JP5204675B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly to a technique for detecting fraudulent acts on a random number generator.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided with a medal slot so that a player can enjoy a game by inserting a predetermined number of medals. The medals necessary for the game can be borrowed with a medal lending machine provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting it into the medal slot of a desired gaming machine.

The operation of the conventional gaming machine was as follows.
First, when the start switch is operated, the start switch is turned on. In response to this, a lottery process is performed by the winning determination means inside the gaming machine. Here, when a predetermined combination is won, a winning flag is set. The rotating reel starts to rotate. When the stop switch is operated, the stop switch is turned on. Then, the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel is stopped. After the stop switches corresponding to all the rotating reels are operated, whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the valid winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed Is determined. When it is determined that the winning is confirmed, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). In other words, only when winning in the lottery process, medals are paid out by winning a winning pattern under a predetermined condition, but when not winning, medals are paid out regardless of how the stop switch is operated. There is no. This is to keep the medal payout at a certain probability. In order to realize this, a random number generator is used in the lottery process.

JP 2007-209413 A JP 2007-236569 A

  Random numbers for use in the lottery are generated using a counter IC that operates with a relatively high-speed clock (for example, 8 MHz). The random number generated in this way will be referred to as a hard random number for the sake of convenience, and a circuit for this will be referred to as a hard random number circuit.

  There has been an example of recent fraudulent attempts to win a jackpot by replacing the counter IC with an IC prepared by the fraudster. Specifically, the soldering of the counter IC mounted on the main board is removed and replaced with a separately prepared IC, or the terminal of the counter IC is cut and soldered to the board instead. It seems that things are being done.

  The cheating IC will probably give a random number value automatically or upon receiving a command from the cheating person. Fraudsters benefit from illegally winning the lottery.

  There has never been such a fraud involving IC exchange, and it is difficult to deal with the conventional fraud prevention technology. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing damage caused by fraud and thereby suppressing fraud by enabling detection of such fraud.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a winning lottery means for performing a lottery based on an operation of a start switch and performing a winning determination based on a result of the lottery.
The winning lottery means extracts a clock generator for generating a clock signal, a random number generator for generating a random number for lottery based on the clock signal, and a random number generated by the random number generator based on the signal of the start switch A random number extractor, a winning determination table for preliminarily storing a correspondence relationship between the random number value related to the lottery and the winning, and a determination for determining the winning of the random value extracted by the random number extractor with reference to the winning determination table And an unauthorized circuit detector that detects that at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor has been replaced (for example, replaced by an unauthorized electronic circuit such as an IC brought in from the outside), A signal switch that receives a signal from a start switch and a signal from the illegal circuit detection unit, selects and outputs one of these signals, or combines and outputs them And a generation unit,
The random number extractor receives a signal from the signal switching synthesis unit, and extracts a random number based on a signal from the unauthorized circuit detection unit together with a signal of the start switch,
The unauthorized circuit detector is
A signal is sent to the random number extractor, a random value is acquired at a predetermined timing, the acquired random value is set as a first random value,
Wait for the elapse of a predetermined first time from the acquisition timing of the first random value,
A signal is sent to the random number extractor after the predetermined first time has elapsed, a random number value is acquired, and the acquired random number value is set as a second random number value,
The first random number value and the second random number value are compared, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor has been replaced with an unauthorized electronic circuit.

The illegal circuit detection unit may monitor the signal of the start switch and acquire the random number value when any of the following (a) to (c) is satisfied.
(A) The start switch has been kept on longer than a predetermined second time. (B) At the predetermined third time, the start switch is turned on more than a predetermined number of times. (C) The direction of pressing the start switch a plurality of times does not match

The random number generator is a counter that operates based on the clock signal;
The random number generator, when the difference between the first random number value and the second random number value does not match the value that the counter should count based on the clock signal at the predetermined first time, It may be determined that at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor has been replaced with an unauthorized electronic circuit.

The random number generator is a counter that operates based on the clock signal;
The predetermined first time that the unauthorized circuit detection unit waits is determined based on, for example, the product of the number that can be counted by the counter and the period of the clock signal.

  The unauthorized circuit detector may change the predetermined first time each time a determination is made.

