JP2005192723A - Game machine and fraudulence prevention method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the alteration of setting as caused by the fraudulence by monitoring the ON or OFF operation time of the power source for the identification thereof. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine which is provided with a control part which makes the alteration of setting ready by the operation of a switch for setting at the closing of the power source and alters the setting following the predetermined procedure, when the switch for setting for altering the setting pertaining to the internal operation is operated, the voltage of the power source is monitored and when the power source is turned on as a predetermined time passes after the power source is turned off, the shift is made to the mode of allowing the alteration of the setting. The alarming of the error is made when the time is shorter from the power ON to the power OFF of the power source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a fraud prevention method for the gaming machine, and a program.

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

  The gaming machine basically pays out medals when the pattern is complete, but whether the pattern is complete or not depends on the result of a lottery by an internal computer. Various prizes, such as big bonuses, regular bonuses, and small roles, also follow the results of internal computer lottery. The lottery process can be set within a predetermined range, and setting work is performed by the store in a hall or the like where a gaming machine is installed. The setting change was performed by a procedure such as opening a door of the gaming machine, turning on a setting key switch provided in the power supply unit, and performing a predetermined operation such as pressing the setting change switch.

  A small part of the players performed a dishonest act (so-called goto act). For example, there has been a person who illegally changes the setting of the gaming machine to one advantageous for himself by performing the setting operation illegally. The door of the gaming machine is provided with a key so that it cannot be opened and closed easily, and a key is also required for the operation of the setting key switch. It seems that the setting is performed illegally by adding a work to the wiring of the setting key switch using the gap of the housing.

  As described above, there is no security measure other than the mechanism of the key in the conventional gaming machine. In a conventional gaming machine, the sub board always shifts to the setting change state when receiving a setting change command from the main board (the main board and the sub board constitute a control unit of the gaming machine, which will be described in detail later). . For this reason, even when a setting change is requested due to an illegal act, an operation similar to a normal setting change is performed, and the illegal act cannot be prevented.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, a fraud prevention method for the gaming machine, and a program that can prevent such a fraud.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has a setting switch for performing a setting change relating to internal operation and a state in which the setting can be changed by operating the setting switch when the power is turned on. In a gaming machine provided with a control unit that changes settings according to
A power supply voltage is monitored, and a setting change operation monitoring unit that controls the control unit to a state in which the setting can be changed when the power is turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power is turned off is provided. Is.

Furthermore, a clock unit that continues to operate while the power is turned off by means such as battery backup, and a power-off time memory that stores the time of power-off,
The setting change operation monitoring unit reads time information from the clock unit when the power is off and writes the time information to the power-off time memory, reads time information from the clock unit when the power is on, and The information may be compared with the contents of the power-off time memory, and based on the comparison result, it may be determined whether to control the control unit so that the setting can be changed.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has a setting switch for changing a setting relating to an internal operation, and a state in which the setting can be changed by operating the setting switch, and the setting is changed according to a predetermined procedure. In a gaming machine comprising a
Monitors the setting switch (including all or part of the power switch, setting key switch, and setting switch), and sets the control unit when the setting switch is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more. A setting change operation monitoring unit that controls to a changeable state is provided.

  Preferably, when the setting switch is operated, the control unit is not controlled to change the setting so that an error is notified.

  Furthermore, the setting change related to the internal operation can be performed only by a setting changeable time zone in which the setting change related to the internal operation can be performed by a normal setting change procedure, or by a special procedure which is not possible or cannot be changed. A setting change time zone storage unit that stores information related to at least one of the setting change unavailable time zones, and a time when the setting change request is received and the information of the setting change time zone storage unit, and the setting change request A setting change time zone determination unit that causes the setting change operation monitoring unit to perform monitoring when the reception time falls within the setting change unavailable time zone, and causes the control unit to execute setting change processing when the reception time does not fall It may be.

  The setting change time zone determination unit may determine that the setting change request is invalid and perform error processing when the setting change time zone falls within the setting change unavailable time zone.

