JP2006000235A - Game machine, monitoring method of game machine and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize the state of power sources of respective game machines in a hall computer. <P>SOLUTION: One or a plurality of game machines and a computer for managing the game machines are connected to a network. A timer is set so as to generate interruption signals at every predetermined interval of time. On the basis of the interruption signals, an inquiry message is transmitted from the computer to one or the plurality of game machines (S8). In response to the inquiry message, a response message is prepared (S9). The response message is transmitted from the game machines to the computer (S10). The game machine is judged as being in a power supply state at the time of receiving the response message, the game machine is judged as being in a power disconnected state at the time of not receiving the response message, and the presence/absence of abnormality is judged by making comparison with a predetermined time table further (S11). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

  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. In order to make the setting change effective, it is usually necessary to turn off the power, that is, turn off and on again.

  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. By the way, since it is necessary to turn off the power and turn it on again to make the setting change effective, it is preferable to constantly monitor the power state of each gaming machine from the outside. The power on / off of a gaming machine such as a slot machine is performed outside the business hours of the hall, and is basically on at the start of business and off at the end. Normally, power on / off operations are not required during business hours, and when a power on / off operation is detected during business hours, hall personnel are dispatched to investigate and prevent fraud. become able to.

  In monitoring the power supply state of each gaming machine from the outside, there is a method of concentrating signals indicating the power supply state from the gaming machine to a central monitoring device (hall computer). Although this method has the advantage that all gaming machines can be monitored, there is also the possibility that it will be deceived when fraudulent work is performed on each gaming machine. For example, it is possible to add a work to the signal line indicating the power supply state from the gaming machine so that the hall computer cannot grasp the accurate state.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, a gaming machine monitoring method, and a program that can prevent such illegal acts.

The present invention starts a game process in response to a player's operation, performs internal lottery and winning determination, and controls a game medium payout control according to winning, and setting information related to the internal operation of the control unit. In a gaming machine that includes a storage unit for storing, and is required to be turned off and on in order to change the setting information,
A power line modem connected to an AC power supply, a DC power supply that receives AC power from the power line modem, generates DC power, and supplies the power to each part of the gaming machine including the control unit, and uses the AC power line by the power line modem And a response processing unit that communicates with an external computer,
The response processing unit creates a response message when receiving an inquiry message from an external computer, and transmits the response message to an external computer using an AC power line.

  The response processing unit may transmit a power-on message from the gaming machine to the external computer as the response message using an AC power line when the gaming machine is turned on.

It further includes a clock device that outputs time information,
When the response processing unit receives an inquiry message from an external computer, it acquires time information from the timepiece device, and encrypts the time information with a secret key unique to the gaming machine prepared in advance. Time information may be included in the response message.

The present invention is a method for monitoring the power state of the gaming machine in a computer network in which one or a plurality of gaming machines and a computer for managing the gaming machine are connected.
Setting a timer to generate an interrupt signal at predetermined times; and
Transmitting an inquiry message from the computer to one or more gaming machines based on the interrupt signal;
Receiving the inquiry message and creating a response message;
Transmitting the response message from the gaming machine to the computer;
Receiving the response message;
Determining that the gaming machine is powered on when receiving the response message;
Determining that the gaming machine is in a power-off state when it does not receive the response message, and comparing the gaming machine with a predetermined time table.

  A step of creating a power-on message when the gaming machine is turned on and transmitting the message from the gaming machine to the computer may be provided.

  In the step of setting the timer, preferably, the interrupt signal generation interval is set to be shorter than the power off / on interval necessary for changing the setting.

The step of receiving the inquiry message and creating a response message includes the steps of obtaining time information, encrypting the time information with a secret key unique to a gaming machine prepared in advance, and encrypted time information Creating a response message including:
The step of receiving the response message includes a step of identifying a gaming machine that has transmitted the response message, a step of obtaining a public key unique to a gaming machine prepared in advance based on the identification result, and decrypting with the public key You may make it provide the step which acquires the time information of a gaming machine, and the presence or absence of abnormality by comparing the time information of the said gaming machine with the time information on the computer side.

When a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is connected to the computer network, requesting an IP address assignment from the gaming machine to the DHCP server;
A step of identifying the gaming machine based on a MAC (Media Access Control) address unique to the gaming machine included in the log information of the DHCP server.

