JP2005185375A - Game machine, and random number generating method and program in game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve random property by elongating the period of a random number generated in a game machine and generating different random numbers even if simultaneously applying power supplies of a plurality of game machines. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a first processing part, when receiving an operation of a player, drawing an internal lottery and determining a win and controlling to put out game media according to the winning; and a second processing part receiving a command from the first processing part and executing a performance including a notification of the result of the internal lottery. This game machine is further provided with a command transmission part transmitting a command based on a request from the first processing part, a command receiving part receiving the command from the command transmission part, a counter continuously producing a series of data, a reading part reading a value of the counter at a timing of receiving the command, and a random number generator generating the random number based on the output of a generation part of the types of the random numbers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a random number generation method and a program in the gaming machine, and more particularly to a random number generation method in a second processing unit (sub board).

  Pachislot machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines have built-in microcomputers that control lottery, winning, payout, and production by programs. This type of gaming machine receives a player's operation, performs an internal lottery and a winning determination according to the lottery result, and also controls a game medium payout control according to the winning and a first processing unit (so-called main board) And a second processing unit (so-called sub-board) for receiving a command from the first processing unit and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects.

  The sub-board receives a command from the main board, and performs effects and the like according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board to the sub board. Conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board to the main board.

There are cases where random numbers are generated in the processing of the sub-board and processing such as different effects is performed for each obtained random number. A random number is generated using a known algorithm.
Masanori Fushimi "Random Number" The University of Tokyo Press 1989

  One random number is acquired in the lottery process of the main board, but a plurality of random numbers are required in the process of the sub board. Therefore, the method of acquiring a hard random number using a counter as in the main board is not preferable for the sub board because the hardware increases.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to generate random numbers in software using a known algorithm in the sub-board. For example, a random number can also be acquired by an expression obtained by simplifying the linear congruential method or the MT method. However, the former has a problem that the random number value is determined by the time and the number of times of mixing, and the latter has a timing that takes time to obtain the random number.

  There is an M-sequence random number as another algorithm, but it is necessary to prepare n (for example, 8) arrays (referred to as seeds) in advance for the M-sequence random number. In a personal computer or the like, date / time data is used as the arrangement. This method is preferable because different data can be acquired for each random number generation, and as a result, the generated random number sequences are not the same. However, since the gaming machine does not include date / time generation means such as a calendar clock IC of a personal computer, date / time data cannot be used as a seed for M-sequence random numbers.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine, a random number generation method in the gaming machine, and a program capable of easily obtaining an array (seed) suitable for generating random numbers in a second processing unit (sub-board). To do. That is, a random number generated in a gaming machine and a gaming machine with improved randomness so that even if a plurality of gaming machines have a long cycle and different random numbers are generated even when a plurality of gaming machines are powered on simultaneously, The purpose is to provide a program.

According to the present invention, an internal lottery and winning determination are performed in response to a player's operation, and a first processing unit that performs payout control of game media in accordance with winnings, and an internal lottery in response to a command from the first processing unit. In a gaming machine comprising a second processing unit that produces an effect including a notification of the result,
A command transmission unit that transmits a command based on a request from the first processing unit, a command reception unit that receives a command from the command transmission unit, and a random number seed generation unit that sets a value when the command is received And a random number generator for generating a random number based on the output of the random number seed generation unit.

The random number seed generation unit includes, for example, a counter that continuously generates a series of data, and a reading unit that acquires the value of the counter at the reception timing of the command. A value may be output.
The counter performs an increment operation, a decrement operation, and other operations that continuously output a value. For example, the value of the counter is latched at the reception timing. As a random number generation algorithm, a known algorithm such as an M series, a linear congruential method, or an MT method can be adopted.

Furthermore, a dummy command generation unit that generates a predetermined number of dummy commands before the game starts may be provided, and the command transmission unit may transmit the dummy commands of the dummy command generation unit.
“Before starting a game” means, for example, a state in which a game is not played at all immediately after power-on. The dummy command is only for giving an opportunity to receive a command for generating a random number. Normally, the dummy command is discarded without causing any processing on the sub-board side. It should be noted that the dummy command may be given meaning and some processing may be performed on the sub-board side.

