JP2000079253A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for making the recognition of the value of a cyclic counter used for generating a specified game state (large winning for instance) from the outside of the game machine difficult. SOLUTION: A random number generation circuit (random number IC) 28 is provided in the game controller 20 of a pachinko game machine, and every time a random number counter for large winning judgement provided in the RAM 23 of the game controller 20 is circulated once, the initial value of a cycle (cycle detection value) is replaced based on a random number value obtained from the random number generation circuit 28. For an astable multivibrator circuit 29 for outputting an operation clock to the random number generation circuit 28, the operation clock is decided depending on a resistor and a capacitor, and in the case that the plural pachinko game machines are present, for the generation of the initial value of the cycle, natural dispersion is generated depending on the dispersion from the rated value of the resistor and the capacitor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine (for example, a ball game machine) which transmits a control signal from a game control device to various controlled devices (for example, a variable display device). The present invention relates to an improvement in which a count value of a periodic counter for occurrence of a big hit state cannot be determined.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine) is provided with a periodic counter that is circulated and updated between a lower limit (minimum value) and an upper limit value (maximum value), so that a predetermined event in the game is performed. It is known that, based on the value of this periodic counter obtained based on the occurrence of (for example, winning of a game ball to a specific winning device), a lottery of occurrence (for example, a big hit) of a specific game state is performed. I have. Further, such a ball game machine is provided with a variable display device for performing a display related to a game, and the variable display device is adapted to display, for example, occurrence of a big hit.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing such a ball game machine.

[0004] As shown in the figure, an inner frame 3 is attached to the front of a machine frame (outer frame) 1 of a ball game machine by an upper hinge 2A and a lower hinge 2B, and a game board 4 is mounted on the inner frame 3. It is attached. In addition, a glass frame 5 on which a transparent glass is mounted is attached to the front of the inner frame 3, so that the front of the game board 4 is covered with glass, and the game board 4 can be seen through the glass.

The game board 4 is detachable from the inner frame 3 and can be separated from the ball game machine main body (a structure other than the game board 4 of the ball game machine). Thereby, the game board 4
Can be changed together with the exchange of the game board 4.

[0006] At the lower part of the game board 5, a supply plate (upper plate) 6 for a game ball, a receiving plate (lower plate) 7, and an operation section 8 of a hitting ball firing device are provided. A game ball as a prize ball is introduced into the supply plate 6 from a prize ball port 6A. The receiving tray 7 receives surplus game balls when the supply tray 6 is full of game balls, and the game balls in the tray 7 can be discharged downward by operating the operation lever 7A. ing.

A hitting ball launching device in which only the operation section 8 is shown is a means for launching a game ball, and the game ball is supplied from the supply plate 6 to the hitting ball launching apparatus, and is fired according to the rotation operation of the operating section 8. . The launched game ball is guided along a guide rail 9 provided on the game board 4 and enters an area (game area) 10 surrounded by the guide rail 9 in front of the game board 4.

The operation unit 8 is provided with a stop switch 8A. By operating the stop switch 8A, the hitting ball can be stopped even during the rotation operation of the operation unit 8. The operation unit 8 is provided with a touch switch (not shown), and the touch switch does not detect that the operator is operating the operation unit 8 (the operator's hand is touching the operation unit 8). Occasionally, the launching of the hit ball from the hitting ball firing device is stopped.

At a substantially center of the game area 10, a variable display device (image display device) 11 corresponding to display means is provided. The variable display device 11 performs a display corresponding to a progress state of a game, and displays, for example, three special symbols (a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol) representing the gaming state on a liquid crystal screen. The special symbol of the variable display device 11 starts to fluctuate when a game ball wins a starting port 14 described later.

Below the variable display device 11, a variable winning device 12 having a large winning opening that can be opened and closed is provided. In addition, a plurality of general winning openings 13 are provided around the variable display device 11 and the variable winning device 12.
The starting port 14 is located in an area between the number 1 and the variable winning device 12,
Each is arranged. Further, a discharge port 15 is provided at the lowermost end of the game area 10.

