JP2002210194A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine in which a game can not be performed normally when a main controller is replaced. SOLUTION: A main control part 10 ciphers command data for controlling a special pattern control part 19 (S117) and transmits the ciphered data (S119) and a special pattern display controller 19 authenticates control data received from the main control part 10 (S127), and in the case that the received cipher data are authenticated, a special pattern display device 19a is made to perform an operation corresponding to the control data (S129). Also, the main control part 10 changes first key data for deciding a ciphering rule (S13 and S23), the special pattern display control part 19 changes second key data for deciding the rule of the authentication (S63 and S73) and the ciphering rule and the authentication rule are simultaneously changed at a prescribed timing so as to make both rules keep prescribed correspondence relation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine, and more particularly, to a main control device for transmitting control data to each of the slave control devices according to a game situation, and a control data transmitted from the main control device. The present invention relates to a technique for substantially preventing unauthorized exchange of a main control device in a pachinko gaming machine including a slave control device that controls an associated controlled device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko game machine has various electric drive components such as an electric accessory device, a game ball dispensing device and a symbol display device, and a control device for controlling these electric drive components is required. is there. In recent years, in order to cope with complication of the operation of each electric drive component or to facilitate the inspection of each control device, a plurality of slave control devices for controlling the associated electric drive components are provided. Further, a pachinko game having a main control device for controlling the entire gaming machine by transmitting control data to each of the plurality of slave control devices is used. Such a main control device is a "big hit" that opens a special winning opening many times in a short time.
Since the determination of the occurrence of a state called "big hit" is made, by exchanging the main control device, there is a case where an illegal act such as increasing the probability of occurrence of a "big hit" is performed. In order to prevent or detect such misconduct, various techniques have been conventionally proposed.

For example, a program or data stored in a main control device is encrypted and stored, and when the main control device uses the program or data, the program or data is decrypted and used. A pachinko gaming machine that prevents the main controller from easily deciphering the programs and data, thereby making it difficult to illegally modify the programs and data, and preventing various misconduct with respect to the main controller, has been considered. Have been.

[0004]

However, according to the technique of encrypting and storing a program or data stored in the main control device, the program is modified until the encryption rule is found. Although it has the effect of preventing encryption, once the encryption rule is once discovered,
It becomes possible to modify these programs and data, and a game advantageous to a fraudster is executed when the main control device that performs control based on the illegally modified programs and data is replaced. There is a disadvantage that.

[0005] In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pachinko gaming machine that cannot normally play a game when the main control device is replaced.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 has a symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol and a symbol according to a game situation. A main control device for transmitting data to the control unit;
A symbol control unit that controls the symbol display device based on control data received from the main control device in accordance with a game situation, wherein the pachinko gaming machine has a control for controlling the symbol control unit. An encryption unit for converting data into encrypted data by encrypting the data, and a transmission unit for transmitting encrypted data of control data corresponding to a game situation to the symbol control unit, wherein the symbol control unit is a main control device. An authentication means for judging the validity of the encrypted data received from the device, and authenticating the encrypted data if it is valid, and performing an operation corresponding to the encrypted data on the symbol display device when the received encrypted data is authenticated. And an operation control unit for causing the operation to be performed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when transmitting the control data according to the game situation, the main control device encrypts the control data and transmits it to the symbol display unit. . The symbol control unit authenticates data received from the main control device, and the symbol display device is controlled by the operation control unit based on the authenticated data.

Therefore, when the main control device has not been tampered with, the control data is encrypted to instruct the main control device to perform a symbol display operation according to the game situation, and the symbol control unit is controlled. The data transmitted to the symbol controller and received by the symbol controller are authenticated, and the operation controller causes the symbol display device to perform an operation (normal operation) corresponding to the control data. That is, the symbol display device operates normally.

On the other hand, when the main control device has been tampered with, the tampered main control device (hereinafter referred to as an unauthorized main control device) must have encryption means. For example, the control data is transmitted to the symbol control unit without being encrypted in the main control device. Since the data is not encrypted, the symbol control unit cannot authenticate the data, and the operation of the symbol display device is not controlled by the control data. In other words, normal continuation of the game becomes impossible. Also, a staff member of the game arcade can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine due to an abnormal operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

The invention described in claim 1 does not particularly limit the mode of authentication. For example, as in the invention described in claim 2, the authentication means is encrypted by the main control device. Each control data that may be transmitted to the symbol control unit is stored in advance in association with each operation, the received encrypted data is decrypted, and the decrypted data is stored in the control data. If any one of them matches, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid. As in the invention according to claim 3, the authentication means is encrypted by the main control device and is controlled by the symbol control unit. Each control data that has been subjected to the same encryption processing as the encryption processing in the encryption unit for each control data that may be transmitted to the corresponding control data is stored in association with each operation, and the received encrypted data is stored. ing If there is a match with any of your data, it may determine the encryption data as valid.

Comparing the invention of claim 2 with the invention of claim 3, the former has the advantage that the processing by the authentication means when the second key data is changed is simpler than the latter. It is more advantageous than the latter when setting to change the second key data frequently. On the other hand, in the latter case, since there is no need to perform decryption at the time of receiving the encrypted data, the process at the time of receiving the encrypted data is simple, and after the control data is transmitted from the main control device to the symbol control unit, the control data There is an advantage that the time until the corresponding display is made is shorter than the former.

In order to make the replacement of the main control device more difficult, the invention according to claim 4 is a symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol, and a main device for transmitting data to a symbol control portion according to a game situation. In a pachinko gaming machine including a control device and a symbol control unit that controls the symbol display device based on control data received from the main control device according to a game situation, the main control device stores first key data. First storage means for performing encryption corresponding to the first key data on control data for controlling the operation of the symbol control section; Transmitting means for transmitting the converted data to the symbol control section; and first key changing means for changing the first key data at a predetermined timing, wherein the symbol control section includes a second key data section. A second storage means for storing the encrypted data received from the main control device and a process corresponding to the second key data, thereby determining the validity of the received encrypted data, An authentication unit for authenticating the encrypted data, an operation control unit for causing the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when the received encrypted data is authenticated, and a change timing of the first key data. The gist of the present invention is to include a second key changing unit that changes the second key data so as to correspond to the first key data at a predetermined timing so as to match.

According to the present invention, the main control unit encrypts the control data and transmits the control data to the symbol control unit when transmitting the normal control data according to the game situation. Send. The symbol control unit authenticates data received from the main control device, and the symbol display device is controlled by the operation control unit based on the authenticated data. Also, the first key data and the second key data are changed, but both changes are performed at the same timing, and the second key data is changed so as to correspond to the first key data. Is stored such that the encrypted control data corresponding to the second key data is authenticated by the authentication processing corresponding to the second key data.

Therefore, when the main control device is not tampered with, the control data is encrypted and transmitted from the main control device in order to instruct an operation according to the game situation, and the symbol control is performed. Since the data received by the unit is authenticated, the operation control means causes the symbol display device to perform an operation (normal operation) corresponding to the control data. Then, the symbol display device operates normally.

On the other hand, when the main control device is tampered with in an unauthorized manner, in order to operate normally, the tampered main control device must have the same function as the normal main control device. It is necessary to have the encryption means having the above and the first key change means, or to modify the symbol control unit in accordance with the main control device subjected to the unauthorized processing. Otherwise, the control data is transmitted to the symbol control unit without being encrypted by the main control device, or is transmitted to the symbol control unit by performing encryption not corresponding to authentication in the symbol control unit in the main control device. You. And since the data is not authenticated in the symbol control part, depending on the control data,
The operation of the symbol display device is no longer controlled. That is, the symbol display device does not operate normally, and it becomes impossible to continue the normal game. Also, a staff member of the game arcade can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine due to an abnormal operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

[0016] Even if the main control device that has been tampered with has the same encryption means and the first key change means as the normal main control device, the pachinko machine alone is not sufficient. The gaming machine does not operate normally, and furthermore, it is necessary to set the encryption rule of the unauthorized main controller to the encryption rule corresponding to the first key data of the authorized main controller at the time of replacement. Otherwise, the control data is
The data which is encrypted and does not correspond to the authentication in the symbol control unit and is transmitted to the symbol control unit is not authenticated as valid in the symbol control unit, and the operation of the symbol display device is not controlled. That is, the symbol display device does not operate normally, and it becomes impossible to continue the normal game.

Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, it is very difficult to know in advance the encryption rules of the main control device when performing alterations and the like. This is because, in order to know this, (1) the change timing of the encryption rule, (2) the order in which the encryption rule is changed, and (3) the encryption when the gaming machine is manufactured Rules and
(4) It is necessary to know the number of times the change timing has arrived after the production of the gaming machine. Regarding the items (1) and (2), a gaming machine of the same type is obtained in advance and stored in the main control device. It can be understood by reading and analyzing the programs and data that have been written. However, in order to know the item (3), it is necessary to know from the manufacturer. This is because it is necessary to monitor the gaming machine from the time of manufacture to the time of replacement.

Accordingly, in order to match the encryption rule of the unauthorized main controller with the encryption rule of the legitimate main controller at the time of the replacement, the wrongdoer must make a change (for example, a game) The main control device of the gaming machine to be replaced or by reading the first key data from the storage means of the symbol control unit to obtain the encryption rule, and the main control device after performing unauthorized alteration or the like. Is required to match the encryption rule of the main controller at that time. As described above, in order to perform the replacement of the main control device for the pachinko gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 4 and to be able to execute the game normally even after the replacement, the main control device must be installed at the replacement site. In addition to replacing, other complicated tasks must be performed.

On the other hand, if the symbol control unit is to be replaced in addition to the main control unit, it takes time and effort to replace the symbol control unit, as a matter of course. If it takes time, there is a high possibility that a staff member will be found during the replacement work. Therefore, it is difficult for the gaming machine according to the present invention to succeed in the switching even by this method. In recent years, the main control device and the cover member of the symbol control unit have a configuration that is difficult to open and difficult to return to the original state once opened. In a pachinko game machine having such a cover member, the present invention, in which not only the main control device but also the symbol control unit cannot be exchanged to complete the improper act, exhibits a particularly high anti-replacement effect.

Although the invention described in claim 4 does not particularly limit the mode of authentication, for example, as in the invention described in claim 5, the authentication means is encrypted by the main control device. Each control data that may be transmitted to the symbol control unit is stored in advance in association with each operation, and the received encrypted data is subjected to decryption corresponding to the second key data. When the data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid. As in the invention according to claim 6, the authentication unit may determine that the encrypted data is valid. Each control data that is likely to be encrypted by the control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit is stored in advance in association with each operation, and each time the second key data is changed, each stored control data is stored. The second key in the control data When each received encrypted data matches one of the stored control data, the encrypted data is determined to be valid if the received encrypted data is stored. Is also good.

Comparing the invention of claim 5 with the invention of claim 6, the former has an advantage that the processing by the authentication means when the second key data is changed is simpler than the latter. It is more advantageous than the latter when setting to change the second key data frequently. On the other hand, in the latter, since there is no need to perform decryption when receiving the encrypted data, the process at the time of receiving the encrypted data in the symbol control unit is simple, and after the encrypted data is transmitted from the main control device to the symbol control unit, There is an advantage that the time until display corresponding to the encrypted data is shorter than that of the former.

The invention described in claim 7 is a view of the invention described in claim 4 from another viewpoint, and is substantially the same as the invention described in claim 4. 4 has the same effect as the invention described in 4. The invention described in claim 8 captures the invention described in claim 5 from another viewpoint, and is substantially the same as the invention described in claim 5,
The same effect as that of the invention described in claim 5 can be obtained. The invention described in claim 9 is a view of the invention described in claim 6 from another viewpoint, and is substantially the same as the invention described in claim 6, so that the invention described in claim 6 is provided. Has the same effect as.

Further, in the inventions according to the fourth to ninth aspects, the timing for changing the first key data and the second key data is not particularly limited, but the tenth aspect is not limited to the tenth aspect.
The gist of the invention is that the change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are at the time of turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine. With this configuration, the main controller and the symbol controller are removed,
Even if the built-in program is analyzed to obtain the encryption rule of the main controller, and even if the encryption rule of the unauthorized main controller matches the regular encryption rule, the unauthorized main controller is However, if there is no means for changing the encryption rule in the same manner as the regular main control device, when the power is turned on, the authentication rule in the symbol control unit is changed, and the encryption in the unauthorized main control device is changed. Since the rules do not correspond to the rules, thereafter, the symbol control unit cannot authenticate the encrypted data received from the unauthorized main control device.
Therefore, it is particularly effective in preventing the main control device from being modified outside the business hours of the game arcade.

The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are every predetermined time, and the change timing of the second key data is every predetermined time. The first key data and the second key data are changed. With this configuration, the main control device and the symbol control unit are removed, and the built-in program is analyzed to obtain the encryption rule of the main control device.
Even if the encryption rule of the illicitly processed main controller is matched with the formal encryption rule, the illicitly processed main controller has a means for changing the encryption rule in the same manner as the formal main controller. If not, since the authentication rule in the symbol control unit is changed and no longer corresponds to the encryption rule in the main control device that has been fraudulently processed until a predetermined time has elapsed after the unauthorized alteration or the like has been performed, The symbol control unit cannot authenticate the encrypted data received from the main control device that has been subjected to the unauthorized processing. Therefore, it is particularly effective for preventing alteration of the main control device during the business hours of the game arcade.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the symbol control unit notifies an abnormal occurrence when the encrypted data received from the main control unit is not authenticated. The gist of the present invention is to provide an abnormality display means for performing

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the replacement of the main control device performed is not such as to enable the normal operation of the gaming machine, the occurrence of an abnormality is notified by the notification means. When the main controller is replaced, not only the gaming machine does not operate normally, but also the fact that an abnormality has occurred is displayed. However, such an effect can be obtained that the player can notice the abnormality of the gaming machine at an early stage and find out that the gaming machine is replaced. Here, the display for notifying the occurrence of the abnormality may be of any type as long as it can be recognized by a staff member or the like. For example, lamps and LEDs
May be notified by lighting, or a predetermined character, symbol, or the like may be displayed on a display device that displays a jackpot determination symbol.

By the way, in addition to a game control system for instructing a jackpot depending on whether or not a symbol displayed on the symbol display device matches a predetermined symbol, the passage of a ball to a specific winning opening is detected and the jackpot is determined. In a pachinko game machine provided with a game control system for instructing the game control system, the present invention may be applied only to transmission and reception of control data related to the former game control system. Because the jackpot relating to the former game control system is determined by software, the determination software is highly likely to be tampered with, and it is highly necessary to determine whether or not tampering has been performed. This is because the latter jackpot relating to the game control system cannot be operated due to software modification, and is therefore not subject to software tampering. Therefore, it is not necessary to judge whether or not tampering has been performed. According to this structure, compared with the case where the present invention is applied to transmission and reception of control data related to both of the two game control systems, processing of the main control device and the symbol control unit performed for software tampering determination is performed. The burden can be reduced.

The encryption means may be configured to convert the bit array of the command data stored in the storage means such as a register by a binary value obtained as a result of the function operation processing and to encrypt the converted data. In this way, it is extremely difficult to repeat the trial and error to try to analyze the encryption, and the security of the pachinko game machine which is distributed to the market in a very short time and has a short life is maintained safely. Can produce effects.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the entire pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment.

The pachinko gaming machine 200 is provided with an outer frame 211 constituting a pachinko gaming machine main body side and an inner frame 212 serving as a base of the pachinko gaming machine front portion. A metal frame 213 is fitted around the periphery of the frame-shaped opening of the inner frame 212, and a glass door 215 that covers the front surface of the game board 214 is provided on the metal frame 213 so as to be openable and closable. The inner frame 212
A frame top decoration 223 composed of a lens body made of a synthetic resin is provided from the upper side edge to the right side edge of the frame decoration lamp 224, 224.
Is provided.

At the lower right position of the glass door 215,
A firing lever 220 for firing a game ball toward the surface of the game board 214 is provided. The firing lever 220 is provided with a single shot switch 221 for firing the game ball for each ball. In accordance with the amount by which the firing lever 220 is rotated, the striking force for firing the game ball toward the game board 214 is adjusted, and the power of the firing motor is turned on by detecting the predetermined amount of rotation. Has become. The inner frame 21
On the periphery of the game board 214 provided on the front surface of the ball 2, an inner rail 241 made of metal and an outer rail 2 for guiding a game ball fired from a ball firing position by a hitting hammer toward the board surface.
42 and the like are provided, inside of which a game area 214a is formed.

