, since the sticker mounting unit 1250 can be fixed to the front door 1102 using only the fixing claws 1254e1 and screws 1290, the work of installing and removing the sticker mounting unit 1250 is easy, reducing the burden on the worker. 【0301】 <Stamp mounting unit / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, a medalless slot machine, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 13) comprises a door body (for example, a front door 1102 shown in Figure 15) on which a sticker (for example, a sticker 1252a shown in Figure 17(a)) displaying information about the gaming machine can be placed, a sticker holding means (for example, a transparent sheet 1252 shown in Figure 17(a)) capable of holding the sticker, and a mounting means (for example, a sticker cover 1254 shown in Figure 17(a)) to which the sticker holding means can be attached, wherein the mounting means has a locking portion (for example, a fixing claw 1254e1 shown in Figure 19(a)) on one longitudinal side that can be locked to a mounting portion (for example, a mounting base 1280) on the door body, and the mounting means has a fitting portion (for example, a fitting recess 1254d1 shown in Figure 19(a)) on the other longitudinal side that can be fitted into the mounting portion of the door body, and the mounting means is... The game machine is characterized in that it includes a fixing part (for example, a door fixing part 1254b1 shown in Figure 19(a)) for fixing the means to the mounting part of the door body, the mounting part includes a locking part (for example, a fixing claw locking part 1284 shown in Figure 18) into which the locking part of the mounting means can be locked, the mounting part includes a fitting part (for example, a fitting projection 1282 shown in Figure 19(a)) into which the fitting part of the mounting means can be fitted, the mounting part includes a fixed part (for example, a cover fixing part 1286 shown in Figure 19(a)) to which the fixing part of the mounting means can be fixed, the fitting part of the mounting means can be fitted to the door body by fitting the fitting part of the mounting part of the door body, rotating the mounting means toward the mounting part of the door body with the fitting part as the axis of rotation, and locking the locking part of the mounting means to the locking part of the mounting part of the door body. 【0302】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the installation and removal of the mounting means is easy, and the burden on the worker can be reduced. 【0303】 Furthermore, the fitting portion of the mounting means may be positioned closer to the pivot axis of the door body (for example, the pivot axis L1 shown in Figure 19(a)) than the locking portion of the mounting means. 【0304】 With this configuration, when attaching the mounting mechanism to the door, the worker does not need to stand behind the door; they can simply reach behind the door with the door slightly open and perform the work. This minimizes the amount the door is opened during installation, thereby improving the efficiency of attaching and detaching the mounting mechanism. 【0305】 Furthermore, the rotation direction when the door body is opened (for example, the X direction shown in Figure 19(a)) and the rotation direction when the mounting means is attached to the door body (for example, the Y direction shown in Figure 19(a)) may be the same. 【0306】 With this configuration, when attaching the mounting mechanism to the door, the worker does not need to stand behind the door; they can simply reach behind the door with the door slightly open and perform the work. This minimizes the amount the door is opened during installation, thereby improving the efficiency of attaching and detaching the mounting mechanism. 【0307】 <Door relay board> Next, the door relay board 1300 of the medalless slot machine will be explained using Figures 20 to 23. 【0308】 Figure 20(a) is a front view showing a part of the door relay board 1300 of a medalless slot machine. 【0309】 A medalless slot machine (not shown) comprises a door relay board 1300 (board) and a board cover 1302 (cover member) arranged to cover one side surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "component mounting surface"), as shown in Figure 20(a). 【0310】 The door relay board 1300 is a board that corresponds to the door relay board 290 of the slot machine 100, as explained using Figure 14, and is installed on the back side (rear side) of the front door 1102 (see Figure 15) of the medalless slot machine. In Figure 20(a), the dashed line indicated by the symbol L3 indicates the rotation axis of the front door 1102, and the right side of the door relay board 1300 in the longitudinal front view is the side closer to the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102, while the left side of the door relay board 1300 in the longitudinal front view is the side further away from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102. 【0311】 Furthermore, the door relay board 1300 is a board on which operating means are arranged on the component mounting surface 1300a (one side). In this example, instead of the setting change button 292 and reset switch 291 of the door relay board 290 described with reference to Figure 14, a clear switch 1304 and a reset switch 1306 are provided as operating means. These clear switches 1304 and reset switches 1306 are located on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 on the side furthest from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102. 【0312】 Furthermore, the "plate portion" in the present invention is not limited to a substrate, but may be any plate-shaped member. Accordingly, the "operating means" in the present invention is not limited to operating means arranged on a substrate, but may be, for example, an operating means arranged on a plate portion separate from the substrate, an operating means arranged on a plate portion adjacent to the substrate in the longitudinal (or short) direction, an operating means arranged on a plate portion laminated on the surface (or back) of the substrate, or an operating means arranged on a plate portion electrically connected to the substrate via a connector or the like.In addition, although the door relay substrate 1300 is provided on the back side of the front door 1102, it is not limited to this, and a substrate equipped with some kind of operating means (push-type switch, rotary switch, etc.) may be provided on a main frame that can be opened and closed (rotated) around a rotation axis, or on a door frame provided on the main frame, and the invention can also be applied to pachinko game machines with such a configuration. 【0313】 <Door relay board / clear switch> Next, the clear switch 1304 mounted on the door relay board 1300 will be described using Figure 20(b). 【0314】 Figure 20(b) is a magnified view of the area around the clear switch 1304 and reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300. 【0315】 The clear switch 1304 is an operating means capable of clearing game information (e.g., game value information, error information, etc.) related to the progress of the game on the gaming machine (in this example, a coinless slot machine), and in this example, it is composed of a push-button type switch equipped with an operating surface 1304a that accepts operation. 【0316】 The outer diameter (diameter) W1 of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is larger than the inner diameter W2 of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch formed in the circuit board cover 1302 (described later) (W1 > W2). As a result, only a portion of the central operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304a is exposed to the outside through the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch. 【0317】 In this example, pressing the clear switch 1304 clears (initializes) the game value information (information equivalent to the number of medals) and error information stored in the memory means (RWM, etc.). 