As a result, the game balls hit into the game area 10 flow down the surface of the game area 10 while the rolling direction is changed by the rolling guide members 16 such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area 10. Then, any of the variable winning device 12, the general winning opening 13, the starting opening 14, and the discharging opening 15 is entered.

In this case, the starting switch 14 is provided at the starting port 14.
1 (see FIG. 5) is provided, and a winning is detected.

[0013] In addition, in the big winning opening of the variable winning device 12,
A count switch 32 (see FIG. 5) is provided to detect a winning in the special winning opening.

A V winning opening is provided inside the special winning opening. When a game ball that has won the special winning opening also wins the V winning opening, it is detected by the V winning detection switch 33 (see FIG. 5). It is supposed to be. The opening / closing control pattern of the special winning opening is changed according to the winning state of the special winning opening. For example, as long as there is a winning in the special winning opening while the special winning opening is open, the opening of the special winning opening is limited to a predetermined upper limit. (For example, 16
Times).

If a game ball is awarded to the starting port 14 at the timing of a jackpot, the game will be a jackpot, and the display of the variable display device 11 will indicate the jackpot after fluctuating with the winning of the starting port 14. (For example, three symbols become the same symbol), furthermore, the large winning opening of the variable winning device 12 which was normally closed is opened, and the game ball can enter the variable winning device 12.

At the right and left ends of the game area 10, side lamps 17 for decoration are provided.
A jackpot lamp 18 that blinks when 1 is in the jackpot state is provided. In the following description, these lamps 17 and 18 and the decoration LE (not shown) will be described.
Various decoration devices such as D are collectively referred to as decoration devices 30.

On the front surface of the inner frame 3 below the game board 4, a sound emission port 19 is provided, from which a sound effect from a speaker (not shown) is emitted.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the game control device 20.

The game control device 20 includes, for example, various components provided on a role control board installed on the back of the game board 4,
That is, it comprises a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an input interface 24, an output interface 25, an interrupt signal generating circuit 26, a bus 27 and the like.

The CPU 21 is an IC for controlling the game (game control) by the game control device 20, and receives detection signals from various detection devices (start switch 31, count switch 32, V detection switch 33) through the input interface 24. Is entered. The CPU 21 calculates various control signals based on these detection signals, and outputs these control signals to various devices (variable display device 11, variable winning device 12, decoration device 30) on the game board 4 via the output interface 25.
, Etc.) to control the game.

The ROM 22 stores various fixed information for game control, and stores a game program for game control and constants such as a jackpot probability in the game control.

The RAM 23 is used as a work area at the time of game control by the CPU 22. As a data storage area, a random number counter (counter for judging a big hit), a random number storage area, an event counter, a switch input buffer, a mechanical device An output buffer, a decoration device output buffer, and a display control signal output buffer are provided.

Here, the random number counter is a counter that circulates from a predetermined lower limit (for example, 0) to an upper limit (for example, 299) and is updated by +1 (see the flowchart of FIG. 7), and will be described later. Based on the value of the random number counter acquired in the switch read information handling process (the process of step S5 in the flowchart of FIG. 6), a jackpot determination of a game is made.

The random number storage area is an area for storing the value of the random number counter taken in the switch read information correspondence processing described later, and is provided with a plurality of areas (for example, four areas) each capable of storing the value of the random number counter. And
It is also possible to cope with a case where a plurality of game balls are won consecutively to the starting port 14.

The event counter is, for example, 0 to 7
Octal counter that is circulated and updated in the range of .times..times..times..times..times..times..times..times..times..times..times..times. ) Is determined.

The input interface 24 converts input signals from various detection devices into a level that can be read by the CPU 21, and includes a low-pass filter, a level conversion device,
It is composed of a buffer IC, an input port and the like.

The output interface 25 is connected to the CPU 21
And outputs various control signals to drive various devices, and comprises an output port, a latch IC, a drive circuit, and the like. The command information (output data) for controlling the various controlled devices edited by the CPU 21 is converted into a communication format at an output port of the output interface 25 and is output as a control signal to the various controlled devices.