The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a method for monitoring the power state of the gaming machine in a computer network in which one or a plurality of gaming machines and a computer for managing the gaming machine are connected. There,
Setting a timer to generate an interrupt signal at predetermined times; and
Transmitting an inquiry message from the computer to one or more gaming machines based on the interrupt signal;
Receiving a response message to the inquiry message;
Determining that the gaming machine is powered on when receiving the response message;
A program for causing a computer to execute a step of determining whether or not the gaming machine is in a power-off state when not receiving the response message, and further determining whether or not there is an abnormality by comparing with a predetermined time table.

The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM device, flash memory device, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD (including CD-ROM and Video-CD), DVD (DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD- 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, since the hall computer monitors the power state of each gaming machine through the power line, it is possible to correctly grasp the power state of each gaming machine without being deceived by fraud.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (also called a slot machine or a spinning cylinder gaming 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 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 inserted and stored in the medal insertion slot 100 to replace the 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 rotating reel 40 includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotating drum. On the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42, a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.

  Inside the slot machine 10, a control device for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated as will be described later. The control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The CPU (processing unit) is operated by reading a program stored in a ROM (storage unit) in response to the player's operation. Specifically, the CPU (processing unit) is operated by the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. Based on this, the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 are controlled, and the lamp, the speaker and the like are controlled. Temporary data necessary for the operation of the CPU is RAM (storage unit: RAM is generally a volatile memory, and data is lost in principle when the power is turned off. A backup power source such as a battery may be prepared. In this case, data is not lost even if the power is cut off). The CPU performs a predetermined operation in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM, records temporary data necessary for processing in the RAM, and reads out and refers to the recorded data as necessary.

  The start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 as described above. The start switch 30 can be obtained on the condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted or according to a winning determination. "Replay)" is to start driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.

  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 elapses from the previous game at the time of the “replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three The rotary 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, if a predetermined symbol 61 on the effective pay line of the display window 13 stops, it is determined that the winning is made, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out through a hopper unit (not shown). In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic structure of the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 includes a main substrate 1 (first processing unit) and a sub substrate 2 (second processing unit) that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 1 (first processing unit). At least the main substrate 1 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and a sealing process is performed so that traces remain when the substrates are removed.

  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, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  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 corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

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

  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 interrupter (not shown) for detecting the rotation position of the reel 40, detects the rotation position of each of the three reels 40, and detects it. A signal is output. A photo interrupter (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 a hopper 81 that stores medals and pays out the number of medals corresponding to the designated winning.

  The medal detection unit 82 is for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. The CPU of the main board 1 stops the driving by the hopper driving unit 80 when the medal count value actually paid out received from the medal detection unit 82 reaches the predetermined payout number data corresponding to the winning. Finish paying out. The hopper drive circuit 80 and the medal detection unit 82 pay out a predetermined number of medals to the player based on a winning obtained as a result of the game.

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

  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. Various winnings occur under the probability according to the data setting of the winning probability table and the stop control of the symbol is performed, so that it is not extremely influenced by the skill of the player, for example, within the business hours of the day The total medal payment rate is maintained almost constant. The winning probability can be set within a certain range, and setting work is performed by the store in a hall or the like where a gaming machine is installed. The main board 1 stores setting information regarding internal operations such as which winning probability table to use. In order to change the setting information, it is necessary to turn the power off and on.

  Reference numeral 203 shown in FIG. 2 denotes a power supply unit of the gaming machine. The power supply unit 203 receives AC 100V AC power and converts it into DC power such as + 5V used on each board of the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, together with a DC power supply 203a for that purpose, a response processing unit 203b for notifying the hall computer of the power state of the gaming machine and a PLC (Power for communicating with the outside through a power line (Line Communication) includes a modem 203c. The response processing unit 203b includes network protocol compatible software such as TCP / IP, and performs processing such as transmitting the state of the gaming machine to the hall computer (details of processing will be described later). The PLC modem 203c is connected to an AC power supply AC100V, supplies AC100V to the DC power supply device 203a, and transmits a data communication signal superimposed on the power line to the response processing unit 203b. The PLC modem 203c also sends out the output data of the response processing unit 203b superimposed on the power line. A PLC-compatible chip set can be used as the PLC modem.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, performing data communication between the gaming machine and the hall computer through the power line makes it difficult to disturb or deceive the data communication. If the power supply is turned on / off with the power supply connected to the gaming machine, a message indicating that will be sent to the hall computer as will be described later. In order to prevent the transmission of the message, the power plug can be removed, but this makes it impossible to play. If the power-off state of the gaming machine lasts for a long time, this can be grasped by the hall computer as will be described later. Even if the power line is short-circuited, data communication cannot be interrupted or deceived. Even if an illegal act is attempted on the wiring inside the power supply unit 203, the power supply unit 203 is hermetically sealed and is very difficult to access. By performing data communication through the power line in this way, it is possible to make it difficult to receive fraud. On the other hand, when data communication is performed using a signal line, there is a possibility that the data communication is disturbed or deceived by performing an illegal act (such as a short circuit) on the communication line.

