JP2002291972A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an illegal action for generating many internal prize-winning in a special game, etc., which is performed by mounting an illegal board in a connection line between a start switch (165) and a main control means (200) and slightly delaying a signal from the start switch to be synchronized with a cycle with the random number counter of a lottery means (211). SOLUTION: A slot machine (100) is provided with a random number counter circuit (280) which incorporates a frequency dividing circuit (283) to changeover the frequency of a clock signal for a random number to be inputted to the random number counter (285) in the lottery means (211) which performs the lottery of prize-winning.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to an improvement in lottery means in a slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of reels are rotated by operating a start lever or a start button, and each reel is stopped by operating a stop button. A slot machine for paying out a predetermined medal or the like is provided.

In recent years, in this slot machine, as shown in FIG. 4, a symbol drawn on three main reels corresponding to a first stop button 131, a second stop button 132, and a third stop button 133 is shown. In addition to the three reels 115 showing each reel window 115, not only the game can be enjoyed by a combination of stop symbols, but also the effect is produced by adding effect means such as an auxiliary reel 143.

The slot machine 100 has a medal slot 1
21 and a credit medal button 125, and an operation plate 110 provided with a start lever 122, a stop button and the like are provided at substantially the center of the slot machine 100, and the number of medals to be inserted into the medal insertion slot 121 or the credit medal button 125 is inserted. Depending on the number of medals, the effective lamps 151 provided on the front plate 113 are sequentially turned on, and the effective lines for determining a winning by a stop symbol among the winning lines are displayed.
When the start lever 122 is operated, the rotation of the main reel starts, and the first stop button 131 and the second stop button 1
When the 32 and third stop buttons 133 are pressed, the rotation of the main reel corresponding to each stop button is stopped, and a predetermined number of medals are stored in the medal receiving 147 by a combination of symbols stopped on the pay line which is an effective line. Discharge,
Alternatively, the number of medals to be credited inside the slot machine 100 as credit medals is counted.

The number of credit medals is displayed on the credit number display 153. When the credit medal button 125 is operated, the number of inserted medals is subtracted, and when the medals are credited by winning, the payout number is added. When four or more medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 121, the fourth and subsequent medals are added, and this numerical value is displayed on the credit number display 153.

The operation of the slot machine 100 is controlled by a main control means 200 combining a microcomputer incorporated in the slot machine 100 with appropriate circuit elements.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main control means 200 includes a microcomputer having the functions of a winning control means 210, a reel stop control means 220, a main game control means 230, and an operation control means 240, as shown in FIG. The microcomputer which performs essential control for the progress of the game of the slot machine 100 and mainly serves as the auxiliary control means 270 has a function as an acoustic control means 271 for controlling a sound generating device 187 such as a speaker, and an upper panel 117. A function as lighting control means 275 for controlling the effect display lamp 189 incorporated in the camera and controlling the flashing of the auxiliary reel backlight 197 incorporated inside the auxiliary reel 143 via the auxiliary game control means 195 is provided. ,
In many cases, effects are controlled to entertain the player according to the progress of the game.

In the main control means 200, a medal slot 121
When the insertion of a medal is detected by a medal sensor 161 provided in the main game control means 230 or a medal button sensor 163 incorporated in the credit medal button 125, a predetermined effective lamp is provided by the general game control means 231 or the special game control means 233 in the main game control means 230. The game is prepared for starting the game by lighting 151.

When the operation of the start lever 122 is detected by the start switch 165 attached to the start lever 122, the reel drive control means 241 of the operation control means 240 drives the first reel motor 181 to the third reel motor 183. The winning control means 210 performs a winning lottery using random numbers by the lottery means 211, and stores a symbol to be stopped based on the lottery result in the winning determination table 215.

When one of the first to third stop buttons 131 to 133 is operated, the first stop switch 171 or the second stop switch 172 or the second stop switch 172 incorporated in each stop button is operated. The reel motor corresponding to the stop switch that has output the detection signal is stopped by the reel stop control means 220 according to a signal input to the main control means 200 from a switch incorporated in the operated stop button among the three stop switches 173. .