The interrupt signal generation circuit 26 includes a CPU 21
Is a circuit for transmitting an interrupt signal at a predetermined timing. More specifically, the interrupt signal generation circuit 21
Has a clock circuit, divides a basic pulse signal generated by the clock circuit to generate a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, about 10 microseconds), and uses the pulse signal as an interrupt signal for a predetermined time. The message is transmitted every time (for example, every 2 milliseconds). The CPU 21
This interrupt signal is received via the reset input terminal,
Each time the data is received, the previous processing is reset, and a new control processing is started from a predetermined address. This allows the CPU
The game control by 21 is executed in units of the timing (for example, 2 milliseconds) of the transmission of the interrupt signal. It should be noted that the game control is divided into short cycles for each interrupt signal as described above because the CPU 2 caused by noise generated by the circulation of a large number of metal game balls.
This is to prevent runaway of the first.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a game control processing procedure executed by the game control device 20. As described above, this game control is repeated every reset interrupt signal of a fixed period (for example, a period of 2 milliseconds).

In step S1, a power-on determination process is executed, and it is determined whether or not the reset interrupt signal from the interrupt signal generating circuit 26 is the first one after power-on.
The determination is made based on whether a predetermined value is stored in the predetermined inspection data area of M23.

If it is determined in step S1 that the reset interrupt signal is the first one after the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S2, where the RAM 23 is initialized (the above-described test data area is stored in the initialization data area). Predetermined data is stored), initialization of the registers of the CPU 21 and the like are executed, and the routine ends as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the reset interrupt signal is not the first one after power-on, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, a switch reading process is executed, and various detection devices (start switch 31, count switch 32, V detection switch 33, etc.)
The detection data input to the port of the input interface 24 from the CPU is subjected to processing such as chattering removal,
21 is read.

In the following step S4, port output processing is executed, and various control output data in the buffer of the CPU 21 is output to the output port of the output interface 25.

In the following step S5, switch read information corresponding processing is executed. In the switch read information handling process, the winning process of the start switch 31, the number of winnings in the special winning opening based on the detection by the count switch 32, the determination of whether to continue the round based on the detection by the V detection switch 33, and the like are performed. Be executed. Here, the winning process of the start switch 31 is a process of capturing a random number counter value for a jackpot lottery. In this process,
First, the status of the start switch area of the switch input buffer is checked. If the status is "ball present", that is, if there is a winning game ball (a game ball passing through the start switch 31) in the starting port 14, the value of the random number counter at this time is stored in the RAM 23. Store in the random number storage area.

In step S6, prize ball command information editing processing is executed, and prize ball command information serving as a command to the prize ball discharging means is edited.

In step S7, first various random number updating processing is executed, and processing such as updating of a random number counter is performed.
The detailed processing procedure of the first various random number update processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S8, an event counter updating process is executed, and the counter value of the event counter provided in the CPU 21 is updated by +1.

The processing in steps S9 to S18 is as follows:
This is processing (time-division processing) selectively executed according to the value of the event counter. That is, in this time-division processing, step S9 is performed according to the value of the event counter.
Special symbol game progress control process, special symbol variation control process of step S10, mechanical device output information editing process of step S11, light emitting device output information editing process of step S12,
Step S13 to Step S14 count switch related abnormality monitoring processing and business information editing processing, Step S
15 sound command information port output processing, display command information editing processing and various output information synthesis editing processing of steps S16 to S17, and display command information port output processing of step S18 are selectively executed. Note that this time-division processing is executed once when the value of the event counter makes one cycle between 0 and 7, so when the interrupt signal has a cycle of 2 ms, 2 ms × 8 = 16 ms. One unit (one type) of processing is executed in a cycle.

The special symbol game progress control process of step S9 is a core process of the game control, and various processes for controlling the progress of the game relating to the special symbol (game relating to the big hit) based on the special symbol game process number. Be executed.

Here, the special symbol game processing number is a number that is switched in accordance with the progress of the game relating to the special symbol. In the game state from the stop of the fluctuation to the jackpot determination (determination of whether or not the jackpot flag is set), the processing number 2 is changed to the jackpot state (each round of opening the variable winning device 5 and its interval period). Is assigned a processing number 3, and the other game states are assigned a processing number 0.