According to the present invention, an internal lottery and winning determination are performed in response to a player's operation, and a first processing unit that performs payout control of game media in accordance with winnings, and an internal lottery in response to a command from the first processing unit. A random number generation method in a gaming machine comprising a second processing unit that produces an effect including a notification of a result,
A command transmission step of transmitting a command based on a request from the first processing unit;
A command receiving step for receiving the transmitted command;
A random number seed generation step of setting a value upon receipt of the command;
And a random number generation step for generating a random number based on the set value.

Furthermore, a dummy command generation step for generating a predetermined number of dummy commands before the game starts,
Transmitting the dummy command;
Receiving the transmitted dummy command; and
Setting a value upon receipt of the dummy command;
And generating a random number based on the set value.

The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above method.
The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos, DVD-ROMs, DVD-s). RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

  In addition, a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line is included. The Internet is also included in the communication medium here.

  A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine and the gaming machine with improved randomness, the generated random number has a long cycle and different random numbers are generated even when a plurality of gaming machines are simultaneously powered on. A random number generation method and program can be provided. In the second processing unit (sub-board), an array (seed) suitable for generating random numbers can be obtained with a simple configuration.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine).
A player who wants to enjoy a game with the slot machine 10 first borrows a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and inserts a medal directly into the medal insertion slot 100 of the medal insertion device. The medal slot 100 is provided at a substantially central height position in front of the slot machine 10.

  The slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11. A square window-like display window 12 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing 11. A symbol display window 13 through which the symbols 61 of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed at the center of the display window 12 at the center. The bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40 and reduces the number of stored medals to replace medal insertion. The settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotating reel, and pays out the stored inserted medal. The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 and starts driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted. The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. The reel unit 60 is composed of three rotating reels 40. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.

  Inside the slot machine 10, although not shown, a control device for controlling the entire operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated. Although not shown, the control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Then, the CPU operates by reading a program stored in the ROM, and controls the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, and also controls the display of lamps, speakers, and the like.

  As described above, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40. The start switch 30 is subject to insertion of a game medal or operation of the bet switch 16, or from the previous game at the time of "Replay" (Repay). This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on condition that the predetermined time elapses.

  The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60 as described above. Specifically, the stop switch 50 includes three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is disposed below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel 40.

  When the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three units The rotating reel 40 starts to rotate. Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 are operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped. At this time, when a preset symbol 61 stops on the effective pay line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out through a hopper unit (not shown). In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.

  When the above-described control device controls the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, a prize is awarded for determining whether or not to win based on a predetermined lottery probability. Includes lottery means. A winning flag is established when the lottery result by the winning lottery means is a winning, and a winning is achieved on the condition that the combination of the stopped symbols of the rotating reel 40 matches a predetermined winning symbol while the winning flag is established. It is determined so that the player is given a medal or a special game.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic structure of the slot machine 10. In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 10 includes a main substrate 1 (first control device) and a sub substrate 2 (second control device) that receives a command from the main substrate 1 and operates as a main processing device.

  The main board 1 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 1 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and ROM and RAM that are storage means.

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

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

  The command transmission unit 1 b is for transmitting a command from the main board 1 to the sub board 2. The output signal reaches the sub-board 2 through the wire harness. The command receiving unit 2a that has received the command from the command transmitting unit 1b delivers the command to the CPU of the sub-board 2. At the same time, a signal indicating that the command has been received is sent to the timer counter reading unit 2b. The timer counter reading unit 2b reads the value of the timer counter 2d in response to the reception timing of the command. This value becomes one of the seeds of the random number and is passed to the random number generator 2c. The random number generator 2c generates a random number based on a known random number generation algorithm such as an M series. By acquiring the value of the timer counter 2d at the timing of command reception, even if the value of the timer counter 2d is regular (periodic), the random number seeds obtained are no longer regular, and the same random number sequence This is preferable in that it does not generate. This point will be described in detail later.