On the game board surface, a special symbol display device 19a, which is an embodiment of a symbol display device, is integrally accommodated, and a jackpot judging device 130 having a specific winning port 131a and a jackpot starting winning port 132a, and a specific winning area 5c. Winning opening 133a which is open at the time of jackpot
And the normal winning opening 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and the starting winning opening 4 for starting the symbol variation display of the special symbol display device 19a.
a, a gate 134a, and lamp LEDs 18a, 18b
And a speaker 16 a controlled by the audio control unit 16.

Each winning opening or gate is provided with a detecting means for detecting a winning or passing of the game ball. Specifically, the normal winning opening detecting means 3 is provided for the normal winning opening 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, the starting winning opening detecting means 4 is provided for the starting winning opening 4a, and the specific winning opening detecting means is provided for the specific winning opening 131a. 131, a jackpot activation area detecting means 132 in the jackpot activation area 132a, a special winning opening detecting means 133 in the special winning opening 133a, a gate passage detecting means 134 in the gate 134a, and a specific winning in the specific winning area 5c. The area detecting means 5 is provided on the back side of the game board. When a game ball wins in the winning opening 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 131 or 133, a predetermined number of prize balls (hereinafter referred to as prize balls) are paid out to each winning opening.

The game control of the pachinko machine will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine has two jackpot occurrence conditions, and starts a jackpot operation when either one of the conditions is satisfied.

First, the first jackpot occurrence condition and the jackpot operation when the condition is satisfied will be described. When the pachinko ball passes through the gate 134a, the gate-passing ball detection sensor 134 that has detected the pachinko ball transmits a detection signal to the main control unit 10 serving as the main control device, and the main control unit 10
, Control data for starting the variable display is output to the normal symbol control unit 22, and the normal symbol display device 135 provided at the upper right portion of the game board surface starts the variable display for hit determination.

The normal symbol display device 135 stops the fluctuation after performing a predetermined hit determination variable display, and when the display symbol at the time of the stop is a predetermined hit symbol (for example, the numeral 7). Then, the movable wing pieces 117a and 117b provided in the starting winning opening 4a are opened for a predetermined time. In this way, when a hit occurs, a game ball can be temporarily won in the starting winning opening 4a, and when a game ball wins in the opened starting winning opening 4a, the special symbol display device 19a starts to display the fluctuation of the big hit determination. , The fluctuation stops. The symbol displayed when the fluctuation stops is a predetermined jackpot symbol (for example, 111, 222, 333,...,
999), the main control unit 10 transmits the control data to the special winning opening 133a so that the special winning opening 1
The big hit operation is started by controlling 33a. Specifically, the special winning opening 133a has a predetermined number (for example, 10).
Will be released until the game ball of No. wins the big winning opening 133a,
If a special winning area 5c provided in the special winning opening 133a is won during this opening period, the special winning opening 133a is opened again after closing. Thereafter, the opening and closing operations are similarly repeated, but the maximum number of times of opening (for example, 15 times) is determined in advance for one big hit.

Next, the second jackpot occurrence condition and the jackpot operation when the condition is satisfied will be described. Specific winning opening 131a provided above special symbol display device 19a
When the game ball that has passed into the jackpot determination device 130 passes through the jackpot activation winning opening 132a, a detection signal is transmitted from the jackpot activation winning opening passage detection means 7a to the main control unit 10, and the main control unit 10 Grand Prize Winner 13
By sending the control data to 3a, the special winning opening 133
a is controlled to start the jackpot operation. Specifically, the special winning opening 133a is opened until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the special winning opening 133a, and a specific winning area provided in the special winning opening 133a during this opening period. When the player wins 5c, the special winning opening 133a is opened again after closing. Thereafter, the opening and closing operations are similarly repeated, but the maximum number of times of opening (for example, 16 times) is determined in advance for one big hit.

The game control of the pachinko gaming machine operating as described above is performed as follows. Pachinko machine 200
Is provided with a main control unit 10, various sub-control units that operate based on control data from the main control unit 10, and a power supply circuit 201. The main control unit 10 controls the bus 8
ROM 11a, EEPROM connected to each other via a
M11b, a RAM 12, and a CPU 13, and further via an input / output interface (I / F) 8b.
Detecting means 3 to 5, 131a, 132a, 133a, 134a for detecting that a ball has passed through each winning opening or gate.
And each of the sub-control units 4a, 14 to 22, 133.

As the sub-control unit, a card unit control unit 14 that controls a card unit that reads and writes a prepaid card in which data relating to loaned ball payout is stored, and transmits and receives data to and from a pachinko game center management device. Information input / output unit 15, voice control unit 16, frame lamp / LED control unit 17, game board lamp / LED control unit 1
8, a special symbol control unit 19, which is one mode of the symbol control unit, a ball payout control unit 20, and a special winning opening device 133 are provided.

The power supply circuit 201 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine which needs power supply through a power supply line (not shown). The main control unit 10 includes the power supply circuit 2
Voltage detection circuit 202 for detecting whether or not the voltage 01 has reached a predetermined voltage at which the entire pachinko gaming machine operates normally.
And a periodic pulse generation circuit 203 that outputs a pulse every predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds). Outputs of the voltage detection circuit 202 and the periodic pulse generation circuit 203 are input to an AND circuit 204. The logical sum of these outputs is determined by the CPU 13 of the main control unit 10 and the CPU 13 of the sub control unit.
And the CPU 913 of the special symbol control unit 19. Therefore, when a periodic pulse is input to the main control unit 10 and the special symbol control unit 19, a voltage of a predetermined value or more is supplied to each control unit, and each control unit can reliably receive the periodic pulse. Therefore, the main control unit 10 and the special symbol control unit 19 can synchronize on the basis of the periodic pulse.

The ROM 11a stores a program and data for transmitting control data to each sub-control unit. For example, the special symbol control unit 19, the normal symbol control unit 22, the lamp / LED control units 17, 18, the large winning opening 133 and the starting winning opening 4a, the ball payout control unit 20 according to the operation state and the game state of the pachinko machine. And a program for transmitting control data to the same.

The normal symbol control unit 22 and the special symbol control unit 19, which are sub control units, control the dot matrix L representing the normal symbol based on the control data from the main control unit 10.
The ED 135b and the liquid crystal display panel 19b are controlled. For example,
The start and stop of the hit (big hit) determination change display is controlled by start command control data from the main control unit 10. Also, the main control unit 10 determines whether a big hit or a hit has occurred. Specifically, the main control unit 10 generates a random number for jackpot determination and a random number for hit determination, and, when determining a hit or a big hit, randomly selects the random number for hit determination or the random number for jackpot determination, When the lottery value is a value corresponding to a predetermined jackpot (hit), the main control unit 10 controls the sub-control unit such as the ordinary symbol control unit 22 or the special symbol control unit 19 to execute a hit symbol (big hit symbol) display command control. Data is transmitted,
The normal symbol control unit 22 and the special symbol control unit 19 perform dot matrix LED 135 based on the received control data.
b and the liquid crystal display panel 19b are controlled to display a big hit symbol.

Further, the display other than the big hit symbol (hit symbol) such as the interval display performed when the big hit variation display is not performed and the continuous round display (ROUND display) when the big hit is established is also performed by the normal symbol control unit. 22 and the special symbol control unit 19, based on the control data from the main control unit 10,
35b or the liquid crystal display panel 19b.

The winning openings 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 1
When a game ball wins at 31a or 133a, a detection signal is transmitted from the detection means 3 to 7, 131, and 134 provided at each winning opening to the main control unit 10, and the main control unit 10
Transmits control data to the ball payout control unit 20 so as to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls (hereinafter referred to as prize balls) for each winning port in response to the detection signal. 20 drives a motor or a solenoid provided in a ball payout mechanism (not shown) to pay out a number of prize balls corresponding to the control data.