The jackpot determination performed when the special symbol game processing number is 1 is performed in the following procedure.

First, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number counter indicating the winning timing to the starting port 14 is stored in the random number storage area. When the value of the random number counter is stored, the value of the random number counter is determined. , A predetermined value corresponding to the jackpot (for example, “7”) is determined.
If the timing of transmitting the interrupt signal is every 2 milliseconds and the lower limit (minimum value) of the random number counter in the RAM 23 is 0 and the upper limit (maximum value) is 299, 3
The random number counter makes one round at 00 × 2 milliseconds = 600 milliseconds. If a game ball is awarded to the starting port 14 at 2 milliseconds corresponding to the jackpot, the game is a big hit. State.

After the comparison, the value of the random number counter is deleted, and the value of the new random number counter can be stored in the random number storage area after the deletion in step S5. Subsequently, a stop symbol pattern (a parameter corresponding to the stop symbol pattern) in the variable display device 11 is determined according to whether or not the value of the random number counter matches a predetermined jackpot value. For example, when the value of the random number counter matches a predetermined jackpot value (that is, in the case of a jackpot), the parameter is determined so that the three numeric symbols of the variable display device 11 are stopped at the slot (for example, “777”). And if they do not match (not a jackpot)
Set the parameters to stop at a pattern other than the slot. Further, in the case of a big hit, the parameters are set so that the variable winning device 12 is opened.

In the special symbol change control process in step S10, the special symbol update process (specifically, the image display device 4
(The update process of the special symbol currently displayed symbol pointer) which is the pointer corresponding to each symbol displayed in the above.
In addition, the mode of the special symbol updating process is changed according to the special symbol game process number.

In the mechanical device output information editing process in step S11, editing of mechanical device output data for controlling the variable winning device 12 (specifically, an ON / OFF signal to a solenoid driving the variable winning device 12) is performed. Done.

In the light emitting device output information editing process of step S12, an update process of output data for controlling the operation of the decoration device 30 and the like are executed.

In the count switch-related abnormality monitoring process in step S13, a process of monitoring the occurrence of an abnormality such as fraud related to the count switch 31 is performed. In the following business information editing process of step S14, a hall computer (computer that controls and manages the gaming machines in the game store)
The business information output data transmitted to is edited.

In the sound command information port output process of step S15, sound command information for controlling the sound output of the speaker is selected and output to the port of the output interface 23.

In the display command information editing process in step S16, the display command information for controlling the display of the variable display device 11 is edited. In the subsequent various output information synthesizing / editing process in step S17, various output data stored in the various storage buffers in the CPU 21 are synthesized and edited and stored in the port-specific output data storage buffer. The output data stored in the output data storage buffer for each port is determined in step S
4 is output to a port of the output interface 23 in the output process.

In the display command information port output process in step S18, the display command information edited in the display command information editing process in step S18 and stored in the display command information storage buffer of the CPU 21 is output to the output interface 23.
Output to the port. This display command information is converted into a communication format at a port of the output interface 23 and transmitted to the variable display device 11 as a display command signal.

The second various random number updating process of step S19 is a process executed subsequent to the time division process of S9 to step S20. The second various random number updating process is performed over the remaining time until the next reset interrupt signal. Processing (update processing of various random numbers not updated in the processing of step S7)
Is repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first random number update process (the process of step S7 in FIG. 6).

In step S21, the value of the random number counter (the random number counter for determining the jackpot) is updated by +1. Thereby, the random number counter is set for each unit of game control (1
+1 for each interrupt signal).

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number counter updated in step S21 has exceeded an upper limit value (for example, 299). If the value has exceeded the upper limit value (for example, the random number counter value has become 300). ), The lower limit value (for example, 0) is set in the random number counter in step S23, and the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the value does not exceed the upper limit, the process directly proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, a process of updating the stopped symbol determining random numbers is performed.

In step S25, the effect random number updating process is performed.