  The dummy command generator 1a generates a dummy command in order to generate a random number immediately after power-on or before the first game. In a normal game process, a command is sent from the main board 1 to the sub board 2 at various timings, so a dummy command is not necessary. However, since the generated random number is used in the next game, there is a possibility that a state in which there is no random number, a fixed value or an initial value may occur in the first game after the power is turned on. In order to eliminate such a state, a dummy command is generated after the power is turned on, and a random value is generated before the first game by sending it to the sub-board 2.

  The dummy command generation unit 1a, command transmission unit 1b, command reception unit 2a, timer counter reading unit 2b, random number generator 2c, and timer counter 2d in FIG. 2 are represented by hardware images. It is not limited to. They may be built in the main board 1 and the sub board 2 or may be realized by programs of the main board 1 and the sub board 2, respectively.

  The main board 1 has a random number generation unit 20, a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, a reel drive unit 70, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper drive unit 80, and a medal detection for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. The part 82 is connected. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as a control substrate 200, a speaker substrate 201, and an LED substrate 202 of the liquid crystal display device 62 is connected to the sub substrate 2. Hereinafter, these peripheral substrates / devices except for the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 will be described.

  The random number generation unit 20 includes a random number generation function that generates a certain range of random numbers, and a sampling function that extracts an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers. As a specific example, it is composed of a counter and a latch.

  The reel driving unit 70 is a circuit that drives a stepping motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the three reels 40. Each stepping motor is subjected to 1-2 phase excitation by the reel drive circuit 70 and rotates once when a drive signal having a predetermined number of pulses is supplied.

  The reel position detection circuit 71 is provided in the vicinity of the reel 40, receives an output pulse signal from a photo sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation position of the reel 40, detects the rotation position of each of the three reels 40, and detects the detection signal. Is output. A photo sensor (not shown) detects a shielding plate provided on each reel 40 and generates a reset pulse every time each reel 40 rotates once. This reset pulse is given to the CPU of the main board 1 via the reel position detection circuit 71. In the RAM of the main board 1, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored for each reel 40, and when the CPU receives the reset pulse, the count value formed in the RAM is stored. Clear to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor is eliminated every rotation.

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

  The medal detection unit 82 is for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. When the medal count value actually paid out received from the medal detection unit 82 reaches the predetermined payout number data, the CPU of the main board 1 stops the driving by the hopper driving unit 80 and ends the medal payout. . The hopper driving unit 80 and the medal detection unit 82 pay out a predetermined number of medals to the player based on the game result.

The liquid crystal control board 200 is a circuit for driving the liquid crystal display unit 62.
The speaker board 201 is a circuit for driving a loudspeaker (not shown).
The LED substrate 202 is a circuit for driving a display lamp and a back lamp (not shown).

  The liquid crystal display device 62, a speaker and a display lamp (not shown), etc. constitute an effect display device. This effect display device is for notifying a player of a prize or the like, or for teaching a user a specific small role during a certain game with some action during a so-called assist time (AT).

  The ROM of the main board 1 stores game processing procedures executed in the slot machine 10 as a sequence program, and stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. Has been. The winning probability table is divided so as to divide the random number extracted by the random number generator 20 into each winning mode, and stores data for dividing a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generating unit 20 into each winning mode. ing. That is, the winning probability table has an area divided for each winning mode corresponding to the entire area of random numbers taken by the random number generator 20. For example, a range of 0 to a certain number is divided into a plurality, one division (area) is excluded, and the other division (area) is set as winning 1, winning 2,. The extracted random number data is collated with each of the winning determination area data divided for each winning mode in the entire random number area taken by the random number generator 20, and the winning corresponding to the winning mode to which the extracted random number data belongs is determined. Is done. For example, it is determined which category (region) of the winning probability table 5 the extracted random number value belongs to, and if the category is, for example, a category of winning 1, it is determined as “winning 1”. Similarly, if the extracted random number value belongs to an out-of-range category (region) in the winning determination table 5, it is determined as “out”. For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). And if predetermined symbols are prepared, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out. Since various types of winning are generated with the probability according to the data setting of the winning probability table, for example, the total medal within the business hours of the day is not influenced by the skill of the player. The payment rate is kept almost constant.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure immediately after power-on, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal game processing procedure. The operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to these drawings.

  The process in FIG. 3 is started when the gaming machine is turned on.