  The setting change time zone storage unit preferably stores time zone information that matches the business hours of the hall in which the gaming machine is installed. The information in the setting change time zone storage unit may include calendar information such as day of the week and date.

  The setting change time zone storage unit may store a predetermined time as a setting change impossible time zone when the power is turned on or when the setting change processing is executed by a normal setting change procedure. In this way, after the setting has been properly changed, the setting cannot be changed unless a predetermined time has elapsed, or the setting change operation monitoring according to the present invention is executed, so that the setting change due to fraud is not performed. It becomes difficult. A timer or the like is used for measuring a predetermined time.

According to the present invention, a setting switch for changing a setting relating to internal operation and a state in which the setting can be changed by operating the setting switch when the power is turned on, and the setting change is performed according to a predetermined procedure. A gaming machine fraud prevention method comprising a control unit for performing,
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is off;
When it is determined that the power is turned off, the step of saving the time data when the power is turned off;
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is turned on;
When it is determined that the power is turned on, a step of obtaining a time from power off to power on;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A step of executing a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time.

The present invention includes a setting switch for performing a setting change relating to an internal operation, and a control unit that is capable of changing the setting by operating the setting switch and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure. In the gaming machine fraud prevention method,
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether the setting switch has been operated;
Storing the time data at the start of operation when it is determined that the setting switch has been operated;
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether operation of the setting switch has been stopped;
When it is determined that the operation of the setting switch has been stopped, obtaining a time from the operation start to the operation stop;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A step of executing a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time.

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, it is possible to identify fraudulent activity by monitoring the power-off time and the operation time of the setting switch, and to prevent setting changes due to fraudulent activity.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A slot machine and its fraud prevention method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

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

  Further, a start button 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three rotating reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. A power supply unit 205 is provided between the upper hopper unit 121 and the reel unit 203.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  A player who wants to enjoy a game with a slot machine can first borrow a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and insert a medal directly into the medal slot 132 of the medal slot device. A square window-like display window facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing of the slot machine. In the center of the central display window, a symbol display window through which the symbols of the three rotating reels can be seen is formed. The start switch 134 is a lever located obliquely below the rotating reel, and starts driving the reel unit on condition that a game medal is inserted. The drive of the reel unit is stopped by the stop switch 140. The reel unit is composed of three rotating reels. Each rotating reel includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.

  FIG. 3 shows details of the panel of the power supply unit 205 of the gaming machine.

  In FIG. 3, a power switch 2051 is a power on / off switch, a power supply pilot lamp 2052 is a lamp (LED) that is lit when the power is on, and a stop presence / absence switch 2053 is a stop that limits the number of medals to be paid out. Is a switch for setting “Yes” or “No”. The stop / presence switch 2053 is normally set to “none” and is not frequently used. The setting key switch 2054 is a switch for enabling the setting, the setting change / reset switch 2055 is a switch for changing the setting or resetting the apparatus, and the AC100V pilot lamp 2056 is a power source of the casing. The lamp indicates that AC 100 V is supplied, and the AC power output and power cable 2057 are for supplying power.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the invention.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 200 denotes a control unit. Specifically, the control unit 200 includes a main board and a sub board described later. The control unit 200 in FIG. 4 means the entire main board and sub board or the main board and sub board. The setting change processing units 200a to 200c described below are either or both of the main board and sub board. May be. An operation unit 202 includes switches such as a start switch 134, a stop switch, and a bet switch. A reel unit 203 includes three rotating reels. A power supply unit 205 supplies power to each unit.

  Reference numeral 200a denotes a setting change processing unit that changes a setting according to a predetermined procedure when a setting change command is received. A setting change operation monitoring unit 200b monitors operations related to setting changes (power on / off operation, that is, operation of the power switch 2051, operation of the setting key switch 2054, operation of the setting switch 2055). Reference numeral 200c denotes a timer (real time clock), which outputs time information, time information or time information and date calendar information. The real-time clock 200c is backed up by the battery and continues to operate even while the power is off. The date, day of the week, and time when some operation is performed can be determined based on the output of the real-time clock 200c.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which a setting change operation monitoring unit 200b, a timer (real time clock) 200c, and the like are provided on the sub-board 200-2. Reference numeral 200d denotes a power-off time memory for storing the time when the power is off. The power-off time memory 200d is backed up by a battery or is constituted by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and continues to hold time information even when the power is turned off. An error notification unit 200e notifies an error when the setting change operation monitoring unit 200b determines that the setting change operation does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 200-1 (first processing unit) and a sub-board 200-2 (second processing unit) that operates by receiving commands from the main substrate 200-1 as a main processing device.