[0057]

By the way, in such a conventional ball game machine, a fraudulent device (fraud board) 100 as shown in FIG. 8 is attached, and fraud is performed. There was fear.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a person who intends to commit fraudulent acts can use any one of the controlled devices from a wire (lead wire) from the start switch 31 to the input interface 24 and from the output interface 25. (Variable display device 11, variable winning device 12, decoration device 3
The illegal board 100 is interposed on the wiring toward 0). In the example of FIG. 8, an example is shown in which an unauthorized board 100 is interposed on the wiring toward the variable display device 11.

As a result, the wrongdoer first receives a control signal (FIG. 8) sent from the game control device 20 to the controlled device.
In the example, the display control signal sent to the variable display device 11)
, A processing timing (specifically, a value of a random number counter) for generating a specific game state (for example, a big hit state) in the game control device 20 is detected. And
Based on the operation timing of the CPU 21, the transmission timing of the winning detection signal from the start switch 31 to the game control device 20 is operated to artificially adjust the occurrence of a big hit in the game.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 and as described above, the transmission of the display control signal to the variable display device 11 is carried out every time there are eight interrupt signals (the time division process goes round). (Each time) and has a predetermined timing with respect to the interrupt signal. In this case, the value of the random number counter is updated in a range from a predetermined lower limit value to an upper limit value (for example, in a range of 0 to 299) by +1 each time there is an interrupt signal. Therefore, the transmission timing of the display control signal has a certain relationship with the value of the random number counter.

On the other hand, as described above, the value of the random number counter indicates the processing timing for generating a specific game state in the game control device 20, and the random hit counter is set to a predetermined value (for example, 7 ) Is generated when the winning detection signal is transmitted at the timing having ()). Therefore, the wrongdoer can use the C
By analyzing the PU 21 and determining the jackpot value (for example, 7) of the random number counter, the relationship between the transmission timing of the display control signal and the jackpot timing can be determined.

Therefore, the wrongdoer can artificially generate a big hit by manipulating the transmission timing of the winning detection signal so as to have a predetermined relationship with the transmission timing of the display control signal. In this case,
Since the winning detection signal is generally composed of a simple two-level voltage signal indicating "with ball" or "without ball", a false detection signal is generated or the transmission timing of the detection signal is shifted. It is easy to do.

Further, while the wrongdoer artificially generates a jackpot when he / she is playing a game, the wrongdoer may generate artificial hits when a person other than the wrongdoer is playing a game with the same ball game machine. You can also remove the jackpot.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the probability of the jackpot in the ball game machine from increasing as a whole, so that it is difficult to find an illegal act even if the frequency of the jackpot is monitored. In addition, since the detection signal input to the game control device 20 is a simple two-level voltage signal as described above, the connection of the unauthorized device 100 cannot be found from the detection signal.

For this reason, there is no other method of finding a fraudulent act than actually finding the fraudulent device 100 by disassembling components of the ball-and-ball game machine.
Have a tendency to be miniaturized and are not easy to find.

Further, in order to prevent such misconduct, the jackpot lottery method is fundamentally changed (for example, a completely new type of random number is used instead of a random number updated periodically by +1). Then, it is necessary to verify whether or not the new type of random number gives a correct jackpot probability, and there is a possibility that a great deal of time may be required for practical use.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is difficult to recognize the value of a periodic counter used for generating a specific game state (for example, a jackpot) from outside the gaming machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine.

[0068]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a periodic counter which is circulated and updated between a predetermined lower limit and an upper limit, and a detecting means for detecting occurrence of a predetermined event in a game. And a lottery means for obtaining a value of the periodic counter based on the detection by the detection means, and a lottery means for performing a lottery for occurrence of a specific game state based on the obtained value of the periodic counter. An initial value generating means for randomly generating an initial value of the cycle of the periodic counter; and, when the periodic counter returns to the initial value of the cycle at least once, returns the initial value of the next cycle to the initial value. Initial value replacing means for replacing with a new initial value generated by the value generating means.

In the second invention, the initial value generating means includes random number generating means for generating a random number based on an operation clock signal from the signal generating means, and the initial value of the circulation is generated based on the random number value. In addition, the oscillation cycle of the operation clock signal from the signal generating means varies with the signal generating means provided in each gaming machine.