The unauthorized circuit detection unit includes a ROM that stores a program in advance, a CPU that operates according to the program, and an I / O that performs input / output processing.
The CPU may operate based on a clock signal of the clock generator.

The start switch signal is input to the I / O,
The CPU may receive a signal of the start switch through the I / O and send a signal for extracting a random number to the random number extractor through the I / O.

  According to the present invention, the winning lottery means of the gaming machine is provided with the illegal circuit detection unit for detecting that at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor has been replaced with an illegal electronic circuit. Cheating can be detected.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a block diagram of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of the winning determination means of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a flowchart of the unauthorized circuit detection process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing (timing chart) of the unauthorized circuit detection process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a specific block diagram of the winning determination means of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20 is another specific block diagram of the winning determination means of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a timing chart for operation | movement description of the signal switching / synthesis part which concerns on embodiment of invention.

  A gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided further below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  Further, a start switch 134 (predetermined switch) for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop switches 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. . A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A bet switch 141 is provided below the game display unit 131 and above the stop switch 140. The bet switch 141 is used to reduce the number of stored medals that have been continuously inserted into the medal insertion slot 132 and stored, and replace it with a medal insertion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three rotating reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. A power supply unit 205 is provided between the upper hopper unit 121 and the reel unit 203.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal (coin) selector MS is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector MS rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal with a different outer diameter from a predetermined dimension, iron or iron. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game. The medal selector MS is provided with a sensor (for example, a photo interrupter) (not shown) for detecting the inserted medal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector MS. The medals distributed by the medal selector MS are returned to the player from the payout port 135 through the derivation path 136.

  A player who wants to enjoy a game with a slot machine can first borrow a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and insert a medal directly into the medal slot 132 of the medal slot device. A square window-like game display unit 131 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the slot machine casing. The game display unit 131 is configured so that the symbols of three rotating reels provided in the slot machine can be seen. The reel unit 203 is started to be driven by depressing the start switch 134 on condition that a game medal is inserted. The reel unit 203 is stopped from driving by a stop switch 140.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic structure of the slot machine 100. In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 1 and a sub substrate 2 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 1 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 1 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and a sealing process is performed so that traces remain when the substrates are removed.

  The main board 1 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 1 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. The main board 1 detects that at least one of the winning determination means 1a for performing the winning lottery and the random number generator 2 or the random number extractor 3 included in the winning determination means 1a has been replaced with an illegal electronic circuit. Circuit detector 1b (details of which will be described later).

  The sub board 2 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 1 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 2 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub-board 2 receives a command from the main board 1 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. The flow of commands is only one from the main board 1 to the sub board 2, and conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board 2 to the main board 1.

  The main board 1 includes a start switch 134, a stop switch 140, a reel driving unit 70, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper driving unit 80, a hopper 81, and a medal detection unit for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. 82 is connected. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as a liquid crystal control substrate 200 for controlling a liquid crystal display device (not shown), a speaker 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 2. Hereinafter, these peripheral boards / devices excluding the start switch 134 and the stop switch 140 will be described.

  The reel driving unit 70 is a circuit that drives a stepping motor 155 that rotationally drives three rotating reels. Each stepping motor 155 is 1-2 phase excited by the reel drive circuit 70 and rotates once when a drive signal of a predetermined number of pulses is supplied.

  The reel position detection circuit 71 is provided in the vicinity of the rotating reel, receives an output pulse signal from the photo interrupter 159 for detecting the rotating position of the reel, detects the rotating position of each of the three rotating reels, and detects the detection signal. Output. In the RAM of the main board 1, a count value (specifically, a value obtained by counting pulses for driving the stepping motor) corresponding to a rotation position within one rotation range for each rotation reel is a driving pulse for the stepping motor. When the CPU receives an output pulse (reset pulse) from the reel position detection circuit 71, the CPU clears the count value formed in the RAM to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor is eliminated every rotation.

  The hopper driving unit 80 is a circuit that drives a motor of a hopper 81 that stores medals and pays out the number of medals corresponding to the designated winning.

  The medal detection unit 82 is for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. The CPU of the main board 1 stops the driving by the hopper driving unit 80 when the medal count value actually paid out received from the medal detection unit 82 reaches predetermined payout number data corresponding to the winning. Finish paying out. The hopper driving circuit 80 and the medal detection unit 82 pay out a predetermined number of medals to the player based on a winning obtained as a result of the game.