When a prize is won in the winning opening 3a, etc.,
The main control unit 10 transmits control data to the frame lamp LED control unit 17, and based on the control data, the frame lamp LED control unit 17 blinks the lamps and LEDs of the frame unit of the pachinko machine to perform a winning display. Similarly, when a prize is won in the prize opening 3a or the like, the main control unit 10 controls the game board lamp LE.
The control data is transmitted to the D control unit 18, and the game board lamp LE is transmitted.
The D control unit 18 performs a winning display by blinking a lamp or an LED provided on the game board based on the received control data. The main control unit 10 transmits control data to the voice control unit 16 according to the game situation, and the voice control unit 16 drives a speaker 16a based on the control data to perform a winning voice output, a jackpot voice output, and the like. .

FIG. 3 is a processing block diagram relating to transmission of control data from the main control unit to the special symbol control unit in the present embodiment. First, the main control unit 10 will be described. The main control unit 10 includes the CPU 13 as described above,
A ROM 11a, a RAM 12, and an EEPROM 11b are provided. The EEPROM 11b is provided with a conversion key storage area 141 for storing a conversion key, which is one mode of key data set by a key program, and a random number storage area 140 for storing a random number used when changing the conversion key. . When the gaming machine is manufactured, the conversion key data in the conversion key storage area 141 is set to the same initial value as the reverse conversion key in the reverse conversion key storage area 941, and the random number value in the random number storage area 140 is the random number of the special symbol control unit 19 The same initial value as the random number value in the storage area 940 is set. The value of the random number storage area 140 is calculated by the random number addition processing unit 105 provided in the control processing unit 100 for each periodic pulse output from the AND circuit 204.
One is added. The value stored in the EEPROM 11b is not erased even when the power of the pachinko game machine is turned off,
Since it is not initialized when the power is turned on, when power is turned on, the value remains as it was when the power was turned off.

The CPU 13, the ROM 11a, and the RAM 12 constitute a control processing unit 100. The control processing unit 100 includes, in addition to the random number addition processing unit 105, a conversion key change processing unit 101 for changing the conversion key, a special symbol control A command data storage unit 103 in which a plurality of command data to be converted and transmitted in order to control the unit 19 are stored in advance, and a data transmission functioning as a transmission unit for converting and transmitting command data to be transmitted according to a game situation A processing unit 120 is provided. The data transmission processing unit 120 includes a conversion processing unit 121 serving as an encryption unit that converts command data into control data that becomes encrypted data. Conversion key change processing unit 1
01, the random number addition processing unit 105 and the conversion processing unit 121
A program stored in the OM 11a is embodied by the CPU 13 executing the program, and the command data storage unit 10
3 is provided in the ROM 11a.

FIG. 4 shows the command data relating to the special symbol control stored in the command data storage unit 103 of the main control unit 10 and the command data storage unit 903 of the special symbol control unit 19 to be described later, and each of the special symbol display devices. The correspondence with the operation is shown. In addition to the above, the main control unit 10 includes a normal symbol control, a ball payout control, a voice control, a lamp L
Command data related to ED control, special winning opening control, and the like are stored. Each command data is the upper 8 bits of M
16 consisting of an ODE section and a lower 8-bit DATA section
Bit data. For example, when 1 is displayed in the left area of the special symbol display device 19a when the big hit determination change display is stopped in the special symbol, the command data “82” is converted and transmitted as command data.
When "00H" is selected and the big hit symbol "111" is displayed on the special symbol display device 19a, the command data "9100H" is selected.

FIGS. 5 to 9 show flowcharts of embodiments of a key program for encrypting, authenticating and decrypting control data in accordance with the control operation of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a control procedure of the conversion key change processing unit. (A)
Shows a first example of a flowchart of a control procedure of a conversion key change processing unit which serves as an encryption means and is an example of a key program on the transmission side, and FIG. Here is an example. Conversion key change processing unit 101
Is activated when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on.

Then, according to the flowchart shown in (A), the conversion key change processing unit 101 waits for a predetermined time t1 (for example, 0 seconds to several minutes) from the power-on of the pachinko gaming machine (step S11 "YES"). ), Execute a conversion key rewriting process (step S13), and execute a conversion key rewriting process every time a predetermined time t2 (for example, several minutes to several hours) elapses ("YES" in step S15, step S1).
3). According to the flowchart shown in (B), the conversion key change processing unit 101 executes a conversion key rewriting process (step S23) when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the power-on of the pachinko gaming machine (step S21 "YES").

FIG. 6A shows a first example of a flowchart of the conversion key rewriting process, FIG. 6B shows a second example of a flowchart of the conversion key rewriting process, and FIG. 13 shows a third example of the flowchart of the key rewriting process. The conversion key rewriting process executed in step S13 or step S23 is described in the flowchart of FIG.
6 or the flowchart of FIG. 6C.

According to the flowchart (A) of changing the first key data as the first key changing means, in the conversion key rewriting process, the conversion key data stored in the conversion key storage area 141 is read (step S31). ), The key data is 1
Is added (step S33), and the conversion key storage area 141
Is updated to the value obtained in step S33 (step S35). In this case, since the value of the random number storage area 140 is not used, it is not necessary to provide the random number storage area 140.

According to the flowchart (B) of changing the first key data as the first key changing means, in the conversion key rewriting process, the conversion key data stored in the conversion key storage area 141 is read (step S41). ), Random number storage area 14
The value stored in 0 is read (step S43),
The value of the random number storage area is added to the value of the conversion key data (step S45), and the conversion key data in the conversion key storage area 141 is updated to the value obtained in step S45 (step S45).
47).

According to the flowchart of (C) for changing the first key change data as the first key changing means, the value stored in the random number storage area 140 is read (step S5).
1), the conversion key data in the conversion key storage area 141 is updated to the value read in step S51 (step S5)
3). Therefore, according to the flowchart of (B) or (C), the transition of the conversion key becomes irregular, and it becomes difficult to predict how the conversion key changes.

FIG. 9A shows the control data transmission processing unit 12.
0 shows a flowchart of the processing procedure. When the control data transmission processing unit 120 detects the occurrence of a game situation in which it is necessary to instruct the special symbol control unit 19 to perform a specific operation (step S111 “YES”), the command data area 103
The command data corresponding to the specific operation is determined based on the correspondence stored in the conversion key (step S113), the conversion key stored in the conversion key storage area 141 is read (step S115), and the determination is made in step S113. The command data is converted by the conversion processing unit 121, which converts the command data in accordance with the conversion rule corresponding to the read conversion key (step S117), and transmitted to the special symbol control unit 19 as control data that has become encrypted data (step S117). S11
9). In step S117, the conversion processing unit 121
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A1, by adding key data to the command data selected in step S113, the command data is converted into encrypted command data.

Next, the special symbol control section 19 on the receiving side will be described. The special symbol control unit 19 includes a CPU 913, R
A control processing unit 900 including an OM 911a and a RAM 912, and an EEPROM 911b are provided. An EEPROM 911b in the special symbol control unit 19 stores an inverse conversion key storage area 941 for storing an inverse conversion key which is an inverse conversion key data set by a key program on the receiving side, and a random number used when changing the inverse conversion key. And a random number storage area 940 for storing As described above, when the gaming machine is manufactured, the reverse conversion key data in the reverse conversion key storage area 941 is set to the same initial value as the conversion key data in the conversion key storage area 141, and the random number value in the random number storage area 940 is It is set to the same initial value as the random number value in the random number storage area 140 of the control unit 10. The value of the random number storage area 940 is determined by a random number addition processing unit 905 provided in the control processing unit 900.
For each periodic pulse output from the AND circuit 204,
One is added. The value stored in the EEPROM 911b is not erased even when the power of the pachinko game machine is turned off, and is not initialized when the power is turned on. Therefore, the value when the power is turned off is held when the power is turned on.

The control processing unit 900 includes, in addition to the random number addition processing unit 905, an inverse conversion key change processing unit which is an example of a key program on the receiving side which is an authentication means for changing the inverse conversion key and which is a decryption means. 901, a command data storage unit 903 that stores a plurality of command data in association with each operation in advance, and a control data reception processing unit 920 that receives control data transmitted from the main control unit 10 are provided. The data reception processing unit 920 includes an inverse conversion processing unit 921 for performing an inverse conversion of the control data. The inverse conversion key change processing unit 901, the random number addition processing unit 905, and the inverse conversion processing unit 921
The command data storage unit 903 is embodied by the CPU 913 executing the program stored in the command data storage unit 903.
Are provided in the ROM 911a.