【0318】 Above the clear switch 1304 on the door relay board 1300, clear switch function information 1308 (in this example, the string "Clear" indicating that it is a clear switch, and a rectangle surrounding this string) is printed (silk-screen printed in this example) to indicate the function of the clear switch 1304. 【0319】 Furthermore, below the clear switch function information 1308, clear switch identification information 1310 (in this example, the string "SW3" indicating that the identification code is SW3) and clear switch placement information 1312 (in this example, a rectangular shape) indicating the placement location (mounting location) of the clear switch 1304 are printed (silk-screen printed in this example). In addition, the words "Medal count cleared" are engraved near the clear switch 1304 on the circuit board cover 1302 (cover member). 【0320】 Furthermore, the ratio of the outer diameter (diameter) W1 of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 to the inner diameter W2 of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch is not limited to the ratio shown in Figure 20(b). The inner diameter of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch only needs to be large enough to allow the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 to be operated by a person's finger or the like. Also, the shape of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 and the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch are not limited to circles. For example, they may be elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or polygons with pentagons or more. 【0321】 <Door relay board / reset switch> Next, we will describe the reset switch 1306 that is mounted on the door relay board 1300. 【0322】 The reset switch 1306 is an operating means capable of clearing error information (e.g., door open error) related to errors in at least the gaming machine (in this example, a coinless slot machine), and in this example, it is a push-button type switch equipped with an operating surface 1306a that accepts operation. 【0323】 The outer diameter (diameter) W1 of the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is the same as the outer diameter W1 of the clear switch 1304, and is also the same as the inner diameter W1 of the reset switch opening 1330a1 formed in the circuit board cover 1302, which will be described later. As a result, the entire operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is exposed to the outside through the reset switch opening 1330a1. 【0324】 In this example, pressing the reset switch 1306 clears (initializes) the error information stored in the memory means (RWM, etc.), thereby resolving the error. Alternatively, the reset switch 1306 may be used to switch the setting value in the setting change state. 【0325】 Above the reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300, reset switch function information 1314 (in this example, the string "reset" and a rectangle surrounding this string) indicating the function of the reset switch 1306 is printed (silk-screen printed in this example). 【0326】 Furthermore, below the reset switch function information 1314, reset switch identification information 1316 (in this example, the string "SW2" indicating that the identification symbol is SW2) and reset switch placement information 1318 (in this example, a rectangular shape) indicating the placement (mounting position) of the reset switch 1306 are printed (silk-screen printed in this example). In addition, the words "Reset Setting" are engraved near the clear switch 1306 on the circuit board cover 1302 (cover member). 【0327】 In this example, the outer diameters W1 of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 are the same, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer diameters may be different. Also, the shape of the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 and the opening 1330a1 for the reset switch are not limited to a circle, but may be, for example, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a polygon with pentagons or more. Furthermore, although the outer diameter W1 of the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 and the inner diameter W1 of the opening 1330a1 for the reset switch are the same, a structure similar to that of the operating surface 1304a and the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch 1304 may be adopted. 【0328】 <Door relay board / component> Next, we will describe the components mounted on the door relay board 1300. 【0329】 As shown in Figure 20(a), multiple components are mounted (arranged) on the door relay board 1300. 【0330】 The "components" mounted on the "substrate" according to the present invention are not particularly limited, but in this example, the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay substrate 1300 is mounted with active components such as a display unit 1320 consisting of 7-segment LEDs and various ICs 1322, passive components 1324 such as resistors, resistor arrays, capacitors, and coils, and mechanical components such as connectors 1326. 【0331】 Note that among the passive components 1324, resistors are components with the symbol "R" printed (silk-screened) nearby, resistor arrays among the passive components 1324 are components with the symbol "RA" printed (silk-screened) nearby, and capacitors among the passive components 1324 are components with the symbol "C" printed (silk-screened) nearby. 【0332】 In this example, the connector 1326 is provided from the clear switch 1304 through a predetermined area (with space) in the longitudinal direction of the door relay board 1300, and in this predetermined area, the longitudinal direction of the passive component 1324 (a certain component; in this example, elongated resistors R26, R29~R31, R36~R38, elongated capacitors C12~C14, and elongated resistor array RA1) is provided so that it is parallel to the short direction of the door relay board 1300 (the vertical direction in Figure 20(a)). 【0333】 In this example, when a cable is plugged into or unplugged from the connector 1326, or when the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is pressed, stress is applied to the door relay board 1300 during the pressing operation, causing distortion (deformation) in the door relay board 1300. This prevents the components mounted on the door relay board 1300 from being indirectly damaged, thus preventing component deterioration and failure. 【0334】 <Circuit board cover> Next, the substrate cover 1302 (cover member) will be described using Figure 21(a). 【0335】 Figure 21(a) is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 20(a). 【0336】 The substrate cover 1302 is a dish-shaped transparent component that is positioned to cover the entire component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay substrate 1300, and in this example, it is made of colorless transparent plastic. 【0337】 Furthermore, the "cover member" according to the present invention may be any member that covers at least a portion of one side of a substrate (for example, a door relay substrate 1300). For example, it may be a member that does not cover the connector 1326, reset switch 1306, indicator 1320, etc., located on the door relay substrate 1300, but covers the clear switch 1304. 【0338】 The substrate cover 1302 consists of a top surface 1330 that is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and side surfaces 1332 that extend from the four sides of the top surface 1330 as base ends. 【0339】 The upper surface 1330 of the substrate cover 1302 is configured to have a base surface 1330a extending in a direction perpendicular to the uppermost part of the side surface 1332 (horizontal direction in side view), an inclined surface 1330b extending from the end of the base surface 1330a in the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a and in the direction opposite to the clear switch 1304, and a raised surface 1330c formed at the uppermost part of the inclined surface 1330b. 