The liquid crystal control board 200 is a circuit for driving a liquid crystal display unit (not shown).
The speaker 201 is for generating sound such as voice and sound effects.
The LED substrate 202 is a circuit for driving a display lamp and a back lamp (not shown).

  The liquid crystal display device whose display is controlled by the liquid crystal control substrate 200 and the LED substrate 202 including the speaker 201 and the display lamp constitute an effect display device. This effect display device is for notifying a player of winning or the like, or for teaching a user a specific small role during a certain game with some action during a so-called assist time (AT).

  The ROM of the main board 1 stores game processing procedures executed in the slot machine 100 as a sequence program, and stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. Has been. The winning probability table is divided to divide the extracted random numbers (details will be described later) into each winning mode, and stores data that divides the random numbers extracted from a certain range of numerical values into each winning mode. ing.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the winning determination means 1a. In order to facilitate understanding, an illegal circuit detection unit 1b is also shown in FIG. At least some of the functions of the winning determination means are realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the ROM of the main board 1 or by hardware. The same applies to the illegal circuit detection unit 1b. The configuration realized by the program will be described later. When realized by hardware, an IC (for example, an ASIC, a programmable logic device (PLD), a microcomputer, or the like) that can execute the functions described below is used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the winning determination means 1a includes a clock generator CLK, a random number generator 2, a random number extractor 3, a determination unit 4, and a winning determination table 5. As described above, the winning determination unit 1a does not include the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b, but the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b is also illustrated in FIG. 4 for easy understanding. The configuration of the winning determination unit 1a is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  The clock generator CLK is an oscillator including a crystal resonator, for example, and generates a regular clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 8 MHz).

  The random number generator 2 generates random numbers for lottery based on the clock signal output from the clock generator CLK. The random number generator 2 generates a random number for winning lottery within a predetermined area. For example, an arbitrary numerical value is generated with a predetermined probability in a range of 0 to a certain number. Specifically, the random number generator 2 is a counter that repeats +1 at regular time intervals and returns to 0 when a certain value (for example, FFFF (hexadecimal)) is exceeded.

  The random number extractor 3 extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 2 under a predetermined condition (for example, an operation signal of the start switch 134). The random number generator 2 repeatedly generates random numbers at predetermined intervals, and a part of them is extracted by the random number extractor 3. Specifically, the random number extractor 3 is a latch. The value extracted by the random number extractor 3 is called a random value.

  The winning determination table 5 has an area divided for each winning mode corresponding to the entire area of random numbers taken by the random number generator 2. For example, a range of 0 to a certain number is divided into a plurality, one division (region) is excluded, and the other division (region) is set as winning 1, winning 2,.

  The determination unit 4 refers to the numerical value (random number for extraction) obtained by the random number extractor 3 with the lottery probability data in the winning determination table 5. That is, the extracted random number data is collated with each of the winning determination area data divided for each winning mode in the entire random number region taken by the random number generator 2, and the winning corresponding to the winning mode to which the extracted random number data belongs is determined. To decide. For example, it is determined to which category (region) of the winning determination table 5 the extracted random number value belongs, and if the category is, for example, a category of winning 1, it is determined as “winning 1”. Similarly, if the extracted random number value belongs to the category (area) out of the winning determination table 5, it is determined as “out”.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). And if predetermined symbols are prepared, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out. Various winnings occur under the probability according to the data setting of the winning probability table and the symbol stop control is performed. Therefore, for example, the business hours of the day are not influenced by the skill of the player. The total medal payment rate is maintained almost constant.

  The signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 selects (switches) one of the signal from the start switch 134 or the signal from the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b, or synthesizes both signals into one signal to generate the random number extractor 3 To supply. The random number extractor 3 performs an extraction operation (data latch) by the output of the signal switching / synthesis unit 7. What selects one of the signals is, for example, a switch. The unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b controls the switch. What synthesize | combines two signals is an OR circuit (or gate), for example.