In the third invention, the time constant of the signal generating means is determined depending on the resistance value of the resistor and the capacitance value of the capacitor.

In the fourth invention, the game control of the game machine is executed in units of a predetermined reset interrupt period, and the lap number initial value generation counter updated in each game control over the remaining time until the start of the next game control. And the initial value generation means generates an initial value of the circulation based on the value of the circulation initial value generation counter.

[0072]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the periodic counter is updated while being circulated in a range between a predetermined lower limit and an upper limit, while the initial value of the circuit is replaced by the replacing means. It has become. For this reason, even if a cheating person calculates the update timing of the periodic counter based on the transmission timing of the control signal from the game control device of the gaming machine to various controlled devices, for example, even the replacement of the initial value of the circuit is analyzed. Unless otherwise, it is difficult to determine the value of the periodic counter, and it becomes extremely difficult to perform a fraud that causes a specific gaming state. Therefore, fraudulent acts can be effectively prevented. Also,
Even if the initial value of the circulation is replaced in this way, the periodic counter counts for one cycle until it returns to the initial value again, so the identification based on the acquisition of the periodic counter is performed. The probability of a game state occurrence is
This is the same as the case where the initial value of the lap is constant. Therefore, a particular gaming state occurs with a predetermined correct probability.

In the second invention, the random number generating means generates a random number based on the operation clock from the signal oscillating means, and the initial value of the round is generated from the random number. The oscillation cycle of the operation clock of the signal oscillation means of the gaming machine has a variation. For this reason, among a plurality of ball-and-ball game machines, the random number generation by the random number generation means and the generation of the rounding initial value also vary based on the variation of the operation clock cycle. Even if one of the gaming machines analyzes the update of the initial round value and commits a fraud, this analysis does not apply to other gaming machines. Therefore, a fraudulent person must perform a difficult analysis for each gaming machine, and fraudulent behavior becomes extremely difficult.

In the third aspect, the time constant of the signal oscillating means depends on the resistance value of the resistor and the capacitance value of the capacitor. Therefore, when there are a plurality of gaming machines, the operation clock of the signal oscillating means of each gaming machine is provided. Can be made to have a natural variation based on the variation of the resistance value of the resistor and the capacitance value of the capacitor from the rated value without any operation to have the variation. For this reason, fraud can be prevented very easily.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the circulation initial value generation counter is continuously updated in the remaining time of the game control,
It is difficult to predict the initial value of the circuit determined based on the counter value, and it is difficult for a fraudster to determine the value of the periodic counter, and fraudulent behavior can be effectively prevented.
Further, the circulation initial value generation unit can be configured at low cost without using a random number generation unit.

[0076]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the ball game machine is the same as that shown in the front view of FIG. 4, for example, and the basic procedure of game control by the game control device 20 is shown in FIG. It is the same as the flowchart. Therefore, the following description focuses on the configuration of the game control device 20 which is a feature of the present invention, and the processing procedure of the first random number update process in the game control.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a game control device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the game control device 20
For example, it is composed of various components arranged on a role control board installed on the back of the game board 4, and includes a CPU 21 and a ROM 2
2, RAM 23, input interface 24, output interface 25, interrupt signal generation circuit 26, bus 2
7 is provided. Since these configurations are the same as the configuration of the conventional game control device 20 shown in FIG. 5, further description will not be repeated.

The game control device 20 includes a random number generation circuit 28 and an astable multivibrator circuit 29 as features of the present invention.

The random number generation circuit 28 is a circulation initial value generation means, and receives, for example, a random number consisting of 8-bit or 16-bit data from an external operation clock (the astable multivibrator circuit 29 in this embodiment). Which is randomly updated (generated) by a predetermined algorithm based on
C (random number IC). When receiving a request signal from the CPU 21, the CPU 21 outputs a random number value at that time. CP
U21 acquires a later-described round detection value (round initial value) based on the output random number value. The random number generation circuit 28 is not limited to an IC that generates a random number as described above, and may be composed of, for example, a simple counter that periodically updates a counter value with an operation clock.

The astable multivibrator circuit 29 as a signal oscillating means is constituted by a resistor and a capacitor, and outputs an operation clock according to an oscillation frequency determined by the resistance value of the resistor and the capacitance value of the capacitor. .