【0340】 Hereinafter, the inclined surface 1330b and the raised surface 1330c, which are raised (protruding) in the thickness direction relative to the flat base surface 1330a, may be collectively referred to as the raised portions 1330b and 1330c. 【0341】 A circular reset switch opening 1330a1 is formed on the base surface 1330a of the upper surface 1330, which allows operation of the reset switch 1306. This reset switch opening 1330a1 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter W1 of the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306. When the circuit board cover 1302 is attached to the door relay circuit board 1300, the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is exposed to the outside through the reset switch opening 1330a1, allowing the reset switch 1306 to be pressed. 【0342】 In this example, the base surface 1330a of the upper surface 1330 and the operating surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 are made almost flush, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one surface may be higher or lower than the other surface. 【0343】 A circular opening 1330c1 for the clear switch 1304 is formed on the raised surface 1330c of the upper surface 1330, which allows operation of the clear switch 1304. This opening 1330c1 has an inner diameter W2 that is smaller than the outer diameter W1 of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304. When the substrate cover 1302 is attached to the door relay substrate 1300, the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is not exposed to the outside through the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch, but is located below the opening 1330c1 (below the raised parts 1330b and 1330c). 【0344】 In other words, the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is covered on its outer periphery by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c, but the central part of the clear switch 1304 can be contacted through the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch formed in the raised surface 1330c, and the clear switch 1304 can be pressed by a person's finger or the like. 【0345】 In this example, since raised portions 1330b and 1330c are formed around the opening 1330c1 (opening) for the clear switch 1304 (operating means) that enables operation of the clear switch, it is possible to operate the clear switch 1304 (operating means) by touch using the raised portions 1330b and 1330c as a guide, even without visually inspecting the clear switch 1304 (operating means), thereby improving convenience for employees of amusement parlors and other staff. 【0346】 Furthermore, the circuit board cover 1302 is equipped with a raised surface 1330c (covering portion) that covers a part of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 (operating means), thereby preventing accidental operation and making it difficult to insert unauthorized tools through the opening 1330c1 (opening) for the clear switch. In addition, even if a worker's clothing or equipment accidentally touches the clear switch 1304 (operating means), it will not be operated by the clear switch 1304 (operating means), thus avoiding trouble during the operating hours of the amusement parlor and preventing unintended operation during maintenance work after closing hours. 【0347】 Furthermore, the "operating means" according to the present invention is not limited to an operating means (for example, a clear switch 1304) that can clear game information related to the progress of the game on the gaming machine, but may also be a reset switch (for example, a reset switch 1306 as described with reference to Figure 20) that can clear an error, or a setting change button (for example, a setting change button 292 as described with reference to Figure 13) that can change settings. 【0348】 Furthermore, the "raised portion" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a portion that rises in the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a toward the clear switch 1304, with the end of the base surface 1330a as the base end (i.e., a portion that rises in the opposite direction to the raised portions 1330b and 1330c in this example). Alternatively, it may be a portion that rises on both sides of the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a, with the end of the base surface 1330a as the base end. In this configuration, where the "raised portion" rises from the substrate case toward the substrate (clear switch 1304), the functional information displayed on the substrate is positioned across the raised portion and the upper surface of the substrate case, and the visibility of the functional information is reduced in the first portion where the functional information and the raised portion overlap, while the visibility of the functional information is not reduced in the second portion (the portion where the functional information and the raised portion do not overlap) toward the upper surface of the substrate case. Furthermore, this invention can be applied not only to functional information but also to identification information such as "SW3". In addition, although the present invention has a configuration in which the functional information is located across the raised portion and the base surface 1330a, it is not limited to this, and the functional information may be displayed across the exposed portion not covered by the substrate case and the raised portion. In such a configuration, the visibility of the first portion where the functional information and the raised portion overlap may be reduced, and the visibility of the second portion where the functional information is exposed by the exposed portion may not be reduced as much as that of the first portion. This also applies even if the "raised portion" is raised in the opposite direction from the substrate, or raised toward the substrate. Furthermore, this invention can be applied not only to functional information but also to identification information such as "SW3". 【0349】 Also, as an example of bulging toward the clear switch 1304, it may be as shown in FIG. 22. For example, a recessed portion 1330d may be formed from the base surface 1330a toward the clear switch 1304, and raised portions 1330b and 1330c may be formed from the deepest part of the recessed portion 1330d toward the base surface 1330a. By doing so, when the base surface 1330a is slid with the hand, the finger enters the recessed portion 1330d, making it easier to identify the position of the clear switch 1304, and the opening can be grasped by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c. Also, the dimension of the recessed portion 1330d is D1, the dimension of the raised portion 1330b is D3, and the dimension of the depth into which the finger enters as the difference is D2. At this time, the size relationship is "D1 > D2 > D3", and since D2 is larger in dimension than D3, it becomes easier to recognize that it is recessed. Note that "D2 < D3" may also be possible, and by doing so, it becomes easier to access the clear switch 1304 even when the finger is thick. Furthermore, the operation surface of the clear switch 1304 is covered by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c, and since the operation surface looks large due to the deformation by the raised portions, it is easier to recognize the clear switch 1304 even when viewed visually. In the illustrated example, the innermost part (lower end part) of the recessed portion 1330d is formed at the outer periphery of the operation surface of the clear switch 1304 (it can also be said that the connecting portion between the recessed portion 1330d and the raised portion 1330b is formed at the outer periphery of the operation surface), and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c are configured to be formed on the operation surface of the clear switch 1304, and it is intended to prevent unintended operation detection by ensuring that even if the raised portions 1330b and 1330c are strongly pushed in, they do not reach the operation surface due to deflection.However, the configuration is not limited to this one. The innermost part (lower end) of the recessed portion 1330d may be formed on the operating surface of the clear switch 1304 (it can also be said that the connecting portion between the recessed portion 1330d and the raised portion 1330b is formed on the operating surface), and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c may also be formed on the operating surface of the clear switch 1304. In this way, even if a finger cannot be inserted into the opening having an inner diameter W2, the operating surface can be operated by the bending of the raised portions 1330b and 1330c through flexure, thus ensuring operability of the clear switch 1304 even for operators with large fingers. 