  The operation of the signal switching / synthesis unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows a timing chart when the signal switching / combining section 7 functions as a switching section (for example, a switch), and FIG. 6B shows a timing chart when the signal switching / combining section 7 functions as a combining section (for example, an OR gate). Indicates. FIG. 5C shows a connection diagram when the signal switching / combining unit 7 is configured by an OR gate.

  The signal switching / combining unit 7 receives signals P1, P2, and P3 from the start switch 134, and receives signals Q1 and Q2 from the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b. As shown in FIG. 4A, the illegal circuit detection unit 1b sends a signal for switching (not shown in FIG. 4) to the signal switching / synthesis unit 7 before outputting the signals Q1 and Q2. The signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 is controlled so as to send the signals Q1 and Q2 of the unauthorized circuit detecting unit 1b to the random number extractor 3 only between the times t3 and t4. The signal P2 from the start switch 134 received between the times t3 and t4 is ignored (the dotted line in FIG. 5A means that the signal P2 does not appear at the output of the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7). Note that this is an illustrative example, and the period from time t3 to t4 is actually very short, and the signal from the start switch 134 is not ignored.

  The time t3 is, for example, the timing immediately after S20 or immediately before S21 in FIG. 6 described later, and the time t4 is the timing immediately after S27 or after that.

  In the example of FIG. 5B, all of the signals P1 to P3 and the signals Q1 and Q2 received by the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 appear at the output of the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7, and all of them become latch signals. In this example, there is a problem that when one of the signals P1 to P3 and the signals Q1 and Q2 overlaps, the two signals become one. However, as described above, the generation interval of the signals Q1 and Q2 is short. Since the occurrence frequency is low as will be described later, the signals hardly overlap in practice.

  Both cases (a) and (b) are applicable to the embodiment of the present invention. In short, the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 is for enabling random numbers to be extracted (latched) by both the signal of the start switch 134 and the output signal of the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b. Alternatively, synthesis is performed.

  The unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b receives the output of the random number extractor 3, that is, the extracted random number value, and outputs a timing signal for random number extraction and a determination result (error signal). The operation of the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of the slot machine. With reference to this figure, the overall processing of the gaming machine will be briefly described.

S1: When a medal is inserted, a game is possible.

S2: When the start switch 134 is pressed in this state, the game is started. That is, the three reels rotate and the process of S3 is performed.

S3: The random number extractor 3 obtains a random number based on the signal from the start switch 134.
S4: A lottery process is performed based on the numerical value (random value) extracted by the random number extractor 3. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S6: It is determined whether or not the stop switch 140 is depressed. When pressed down (YES), the process of S7 is performed.

S7: When the stop switch 140 is depressed, the corresponding rotary reel stop position determination process is performed. This process includes pull-in or kick-off stop control, which is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S8: It is determined whether the rotating reel has stopped. When stopped (YES), the process of S9 is performed.

S9: It is determined whether or not all the rotation reels 40a to 40c are stopped. When stopped (YES), the process of S10 is performed.

S10: A winning determination process is performed. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S11: A payout process is performed. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a process flowchart of the unauthorized circuit detection process according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of FIG. In FIG. 7, the clock signal is the output signal of the clock generator CLK, and the counter value is the value (output data) of the random number generator (counter) 2. The latch signal is a signal for instructing the random number extractor 3 to acquire a random value, and the latch data is a random value acquired by the random number extractor 3. Tφ is the period of the clock signal and is constant (for example, 125 ns). The counter value change interval (the time required for +1) is also Tφ. t1 is the latch timing of the random value A (first random value), and t2 is that of the random value B (second random value). T1 is a time (first time) from t1 to t2, which is determined in advance.

  The process of FIG. 6 is a process for detecting fraud and is a separate process different from the normal game process. Therefore, it is executed independently and independently of the normal game process of FIG. 5 as necessary. The In other words, it does not necessarily have to be performed following the specific process of the game process of FIG. 5 (for example, immediately after S3) (excluding the execution of the process of FIG. 6 in association with the game process). Absent). For example, it is executed at least once after power-on of the gaming machine, or it is executed every time or appropriately before and after the process of S3: random number acquisition in FIG. We will touch on the timing of execution later.