  The main board 200-1 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and performing processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 200-1 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. As described above, in this gaming machine, a backup power source such as a battery is prepared for part or all of the RAM, and in this case, data is not lost even if the power is turned off.

  The sub board 200-2 receives a command signal from the main board 200-1 and notifies the result of the internal lottery or performs various effects. The sub-board 200-2 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results.

  The sub board 200-2 receives a command from the main board 200-1 and performs processing such as effects according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board 200-1 to the sub board 200-2. On the contrary, no command is issued from the sub board 200-2 to the main board 200-1.

  FIG. 6 is an internal setting process flowchart in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the gaming machine will be described with reference to this figure.

In order to change the internal setting for selecting the winning probability table, the following procedure is required.
S1: Turn off the power. Once the power is turned off and then turned on again, the control unit looks at the state of the setting switch at that time, and performs a setting change process according to the state.
S2: Turn on the setting key switch. Normally off.

S3: Turn on the power switch. As a result, power is supplied to the gaming machine. Since the setting key switch is on, a setting change command is output.
S4: It is determined whether a setting change command has been received. If received (YES), the process proceeds to S5. If not received (NO), the process proceeds to the normal game process of S15 without shifting to the setting change mode.

S5: When the setting change is being monitored (YES), the process proceeds to S6. When monitoring is not performed (NO), the process proceeds to S10 and immediately shifts to the setting change mode (same as the conventional gaming machine). The reason why the monitoring process is turned on / off in this way is to enable the user (hall) to select whether or not to use this monitoring function.

S6: The operation of the power switch, setting key switch, or setting change switch (part or all of them) is monitored. If the operation on these switches is normal, a stable on / off signal should be observed, and the switch on (operation valid) should continue for a certain period of time. On the other hand, in the case of fraud, an on / off signal different from normal switch operation is observed (for example, the switch on state is short in order to complete the fraud in a short time, or the fraudulent operation fails several times. May be repeatedly turned on). Preferably, when changing the setting with a regular user (a person related to the hall), it is determined in advance that an operation such as turning off the power supply is performed for a longer period of time.

  The reason why the monitoring target is the power switch, the setting key switch, or the setting change switch is that these are indispensable when performing the setting change operation. The operation of the power switch is necessary to read the state of the setting key switch, and the setting key switch is necessary to enter the setting change mode. The setting switch is necessary when selecting a setting value. In addition, it is desirable to perform the process of S6 and S7 together in the selection process of S11 which performs operation of a setting switch: internal setting.

S7: If the switch to be monitored has been operated for a certain period of time (YES), it is considered a normal operation. If not (NO), it is considered an illegal act, so the processes of S8 and S9 are performed.

S8: An error notification is performed. The notification of the error is performed by emitting or blinking all or part of a lamp, LED, or liquid crystal display device (not shown) that can be controlled by the sub-board 200-2, or by lighting or displaying a specific pattern. This is performed by blowing a speaker (not shown) or arbitrarily combining the notification modes. Instead of or in addition to this, an error signal may be output to the outside. This error signal is received by the hall computer, for example, and an error is displayed on the hall monitoring device.

S9: Stop receiving the game together with the error notification, and disable the normal game. For example, the CPU is not stopped until a reset signal is received, or a switch signal other than reset is not read.

S10: If the operation is normal, the mode shifts to the setting change mode. The current set value is displayed on a display unit (not shown) (for example, provided below the symbol display window).

S11: Select an internal setting. The internal setting can be set, for example, in 1 to 6 stages. When the setting switch / reset switch 2055 is operated, the displayed setting value changes.