(Operation of main board 1)
S10: Generate a dummy command. The purpose of the dummy command generation is to give a timing for acquiring a seed of a random number required on the sub-board side, so the content of the command itself may be anything. For example, the command may be meaningless (NULL or NOP: No Operation).

S11: A transmission number counter is initialized to zero. Since it is necessary to transmit a plurality of dummy commands, a transmission number counter for counting the number of transmissions is prepared, and this is initialized before transmitting the dummy command.
S12: A random time is set. This is because even if the dummy commands are generated at regular intervals, the seeds of random numbers obtained when the dummy commands are received are fluctuated irregularly (to make prediction difficult).
S13: Wait for the lapse of random time.

S14: A dummy command is transmitted to the sub-board 2. Transmit according to the same procedure as a normal command. Note that the time from when a command transmission request is received to when the command is actually transmitted varies each time depending on the processing status of the CPU, and varies between 0 and 36 ms, for example. Even if there is no random time setting, there will be some fluctuation.
S15: Add 1 to the transmission number counter. The value of the transmission number counter corresponds to the number of dummy command transmissions.

S16: It is determined whether or not the command has been transmitted the required number of times. When the command has been transmitted (YES), the process proceeds to the normal game process. In FIG. 3, the dummy command is transmitted eight times. Since the random number seed used in the first game is essential, a dummy command is sent eight times to tentatively set the random number seed. For M-sequence random numbers, it is necessary to prepare n (for example, 8) arrays (random seeds) in advance. The number of repetitions of S12 to S15 is determined in advance corresponding to the number of seeds of random numbers (8 in FIG. 3).

(Operation of sub-board 2)
S20: A random number seed update trigger flag is set. When this flag is set, a seed of random numbers is acquired and stored upon receipt of a command from the main board. A random number seed is acquired and stored only when necessary by this flag.
S21: The number of stored random number seeds is initialized. Since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of random number seeds, a counter for counting the obtained random number seeds is prepared and initialized before sending a command.
S22: Set the interval timer for the built-in or counter timer IC and start it.
S23: An interrupt is permitted so that command reception is valid.

After the processes of S20 to S23, the sub board waits for a command from the main board. When a command is received, command reception interrupt processing: S30 to S36 is executed.
S30: Receive a command. Since the received command is a dummy command, the sub-board 2 does not perform processing according to the command. (This does not apply if something is meaningful.)
S31: The random number seed update trigger flag is confirmed, and if the flag is set (YES in S32), the random number seed is obtained and stored in S33 to S35. If the flag is not set (NO in S32), S33 to S36 are skipped and normal command reception processing (not shown) is executed.

S33: Obtain and store a random number seed. Each time a command is received, the value of the timer counter 2d is read and stored as a random number seed in the array. The timer counter is realized by hardware or software of the sub-board 2. Some CPUs have a built-in timer counter.
S34: 1 is added to the number of stored random number seeds. This value corresponds to the number of random seeds acquired and stored.
S35: It is determined whether the command has been received the required number of times. If it has been received (YES), the process proceeds to S36, and the random number seed update trigger flag is reset. The random number seed is not acquired even if a command is received thereafter. When the required number has not been received (NO), a normal command reception process (not shown) is executed while the random number seed update trigger flag is set. Then, when the next command is received, a random number seed is newly acquired and stored by the processing of S30 to S35.

  The above processing is continued until the required number of random seeds are received and S36: the random number update flag is reset.

  Then, random numbers are generated using the values of the plurality of timer counters acquired in the above processing as seeds. Specifically, an M-sequence random number generation algorithm that is one of known random number generation algorithms is used. The M-sequence random number generation algorithm is an algorithm for generating a random number by a higher-order recurrence formula, and is characterized by performing an exclusive OR operation in the formula (see Non-Patent Document 1). First, it is necessary to provide n initial values. The random number generation algorithm of the present invention is not limited to the M-sequence random number generation algorithm.

  Next, a normal game processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

(Operation of main board 1)
S10a: A normal command is generated. In normal game processing, a command transmission request to the sub-board is often generated. For example, it occurs at the timing of detecting the insertion of a medal or pressing the start lever. Command transmission processing is executed every time a command request occurs. As described above, the time from when a command transmission request is received to when the command is actually transmitted varies depending on the processing status of the CPU.