【0350】 Furthermore, the shape of the raised portion is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a tapered shape that narrows towards the tip, a portion composed of a vertical surface and a horizontal surface in a side view, a portion composed only of an inclined surface in a side view, or a portion composed only of a vertical surface in a side view. 【0351】 Figure 21(c) shows a modified example of the "raised portion" according to the present invention. 【0352】 The cover member 1352 in this example comprises a rectangular opening 1352a that allows operation of the clear switch 1354 (operating means), and a lid 1352b (raised portion) having a predetermined thickness that is positioned to cover the opening 1352a and is attached to the opening 1352a in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. In other words, in this example, the opening 1352a and the lid 1352b (raised portion) are separate components. 【0353】 In this example, the clear switch 1354 can be pressed through the opening 1352a by hooking the cover 1352b with a fingertip or the like and opening it. 【0354】 In this example, since a cover 1352b (raised portion) is formed around the opening 1352a that enables the operation of the clear switch 1354 (operating means), it is possible to operate the clear switch 1354 (operating means) by touch using the cover 1352b (raised portion) as a guide, even without visually inspecting the clear switch 1354 (operating means), thereby improving convenience for employees of amusement parlors and other staff. 【0355】 Furthermore, in this example, the axis of rotation of the lid 1352b is at the left end of the lid 1352b, and is on the opposite side from the axis of rotation L3 of the front door 1102 (because the direction in which the lid 1352b is opened and the direction in which the front door 1102 is opened are different). Therefore, when pressing the clear switch 1354 with the front door 1102 open, it is easier to hook the lid 1352b with a fingertip or the like, thereby improving operability. 【0356】 The configuration of the cover member is not limited to this example. For example, the cover member may have a circular opening 1352a' that allows operation of the clear switch 1354 (operating means), a ring-shaped raised portion 1352b' formed along the outer circumference of the circular opening 1352a', and a flat portion 1352c arranged around the ring-shaped raised portion 1352b'. 【0357】 In this cover member, the inner diameter of the circular opening 1352a' is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the clear switch 1354, and the ring-shaped protrusion 1352b' has a shape that protrudes upward (towards the front in Figure 21(c)) above the operating surface of the clear switch 1354. 【0358】 Therefore, when the cover member is closed, the clear switch 1354 can be pressed through the opening 1352a', while the raised portion 1352b' is positioned on the outer edge of the opening 1352a', thus preventing accidental operation of the clear switch 1354. 【0359】 In addition to the above example, a cover 1352b may also be provided. When a cover 1352b is provided, the cover 1352b and the raised portion 1352b' are configured to come into contact with each other, so that the cover 1352b and the operating surface of the clear switch 1354 do not come into contact. In other words, the raised portion 1352b' comes into contact with the cover 1352b before the operating surface of the clear switch 1354, thus preventing the clear switch 1354 from being pressed while the cover 1352b is closed. 【0360】 When the cover member is closed, a portion of the clear switch function information 1358 (for example, the lower half of "Clear") is located below the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member. Therefore, the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member overlap each other in the vertical direction (the first portion). 【0361】 Therefore, when viewing the clear switch function information 1358 from above through the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, visibility is reduced by the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and a portion of the clear switch function information 1358 (the lower half of "Clear") appears blurred compared to when viewed through the flat portion 1352c without the raised portion. 【0362】 On the other hand, another part of the clear switch function information 1358 (for example, the upper half of the word "Clear") is located below the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and not below the flat portion 1352c, so the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction (the second part). 【0363】 Therefore, when viewing the clear switch function information 1358 from above through the flat portion 1352c, visibility is not reduced by the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and another part of the clear switch function information 1358 (the upper half of the word "Clear") is clearly visible compared to when viewed through the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member. 【0364】 The clear switch function information 1358, which indicates the function of the clear switch 1354 (operating means), must be placed near the clear switch 1354 (operating means) to make it difficult to understand its function. However, if the clear switch 1354 (operating means) is too close, the raised portion 1352b' may reduce its visibility. On the other hand, if the clear switch function information 1358 is placed in a part where the raised portion 1352b' does not reduce visibility, the distance from the clear switch 1354 (operating means) will be too great, and it may become difficult to understand what function the information indicates. 【0365】 However, in this example, the clear switch function information 1358 is composed of a first part whose visibility is reduced by the raised portion 1352b' (the part where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' overlap each other) and a second part whose visibility is higher than the first part (the part where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' do not overlap each other). Therefore, even if the clear switch function information 1358 overlaps with the raised portion 1352b', the identifiability of the clear switch function information 1358 is ensured, and it is also possible to identify whether it is a function indication of the clear switch function information 1358, thereby maintaining maintainability. 【0366】 <Circuit board cover / component> Next, using Figure 21(a), the relationship between the substrate cover 1302 and the components mounted on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay substrate 1300 will be explained. 【0367】 Here, the "maximum height" described in this example refers to the maximum height relative to the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, with h1 being the maximum height of the resistor R31 of the passive component 1324, h2 being the maximum height of the indicator 1320, h3 being the maximum height of the resistor array RA1 of the passive component 1324, h4 being the maximum height of the connector 1326, h5 being the maximum height of the clear switch 1304 (height when not pressed), and h6 being the maximum height of the board cover 1302. 