S12: Operate the start lever.

S13: As a result, the set value is confirmed, and the set value is stored in a storage unit (not shown).

S14: The setting key switch 2054 is turned off. The set value display on the display disappears. And S15: A normal game process is performed.

  FIG. 7 shows another example instead of the processing of S6 and S7 of FIG. FIG. 7 does not directly monitor the operation of the power switch 2051, but monitors the operation by monitoring the power supply voltage.

S20: The power supply voltage is monitored. For example, the power supply voltage is converted into a digital value and read by the CPU, or the output of a circuit (such as a comparator) that generates a signal when the power supply voltage falls below a threshold value is detected by the CPU to detect power off. . It is also possible to detect power-on.

S21: It is determined whether the power is turned off. Specifically, the power off is when the power supply voltage becomes lower than a predetermined voltage (threshold 1).
S22: Save the time data when the power is off. For example, when the power is turned off, the CPU is interrupted by the output of the comparator, the time data of the real-time clock 200c is read, and this data is written in the power-off time memory 200d.

S23: It is determined whether the power is turned on. Specifically, the power-on is when the power supply voltage becomes higher than a predetermined voltage (threshold 2). Note that when the CPU is configured to automatically start operating when the power is turned on (for example, when a power-on reset function is provided), the processing of S23 is not particularly required.

S24: When the power is turned on and the CPU performs the initial operation, the time data of the real-time clock 200c is read. The time from power-off to power-on is determined by comparing this data with the data in the power-off time memory 200d. Note that the time obtained here does not exactly match the time from power-off to power-on due to the processing time until the completion of reading the time data of the real-time clock, but there is a problem in the embodiment of the present invention. Absent. The threshold value in S25 may be determined in consideration of the processing time and the like.

S25: The time obtained in S24 is compared with a predetermined value. If the time from power off to power on is greater than the predetermined value (YES), that is, if the power is turned on after the power is turned off for a certain time, it is considered that the operation has been performed for a certain time or more. Then, the setting change process of S10 and after in FIG. When the time from power-off to power-on is not greater than the predetermined value (NO), the processes of S8 and S9 in FIG. 6 are performed.

A specific example of the method for recording the power-off time will be described.
(1) The current time is overwritten and recorded in the power-off time memory 200d at regular time intervals. When the CPU stops operating due to power-off, the last writing time (power-off time) remains. In this case, when the power is turned on, writing to the power-off time memory 200d is stopped until the determination of FIG. 7 is performed.
(2) A backup power source (battery or the like) capable of operating the CPU or the like is prepared at least for writing the power-off time, and when the power-off is detected, the backup power source records the power-off time.

  Changing the setting always causes the power off / on operation. In the case of fraudulent activities during business, the power is turned off by some method and the setting is changed, but the power-off time is considered to be as short as possible so that the surroundings do not realize. Therefore, the sub-board 200-2 (or the main board 200-1) measures the time from power-off to power-on when the setting is changed, and if the power-off time is within a certain time, it shifts to an error state as an illegal act. To. The normal setting change on the hall side is not a problem if the power is turned off for a sufficiently long time. Further, the monitoring time and whether to perform monitoring may be arbitrarily set on the hall side.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to identify fraudulent activities by monitoring the power-off time and the operation time of the setting switch, and to prevent setting changes due to fraudulent activities performed during business.

  With reference to FIG. 8, a specific identification method for normal operation and unauthorized operation will be described. FIG. 8 is a timing chart of the power supply voltage when the power is turned off, but the same applies to the operation of the power switch, the setting key switch, and the setting switch.

  FIG. 8A is a timing chart of normal operation. Since the time from the power-off time (symbol A) to the power-on time (symbol B) is longer than a predetermined time (setting change acceptance time) T1, the setting change command in FIG. 8A is accepted. . When changing the setting with an authorized user, an arrangement is made in advance so that the power is turned off for a period longer than T1. T1 is, for example, 5 seconds.