S20: Disable interrupts.
The CPU of the main board 1 performs various processes, and among them, there are processes executed by interruption. When interrupt processing is performed, the end of the processing executed immediately before that is delayed by an amount required for the interrupt processing. In the unauthorized circuit detection process of FIG. 6, it is important that the time required for the process, in particular, the interval at which S22 and S26 are executed is a predetermined time, so that a correct determination can be made when an interrupt process occurs. Cannot (correct IC can be determined as illegal IC, or illegal IC can be determined as correct IC). Therefore, in FIG. 6, a correct determination can be made by prohibiting an interrupt at the beginning of the process.
When the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 is a switch, the output of the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b is selected here (time t3 in FIG. 10), and the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 extracts a random number using the output as a latch signal. Send to vessel 3.

S21: Turn on the latch signal.
The latch signal is a signal sent to the random number extractor 3 and instructs the random number extractor 3 to acquire a random value. The latch signal is input to the random number extractor 3 through the signal switching / synthesis unit 7. By turning on the latch signal, the random value A is acquired at time t1 in FIG. 7 (signal Q1 in FIG. 10).

S22: The random number extractor 3 acquires a random value. The acquired value (random number A) is stored.
As shown in FIG. 7, a random value A is acquired at time t1.

S23: The latch signal is turned off.
This completes acquisition of the random value A (first random value).

S24: Weight Waits for a predetermined time (first time) T1 in FIG. 7, and then executes the processing from S25 onwards.

S25: The latch signal is turned on.
By turning the latch signal on again, the random value B is acquired at time t2 in FIG. 7 (signal Q2 in FIG. 10).

S26: The random number extractor 3 acquires a random value. The acquired value (random number B) is retained for comparison with the random value A.
As shown in FIG. 7, a random value B is acquired at time t2.

S27: The latch signal is turned off.
Acquisition of the random value B (second random value) is completed in S25 to S27.
When the signal switching / synthesis unit 7 is a switch, the signal from the start switch 134 is selected here (time t3 in FIG. 10). That is, the normal state is restored.

S28: Compare random values.
Typically, a difference between two random values, that is, (random value B−random value A) is obtained. The random number generator 2 is a counter. For example, it is necessary to consider that the next of FFFF returns to 0000. The difference between the random numbers is corrected in consideration of overflow (for example, (FFFF + 1) is added), or the remainder is calculated in S29.

S29: It is determined whether the comparison result is normal. If it is normal (YES), the process of FIG. 6 is terminated and the process returns to the game process of FIG.

S30: If it is abnormal (NO), it is determined as an illegal act.

S31: An error notification is made and the game process of FIG. 5 is stopped.

  In the above example, whether (random number value B-random number value A) coincides with the value X = (first time T1) / (clock signal cycle Tφ) obtained from the clock signal cycle Tφ and the first time T1. If it matches, it is determined to be normal (NO in S29), and if it does not match (NO in S29), it is determined to be abnormal, that is, an illegal circuit detection. The value X is a value that should be counted based on the clock signal by the counter used in the random number generator 2 at the predetermined first time T1. Here, “match” not only means that the numerical values completely match, but also (random number value B−random value A) is a certain range (for example, + 10% to − Within the range of 10%).

  Since overflow occurs due to the characteristics of the counter used in the random number generator 2, a remainder modulo the power of 2 of the counter of the value X (for example, FFFF + 1) is obtained, and this is expressed as (random value) Compared with B-random value A).

  Since the clock signal is regular, random numbers read at regular intervals have regularity. By comparing the difference with the expected value X, it can be determined whether or not the random number generator 2 is operating normally.

  If the random number generator 2 or the random number extractor 3 is replaced with a fraudulent IC, the fraudulent IC outputs only a winning random number value that is advantageous to the player. When only the random number generator (counter) 2 is exchanged, the counting operation stops and the random number value per unit continues to be output. When only the random number extractor (latch) 3 is exchanged, the random number value prepared in advance is output instead without extracting the output of the counter. In any case, the continuous random number value continues to be output for a certain time or longer. This means that the original regularity has been lost, in other words, it has not changed regularly. If it is exchanged for an illegal IC, for example, (random value B-random value A) becomes zero, and the determination result in S29 is NO. On the other hand, since the normal counter output always changes regularly, the determination result in S29 is YES.