【0368】 In this example, the relationship of the maximum heights is h1 < h2 < h3 < h4 < h5 < h6, and the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 is configured such that no component with a height higher than the maximum height h5 of the clear switch 1304 is provided. 【0369】 According to this example, since no component that obstructs the visibility and operability of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is arranged on the door relay board 1300 (board), the visibility and operability of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) can be improved. Further, when the display 1320 emits light, since it is lower than the maximum height (height when not pressed) h5 of the clear switch 1304, shadows are likely to form and the light emission is made prominent. Note that since the height of the display 1320 is lower than the height when pressed, the light emission is prominent even during pressing. On the other hand, even when the height of the display 1320 is set higher than the connector 3126, the collective resistance RA1 of the passive components 1324, and the clear switch 1304 (operating means), the visibility is not obstructed and the viewing is easy. 【0370】 Particularly, on the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 than the clear switch 1304 (operating means) (the left side of the clear switch 1304 in Fig. 21(a)), since it is configured such that no component with a height higher than the maximum height h5 of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is provided, when a store clerk or the like of a game parlor opens the front door 1102 and operates the clear switch 1304 (operating means), the components mounted on the board do not get in the way, the visibility in front of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) can be enhanced, and the operability of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) can be improved. 【0371】 Furthermore, "tall components" may include all or at least some of the following: active components such as diodes and ICs, passive components such as resistors and capacitors, and mechanical components such as connectors and switches. Also, "the side of the front door 1102 that is further from the rotation axis L3 than the clear switch 1304 (operating means)" may refer to the side of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) that is further from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 in the left-right direction, or the side of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) that is further from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 in the up-down direction, or it may include both or either of these. Even if an unauthorized or fraudulent component is installed on the mounting portion (connection portion) of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) to the circuit board, the visibility around the operating means can be ensured, making inspection work easier. Furthermore, because inspection work is easier, it also contributes to deterring such fraudulent activities. 【0372】 <Visibility of functional information> Next, we will explain the visibility of functional information using Figure 21(b). Figure 21(b) is a cross-sectional view along the YY line in Figure 20(a). 【0373】 As explained using Figure 20(b), near the clear switch 1304 on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, clear switch function information 1308 (in this example, the string "Clear" indicating that it is a clear switch, and a rectangle surrounding this string) and clear switch placement information 1312 (in this example, a rectangular shape) are printed (silk-screen printed). 【0374】 While functional information is described as being printed using silk screen printing, this is not the only option. It can also be engraved (laser engraved), etched with copper foil, or coated with a paint film to create raised lettering. The paint film (resist) may or may not be applied in the shape of the lettering. In short, it can be said that the circuit board displays a string of characters indicating functional information. 【0375】 In the assembled state in which the door relay board 1300 and the board cover 1302 are assembled, a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the lower half of the character "リ" in "クリア") is located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302. Therefore, the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302 overlap each other in the vertical direction (the first portion). 【0376】 Therefore, as indicated by the symbol A in Figure 21(b), when the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed from above through the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the substrate cover 1302, visibility is reduced by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the substrate cover 1302, and a part of the clear switch function information 1308 (the lower half of the character "リ" in "クリア") appears blurred compared to when viewed through the base surface 1330a of the substrate cover 1302. 【0377】 On the other hand, another part of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the upper half of the character "リ" in "クリア") is located below the base surface 1330a, and not below the raised parts 1330b and 1330c of the circuit board cover 1302. Therefore, the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b and 1330c of the circuit board cover 1302 do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction (the second part). 【0378】 Therefore, as indicated by the symbol B in Figure 21(b), when the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed from above through the base surface 1330a of the substrate cover 1302, visibility is not reduced by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the substrate cover 1302, and another part of the clear switch function information 1308 (the upper half of the character "リ" in "クリア") is clearly visible compared to when viewed through the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the substrate cover 1302. 【0379】 Furthermore, the "assembled state in which the door relay board 1300 and the board cover 1302 are assembled" may refer to a state in which they are removed from the gaming machine or a state in which they are installed on the gaming machine. Also, when the unit is removed from the gaming machine, a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the lower half of the character "リ" in "クリア") will be located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302. However, when the unit is installed on the gaming machine, it goes without saying that a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the lower half of the character "リ" in "クリア") will be located towards the back of the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302. 【0380】 The clear switch function information 1308, which indicates the function of the clear switch 1304 (operating means), must be placed near the clear switch 1304 (operating means) to make it difficult to understand its function. However, if the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is too close, the raised parts 1330b and 1330c may reduce visibility. On the other hand, if the clear switch function information 1308 is placed in a part where visibility is not reduced by the raised parts 1330b and 1330c, the distance from the clear switch 1304 (operating means) will be too great, and it may become difficult to understand what function the information indicates. 【0381】 However, in this example, the clear switch function information 1308 is composed of a first part whose visibility is reduced by the raised parts 1330b and 1330c (the part where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b and 1330c overlap each other) and a second part whose visibility is higher than the first part (the part where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b and 1330c do not overlap each other). Therefore, even if the clear switch function information 1308 overlaps with the raised parts 1330b and 1330c, the identifiability of the clear switch function information 1308 is ensured, and it is also possible to identify whether it is a function indication of the clear switch function information 1308, thereby maintaining maintainability. 