In the stop control of each reel motor by the reel stop control means 220, when a signal is input from each stop switch, the reel position discriminating means 221 first discriminates a symbol passing through, for example, a central pay line. Then, when the planned stop symbols stored in the winning determination table 215 exist within several frames, the planned stop symbols are stored in the stop position designation table 225 so as to stop the planned stop symbols on the activated line, If there are no symbols to be stopped within several frames, stop symbols are determined from symbols within several frames so as not to generate another winning symbol combination, and the symbols are stored in the stop position designation table 225. Further, the reel drive control means 241 controls the rotation stop position of the corresponding reel motor so that the symbols stored in the stop position designation table 225 are stopped on the activated line.

In this manner, the first stop switch 17
When the signal from the first control unit 200 is input to the main control unit 200, the first reel motor 181 is stopped, and when the signal from the second stop switch 172 is input to the main control unit 200, the second reel motor 1 is stopped.
82 is stopped, the third reel motor 183 is stopped when a signal from the third stop switch 173 is input to the main control means 200, and when all the reel motors are stopped, a combination of symbols stopped on the activated line The winning determination means 235 determines whether or not is a combination of winning symbols. When the winning symbols are complete, the hopper device 155 is driven by the hopper drive control means 245, and the required number of medals according to the winning is determined. Or the value of the number of payouts is added to the credit medal counter of the main game control means 230, and the count value of the credit medal counter is displayed on the credit number display 153.

Then, when the specific symbol arrangement of the big bonus and the specific symbol arrangement of the regular bonus are aligned on the activated line during the general game, the special game control means 233 is thereafter executed.
The special game is performed a predetermined number of times, and the progress state of the special game is displayed by turning on the game state display lamp 157. When the special game is completed, the general game control means 231 advances the general game.

The main game control means 230 is based on the lottery result of the lottery means 211 and signals from the first stop switch 171 to the third stop switch 173.
Drive and stop the auxiliary reel motor 193 via 91,
Auxiliary reel 1 that suggests the result of the lottery by lottery means 211
The rotation or stop of 43 is controlled. Payout button 12
7 is operated, and when a signal from the payout switch 167 incorporated in the payout button 127 is input to the main control means 200, the hopper drive control means 245 drives the hopper device 155 and is stored in the credit medal counter. The number of medals to be paid out.

As described above, in today's slot machine 100, when a signal from the start switch 165 is input to the main control means 200, a lottery is pre-selected by the lottery means 211, and the symbol of this lottery result is displayed as much as The microcomputer performs control to stop the reels so as to stop them upward, and controls the microcomputer so that the number of payout medals with respect to the number of inserted medals has a probability in a predetermined range.

The lottery means 211 generally uses a 16-bit counter or the like as a random number counter, counts a clock of several megahertz with a random number counter, and in the case of a 16-bit counter, counts a count from 0 to 65535 by 10
The count value is sequentially increased by one at a very high speed so as to count in about 0 seconds, and the count value of the random number counter is stored in a latch circuit or the like when the start lever 122 is operated. A count value that is not arbitrary is stored as a random number in a latch circuit of a random number counter circuit, and the count value stored in the latch circuit is compared with a numerical value of a winning table in the lottery means 211, and the latched count value is determined within a predetermined numerical range. If the count value is in another predetermined numerical value range, it is regarded as a regular bonus. If the count value is in another predetermined numerical value range, the payout number of medals is two. Each winning or losing is extracted according to the count value stored in the latch circuit so as to win the small combination of five or five pieces. It is intended to.

The random number counter and the latch circuit are incorporated in the microcomputer when a different element from the microcomputer as the main control means is combined with the microcomputer, or the counter and the memory in the microcomputer are used. Sometimes.

[0017]

Today, as a fraudulent act of a slot machine, an incorrect board is attached to a connection between a start switch and a microcomputer serving as a main control means, synchronized with a clock of the main control means, and a lottery means. The signal from the start switch is slightly delayed so as to coincide with the cycle of the random number counter, and a lot of internal prizes such as special games are generated.

[0018]

The present invention relates to a lottery means (2) for performing a lottery such as a prize in a slot machine (100).
11) A slot machine (100) combining a random number counter circuit (280) incorporating frequency conversion means for switching the frequency of a random number clock signal input to a random number counter (285).