  PLC (Power Line Communication) will be briefly described. PLC is a technology that sends information signals on a commonly used AC power line. General AC power is 60 Hz in Kansai and 50 Hz in Kanto. By superimposing a short-wave signal on this, information is sent using a power line. This is possible because signals with different frequencies do not mix with each other. In the PLC, since the electrical wiring and outlets are directly used as information paths and windows, there is no need for construction for new wiring or installation of an outlet.

It is said that PLC has the following technical problems.
(1) Problems with unbalanced lines Most power lines in Japan are overhead wiring, and form unbalanced lines. Therefore, electromagnetic waves are radiated from power lines when a high-frequency current is passed.
(2) Problem of influence of noise in the line In the high frequency band to be used, load noise generated from home appliances or flying noise propagating in the air is superimposed on the power line and mixed into the modem.
(3) Problem of signal attenuation The signal attenuation on the power line is very large. This is considered to be due to the influence of the end load connected to the power line, the length of the electric wire, and the branch of the electric wire.

  Communication in the embodiment of the present invention is between each gaming machine and the hall computer, and is performed at a relatively short distance in the same building. Therefore, the above points are not considered to be a problem.

  FIG. 3 shows an overall view of the network according to the embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of gaming machines 10-1 to 10-3, a hall computer HC that manages all gaming machines in the hall, and a DHCP server SV are connected to the computer network NET. The computer network NET is generally the same as an intranet used in a company, but differs in that communication is performed using a power line instead of a LAN cable. Therefore, the gaming machine 10, the hall computer HC, and the DHCP server SV each include a PLC modem. The gaming machine 10, the hall computer HC, and the DHCP server SV connected to the computer network NET can communicate with each other.

  A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server SV performs an operation of automatically assigning an IP address necessary for network construction to each client such as the gaming machine 10. By installing a DHCP server on the network, an IP address can be dynamically assigned to each client, and the management effort of the network can be greatly reduced.

  Next, operations of the gaming machine and the network according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the gaming machine is turned on, various initial settings are made. At this time, the response processing unit 203b acquires a network address (can be omitted if it has already been acquired). That is, an IP address request is sent from the gaming machine to the DHCP server (S1), the IP address is assigned (S2), and the assigned IP address is answered (S3). At this time, the relationship between the address unique to the gaming machine (specifically, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the PLC modem 203c) and the IP address of the gaming machine is recorded as log information in the DHCP server. Since the IP address may change for each assignment, it is preferable to use the MAC address for identifying the gaming machine. The MAC address is the physical address of the device itself, that is, the address of each hardware such as a computer or router that communicates, and is necessary to identify and communicate with each other connected terminals in a LAN. It is indispensable. The MAC address is unique, including the code assigned to the hardware vendor, and no other is the same. For this reason, the MAC address is suitable for identifying the gaming machine.

  When the IP address is acquired, a power-on message is created (S4). The message only needs to include a code notifying that the power is turned on. A power-on message is sent to the hall computer (S5). It records that the gaming machine (identifiable by MAC address) is turned on by the hall computer. You may make it determine the presence or absence of abnormality by examining the time of power-on. Specifically, the processes of S23, S24, S25, S27, and S29 in FIG. 5 may be performed. If the power is turned on before the start of business, there is no abnormality.

  A timer interrupt is set on the hall computer side (S6). Since the timer interrupt periodically makes inquiries to gaming machines, the hall computer can grasp the power off (the power on can be easily known by the above procedure, but the power off If you do not monitor it regularly, you will not know.) The timer interruption interval is set shorter than the minimum power-off period to be detected. Preferably, it is set shorter than the power-off / on interval required for setting change.