The processing of the inverse conversion key change processing unit 901 is as follows.
FIG. 7 is the same as the process of the conversion key change processing unit 101.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A shows a first example of a flowchart of a control procedure of the inverse conversion key change processing unit, and FIG.
(B) shows a second example of the flowchart of the control procedure of the inverse conversion key change processing unit.

The reverse conversion key change processing unit 901 is activated when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on. Then, according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
1 indicates that a predetermined time t1 (for example, several seconds to several minutes) has elapsed since the power of the pachinko gaming machine was turned on (step S61: “YE”).
S "), and performs an inverse conversion key rewriting process (step S6).
3) Further, every time a predetermined time t2 (for example, several minutes to several hours) elapses, an inverse conversion key rewriting process is executed ("YES" in step S65, step S63). According to the flowchart shown in (B), the inverse conversion key change processing unit 901
When a predetermined time t1 (for example, several minutes to several hours) has elapsed since the pachinko gaming machine was turned on (step S71: “YE
S "), and performs an inverse conversion key rewriting process (step S7).
3).

The reverse conversion key rewriting process executed in step S63 or S73 is similar to the conversion key rewriting process, and will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a first example of a flowchart of a control process of the inverse conversion key rewriting processing unit, and FIG. 8B shows a second example of a flowchart of the inverse conversion key rewriting processing unit. FIG. 8C shows a third example of the flowchart of the inverse conversion key rewriting processing unit. Step S
The reverse conversion key rewriting process executed in step 63 or step S73 may follow any of the flowchart in FIG. 8A, the flowchart in FIG. 8B, or the flowchart in FIG.

According to the flowchart of (A) for changing the second key data as the second key changing means, the reverse conversion key data stored in the reverse conversion key storage area 941 is read (step S81), and the key is read. One is added to the data (step S83), and the inversely converted key data in the inversely converted key storage area 941 is updated to the value obtained in step S83 (step S85). In this case, since the value of the random number storage area 940 is not used, there is no need to provide the random number storage area 940.

According to the flowchart (B) of changing the second key data as the second key changing means, the inversely converted key data stored in the inversely converted key storage area 941 is read (step S91), and the random number is stored. The value stored in the area 940 is read (step S93), and the value of the random number storage area is added to the value of the inverse transformed key data (step S9).
5), the inverse conversion key data in the inverse conversion key storage area 941 is updated to the value obtained in step S95 (step S9)
7).

According to the flowchart of (C) for changing the second key data as the second key changing means, the random number storage area 9
The value stored in 40 is read (step S10).
1), the inverse transformed key data in the inverse transformed key storage area 941 is updated to the value read in step S101 (step S101)
103). Therefore, according to the flowchart of (B) or (C), the transition of the reverse conversion key becomes irregular, and it becomes difficult to predict how the reverse conversion key changes.

The command data storage section 903 stores various command data in association with various operations.
The correspondence is equal to the correspondence in the command data storage unit 103 of the main control unit 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the command data storage unit 903 of the special symbol control unit 19 stores command data relating to the special symbol control. Each command data is 16-bit data consisting of a MODE part of upper 8 bits and a DATA section of lower 8 bits, and each command data is associated with each operation of special symbol display as shown in the figure. .

FIG. 9B shows the control data reception processing section 92.
0 shows a flowchart of a control procedure of 0. When receiving the control data (converted command data) (step S121 "YES"), the control data reception processing unit 920 reads the inverse conversion key stored in the inverse conversion key storage area 941 (step S123). The inverse conversion processing unit 921 performs an inverse conversion of the received control data (converted command data (encrypted data)) according to a conversion rule corresponding to the inverse conversion key stored in the inverse conversion key storage area 941 ( Authentication and decryption step S125). Step S
At 125, specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A2, the control data is inversely converted by subtracting the inversely converted key data from the control data (converted command data) received at step S121. In this gaming machine, the correspondence between the conversion key and the reverse conversion key is maintained, that is, the two keys are controlled so that they are always the same, so that in normal times (when no wrongdoing is performed), The control data returns to the original command data by this inverse conversion.

Then, the data obtained by the inverse conversion is compared with the command data stored in the command data storage unit 903, and if there is a match, it is determined that the data is normal (step S127). YES "),
An operation corresponding to the coincident command data is determined based on the correspondence stored in the command data storage unit 903, and control is performed so that the special symbol control device 19a performs the operation (step S129). Step S12
The operation control means is constituted by the receiving side key program provided with 7 to S129 and steps S127 to S129, and the control data reception processing unit 920 storing the receiving side key program.

In this embodiment, since the command data sequence set as shown in FIG. 4 is used as described above, for example, when the matching command data is "8200H", the big hit determination change display is displayed in the special symbol. An operation of displaying 1 in the left area of the special symbol display device 19a when stopping is designated, and the corresponding command data is "910".
If it is "0H", the special symbol display device 19a is controlled to perform the operation of displaying the big hit symbol "111".

On the other hand, if the data obtained by the inverse conversion does not match any of the command data stored in the command data area 903, it is determined that the reception control data is not normal (step S127 "NO"). ,
For example, abnormality notification such as turning on a clerk calling lamp serving as abnormality display means is performed (step S133), and the data received this time is regarded as invalid data, and the special symbol display device 1
The control of 9a is not performed (step S135).

The operation of the pachinko gaming machine configured as described above is as follows when no misconduct is performed. When a predetermined game situation occurs, the special symbol display device 19 is displayed.
When it is necessary to cause a to perform a predetermined operation, control data is transmitted from the main control unit 10 to a special symbol control unit 19 which is a sub control unit. The control data is obtained by converting command data corresponding to a commanding operation according to a conversion rule corresponding to a conversion key stored in a conversion key storage area 141. The special symbol control unit 19 inversely converts the received control data with the inverse conversion key stored in the inverse conversion key storage area 941, and causes the special symbol display device to execute an operation corresponding to the data obtained by the inverse conversion. .

Here, the conversion key stored in the conversion key storage area 141 is changed at a predetermined timing, and the reverse conversion key stored in the reverse conversion key storage area 941 is replaced with the conversion key when the gaming machine is created. Since the conversion key is set to the same value and is changed by the same processing as the conversion key simultaneously with the change of the conversion key, the conversion key and the reverse conversion key are always the same. Then, the conversion processing unit performs a process of adding the conversion key value to the command data, and the inverse conversion processing unit performs a process of subtracting the inverse conversion key value from the control data. That is, the conversion rule and the inverse conversion rule are changed at a predetermined timing at the same time, but the inverse conversion rule is always controlled to be literally the inverse conversion rule of the conversion rule. Therefore, in the special symbol display device 19a, the data obtained by inversely converting the encrypted control data received from the main control unit 10 is the command selected by the main control unit 10 as corresponding to the commanding operation. Since the control returns to the data, the special symbol display device 19a receiving the control data performs the operation as instructed by the main control unit 10.

On the other hand, if the main control unit 10 of the pachinko gaming machine configured as described above is illegally replaced,
The replaced main control unit 10 ′ (hereinafter referred to as the unauthorized main control unit 10 ′) has the same conversion key storage area, conversion processing unit, and conversion key change processing unit as the normal main control unit 10. Otherwise, the control data transmitted by the unauthorized main control unit 10 'is not subjected to the predetermined conversion,
The data obtained by inversely converting the control data in the special symbol control unit 19 is not regular data. Therefore, the special symbol display device 19a is not controlled normally and does not operate normally, so that the game cannot be played normally. In addition, abnormality notification is performed by a clerk calling lamp, whereby an abnormality is detected in the gaming machine at an early stage.

Further, even if the unauthorized main control unit 10 'has a conversion key storage area, a conversion processing unit, and a conversion key change processing unit, as in the case of the regular main control unit 10, the gaming machine is not In order to operate normally, it is necessary to store the same value as the conversion key stored in the regular main control unit 10 as the conversion key of the unauthorized main control unit 10 'when exchanging. In order to perform such exchange, the value of the conversion key of the main control unit 10 must be read, and this conversion key value must be stored in the unauthorized main control unit 10 'as the conversion key value. However, it is very difficult to read the conversion key because the address where the conversion key of the main control unit 10 is stored is unknown. Therefore, it is very difficult to make the game playable even after replacing the main control unit 10 of the gaming machine.