  FIG. 8B is a timing chart of an illegal operation. Even if it is a legitimate user, it will fall under this case if it is operated against the agreement. Since the time from the power-off time (symbol C) to the power-on time (symbol D) is shorter than a predetermined time (setting change acceptance time) T1, the setting change command shown in FIG. 8B is accepted. Without any error.

  In this case, retry may be possible. That is, monitoring is continued for a predetermined time (re-acceptance time) T2 without immediately entering an error state at reference D, and if power is turned off again (reference E) before T2 elapses, power off ( Time until the power E (symbol E) and power on (symbol F) is measured, and if this is longer than T1, a setting command is accepted. If the power is not turned off before T2 elapses or the retry time (between E and F) is shorter than T1, the setting change command is not accepted and an error state occurs. Note that the number of retries may be one, or two or more. If retry is possible, even if a legitimate user misses an operation, the setting can be changed without entering an error state.

  FIG. 8C is a timing chart of an illegal operation. The time between the power-off time (symbol G) and the power-on time (symbol H) is shorter than a predetermined time (setting change acceptance time) T1, but there is a short power on / off between them (symbol I). This is considered to occur when an unauthorized instrument leaves the wiring for a short time when the switch wiring is improperly short-circuited rather than operated directly. Even if there is such a short power on / off (symbol I), the setting change command in FIG. 8C is not accepted because the interval between G and H is shorter than T1, and an error state occurs.

  In FIG. 8D, the time of the power-off time (symbol J) and the power-on time (symbol K) is longer than a predetermined time (setting change acceptance time) T1. Yes (symbol L). Since the time from the power-off time (symbol J) to the power-on time (symbol K) is longer than a predetermined time (setting change acceptance time) T1, the setting change command in FIG. 8D is accepted. It will be. However, since there is a short power on / off (symbol L) between them, it may be determined based on a different standard from that in FIG. Here are some examples.

(1) Since a short power on / off (symbol L) is considered to occur during an unauthorized operation, if a short power on / off (symbol L) occurs, an unconditional error state is assumed.
(2) Ignore the short power on / off (symbol L), and judge by the time of the code J and the code K.
(3) A short power-on / off (symbol L) is used as a power-off start point, and a determination is made based on the times of the codes L and K. For example, the contents of the power-off time memory are cleared by a short power on / off (symbol L), and the time data is written again when the power is subsequently turned off.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
In the first embodiment of the invention, setting change monitoring can be switched on and off as shown in S5 of FIG. In the second embodiment of the present invention, setting change monitoring is switched on and off according to a time zone.

FIG. 9 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to Embodiment 2 of the invention.
In FIG. 9, the power supply unit 205 has a time zone for monitoring the setting change (in principle, whether or not the setting change is allowed or not allowed in this time zone, as described in Embodiment 1) Setting changes are allowed on the premise that the above operation is performed.In this sense, it can be said that in principle the setting change is prohibited in this time zone. A setting change prohibition time zone switch 205b for turning on / off the setting is provided. As a setting change prohibition time zone switch, a dedicated switch may be newly provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205. However, existing switches on the panel of the power supply unit 205 such as a stop switch 2053, a setting key switch 2054, setting change / reset, etc. A switch 2055 or the like may be used. Alternatively, the switches of the operation unit 202 may be used instead of the setting change prohibition time zone switch 205b of FIG. Note that the setting change prohibition time zone switch 205b may be provided with a time setting function by using a dial switch or the like for inputting the time by a numerical value.

  Reference numeral 212 denotes a setting change time zone storage unit that stores in advance information related to time zones in which setting changes are prohibited. 213 is a setting for performing the determination when the setting of the time zone for prohibiting the setting change is ON, that is, when the permission or non-permission of the setting change is determined with reference to the table of the setting change time zone storage unit 212. It is a change time zone determination unit. The setting change time zone storage unit 212 may be realized by a memory (for example, an EEPROM) independent of the main board 200-1 and the sub board 200-2, or on the main board 200-1 and the sub board 200-2. It may be realized by a memory. Further, the real-time clock 200c and the setting change time zone determination unit 213 may be realized by hardware independent of the main board 200-1 and the sub board 200-2, or the main board 200-1 and the sub board 200-2. It may be realized by software by a CPU.