【0382】 Furthermore, the first part where visibility is reduced (the part where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b and 1330c overlap) and the second part where visibility is higher than the first part (the part where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b and 1330c do not overlap) may be such that the first part is larger than the second part (they overlap more), the second part is larger than the first part (they do not overlap more), or the sizes of the first and second parts are the same. At least having both overlapping and non-overlapping parts will be effective. Furthermore, as shown by the symbol B in Figure 21(b), the case where the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed from above through the base surface 1330a of the circuit board cover 1302 has been described. However, when viewed from an oblique direction (for example, from diagonally above), the first part may be larger than the second part (there may be more overlapping), the second part may be larger than the first part (there may be more non-overlapping), the size of the first part and the second part may be the same, and at least there should be both overlapping and non-overlapping parts. In this case, when viewed from diagonally above, identification and maintainability can be improved when an administrator is standing and working with the gaming machine installed on an island or mounting stand. Also, when viewed from diagonally below, identification and maintainability can be improved when an administrator is crouching and working with the gaming machine installed on an island or mounting stand. Furthermore, when viewed from an oblique direction (for example, from diagonally upwards), if the raised parts 1330b, 1330c and the clear switch function information 1308 partially or completely overlap in a front view, a first part (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b, 1330c overlap) with reduced visibility when viewed from an oblique direction will be created, as will a second part (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised parts 1330b, 1330c do not overlap) with reduced visibility when viewed from an oblique direction. Also, even if the raised parts 1330b, 1330c and the clear switch function information 1308 do not overlap in a front view, if the raised parts and the function information are close together in a front view, a first part and a second part will be created when viewed from an oblique direction.Here, "proximity" means, for example, that the distance X in a front view between the lower end of the raised portion (the end closer to the identification information) and the upper end of the functional information (the end closer to the raised portion) is preferably 0, or shorter than the shortest distance Y between the functional information and the clear switch 1304. If distance X is longer than distance Y, the clear switch, raised portion, and functional information will be separated, resulting in poor identification. Note that visibility is reduced by the raised portion, but this is not the only way; visibility may be reduced by applying a textured finish or smoked film in place of the raised portion, or in combination with it. 【0383】 Furthermore, in this example, it is possible to operate the clear switch function information 1308 (operating means) by touch using the raised parts 1330b and 1330c as clues, while at the same time, the visibility of a part of the clear switch function information 1308 is ensured, making it easy to identify the function of the clear switch function information 1308 (operating means). Thus, it is possible to improve operability while preventing a decrease in maintainability. 【0384】 Furthermore, in the assembled state in which the door relay board 1300 and the board cover 1302 are assembled, the clear switch placement position information 1312 (a rectangular shape in this example) is located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, and the clear switch placement position information 1312 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302 are configured to overlap each other in the vertical direction. 【0385】 Therefore, when viewing the clear switch placement information 1312 from above through the circuit board cover 1302, visibility is reduced due to the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the circuit board cover 1302, and the clear switch placement information 1312 (a rectangular shape) appears blurred compared to when viewed through the base surface 1330a of the circuit board cover 1302. 【0386】 <Placement of the clear switch> Next, the arrangement of the clear switch 1304 will be explained using Figure 23. Figure 23 is a schematic plan view of the door relay board 1300. 【0387】 Here, if we let L be the length of the long side of the door relay board 1300 and M be the central position on the long side, then the length from one end E of the long side to the central position M is 1 / 2L, and half of that length is 1 / 4L. 【0388】 In this example, the length L11 from one end E of the long side to the center of the reset switch 1306 is shorter than 1 / 4L (L11 < 1 / 4L), and the length L12 from one end E of the long side to the center of the clear switch 1304 is shorter than 1 / 4L (L12 < 1 / 4L). Both the reset switch 1306 and the clear switch 1304 are positioned eccentrically (closer to one end E of the long side) of the door relay board 1300, rather than at the central position M on the long side. 【0389】 In other words, the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 are positioned eccentrically (closer to the end E) of the door relay board 1300, rather than at the longitudinal center position M. 【0390】 Furthermore, the display unit 1320 is positioned eccentrically at one end E of the door relay board 1300, relative to the longitudinal center position M, but is positioned closer to the center position M than the reset switch 1306 and the clear switch 1304, so that it is hidden when the operator operates the reset switch 1306 or the clear switch 130. 【0391】 In this example, when the clear switch 1304 (operating means) or reset switch 1306 (operating means) is pressed, stress is applied to the door relay board 1300, causing distortion (deformation) in the door relay board 1300. This prevents the components mounted on the door relay board 1300 from being indirectly damaged, thus preventing component deterioration and failure. Furthermore, since the display unit 1320 is positioned in a way that makes it easy to hide with the operator's hand, it is possible to prevent the values ​​displayed on the display unit 1320 from being seen. 【0392】 Also, the length L11 from one end E of the long side to the center of the reset switch 1306 is shorter than the length L12 from one end E of the long side to the center of the clear switch 1304 (L11 < L12), and the reset switch 1306 is disposed more eccentrically (at a position closer to one end E of the long side) to one end E of the long side of the door relay board 1300 than the clear switch 1304. 【0393】 Also, as described using FIG. 20(a), the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 are disposed on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 on the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102. 【0394】 According to this example, when performing the pressing operation of the clear switch 1304 or the reset switch 1306, it is not necessary for the operator to stand behind the front door 1102 to perform the operation. Since it is sufficient to insert a hand behind the front door 1102 and perform the operation with the front door 1102 slightly opened, the opening amount of the front door 1102 during the pressing operation can be minimized, and the work efficiency can be improved. 【0395】 Also, even without visually checking the clear switch 1304 (operating means), it is possible to operate the clear switch 1304 (operating means) by groping using the raised portions 1330b and 1330c as clues, which can improve the convenience for store clerks of the game parlor and the like. 