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first random number update process (the process of step S7 in the flowchart of FIG. 6) in the present embodiment.

In step S31, the value of a random number counter which is a periodic counter that is circulated and updated between a predetermined lower limit (for example, 0) and an upper limit (for example, 299) is updated by +1.

In step S32, it is determined whether the value of the random number counter has exceeded a predetermined upper limit (for example, 299). As a result of this determination, if the value of the random number counter exceeds the upper limit value (for example, 300), the lower limit value (for example, 0) is added to the random number counter in step S33.
Is set and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the value does not exceed the upper limit, the process directly proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number counter is the rotation detection value stored in the CPU 21 (see step S36). If it is determined in step S34 that the value of the random number counter is the circulation detection value, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random number counter is not the circulation detection value,
The process skips steps S35 to S37 and proceeds to step S38. In the first routine after the power is turned on, the circulation detection value is set (initialized) to, for example, 0.

In step S35, a process of acquiring a new circuit detection value is performed. Specifically, the CPU 21 transmits a request signal to the random number generation circuit 28, obtains a random number value from the random number generation circuit 28, and if the random number value does not exceed the upper limit value of the random number counter (for example, 299). , The random number value is used as a new round detection value as it is. On the other hand, if the obtained random number value exceeds the upper limit value of the random number counter, the upper bits (higher digits) of the random number value are discarded,
The lower bit (lower digit) of the random number is used as a new round detection value.

In the following step S36, step S35
The new rotation detection value acquired in step S3 is stored, and the
At 7, the new round detection value is set in a random number counter. That is, the random number counter starts counting from this new circulation detection value.

In step S38, a process of updating the stop symbol determining random number is performed, and in step S39, a process of updating the effect random number is executed, and the routine ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the random number counter circulates in a range between a predetermined lower limit (for example, 0) and an upper limit (for example, 299) and is updated by +1. The round detection value which is the initial value of the round is replaced every round. Therefore,
Even if the cheating person analyzes the update timing of the random number counter based on the control signal from the game control device 20,
Unless the change of the value of the random number counter based on the change of the cycle detection value is analyzed, the value of the random number counter cannot be known, and the analysis for this illegal act becomes invalid. That is, for example, the input timing of the illegal signal to the game control device 20 (the timing at which the random number counter takes a predetermined jackpot value) is divided from the control signals to the various controlled devices (for example, the display control signal to the variable display device 11). Even if you try to get out,
Since the value of the random number counter itself at the timing of transmitting the control signal to the various controlled devices changes, it cannot be determined. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to illegally manipulate the occurrence of a jackpot (occurrence of a specific game state) artificially, and illegal acts can be effectively prevented.

Further, in the random number counter, the cycle detection value, which is the initial value of the cycle, is changed every cycle, but even in this case, counting for one cycle is performed until the cycle returns to the cycle detection value again (for example, 300). Counting), there is no change, so the probability of the jackpot (the probability that the random number counter value taken into the random number storage area for the jackpot determination takes a predetermined jackpot value) is the same as when there is no change in the circuit detection value. does not change. That is, the jackpot occurs with a predetermined correct probability.

If the probability of the jackpot is not determined to be a predetermined correct probability, the random number value (or the value obtained by manipulating this random number value) from the random number generation circuit (random number IC) 28 is used as it is as a random number counter. (Random number for jackpot determination) can also be used.