  Next, an apparatus / method according to Embodiment 2 of the invention will be described.

  The main point of the second embodiment of the present invention is that a time zone in which setting change can be prohibited is set in advance, and the time zone is monitored to prevent setting change due to fraudulent acts performed during business. That is, the setting change is usually performed before or after the hall business. Therefore, a time zone corresponding to business hours is set in advance as a setting change-impossible time zone, and when a setting change is performed during that time zone, it is determined that the act is an illegal act and an error state is explicitly expressed. However, as long as each switch is operated for a certain time or longer, a setting change is permitted.

  A specific procedure executed by the CPU of the control unit 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

S30: The power switch 2051 of the power unit 205 is turned on. As a result, energization of the main board 200-1 and the sub board 200-2 is started.

S31: It is determined whether or not to set a setting change time zone. This setting is performed as follows, for example. One or more of the following (1) to (4) can be selected.
(1) When the power is turned on, the setting change prohibition time zone switch 205b is enabled or the setting key switch 2054 is turned on. When the setting change prohibition time zone switch 205b is invalid or the setting key switch 2054 is off, the permission or non-permission determination based on the setting change time zone is not performed.
(2) The setting change / reset switch 2055 is turned on. When the setting change / reset switch 2055 is OFF, whether to permit or not permit based on the setting change time zone is not determined.
(3) Or the stop switch 2053 is turned ON. When the stop switch 2053 is OFF, whether to permit or not permit based on the setting change time zone is not determined. As will be described later, the stop switch 2053 may be used to switch between entering and not entering the setting change time zone setting mode.
(4) By pressing all or part of the switches of the operation unit 202, for example, the start bar, stop switch, and bet switch in a specific order within a certain period of time after turning on the power, permission or disapproval based on the setting change time zone Make a decision. For example, the setting may be performed by pressing the first, second, or third stop switch of the stop switch 140 in this order. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine permission or disapproval based on the setting change time zone by turning on the power while pressing a predetermined switch of the operation unit 202.

  As in (2) to (4), the above setting can be performed using an existing switch. Alternatively, it is of course possible to add a new setting switch as in (1).

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, monitoring is performed so that the setting cannot be changed during business hours. However, when this monitoring is canceled as necessary, the setting change disabled time zone is not set. It is possible to set not to execute the fraud prevention method according to the second embodiment. In addition, when canceling the setting for performing the illegal act prevention method once performed, the setting may be performed after turning off the power or by setting a predetermined switch operation.

  S32: A setting change time zone is set. That is, a setting change impossible time zone is set in the setting change time zone storage unit 212. Then, the process proceeds to the internal setting process (the process of FIG. 5).

The procedure for setting the setting change permission time zone is, for example, as follows.
(11) If the stop switch 2053 is turned on when the power is turned on, the setting change permission time zone setting mode is entered. In the above examples (1), (2), and (4), if the stop switch 2053 is set to OFF when the power is turned on, the setting change permission time zone setting mode is not entered. In this case, the setting change time zone determination unit 213 determines based on the table already stored in the storage unit 212.
(12) When the setting change permission time zone setting mode is entered, the start lever 134 is pressed to change the start time of the time zone (similar to the setting of the digital clock). The setting contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the effect display unit. Alternatively, the lamp of the display unit blinks a predetermined number of times according to what time. The start time may be changed by pressing the stop switch 140. At this time, the first, second, and third stop switches may be set switches for setting the date (day of the week), hour, and minute, respectively.
(13) The end time of the time zone is changed by pressing the start lever 134 again. The changing method is the same as in the case of (12).
(14) Press this start lever again to end this setting change procedure.