S12: A random time is set. This is because the seeds of random numbers acquired when the command is received are irregularly shaken (to make prediction difficult).
S13: Wait for the lapse of random time.

S14: A command is transmitted to the sub-board 2.

(Operation of sub-board 2)
S20a: It is determined whether the requested normal game is the second game. If it is the first game (NO), since the random number seed has already been prepared by the process of FIG. 3, the processes of S20 and S21 are skipped. If it is the second game, the processes of S20 and S21 are executed in order to prepare a new random number seed.
S20b: Interrupt is prohibited before the processing of S20 and S21. This is to prevent a command reception interrupt from occurring before the preparation is completed.

S20: A random number seed update trigger flag is set. When this flag is set, a seed of random numbers is acquired and stored upon receipt of a command from the main board. A random number seed is acquired and stored only when necessary by this flag.

S21: The number of stored random number seeds is initialized. Since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of random number seeds, a counter for counting the obtained random number seeds is prepared and initialized before sending a command.

  After the processing of S20 and S21, S21a: The interrupt is permitted, and the sub board waits for a command from the main board. When a command is received, command reception interrupt processing: S30 to S36 is executed. Since these processes are the same as those in FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the normal game process will be described with reference to FIG.

S100: A medal insertion is detected. The medal insertion is the premise of the game. Instead of inserting medals, the number of stored medals may be decreased by the bet switch 16. At the time of “Replay” (Repay), the process proceeds to the next S101 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.
S101: When the start switch 30 is operated, the start switch 30 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S102.
S102: A lottery process is performed on the main board 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S103.
S103: The rotation of the rotary reel 40 starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S104.

S104: When the stop switch 50 is operated, the stop switch 50 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S105.
S105: A rotation stop process of the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S106.
S106: It is determined whether or not the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed. When it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S107.

S107: It is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S108.
S108: A medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S109.
S109: When a winning decision is made in a special game of the BB game or RB game, the game is counted in a state where the number of winning decisions of the special game is increased by one.

  Command transmission is performed at various points in the normal game process flowchart of FIG. For example, S100: medal insertion, S101: lever pressed down, and a sound effect is generated by lever pressing down. It can be said that about eight commands are always generated in the normal game processing.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the timing for acquiring the seed of random numbers.
The command reception timing is t1, t2,. This interval varies. Timer counter values d1 and d2 are acquired at command reception timings t1 and t2, respectively, and sent to a random number generator. The timer counter continuously generates a value from 0 to a certain number, for example, 65535, in a constant cycle. The timer counter value graph of FIG. 6 is an analog representation of the output of the timer counter (actually a digital value. If the output of the timer counter is A / D converted, a sawtooth wave as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. become). The random seed graph is also an analog representation.

The method described above has the following features.
(1) Even if the output of the timer counter is periodic, the command reception timings t1, t2,... Depend on the player's operation and the processing on the main board side and are irregular, so acquisition of random seeds Can be used.
(2) In addition, a random time delay (fluctuation) occurs in the command transmission timing. The time from when the subcommand transmission request is received to when the subcommand is actually transmitted varies each time depending on the processing status of the CPU, and varies between 0 and 36 ms. Along with this, the command reception timing fluctuates. This reduces the possibility that the seeds of random numbers will have the same or regular values. Since the command transmission / reception timing itself fluctuates, there is no need to provide a fluctuation generator. In other words, the communication procedure itself between the main board and the sub board corresponds to the fluctuation generator.

For the above two reasons, if the value of the timer counter is acquired using the command reception timing, the seeds of the obtained random numbers are irrelevant to each other, which is preferable as the seed of the random numbers.
When the above (2) is positively used, it is preferable to set the cycle of the timer counter within several times the fluctuation width.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a random number seed can be easily obtained, and the random number seed is suitable for generating a random number.

  After the second game, the seed of random numbers is initialized at the command reception timing in the normal game, but a predetermined number of commands are not received before the first game. Therefore, a predetermined number of dummy commands are transmitted only for taking the timing for determining the seed of random numbers when the power is turned on at the main board. As a result, a predetermined number of random number seeds can be prepared from the first game, and a random number for the first game can be acquired.