【0396】 Furthermore, since no component that obstructs the visibility or operability of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is disposed on the door relay board 1300 (substrate), the visibility and operability of the clear switch 1304 (operating means) can be improved. 【0397】 The arrangement of the "operating means" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, at least one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 (or only one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306) may be arranged eccentrically to the other end F of the door relay board 1300 (closer to the other end F) than the longitudinal center position M, or it may be arranged on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 on the side closer to the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102. With such a configuration, when operating the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306, it is necessary to open the front door 1102 to a greater degree, making it easier to notice that the door is open or in operation. 【0398】 Alternatively, at least one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 (or only one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306) may be provided eccentrically (close to the end in the short direction) at one end of the door relay board 1300 in the short direction. 【0399】 <Door relay board / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, a medalless slot machine, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 13) is a gaming machine comprising a plate portion (for example, the door relay board 1300 shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a)), a cover member (for example, the board cover 1302 shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a)), and operating means (for example, the clear switch 1304, reset switch, and setting change button shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a), wherein the operating means is located on one side of the plate portion. The game machine is characterized in that the cover member is a member that covers at least a part of one side of the plate portion, the cover member is a member having an opening (for example, the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch shown in Figure 21(a)) that enables the operation of the operating means, and the cover member is a member having raised portions (for example, the raised portions 1330b, 1330c shown in Figure 21(a)) formed in the vicinity of the opening (for example, around the entire circumference of the opening, or at least a part of the area around the opening). 【0400】 In gaming machines, initialization and maintenance are routinely performed by staff at the gaming establishment. For example, in some cases, initialization (RWM clear) can be performed by pressing a specific operation switch inside the gaming machine while turning on the power. In other cases, when an error occurs or when replenishing tokens, pressing a specific operation switch inside the gaming machine can clear the error or complete the token replenishment. These specific operation switches inside the gaming machine are frequently used during maintenance and inspection of the gaming machines. 【0401】 However, the placement of these specific control switches varies depending on the gaming machine manufacturer, and even within the same manufacturer, the placement can differ depending on the model of the machine. This meant that employees at gaming parlors had to spend time trying to figure out the placement of these switches for each machine, resulting in poor usability. Furthermore, these specific control switches could be accidentally reset due to misoperation during work or accidental contact with equipment worn by staff, leading to wasted time on maintenance after business hours or causing problems with customers during business hours. There was room for improvement regarding misoperation. 【0402】 According to this embodiment of the gaming machine, since a raised portion is formed around the opening that allows operation of the operating means, it is possible to operate the operating means by touch using the raised portion as a guide without having to look at the operating means, thereby improving convenience for employees of gaming parlors. For this reason, it is possible to provide a gaming machine equipped with an operating switch that improves the usability for employees of gaming parlors and is also effective in preventing accidental operation. 【0403】 Furthermore, the plate portion is a circuit board on which identification information (for example, the clear switch function information 1308 shown in Figures 20(b) and 21(b) (the string "Clear" indicating that it is a clear switch, and a rectangle surrounding this string)) that can identify the operating means is displayed (printed) near the operating means. The identification information may have a first portion (for example, the lower half of the "Ri" character in "Clear") which is less visible due to the raised portion when viewed from the front in the assembled state in which the plate portion and the cover member are assembled, and a second portion (for example, the upper half of the "Ri" character in "Clear") which is more visible than the first portion. 【0404】 Functional information indicating the function of an operating means must be placed near the operating means; otherwise, it becomes difficult to understand its function. However, if the information is placed too close to the operating means, its visibility may be reduced by the raised portion. On the other hand, if the functional information is placed in a part where visibility is not reduced by the raised portion, it will be too far from the operating means, making it difficult to determine what function it represents. However, if the functional information is composed of a first part where visibility is reduced by the raised portion and a second part where visibility is higher than the first part, even if the functional information overlaps with the raised portion, the identifiability of the functional indication can be ensured, and it will also be possible to identify which operating means the functional indication represents, thus maintaining maintainability. 【0405】 Furthermore, the first portion may be the part in which the identification information and the raised portion overlap in a front view in the assembled state, and the second portion may be the part in which the identification information and the raised portion do not overlap in a front view in the assembled state. Also, the identification information may be information indicating the function of the operating means. 【0406】 With this configuration, it is possible to operate the operating mechanism by feel using the raised part as a guide, while at the same time, the visibility of some of the functional information is ensured, making it easy to identify the function of the operating mechanism. Thus, operability is improved while preventing a decrease in maintainability. 【0407】 Furthermore, the operating means is a means equipped with an operating surface that accepts operation (for example, the operating surface 1304a shown in Figures 20(b) and 21(a)), and the cover member may be a member having a covering portion that covers at least a part of the operating surface (for example, the raised surface 1330c shown in Figure 21(a)). 【0408】 This configuration prevents tampering and makes it difficult to insert unauthorized tools through the opening. Furthermore, even if a worker's clothing or equipment accidentally touches the operating mechanism, it will not be operated, thus avoiding trouble during the amusement parlor's operating hours and preventing unintended operation during maintenance work after closing hours. 【0409】 Furthermore, the operating means may be provided eccentrically to one end of the plate portion, rather than to the center in the longitudinal direction. 