In this embodiment, the random number generating means 2
As the signal oscillating means for outputting the operation clock to the circuit 8, an astable multivibrator circuit 29 whose time constant is determined by a resistor and a capacitor is employed without using a crystal oscillator or the like capable of obtaining an accurate oscillation frequency. For this reason, when there are a plurality of ball game machines, between the astable multivibrator circuits 29 of each of the ball game machines, the resistance value of the resistor and the capacitance value of the capacitor are based on the variation from the rated value possessed. Variations in the oscillation frequency occur naturally. Accordingly, the timing of updating the random number in the random number generation circuit 28, that is, the method of generating the random number, is determined based on the natural variation of the operation clock from the astable multivibrator circuit 29 between the plurality of ball game machines. Will also vary. Therefore, even if the fraudster analyzes the way in which the round detection value is updated based on the random number value from the random number generation circuit 28 for one ball-and-ball game machine, the fraudster performs this fraudulently. It does not apply to the ball game machine. Therefore, fraudsters must perform difficult analysis for each ball-and-game machine,
Misconduct becomes significantly more difficult.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a second random number update process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the overall configuration of the ball game machine is the same as that shown in the front view of FIG. 4, for example, and the configuration of the game control device 20 is shown in FIG.
Is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the basic procedure of the game control is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, and the processing procedure of the first random number update processing is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the following description focuses on the processing procedure of the second random number update processing in the game control, which is a feature of the present invention.

In the second random number updating process according to the present embodiment, first, in step S41, the circulation detection value generation counter (circulation initial value generation counter) is updated by +1.
Here, the circulation detection value generation counter is a counter provided in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 23 independently of the random number counter. For example, the counter periodically (circulates) +1 from 0 to 199. Be updated.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not the circulation detection value generation counter has exceeded an upper limit value (for example, 299). If it is determined that the circulation detection value generation counter does not exceed the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S41.
When the counter for generating a circulation detection value exceeds the upper limit (for example, when the counter reaches 300), the counter for generating a circulation detection value is set to the lower limit (for example, 0) in step S43, and the process returns to step S41. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the second random number updating process executed during the remaining time of the game control (the remaining time until the next reset interrupt signal), the circulation detection value generation counter is cycled. It is continuously updated. Further, in this case, the time of the second random number update process, that is, the remaining time of the game control is not constant for each reset interrupt. For this reason, the value of the circulation detection value generation counter at the end of the second random number update processing is difficult to predict. Therefore, in the first random number update process (see FIG. 2) of the game control, the value indicated by the circulation detection value generation counter at that time (the circulation detection value generation counter at the time when the previous second random number update process ends) The value of the counter) is used as the circulating detection value, whereby the initial value of the circulating of the random number counter is changed to a circulating detection value that is difficult to predict, and as in the first embodiment, the fraudulent behavior is changed. Can be effectively prevented. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the circulation initial value generation means can be configured at low cost without using a random number IC or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, the change of the circuit detection value is executed every time the random number counter makes one round.
The present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, when the random number counter makes a predetermined number of rounds (for example, n times), the round detection value may be changed, or the round detection value may be changed. A configuration may be adopted in which the number of laps until the change is made is changed each time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a first random number updating process.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a second random number update processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a ball game machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a game control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of game control.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a conventional first random number update processing.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a state where an unauthorized board is mounted on the game control device.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a relationship among a conventional interrupt signal timing, a random number counter value, and a display control signal transmission timing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 variable display device 12 variable winning device 14 start port 20 game control device 21 CPU 22 ROM 23 RAM 26 interrupt signal generation circuit 28 random number generation circuit 29 astable multivibrator circuit 30 decoration device 31 start switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A periodic counter that is circulated and updated between a predetermined lower limit value and an upper limit value, detection means for detecting occurrence of a predetermined event in a game, and A gaming machine comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a value of a periodic counter; and a lottery unit that performs a lottery for generating a specific gaming state based on the acquired value of the periodic counter. An initial value generating means for randomly generating an initial value of a new initial value generated by the initial value generating means when the periodic counter has returned to the initial value of the circulation at least once. A gaming machine comprising: an initial value replacing unit that replaces an initial value. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the initial value generating means includes random number generating means for generating a random number based on an operation clock signal from the signal generating means, and the initial value of the circulation is generated based on the random number value. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation cycle of the operation clock signal from the signal generating means varies with each signal generating means provided in each gaming machine. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein said signal generating means determines a time constant depending on a resistance value of a resistor and a capacitance value of a capacitor. 4. The game control of the gaming machine is executed in units of a predetermined reset interrupt cycle, and includes a lap initial value generation counter updated in a remaining time until the start of the next game control in each game control. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the initial value generating means generates an initial value of the circulation based on the value of the circulation initial value generation counter.