  In the case of a fraudulent IC, (random number value B−random number value A) is expected to be zero. Therefore, it is desirable that the value X is as large as possible within the countable range of the counter. For example, the first time T1 may correspond to the product of the number that can be counted by the counter and the period of the clock signal. For example, when the counter can count up to FFFF, half of the product of this and the period Tφ of the clock signal may be set as the first time T1 (T1 = 0.5 × (FFFF + 1) × Tφ). In this case, the value X = 0.5 × (FFFF + 1). A counter repetition period may be added to the first time T1 (T1 = k × (FFFF + 1) × Tφ, k = 1.5, 2.5, 3.5,...). If the first time T1 is the counter repetition period, even if it is normal, the random values A and B are the same value, and there is a risk of erroneously determining fraud. In order to eliminate this, the first time T1 = k × (FFFF + 1) × Tφ, (k = 0...) So that the expected value (average value) of (random number B−random number A) is maximized. 5, 1.5, 2.5, ...).

  If the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b changes the first time T1 every time a determination is made, it becomes difficult for the unauthorized IC to deceive the determination of FIG. 6, and a more accurate determination is possible. . For example, on the basis of (0.5 × (FFFF + 1) × Tφ), it is conceivable to change about ± 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%.

  The unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b may change the first time T1 randomly each time a determination is made. Alternatively, in the subsequent determination, T = (0.5 × (FFFF + 1) × Tφ) is used as a combination of relatively prime numbers (multiples) such as 2T and 3T, 3T and 5T, 5T and 7T, etc. Also good. In this way, even if the output of the illegal IC has a period, it can be distinguished from that of the normal random number generator 2.

  A fraudulent IC outputs a random number per win, but if a random number is always output per win, winning will continue and the hall clerk will be suspicious. In addition, even if a general player operates it, it will be won continuously, and the player may be suspicious. Therefore, in response to a specific operation known only by a fraudster and an operation that the player does not normally perform, the fraud IC outputs a random value per certain period of time. Is expected. Unauthorized ICs cannot have such a high level of processing capability, and it seems difficult to provide wireless or wired communication means. It is thought that it is judged whether it is the trigger of the numerical output. It is the signal of the start switch 134 that has a high possibility. Since this signal is always input to the IC for generating random numbers, it seems that unauthorized ICs can also be used easily.

  Therefore, the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b monitors the signal of the start switch 134. For example, when the following (a) to (c) are determined as the trigger, and the processing corresponds to any of them, the processing of FIG. It is desirable to execute. By doing so, it is possible to reliably detect an unauthorized IC.

(A) The start switch has been kept on longer than a predetermined second time. This is a case where the start switch 134 has been pressed abnormally for a long time. Normally, the comma is turned on for only a very short time, such as about a few seconds. For example, 10 seconds is set as the predetermined second time.

(B) The start switch is turned on more than the predetermined number of times in the predetermined third time. This is a case where the start switch 134 is repeatedly pressed abnormally many times in a short time. Normally, it is once per game and such is not possible. For example, 10 seconds is set as the predetermined third time, and for example, 50 times is set as the predetermined number of times.

(C) The direction of pressing the start switch a plurality of times does not match. This is a case where the start switch 134 is repeatedly pressed in different directions. For example, when pressed 5 times in 5 seconds (which is not normally possible), they are in different directions (when the 5 pressed directions are not the same and include different directions). Other game machines use analog keys as so-called hidden commands, which is an analogy. Note that the start switch of the slot machine can be moved in any direction up, down, left, or right, but usually does not detect which direction it has moved. The case (c) is applied to a gaming machine that can detect the direction in which the start switch has moved. For example, when the start switch can be moved up, down, left, and right, it can be applied to a gaming machine that includes four sensors respectively provided to detect the up, down, left, and right movements. Based on the outputs of the four sensors, it can be determined whether the start switch has been repeatedly pressed in different directions.

  8 and 9 show a configuration in which the winning determination means 1a is realized by the CPU same as above executing a program stored in the ROM of the main board 1. FIG. These figures are block diagrams close to an actual hardware configuration.

  The counter, latch, CPU, and ROM in FIGS. 8 and 9 correspond to the random number generator 2, the random number extractor 3, the determination unit 4, the unauthorized circuit detection unit 1b, and the winning determination table 5 in FIG. 6, respectively. In an actual circuit, the random number generator 2 and the random number extractor 3 are configured as an integrated IC. The IC is given the symbol P.