【0410】 With this configuration, when the operating mechanism is pressed, stress is applied to the circuit board, causing distortion (deformation) in the board. This avoids situations where components mounted on the circuit board are indirectly damaged, thus preventing component deterioration and failure. 【0411】 Furthermore, the device may be equipped with an opening / closing body (for example, the front door 1102 shown in Figure 15), and the plate portion may be a substrate provided on the back side of the opening / closing body, and the substrate may be a substrate on which there are no components taller than the operating means on the side further away from the rotation axis of the opening / closing body (for example, the rotation axis L3 shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a)) than the operating means. 【0412】 With this configuration, when employees of amusement parlors open the front door and operate the control device, the components mounted on the circuit board will not get in the way, improving visibility of the area in front of the control device and thus improving the operability of the control device. 【0413】 Furthermore, the plate portion is a substrate on which a connector (for example, the connector 1326 shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a)) is provided via a predetermined region in the longitudinal direction from the operating means, and the plate portion is a substrate on which a certain component is provided in the predetermined region, and the certain component may be a component (for example, an elongated resistor R29~R31, R36~R38, R26, an elongated capacitor C12~C14, or an elongated resistor array RA1) provided such that the longitudinal direction of the certain component is parallel to the short direction of the plate portion. 【0414】 With this configuration, when cables are plugged in or unplugged from the connector, or when operating means are pressed, stress is applied to the circuit board, causing distortion (deformation) and indirectly damaging the components mounted on the board. This prevents component deterioration and failure. 【0415】 Furthermore, the operating means may be an operating means capable of clearing game information relating to the progress of the game on the game machine (for example, the clear switch 1304 shown in Figures 20(a) and 21(a)). 【0416】 If game information related to the progress of gameplay on a gaming machine (for example, error information or information equivalent to the number of tokens) can be easily cleared, it may be possible to fail to detect fraudulent activity or reset a player's tokens, causing disadvantages to the player and potentially leading to trouble at the gaming parlor. However, by configuring the operating mechanism to be difficult to manipulate, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles and ensure stable operation. 【0417】 Furthermore, the opening may have an inner diameter (for example, an inner diameter W2 shown in Figure 20(b)) smaller than the outer diameter (for example, an outer diameter W1 shown in Figure 20(b)) of the operating surface of the operating means, or it may be an opening with a different shape from the operating surface of the operating means. Also, the cover member may be a member that covers at least a part of the operating surface of the operating means. Also, the substrate may be a substrate on which the operating means is arranged on at least one side. 【0418】 ≪Other≫ Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can also be applied to gaming machines such as sealed gaming machines or medalless slot machines. Here, a "sealed gaming machine" is one in which gaming balls sealed inside the gaming machine are reused in a cyclical manner. In addition, the main control unit, the first sub-control unit, and the second sub-control unit may be configured as a single chip, or the main control unit and the first sub-control unit may be configured to enable bidirectional communication. Alternatively, while bidirectional communication may be enabled between the main control unit and the first sub-control unit, communication from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit may be unidirectional. 【0419】 Furthermore, the slot machine may be a slot machine that operates on a mobile device (smartphone, game console) or personal computer using a program that simulates the operation based on the above configuration, and which only exchanges electronic data without using tokens. In this case, the game medium contains digitized data equivalent to tokens, the insertion of the game medium includes inputting digitized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device), and the payout of the game medium includes outputting digitized data to a predetermined external device (electronic storage device). 【0420】 Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the range of play can be broadened by applying the content described in one of the multiple configurations described in the examples to other configurations. [Explanation of symbols] 【0421】 100 slot machines 110-112 reels 113 Display window 130-132 Bet Button 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 157 Visual Display Device 272,277 speakers 420 Various Lamps 300 Main Control Unit 400 First Sub-control Unit 500 Second Sub-control Unit

Claims

[Claim 1] The first game state is advantageous to the player, A gaming machine comprising a second gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, The aforementioned first game state is a game state controlled within the advantageous period, The second game state is a game state controlled in the advantageous period, The aforementioned first game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The aforementioned second game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The second game state is a game state in which the expected value of acquiring game value is higher than that of the first game state. The aforementioned advantageous period has a predetermined upper limit. If, in the second game state, the predetermined amount is approached and the advantageous period ends, and a new advantageous period begins, and then a specific condition is met in the third game state, the game does not transition to the first game state, and a transition to the second game state is decided. If, in the second game state, the specified amount is approached and the advantageous period ends, and a new advantageous period begins, and if the specific condition is not met in the third game state, the game does not transition to the second game state, and a transition to the first game state is decided. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] The first game state is advantageous to the player, A gaming machine comprising a second gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, The aforementioned first game state is a game state controlled within the advantageous period, The second game state is a game state controlled in the advantageous period, The aforementioned first game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The aforementioned second game state is a game state that informs the player of the operation method, The second game state is a game state in which the expected value of acquiring game value is higher than that of the first game state. The aforementioned advantageous period has a predetermined upper limit. If, in the second game state, the predetermined amount is reached and the advantageous period ends, and a new advantageous period begins, and then a specific condition is met in the third game state, the game does not transition to the first game state, and a transition to the second game state is decided. If, after the specified amount is reached in the second game state and the advantageous period ends, and a new advantageous period begins, the specific condition is not met in the third game state, the game does not transition to the second game state, and a transition to the first game state is decided. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images