Since the random number counter circuit (280) capable of switching the frequency of the random number clock signal is combined with the lottery means (211), the random number counter (28)
Even when the frequency of the clock signal input to 5) is switched and the random number counter (285) sequentially counts the number of clocks one by one and sequentially increases the count value, a specific numerical range for winning a special game or the like is obtained. Can be changed.

The frequency converting means switches and changes the frequency of the output signal after the start lever (122) of the slot machine (100) is operated and before the next start lever (122) is operated. In some cases, the frequency of the random number clock signal is changed during one game. As described above, even if an attempt is made to synchronize the count value cycle of the random number counter with a constant cycle during one game by switching the frequency during one game, the specific count value of the random number counter is set at the next operation of the start lever (122). It becomes difficult to synchronize.

Note that a frequency dividing circuit (28
3) may be used, and if the divider circuit (283) is used,
The frequency can be easily switched. Further, a frequency multiplier may be used as the frequency conversion means. As described above, if the frequency multiplier is used, the frequency of the random number clock signal is not reduced, so that it is difficult to adjust the numerical value extracted by lottery to a certain range. Further, the frequency conversion means may be a combination of a DA conversion circuit (282) and a voltage controlled oscillation circuit (284). In this case, it is easy to finely change the frequency of the clock signal for random number, and the period of a specific numerical value can be finely changed.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A slot machine according to the present invention
This is a slot machine in which the frequency of a clock signal input to the random number counter 285 of the lottery means 211 can be changed. As shown in FIG. 1, the random number counter circuit 280
The reference clock signal output from 01 is input to a timing adjustment circuit 281 and a frequency dividing circuit 283 as frequency conversion means, and the P0 input terminal and the P1 input terminal of the timing adjustment circuit 281 are respectively connected to the A1 terminal from the A1 terminal. A 1 frequency division control signal and a second frequency division control signal from the A2 terminal are input.

The Q0 from the timing adjustment circuit 281
The output signal is input to the P0 control terminal of the frequency divider 283, and the Q1 output signal from the timing adjustment circuit 281 is output to the P1 control terminal of the frequency divider 283.
Frequency dividing circuit 283 input to the control terminal and used as frequency conversion means
Is input to the clock input terminal of the random number counter 285. Further, the D0 output terminal to the Dn output terminal of the random number counter 285 are respectively connected to the respective input terminals of the latch circuit 287 which is set to parallel-in parallel-out,
The latch control terminal of the latch circuit 287 is connected to the A3 terminal to input a latch signal, and the read control terminal of the latch circuit 287 is connected to the A4 terminal to input a read signal.

The timing adjustment circuit 281 in the random number counter circuit 280 changes the level change of the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal from the A1 terminal and the A2 terminal in accordance with the timing of the reference clock signal. It forms a Q0 output signal and a Q1 output signal, and outputs the Q0 output signal and the Q1 output signal to the P0 control terminal and the P1 control terminal of the frequency dividing circuit 283.

The frequency dividing circuit 283 of the random number counter circuit 280 divides the reference clock signal input to the clock input terminal φ by a half based on the control signals input to the P0 control terminal and the P1 control terminal. The frequency is output from the Q output terminal by changing the frequency division ratio, such as a frequency division or a one-third frequency division. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the frequency dividing circuit 283 is configured such that the first frequency dividing control signal input from the A1 terminal to the P0 control terminal via the timing adjusting circuit 281 is at the H level, When the second frequency-dividing control signal input from the A2 terminal to the P1 control terminal via the A1 terminal is also at the H level, the frequency of the reference clock signal is divided by two to reduce
The clock signal for the random number, which has been reduced to 1 /, is output from the Q output terminal. When the first frequency division control signal is at the L level and the second frequency division control signal is at the H level, the reference clock signal is reduced to 1/3. A clock signal for random number whose frequency is reduced to 1/3 is output from the Q output terminal, and when the first frequency division control signal is at H level and the second frequency division control signal is at L level, A random number clock signal whose frequency is reduced to 1/4 with respect to the reference clock signal is output, and when both the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal are at L level, It outputs a random number clock signal with a frequency of 1/5.