  FIG. 8A shows a normal circuit, and FIG. 8B shows an illegal circuit. In FIG. 8B, an unauthorized electronic circuit X is attached instead of IC (P). The CPU can detect an unauthorized electronic circuit X by executing the above-described determination process.

  8 and 9, the counter clock and the CPU clock are common. By doing so, the difference between the random value A and the random value B becomes constant, so that the determination can be made with high accuracy.

  In FIG. 9, a start switch signal is sent to the latch 3 via the I / O. In other words, the start switch signal is input to the I / O, and when the CPU receives the start switch signal through the I / O, the CPU sends a signal for extracting a random number to the latch 3 through the I / O. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to detect fraud only by changing the software (program), and there is an advantage that it can be implemented at low cost because it does not involve hardware modification. In other words, the signal switching / synthesizing unit 7 in FIG. 6 can be realized not by hardware but by a program.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in view of the regularity of the operation of the counter IC of the hard random number circuit, an abnormality of the hard random number circuit is detected based on a plurality of random number values read at regular intervals. be able to. It is possible to determine whether the counter IC is operating normally. As a result, it is possible to detect fraud in the random number generator or random number extractor.

  In addition, since it is possible to cope with the change only by software (program), the embodiment of the present invention can be easily applied to a gaming machine without changing the hardware.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Winning determination means 1b Illegal circuit detection part 2 Random number generator 3 Random number extractor 4 Judgment part 5 Winning determination table 7 Signal switching / synthesis part CLK Clock generator

Claims (7)

In a gaming machine having a winning lottery means for performing a lottery based on an operation of a start switch and performing a winning determination based on a result of the lottery,
The winning lottery means extracts a clock generator for generating a clock signal, a random number generator for generating a random number for lottery based on the clock signal, and a random number generated by the random number generator based on the signal of the start switch A random number extractor, a winning determination table for preliminarily storing a correspondence relationship between the random number value related to the lottery and the winning, and a determination for determining the winning of the random value extracted by the random number extractor with reference to the winning determination table Receiving a signal from the start switch signal and the illegal circuit detection unit, and an unauthorized circuit detection unit that detects that at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor has been replaced. A signal switching combining unit that selects and outputs one of them, or combines and outputs them,
The random number extractor receives a signal from the signal switching synthesis unit, and extracts a random number based on a signal from the unauthorized circuit detection unit together with a signal of the start switch,
The unauthorized circuit detector is
A signal is sent to the random number extractor, a random value is acquired at a predetermined timing, the acquired random value is set as a first random value,
Wait for the elapse of a predetermined first time from the acquisition timing of the first random value,
A signal is sent to the random number extractor after the predetermined first time has elapsed, a random number value is acquired, and the acquired random number value is set as a second random number value,
Comparing the first random number value and the second random number value, and determining whether at least one of the random number generator or the random number extractor is replaced with an illegal electronic circuit based on the comparison result. Gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the unauthorized circuit detection unit monitors the signal of the start switch and acquires the random number value when any of the following (a) to (c) is satisfied. .
(A) The start switch has been kept on longer than a predetermined second time. (B) At the predetermined third time, the start switch is turned on more than a predetermined number of times. (C) The direction of pressing the start switch a plurality of times does not match The random number generator is a counter that operates based on the clock signal;
The random number generator, when the difference between the first random number value and the second random number value does not match the value that the counter should count based on the clock signal at the predetermined first time, 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the random number generator and the random number extractor is determined to be replaced with an unauthorized electronic circuit. The random number generator is a counter that operates based on the clock signal;
4. The predetermined first time that the illegal circuit detection unit waits is determined based on a product of a number that can be counted by the counter and a period of the clock signal. The gaming machine described in Crab.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the unauthorized circuit detection unit changes the predetermined first time each time a determination is made. The unauthorized circuit detection unit includes a ROM that stores a program in advance, a CPU that operates according to the program, and an I / O that performs input / output processing.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the CPU operates based on a clock signal of the clock generator. The start switch signal is input to the I / O,
The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the CPU receives a signal of the start switch through the I / O and sends a signal for extracting a random number to the random number extractor through the I / O.

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