Needless to say, (11) to (14) are examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
In addition, although the permission or non-permission is determined based on the setting change time zone, the change of the setting change permission time zone may be skipped (determination is performed based on a table already stored in the storage unit 212). A process for determining whether to change the setting change permission time zone may be provided between S31 and S32 in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the setting change time zone table already stored in the storage unit 212, that is, setting of the setting change unavailable time zone and the setting change available time zone. Normally, setting changes are made before the hall starts or after it closes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the opening time of the hall corresponding to the opening of the hall and before and after the opening time are set in the setting change impossible time zone A, and other times are set in the setting changeable time zone B.

Instead of the process of S5 of FIG. 6, the process of S33 of FIG. 10 is performed.
S33: It is determined whether the received setting change request is the setting change unavailable time zone A or the setting change available time zone B. Since the time when the setting change request is received can be specified by the real-time clock 200c, the setting change time zone determination unit 213 compares this time with the time preset in the setting change time zone storage unit 212.

  If the time is within the setting changeable time zone B, it is determined that the setting change process is normal, and the process proceeds to S10 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the time is within the range of the setting change impossibility time zone A, the process proceeds to S6 in FIG. 6 and the setting change is permitted on the assumption that each switch is operated for a certain time or more.

  According to the gaming machine and the fraud prevention method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, by setting a time zone in which setting change is prohibited and monitoring the time at which the setting change is performed, a predetermined appropriate time zone. Change the settings only in. As a result, when a setting change operation is performed during business hours when the normal setting change is not performed, the setting change is permitted only when each switch is operated for a certain time or more. Therefore, unauthorized setting changes during business hours are difficult, and illegal acts can be effectively prevented.

  The real-time clock 200c has a time function and a calendar function related to the day of the week and the year, month, and day, and information regarding whether or not the setting can be changed regarding internal operation is stored in the setting change time zone storage unit 212 along with the time of day and year. Information regarding the date may also be stored. The setting change time zone determination unit 213 also compares and determines the day of the week and the date of the month together with the time. By configuring in this way, it is possible to link the information of the setting change unavailable time zone with the calendar information including information such as the day of the week, the date of the month, and the like, thereby enabling the long-term setting change time zone to be monitored. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where the setting change time zone is set in units of one week. In the figure, the setting change impossible time zone A and the setting changeable time zone B are managed in units of one week. For example, when Monday is a regular holiday, it can be set as the setting changeable time zone B in the same way as the hall closing time. . In this case, the entire Monday can be set as the setting changeable time zone B, or a part of the time can be set as the setting changeable time zone B. Further, the entire day of the week other than the regular holiday may be set as the setting change impossible time zone A. Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case where the setting change time zone is set in units of one month. In the figure, the setting change impossible time zone A and the setting changeable time zone B are managed in units of one month. For example, when Monday is a regular holiday, it can be set as the setting changeable time zone B in the same way as the hall closing time. . The entire day of the week other than a regular holiday may be set as the setting change impossible time zone A. Further, the 31st day in FIG. 13 is a temporary holiday, and can be set as a setting changeable time zone B (indicated by “OK *” in the figure). It is also possible to set the setting change time zone in units of one month in units of one year or more, year, month, and day.

  In the example described above, the case where a holiday is set as the setting changeable time zone B has been described, but it is of course possible to appropriately set the holiday as the setting change impossible time zone A according to the situation of the hall. .

  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 the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a detailed view of the panel of the power supply unit of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the invention. FIG. 10 is another functional block diagram of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. 4 is a flowchart of a setting change operation of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. 7 is a power supply voltage monitoring process flowchart of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the monitoring operation of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a functional block diagram of the slot machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a setting change time monitoring process flowchart of the slot machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. One setting example of the setting change impossibility time zone in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the invention is shown. It is a figure which shows the case where a setting change time slot | zone is set per week concerning Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a figure which shows the case where a setting change time slot | zone is set per month which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 medal selector 100 slot machine 120 slot machine main body 121 hopper device 122 hopper tank 130 front door 131 game display unit 132 medal insertion port 133 reject button 134 start button 135 payout port 136 lead-out path 200 control unit 200-1 main board 200-2 sub Substrate 200a Setting change processing unit 200b Setting change operation monitoring unit 200c Timer (real time clock)
200d Power off time memory 200e Error notification unit 202 Operation unit 203 Reel unit 205 Power supply unit 205b Setting change prohibition time zone switch 212 Setting change time zone storage unit 213 Setting change time zone judgment unit 2051 Power switch 2052 Power unit pilot lamp 2053 Switch 2054 Setting key switch 2055 Setting change / reset switch 2056 AC100V pilot lamp 2057 AC power output and power cable