Even if the address where the conversion key is stored is known, it is necessary to read and write the conversion key at the time of the exchange operation. Since it takes more time to work on site than in the past, it has a high effect of suppressing fraudulent activities. In particular, fraudulent activities during the arcade business hours,
Since it is necessary to perform it in a short time so as not to be found by the staff, if the execution of the wrongdoing takes a long time, the effect of preventing the wrongdoing during business hours in particular is enhanced.

However, if the EEPROM 11
b, the ROM 11a alone is replaced, and the replaced unauthorized ROM 11a 'stores a program that performs the same function as the conversion processing unit and the conversion key change processing unit in the regular main control unit 10. In this case, the conversion key and the inverse conversion key maintain a predetermined correspondence relationship even after the ROM 11a is exchanged, so that the gaming machine may be able to play. Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation, it is desirable that the ROM 11a and the EEPROM 11b are housed in an integral housing so that they cannot be separated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, I and I
C is housed in a single package and cannot be easily separated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol control unit 19 is exchanged at the same time as the main control unit 10, the gaming machine may be able to play a game after the exchange. However, the special symbol control unit 19 Since another device is provided on the back of the special symbol control unit 19, it cannot be easily removed. Therefore, even with this method, it is difficult for the gaming machine to succeed in illegal acts such as illegally changing the jackpot probability.

Needless to say, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the present invention, when command data is transmitted from the main control unit 10 to the special symbol control unit 19, any data is converted (encryption conversion) and inverse conversion (decryption conversion, authentication conversion).
However, only a part of the command data (for example, the command data for instructing the jackpot symbol display) may be subjected to the conversion and the reverse conversion. In a pachinko gaming machine having a jackpot generating function, the display of the jackpot symbol is an indispensable function. Therefore, if the display of the jackpot symbol is disabled, it can be said that the normal operation is disabled by itself. Because.

The conversion processing performed by the conversion processing unit 121 and the inverse conversion processing performed by the inverse conversion processing unit 921 are not limited to the embodiment described above. I just need. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (B1), the conversion processing unit 121 converts the command data by adding the conversion key value to the command data relating to the transmission, and the inverse conversion processing unit 921 generates the command data shown in FIG.
As shown in (B2), the processing may be performed by dividing the received control data by the inverse conversion key value.

As another mode, the conversion processing unit 121
Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (C1), the command data is converted by shifting each bit data of the command data relating to the transmission to the right using the conversion key value as the shift amount. As shown in 10 (C2), each bit data of the received control data is shifted to the left by using the inverse conversion key value as a shift amount, so that the control data is inversely converted into the command data stored in the register. Good.

Further, as another mode, the main control unit 1
0 command data storage unit 103 and special symbol control unit 1
The command data storage unit 903 of FIG. 9 has the same relative position of each command data, and the conversion processing unit 121 stores the command data before conversion as shown in FIG. 10 (D1). Command data stored at an address obtained by adding the conversion key value to the address in the command data area 103 is converted into control data.
As shown in (D2), the command data stored at the address obtained by subtracting the reverse conversion key value from the address in the command data area 903 storing the command data corresponding to the received control data after the reverse conversion. You may convert it into command data.

In the above embodiment, the special symbol control unit 19 is provided with the inverse conversion processing unit 921, and the main control unit 1
Although the control data received from 0 is reversely converted, an authentication processing unit is provided instead of the reverse conversion processing unit 921 so that the special symbol control unit 19 does not perform the reverse conversion when receiving the control data. The embodiment may be modified. As an example of the operation of the authentication processing unit, using the inverse conversion key in the above embodiment as an authentication key, every time the authentication key is changed, it is stored in the command data storage unit 903 based on this authentication key. The same processing as the encryption performed by the main control unit 10 (for example, processing of adding the value of the authentication key to the command data) is performed on all the command data related to the special symbol display control, and the encryption corresponding to each command data is performed. In addition to creating data and storing these encrypted data, if the control data received from the main control unit 10 matches the stored encrypted data,
The validity of the received data is recognized, and the operation associated with the command data corresponding to the matching encrypted data is determined as the operation corresponding to the received control data.

If such an authentication processing unit is provided, the special symbol control unit 19 does not need to perform the decoding process when receiving the control data from the main control unit 10. Is performed, the processing load on the special symbol control unit 19 at the time of receiving the control data is reduced, and the response of the symbol display becomes faster.

As described above, the configuration for protecting the pachinko gaming machine from unauthorized replacement of the main control device has been disclosed in the signal system with the symbol display device, but it is electrically detachably connected to the main control device other than the symbol display device. Information input / output unit 15 for performing input / output control between the pachinko gaming machine and a pachinko gaming machine management device, and a hit ball launching device 2
1, or in the voice control unit 16, the frame lamp / LED control unit 17, or the information input / output unit 15 provided in the card-type pachinko gaming machine, authenticates and decrypts the control data encrypted and transmitted from the main control device. The processing may be configured to deal with unauthorized exchange of the main control device.

Further, the encryption means may be configured to convert the bit array of the command data stored in the register by using a binary value obtained as a result of the function operation processing and encrypt the converted bit data. In this way, it is possible to make it extremely difficult to try and analyze the encryption by repeating trial and error, and to maintain the security of the short-lived pachinko gaming machine distributed to the market in a very short time. The effect that can be done.

[0084]

The present invention relates to (1.) a symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol, a main control device for transmitting data to a symbol control unit in accordance with a game situation, and a main control device in accordance with the game situation. A pachinko gaming machine having a symbol control unit for controlling the symbol display device based on the received control data, wherein the main control device encrypts control data for controlling the symbol control unit by encrypting the control data. Encoding means, and transmitting means for transmitting encrypted data of control data corresponding to a game situation to the symbol control unit, wherein the symbol control unit checks the validity of the encrypted data received from the main control device. An authentication means for judging and authenticating the encrypted data when it is valid, and an operation system for causing the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when the received encrypted data is authenticated. And summarized in that and means.

With this configuration, when transmitting the command data according to the game situation, the main control device encrypts the command data and transmits it to the symbol control unit. The symbol control unit authenticates data received from the main control device, and the symbol display device is controlled by the operation control unit based on the authenticated data.

Therefore, when the main control device has not been tampered with, the command data is encrypted by the main control device in order to instruct a symbol display operation according to the game situation, and the symbol control unit is operated. Since the data transmitted to the symbol controller and received by the symbol controller are authenticated, the operation controller causes the symbol display device to perform an operation (normal operation) corresponding to the command data. That is, the symbol display device operates normally.

On the other hand, if the main controller has been tampered with illegally, the command data will not be transmitted to the main controller unless the tampered main controller has encryption means. It is transmitted to the symbol control unit without being encrypted. Since the data is not encrypted, the symbol control unit cannot authenticate the data, and the operation of the symbol display device is not controlled by the command data. That is,
Normal continuation of the game becomes impossible. Also, a staff member of the game arcade can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine due to an abnormal operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

(2.) The authentication means stores in advance each control data which is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control section, in association with each operation. The received encrypted data may be decrypted, and if the decrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid, or (3. The authentication unit is configured to perform the same encryption processing as the encryption processing in the encryption unit on each control data that is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit. Is stored in association with each operation, and when the received encrypted data matches any of the stored control data,
The encrypted data may be determined to be valid.

Regarding the above configurations (2.) and (3.), the former has the advantage that the processing by the authentication means when the second key data is changed is simpler than the latter, and When setting to change the second key data is more advantageous than the latter. On the other hand, in the latter case, since there is no need to perform decryption at the time of receiving the encrypted data, the process at the time of receiving the encrypted data is simple, and after the command data is transmitted from the main controller to the symbol control unit, There is an advantage that the time until the corresponding display is made is shorter than the former.