The random number counter 285 sequentially counts the number of pulses of the random number clock signal. The latch circuit 287 counts the count value of the random number counter 285 when a latch signal is input from the A3 terminal. And stores the count value until the next latch signal is input, and outputs the stored count value as random value data when a read signal is input from the A4 terminal.

Therefore, in the random number counter circuit 280,
Even if the frequency of the reference clock signal is fixed at a constant frequency, for example, 20 MHz, the frequency of the random number clock signal is changed to 10 MHz, about 6.667 MHz, 5 MHz, and 4 MHz by the frequency divider 283. It is possible to change the cycle in which the count value falls within the numerical range for winning a special game such as a big bonus game.

In this manner, the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal inputted from the A1 terminal and the A2 terminal form a random number clock signal whose frequency changes by dividing the reference clock signal. Then, the number of pulses of the random number clock signal whose frequency changes is counted by the random number counter 285, and when the start lever 122 is operated, the signal from the start switch 165 is input to the latch circuit 287 from the A3 terminal as a latch signal. For example, when the start lever 122 is operated, the count value of the random number counter 285 is latched by the latch circuit 2.
87 can be memorized. Then, the count value is output to the lottery means 211 as random number value data, and each numerical range of the winning table 213 is compared with the count value stored in the latch circuit 287 by the comparison means 214 to perform a lottery, and stop due to the lottery result. The planned symbol is stored in the winning determination table 215.

The switching between the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal is performed by the lottery means 211 by means of the switching means 212 for sequentially switching the levels of the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal by a soft random number. After the start lever 122 is operated and the latch signal is input to the latch circuit 287,
The frequency of the random number clock signal is changed until the end of the game in which a prize is determined or a medal is paid out.

The frequency of the random number clock signal is switched at the start and end of each timer interrupt process of a fixed period, when a medal is detected, the start lever 122 is operated, and the latch signal is latched. , And when the first stop button 131, the second stop button 132, and the third stop button 133 are operated, the levels of the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal are sequentially changed. The frequency of the random number clock signal is switched during one game, and the duration of each frequency may be irregular.

In this way, the switching means 212
After the start lever 122 is operated, the frequency of the random number clock signal can be changed by switching the frequency division ratio of the frequency dividing circuit 283 until the next operation of the start lever 122. The switching means 212 sequentially switches the levels of the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal immediately after the start lever 122 is operated and the latch signal is input to the latch circuit 287. The frequency of the random number clock signal may be switched.

In the above embodiment, the frequency dividing circuit 283 having four types of frequency dividing ratios of 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5 is used. The frequency divider 283 outputs a first output signal obtained by dividing the input signal by half, a second output signal obtained by dividing the frequency by one fourth, and a third output signal obtained by dividing the input signal by one eighth. In some cases, flip-flops and multiplexers of several stages are used.

In this frequency dividing circuit 283, the multiplexer selects one of the reference clock signal input to the flip-flop and the first output signal to the third output signal output from the flip-flop. Four types of random number clock signals having the same frequency of a random number clock signal or one-half frequency of a reference clock signal, one-fourth frequency of a reference clock signal, and one-eighth frequency of a reference clock signal. The clock signal can be output to the random number counter 285.

In this case, a relatively simple and inexpensive frequency dividing circuit 283 can be used. Further, an appropriate integrated circuit is used as the frequency dividing circuit 283, and the frequency dividing ratio is set to 1/2.
In addition to the frequency division, the frequency division ratio may be a relatively small prime number such as one-third frequency division, one-fifth frequency division, or one-seventh frequency division.

In this case, when the frequency of the clock signal for random number is changed while avoiding the frequency of the clock signal for random number lower than the frequency of the reference clock signal as much as possible, any frequency can be used. It is possible to lengthen the cycle in which the numerical value range for winning a special game at a constant cycle. Further, the frequency of the random number clock signal is not limited to four types, but may be a frequency obtained by dividing the reference clock signal by one third and a frequency obtained by dividing the frequency by one fourth or one fifth.
In some cases, two types of random number clock signals are formed, and in other cases, four or more types of random number clock signals are formed.

Further, the random number counter circuit 280 shown in FIG.
Is composed of a timing adjustment circuit 281, a frequency divider circuit 283, a random number counter 285, and a latch circuit 287, but the random number counter 285 and the latch circuit 287 use a counter and a memory in the microcomputer, and The random number counter circuit to be combined with the lottery means 211 is a timing adjustment circuit 281 and a frequency dividing circuit 283 or a frequency dividing circuit 283.
Sometimes only.