  In the M-sequence random number, it is necessary to prepare n (for example, 8) arrays in advance, and the n arrays are created in the manner described above.

  Although the timer counter is used to acquire the seed of the random number, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a command reception time or reception interval may be measured and used as a seed for random numbers. Alternatively, specific data (such as data on the memory or bus) may be acquired in response to command reception.

  In addition to the M-sequence random numbers, random numbers can also be acquired by an expression obtained by simplifying the linear congruential method or the MT method.

  In the above description, a slot machine is taken as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine having two or more processing substrates, and an unauthorized device may be placed between them, for example, a ball-type gaming machine.

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

  Further, in the present specification, the term “unit” does not necessarily mean a physical means, but includes a case where the function of each unit is realized by software. Furthermore, the function of one part may be realized by two or more physical means, or the function of two or more parts may be realized by one physical means.

It is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine). 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a processing flowchart concerning an embodiment of an invention (random number seed generation using a dummy command before a game start). It is a processing flowchart concerning an embodiment of the invention (random number seed generation in a normal game). It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a gaming machine. It is a process timing chart which concerns on embodiment of invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main board | substrate 1a Dummy command generation part 1b Command transmission part 2 Sub board | substrate 2a Command reception part 2b Timer counter reading part 2c Random number generator 2d Timer counter 10 Slot machine 11 Case 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Checkout switch 20 Random Number Generating Unit 30 Start Switch 40 Rotating Reel 42 Reel Tape 50 Stop Switch 60 Reel Unit 61 Symbol 62 Liquid Crystal Display Unit 70 Reel Drive Unit 71 Reel Position Detection Circuit 80 Hopper Drive Unit 81 Hopper 82 Medal Detection Unit 100 Medal Insert Port 200 Liquid Crystal Control board 201 Speaker board 202 LED board 304 Medal payout slot 311 Medal receiving part (lower plate)

Claims (6)

In response to the player's operation, internal lottery and winning determination are performed, and a first processing unit that controls payout of game media according to the winning, and a command from the first processing unit that receives the command of the internal lottery. In a gaming machine comprising a second processing unit that performs an effect including
A command transmission unit that transmits a command based on a request from the first processing unit, a command reception unit that receives a command from the command transmission unit, and a random number seed generation unit that sets a value when the command is received And a random number generator that generates a random number based on the output of the random number seed generator. The random number seed generation unit includes a counter that continuously generates a series of data, and a reading unit that acquires the value of the counter at the reception timing of the command, and the counter value acquired as a random number seed is obtained. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is output. 2. The game according to claim 1, further comprising a dummy command generation unit that generates a predetermined number of dummy commands before the game is started, wherein the command transmission unit transmits the dummy command of the dummy command generation unit. Machine. In response to the player's operation, internal lottery and winning determination are performed, and a first processing unit that controls payout of game media according to the winning, and a command from the first processing unit that receives the command of the internal lottery. A random number generation method in a gaming machine comprising a second processing unit for performing an effect including:
A command transmission step of transmitting a command based on a request from the first processing unit;
A command receiving step for receiving the transmitted command;
A random number seed generation step of setting a value upon receipt of the command;
A random number generation method in a gaming machine, comprising: a random number generation step for generating a random number based on the set value. A dummy command generation step for generating a predetermined number of dummy commands before the game starts;
Transmitting the dummy command;
Receiving the transmitted dummy command; and
Setting a value upon receipt of the dummy command;
The method according to claim 4, further comprising: generating a random number based on the set value. In response to the player's operation, internal lottery and winning determination are performed, and a first processing unit that controls payout of game media according to the winning, and a command from the first processing unit that receives the command of the internal lottery. A program for causing a computer to generate a random number in a gaming machine including a second processing unit that performs an effect including:
A command transmission step of transmitting a command based on a request from the first processing unit;
A command receiving step for receiving the transmitted command;
A random number seed generation step of setting a value upon receipt of the command;
A program for causing a computer to execute a random number generation step for generating a random number based on the set value.

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