Claims (9)

A setting switch for changing the setting related to internal operation, and a control unit that changes the setting by operating the setting switch when the power is turned on, and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure; In a gaming machine comprising
A power supply voltage is monitored, and a setting change operation monitoring unit that controls the control unit to a state in which the setting can be changed when the power is turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power is turned off is provided. Gaming machine. A clock unit that continues to operate while the power is turned off by means such as battery backup, and a power-off time memory that stores the time of power-off,
The setting change operation monitoring unit reads time information from the clock unit when the power is off and writes the time information to the power-off time memory, reads time information from the clock unit when the power is on, and 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein information is compared with the contents of the power-off time memory, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not to control the control unit so that the setting can be changed. In a gaming machine comprising a setting switch for performing a setting change related to an internal operation, and a control unit that is capable of changing the setting by operating the setting switch and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure.
A setting change operation monitoring unit that monitors the setting switch and controls the control unit to a state in which the setting can be changed when the setting switch is operated continuously for a predetermined time or longer is provided. To play. The error notification is performed when the control unit is not controlled so that the setting can be changed in spite of the setting switch being operated. Gaming machine. Setting change related to internal operation can be changed by a normal setting change procedure, or a setting changeable time period, or setting change is not possible or can be changed only by a special procedure different from the normal setting change procedure. A setting change time zone storage unit that stores information relating to at least one of the non-setting change time zones, a time at which the setting change request is received, and information on the setting change time zone storage unit, and reception of the setting change request A setting change time zone determining unit that causes the setting change operation monitoring unit to perform monitoring when the time corresponds to a setting change disabled time zone, and that causes the control unit to execute setting change processing when the time does not apply; A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A setting switch for changing the setting related to internal operation, and a control unit that changes the setting by operating the setting switch when the power is turned on, and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure; A method of preventing fraud in a gaming machine comprising:
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is off;
When it is determined that the power is turned off, the step of saving the time data when the power is turned off;
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is turned on;
When it is determined that the power is turned on, a step of obtaining a time from power off to power on;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A fraud prevention method for a gaming machine comprising a step of executing a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time. Unauthorized gaming machine comprising a setting switch for changing a setting related to internal operation and a control unit that can change the setting by operating the setting switch and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure In the act prevention method,
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether the setting switch has been operated;
Storing the time data at the start of operation when it is determined that the setting switch has been operated;
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether operation of the setting switch has been stopped;
When it is determined that the operation of the setting switch has been stopped, obtaining a time from the operation start to the operation stop;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A fraud prevention method for a gaming machine comprising a step of executing a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time. A setting switch for changing the setting related to internal operation, and a control unit that changes the setting by operating the setting switch when the power is turned on, and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure; A program for causing a computer to execute a fraud prevention method for a gaming machine comprising:
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is off;
When it is determined that the power is turned off, the step of saving the time data when the power is turned off;
Monitoring the power supply voltage and determining whether the power is turned on;
When it is determined that the power is turned on, a step of obtaining a time from power off to power on;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A program that causes a computer to execute a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time. Unauthorized gaming machine comprising a setting switch for changing a setting related to internal operation and a control unit that can change the setting by operating the setting switch and changes the setting according to a predetermined procedure A program for causing a computer to execute an action prevention method,
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether the setting switch has been operated;
Storing the time data at the start of operation when it is determined that the setting switch has been operated;
Monitoring the output of the setting switch and determining whether operation of the setting switch has been stopped;
When it is determined that the operation of the setting switch has been stopped, obtaining a time from the operation start to the operation stop;
Comparing the determined time with a predetermined time;
A program for causing a computer to execute a setting change process when the time is longer than a predetermined time.

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