A frequency multiplier may be used instead of the frequency divider 283 to change the frequency of the random number clock signal while forming a random number clock signal having a frequency higher than the frequency of the reference clock signal. As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a DA conversion circuit 282 and a voltage controlled oscillation circuit 284 are used, and a voltage controlled oscillation circuit 284 forms a random number clock signal to be input to the random number counter circuit 280. At the same time, the frequency of the random number clock signal may be changed.

In this case, a 2-bit signal of the first frequency division control signal and the second frequency division control signal or a control signal of 3 bits or more is input to the DA conversion circuit 282 via the A5 terminal, and the digital-to-analog conversion is performed. Thus, a voltage signal having a different voltage according to a combination of a plurality of control signals input to the D input terminal of the DA conversion circuit 282 is output from the V output terminal of the DA conversion circuit 282, and this voltage signal is output from the voltage control oscillation circuit 284. A random number clock signal whose output frequency is changed in accordance with a change in input voltage by being input to a control input terminal is formed by a voltage control oscillation circuit 284, and this random number clock signal is input to a random number counter circuit 280. It is.

The lottery means 211 in the winning control means 210
Without limitation to the above, when a lottery using random numbers is performed inside the slot machine 100, if a similar random number counter circuit 280 is used, it is possible to prevent improper operation in synchronization.

[0040]

According to the present invention, since the frequency of the random number clock signal input to the random number counter is changed, it is possible to prevent the illegal election in synchronization, and in particular, the present invention is applied to the invention. According to the present invention as set forth in claims 2 to 6, it is possible to change the cycle in which the count value of the random number counter becomes a winning value of a specific winning, and to change the start lever operation signal to a fixed cycle using the reference clock signal. Even if it is corrected, it is difficult to obtain the internal winning by the lottery means.

Since the microcomputer and the random number counter circuit serving as the main control means are tightly sealed, it is extremely difficult to externally synchronize with the clock signal for the random number counter. It is easily possible to prevent the height from being increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a random number counter circuit used in a slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart showing a random number clock signal in the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of the random number counter circuit used in the slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control circuit of the slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Slot machine 110 Operation plate 113 Front plate 115 Reel window 117 Upper panel 121 Medal slot 122 Start lever 125 Credit medal button 127 Payout button 131-133 Stop button 143 Auxiliary reel 147 Medal receiver 151 Valid lamp 153 Credit number display 155 Hopper Device 157 Game status display lamp 161 Medal sensor 163 Medal button sensor 165 Start switch 167 Payout switch 171 to 173 Stop switch 181 to 183 Reel motor 191 Auxiliary reel control means 193 Auxiliary reel motor 195 Auxiliary game control means 197 Auxiliary reel backlight 200 Main control means 201 Oscillation circuit 210 Winning control means 211 Lottery means 212 Switching means 2 3 Winning table 214 Comparison means 215 Winning determination table 220 Reel stop control means 230 Main game control means 231 General game control means 233 Special game control means 235 Winning determination means 240 Operation control means 241 Reel drive control means 245 Hopper drive control means 270 Auxiliary Control means 271 Sound control means 275 Lighting control means 280 Random number counter circuit 281 Timing adjustment circuit 282 DA
Conversion circuit 283 Frequency divider circuit 284 Voltage controlled oscillator circuit 285 Random number counter 287 Latch circuit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kawasaki 362-1, Takao, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture Yamasa Corporation

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A slot machine comprising a random number counter circuit incorporating frequency change means for switching the frequency of a random number clock signal input to a random number counter in a random number counter circuit combined with a lottery means for performing a lottery. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery means performs a lottery for winning. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the frequency changing means is a frequency dividing circuit. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the frequency changing means is a multiplying circuit. 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the frequency changing means is a combination of a DA conversion circuit and a voltage controlled oscillation circuit. 6. The frequency changing means includes a switching means,
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein after the start lever is operated, the frequency of the random number clock signal, which is an output signal of the start lever, is changed until the next start lever is operated. Slot machine.