Further, in order to make the replacement of the main control device more difficult, (4.) a symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol, a main control device for transmitting data to the symbol control portion according to a game situation, A pachinko gaming machine comprising: a symbol control unit that controls the symbol display device based on control data received from the main control device according to a situation; wherein the main control device stores first key data in a first storage Means, encryption means for performing encryption corresponding to the first key data on control data for controlling the operation of the symbol control unit, and data obtained by performing the encryption on control data corresponding to a game situation And a first key changing unit that changes the first key data at a predetermined timing, wherein the symbol control unit includes a second key changing unit that changes the first key data at a predetermined timing.
A second storage unit for storing the key data; and performing a process corresponding to the second key data on the encrypted data received from the main controller, thereby determining the validity of the received encrypted data. An authentication unit that authenticates the encrypted data in a certain case; an operation control unit that causes the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when the received encrypted data is authenticated; and a change timing of the first key data And a second key changing unit that changes the second key data so as to correspond to the first key data at a predetermined timing so as to match the above.

With this configuration, the main control unit encrypts the command data and transmits the command data to the symbol control unit when transmitting the proper command data according to the game situation. The symbol control unit authenticates data received from the main control device, and the symbol display device is controlled by the operation control unit based on the authenticated data. Also, the first key data and the second key data are changed, but both changes are performed at the same timing, and the second key data is changed so as to correspond to the first key data. Is stored so that the encrypted command data corresponding to the second key data is authenticated by the authentication processing corresponding to the second key data.

Therefore, when the main control device has not been tampered with, the command data is encrypted and transmitted from the main control device in order to instruct an operation according to the game situation. Since the data received by the section is authenticated, the operation control means causes the symbol display device to perform an operation (normal operation) corresponding to the command data. Then, the symbol display device operates normally.

On the other hand, when the main control device is tampered with illegally, in order to operate normally, the tampered main control device has the same function as the normal main control device. It is necessary to have the encryption means having the above and the first key change means, or to modify the symbol control unit in accordance with the main control device subjected to the unauthorized processing. Otherwise, the command data is transmitted to the symbol control unit without being encrypted in the main control device, or is transmitted to the symbol control unit after being encrypted in the main control device and not corresponding to the authentication in the symbol control unit. You. And since the data is not authenticated in the symbol control unit, depending on the command data,
The operation of the symbol display device is no longer controlled. That is, the symbol display device does not operate normally, and it becomes impossible to continue the normal game. Also, a staff member of the game arcade can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine due to an abnormal operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

Further, even if the main control device that has been tampered with has the same encryption means and the first key change means as the normal main control device, the pachinko machine is not required. The gaming machine does not operate normally, and furthermore, it is necessary to set the encryption rule of the unauthorized main controller to the encryption rule corresponding to the first key data of the authorized main controller at the time of replacement. Otherwise, the command data is
The data which is encrypted and does not correspond to the authentication in the symbol control unit and is transmitted to the symbol control unit is not authenticated as valid in the symbol control unit, and the operation of the symbol display device is not controlled. That is, the symbol display device does not operate normally, and it becomes impossible to continue the normal game.

By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, it is very difficult to know in advance the encryption rule of the main control device at the time of performing alteration or the like. This is because, in order to know this, (1) the change timing of the encryption rule, (2) the order in which the encryption rule is changed, and (3) the encryption when the gaming machine is manufactured Rules and
(4) It is necessary to know the number of times the change timing has arrived after the production of the gaming machine. Regarding the items (1) and (2), a gaming machine of the same type is obtained in advance and stored in the main control device. It can be understood by reading and analyzing the programs and data that have been written. However, in order to know the item (3), it is necessary to know from the manufacturer. This is because it is necessary to monitor the gaming machine from the time of manufacture to the time of replacement.

Therefore, in order to match the encryption rule of the unauthorized main controller with the encryption rule of the legitimate main controller at the time of the replacement, the wrongdoer needs to change the site (for example, playing a game). The main control device of the gaming machine to be replaced or by reading the first key data from the storage means of the symbol control unit to obtain the encryption rule, and the main control device after performing unauthorized alteration or the like. Is required to match the encryption rule of the main controller at that time. As described above, in order to perform the replacement of the main control device for the pachinko gaming machine and to be able to execute the game normally even after the replacement, not only the replacement of the main control device at the replacement site, but also other This has the effect of having to perform complicated work.

On the other hand, if the symbol control unit is to be replaced in addition to the main control unit, it takes a lot of time and labor to replace the symbol control unit, as a matter of course. If it takes time, there is a high possibility that a staff member will be found during the replacement work. Therefore, it is difficult for the gaming machine according to the present invention to succeed in the switching even by this method. In recent years, the main control device and the cover member of the symbol control unit have a configuration that is difficult to open and difficult to return to the original state once opened. In a pachinko game machine having such a cover member, the present invention, in which not only the main control device but also the symbol control unit cannot be exchanged to complete the improper act, exhibits a particularly high anti-replacement effect.

(5.) The authentication means stores in advance each control data which is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control section, in association with each operation. The data may be decrypted corresponding to the second key data, and if the decrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid. Well, (6.)
The authentication means stores in advance each control data which is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit in association with each operation, and every time the second key data is changed The stored second control data is
Each of the control data subjected to the encryption processing corresponding to the key data is stored, and when the received encrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data is determined to be valid. Is also good.

Comparing (5.) and (6.), the former has the advantage that the processing by the authentication means when the second key data is changed is simpler than the latter, and is frequently performed. When setting to change the second key data, it is more advantageous than the latter. On the other hand, in the latter, since there is no need to perform decryption when receiving the encrypted data, the process at the time of receiving the encrypted data in the symbol control unit is simple, and after the encrypted data is transmitted from the main control device to the symbol control unit, There is an advantage that the time until display corresponding to the encrypted data is shorter than that of the former.

(7.) A symbol display device for displaying a jackpot symbol, a main control device for transmitting data to a symbol control unit according to a game situation, and control data received from the main control device for a game situation. In a pachinko gaming machine including a symbol control unit that controls the symbol display device based on the first key unit, the main control device controls first symbol storage unit that stores first key data, and controls the operation of the symbol control unit. Encryption means for encrypting control data corresponding to the first key data; and
A transmission-side key program functioning as first key change means for changing key data; and a transmission means for transmitting the encrypted data to control data corresponding to a game situation to the symbol control unit. The symbol control unit determines the validity of the encrypted data received from the main control device by performing a process corresponding to the second key data and the second storage unit that stores the second key data, and determines that the encrypted data is valid. An authentication unit for authenticating the encrypted data in the case, and changing the second key data so as to correspond to the first key data at a predetermined timing so as to match a change timing of the first key data. A receiving-side key program that functions as a second key changing unit, and an operation control unit that causes the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when the received encrypted data is authenticated. And summarized in that comprises a.

(8.) The authentication means decrypts the received encrypted data corresponding to the second key data, and stores the decrypted data in advance in association with each operation. If any of the control data matches, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid,
(9.) Each time the second key data is changed, the authentication unit performs each of the control data stored in advance in association with each operation by performing encryption corresponding to the second key data. Control data may be stored, and if the received encrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data may be determined to be valid.

(10.) The change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are based on the fact that the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on. The second key data is changed. With this configuration, the main control device and the symbol display control device are removed, the built-in program is analyzed to obtain the encryption rule of the main control device, and the encryption rule of the unauthorized main control device is authorized. Even if the encryption rule is matched, if the unauthorized main controller does not have the means to change the encryption rule in the same way as the regular main controller, the symbol display will be displayed when the power is turned on. Since the authentication rule in the control device is changed and does not correspond to the encryption rule in the unauthorized main control device, the symbol display control device cannot authenticate the encrypted data received from the unauthorized main control device thereafter. . Therefore, it is particularly effective in preventing the main control device from being modified outside the business hours of the game arcade.

(11.) The change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are described as being at predetermined intervals, and the first key data and the second key data are updated at predetermined intervals. To change.

With this configuration, the main control device and the symbol display control device are removed, the built-in program is analyzed to obtain an encryption rule of the main control device, and the encrypted main control device is encrypted. Even if the rules are made to conform to the legitimate encryption rules, if the fraudulently processed main controller does not have the means to change the encryption rules in the same way as the legitimate main controller, tampering may occur. Since the authentication rule in the symbol display control device is changed at the latest after the elapse of the predetermined time and does not correspond to the encryption rule in the main control device that has been fraudulently processed, thereafter, the symbol display control device has been fraudulently processed. The encrypted data received from the main controller cannot be authenticated. Therefore, it is particularly effective for preventing alteration of the main control device during the business hours of the game arcade.

(12.) The gist of the invention is that the symbol control unit is provided with an abnormality display means for displaying a notification of occurrence of an abnormality when the encrypted data received from the main control unit is not authenticated.

In this way, if the replacement of the main control device performed does not enable the normal operation of the gaming machine, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified by the display means by the display means. When the device is replaced, the gaming machine not only does not operate normally, but also displays a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred. Is noticed, and it is possible to detect that the replacement has been performed.

As described above, according to the inventions described in (1. to 11.), when the main control device is replaced, if the replaced main control device does not have encryption means, The symbol display device does not normally perform the display operation. For example, the display of the big hit symbol is not performed.
That is, it is possible to provide a pachinko gaming machine that does not execute a normal operation when the main control device is replaced.

According to the invention described in (4. to 11.), as described above, in order to switch the main control device so that the gaming machine operates normally, it is necessary to change the main control device at a switching work site such as a game hall. Since it is necessary to perform a complicated operation, it is difficult to completely perform the operation, and it is very difficult to normally operate the gaming machine after the replacement. In addition, since it takes time to perform a replacement operation for normal operation after the replacement, it is more likely that a staff member, a security guard, or the like will find the replacement operation during the replacement operation. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the possibility of successful replacement of the main control device is low, a person who intends to cheat will hesitate to perform the replacement, and the replacement of the main control device will be performed beforehand. Has the effect of preventing. On the other hand, if the performed replacement of the main control device is not such as to enable the normal operation of the gaming machine, the gaming machine will not operate normally, so the staff of the game hall,
It is possible to notice that the gaming machine has an abnormality and find out that the gaming machine has been replaced.

According to the invention described in (12.), in addition to the effects of each of the inventions described in claims 4 to 11, the replacement of the main control device performed enables normal operation of the gaming machine. In the case that it is not such that, furthermore, the predetermined notification is performed by the notification means, the staff of the game hall, etc.,
This has the effect of being able to notice an abnormality in the gaming machine at an early stage, and to be able to discover that the replacement has been performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the entire pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing in detail a part relating to transmission of control data in a main control unit 10 and a special symbol control unit 19;

FIG. 4 is a command data storage unit 10 of the main control unit 10;
3 and the command data storage unit 90 of the special symbol control unit 19
3 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between each command data relating to special symbol control stored in No. 3 and each operation of a special symbol display device. FIG.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a flowchart of a control procedure of a conversion key change processing unit, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a second example of a flowchart of a control procedure of a conversion key change processing unit; FIG.

6A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a flowchart of a conversion key rewriting process, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a second example of a flowchart of a conversion key rewriting process, and FIG. It is a figure showing the 3rd example of the flow chart of conversion key rewriting processing.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a flowchart of a control procedure of the inverse conversion key change processing unit, and FIG. 7B is a second example of a flowchart of a control procedure of the inverse conversion key change processing unit. FIG.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a flowchart of an inverse transformation key rewriting process, FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a second example of a flowchart of an inverse transformation key rewriting process, and FIG. () Is a diagram illustrating a third example of a flowchart of the inverse conversion key rewriting process.

9A is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a processing procedure of a control data transmission processing unit 120, and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a control procedure of a control data reception processing unit 920.

FIG. 10 is a diagram specifically illustrating a command data conversion process and an inverse conversion process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Main control unit 11a ROM 11b EEPROM 12 RAM 13 CPU 19 Special symbol control unit 19a Special symbol display device 100 Control processing unit 101 Conversion key change processing unit 103 Command data storage unit 105 Random number addition processing unit 120 Control data transmission processing unit 121 Conversion Processing unit 140 Random number storage area 141 Conversion key storage area 900 Control processing unit 901 Inverse conversion key change processing unit 903 Command data storage unit 905 Random number addition processing unit 911a ROM 911b EEPROM 912 RAM 913 CPU 920 Control data reception processing unit 921 Reverse conversion processing Section 940 random number storage area 941 inverse transformation key storage area

Claims (12)

[Claims] A symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol; a main control device for transmitting data to a symbol control unit according to a game situation; In a pachinko gaming machine including a symbol control unit that controls a symbol display device, the main control device encrypts control data for controlling the symbol control unit to convert the encrypted data into encrypted data, Transmitting means for transmitting encrypted data of control data corresponding to a game situation to the symbol control unit, wherein the symbol control unit determines the validity of the encrypted data received from the main control device, and when the encrypted data is valid, Authentication means for authenticating the encrypted data; and operation control means for causing the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when the received encrypted data is authenticated. Pachinko game machine according to claim. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit stores in advance control data which is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit in association with each operation. 2. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the encrypted data is determined to be valid when the decrypted data matches any of the stored control data. 3. The authentication means performs the same encryption processing as the encryption processing in the encryption means on each control data which is likely to be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit. The stored control data is stored in association with each operation, and when the received encrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data is determined to be valid. 2. The pachinko gaming machine according to 1. 4. A symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol, a main control device for transmitting data to a symbol control unit according to a game situation, and the control data received from the main control device according to a game situation. In a pachinko gaming machine including a symbol control unit that controls a symbol display device, the main control device includes a first storage unit that stores first key data, and control data for controlling an operation of the symbol control unit. An encryption unit for performing encryption corresponding to the first key data, a transmission unit for transmitting the encrypted data to control data corresponding to a game situation to the symbol control unit, and a predetermined timing. A first key changing unit for changing the first key data, wherein the symbol control unit includes a second storage unit for storing second key data, and a cipher data received from the main control device. By performing a process corresponding to the second key data to determine the validity of the received encrypted data, and to authenticate the encrypted data if it is valid, and to determine whether the received encrypted data is authenticated. Operation control means for causing the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data, and transmitting the second key data to the first key at a predetermined timing so as to match the change timing of the first key data. A pachinko gaming machine, comprising: a second key change unit that changes the data in accordance with the data. 5. The authentication means stores in advance control data which may be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit in association with each operation. On the other hand, decryption corresponding to the second key data is performed, and if the decrypted data matches any of the stored control data, the encrypted data is determined to be valid. Item 6. A pachinko gaming machine according to item 4. 6. The authentication means stores in advance control data which may be encrypted by the main control device and transmitted to the symbol control unit in association with each operation, and the second key data Each time is changed, each of the stored control data is stored with the respective control data obtained by performing the encryption processing corresponding to the second key data, and any of the control data stored in the received encrypted data is The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein when the passwords match, the encrypted data is determined to be valid. 7. A symbol display device for displaying a big hit symbol, a main control device for transmitting data to a symbol control unit according to a game situation, and the control data received from the main control device according to a game situation. In a pachinko gaming machine including a symbol control unit that controls a symbol display device, the main control device includes a first storage unit that stores first key data, and control data for controlling an operation of the symbol control unit. An encryption means for performing encryption corresponding to the first key data, and a transmission-side key program functioning as first key change means for changing the first key data at a predetermined timing. Transmitting means for transmitting the encrypted data to the control data corresponding to the situation to the symbol control unit, wherein the symbol control unit stores the second key data; An authentication unit that determines the validity of the encrypted data received from the main control device by performing processing corresponding to the second key data, and authenticates the encrypted data if the encrypted data is valid; and a change of the first key data. A receiving-side key program that functions as a second key changing unit that changes the second key data so as to correspond to the first key data at a predetermined timing so as to match the timing; A pachinko gaming machine, comprising: operation control means for causing the symbol display device to perform an operation corresponding to the encrypted data when authenticated. 8. The authentication means decrypts the received encrypted data in accordance with the second key data, and decrypts the decrypted data in each control data stored in advance in association with each operation. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein when any one of them matches, the encrypted data is determined to be valid. 9. Each time the second key data is changed, the authentication unit performs encryption corresponding to the second key data on each control data stored in advance in association with each operation. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein each of the control data is stored, and when the received encrypted data matches one of the stored control data, the encrypted data is determined to be valid.
The pachinko gaming machine described in the above item. 10. The change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are at the time of turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine.
A pachinko gaming machine according to any one of the above. 11. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the change timing of the first key data and the change timing of the second key data are every predetermined time. 12. The symbol control unit according to claim 1, wherein the symbol control unit includes an abnormality display unit for displaying a notification that an abnormality has occurred when the encrypted data received from the main control device is not authenticated. The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of the above.