  When a timer interruption occurs (S6), an inquiry message for the gaming machine is created (S7). The message includes an address of the gaming machine and a code indicating the inquiry. An inquiry message is sent to the gaming machine (S8). Upon receiving this message, the gaming machine creates a response (S9). The message may not include a particularly meaningful code. A response message is sent from the gaming machine to the hall computer (S10). The hall computer receives the response message and performs determination processing (S11). A gaming machine can be identified from the IP address included in the header of the message and the corresponding MAC address. A response from a specific gaming machine means that the gaming machine is in a power-on state regardless of the content of the message.

  Since the timer interruption occurs periodically, the same processing is repeated (S12 to S17).

The game machine determination process will be described with reference to FIG.
S20: A query is created and transmitted (same as S7 and S8 in FIG. 4).
S21: It is determined whether a response has been received. If a response is received within a predetermined time from the inquiry transmission in S20, it is determined that there is a response (YES), and it is determined that the gaming machine is in a power-on state (S28). If no response is received within a predetermined time from the inquiry transmission in S20, it is determined that there is no response (NO).

S22: When there is no response, it is determined that the gaming machine is in a power-off state.
S23: The current time is acquired.
S24: Information on business hours is acquired. This information is preset and stored as a table.

S25: The current time and business hours information are compared to determine whether or not the current time is before the start of business. If it is before the start of business (YES), it is determined that there is no abnormality because it is not strange even if the power is off (S29).

S26: As in S25, it is determined whether the current time is after the end of business. If it is after the end of business (YES), it is determined that there is no abnormality because it is not strange even if the power is off (S29).

S27: When NO in both S25 and S26, it means that the power is turned off despite the business hours. Such a situation is usually not possible, and it is an exceptional case where an error occurs in the gaming machine and the clerk turns on the power again, or it means that an illegal act has been performed. An error notification and a message prompting the player to check the game machine are displayed on the computer monitor.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the hall computer monitors the power state of each gaming machine through the power line, so that the power state of each gaming machine can be correctly grasped without being deceived by fraud. . Moreover, it is not necessary to set an ID or the like for each case. When the system construction around the server is completed, it can be used simply by inserting the power cord of the case.

The use of the power line as a network communication medium has the following advantages.
(1) If there is an original network cable, it is exposed to dangers such as disconnection and replacement, but such a case is reduced if a power line is used.
(2) In the gaming state, since electricity is always supplied, a communication medium can be secured.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, data is transmitted by supplying electricity to the power supply unit of the housing, so that it is always possible to detect fraudulent actions involving power on / off.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
Although the response message is returned from the gaming machine to the hall computer in the first embodiment of the invention, an electronic signature may be added to the response message in order to prevent “spoofing” by an unauthorized person. One using public key cryptography as an electronic signature is known. The point of electronic signature is that if a sender encrypts a message with a private key, if the recipient can decrypt the message with the public key corresponding to the private key and read the message, the person who encrypted the message It can be determined that it is the owner of the key. A person who does not know the secret key cannot create an appropriate electronic signature. Therefore, “spoofing” can be prevented by checking the validity of the electronic signature.

  FIG. 6 shows a power supply unit of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the invention. 6 further includes a timepiece device 203d. When the response processing unit 203b receives an inquiry message from an external computer, the response processing unit 203b acquires the time information from the clock device 203, and encrypts the time information with a secret key unique to the gaming machine prepared in advance. Time information is included in the response message. The secret key on the gaming machine side is different for each gaming machine and is strictly managed so that it cannot be easily read from the outside. In the hall computer, a public key corresponding to the secret key of the gaming machine is stored in advance. That is, a public key corresponding to each gaming machine (MAC address) is stored. Since the public key does not need to be kept secret, it may be managed by a DHCP server.

  The operation of the gaming machine and the network according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a timer interruption occurs (S30), an inquiry message for the gaming machine is created (S31). The message includes an address of the gaming machine and a code indicating the inquiry. An inquiry message is sent to the gaming machine (S32). Upon receiving this message, the gaming machine creates a response message in the following procedure.

S33: Time information is acquired. If it is time information, the hall computer can easily verify whether the decoded message is correct. In addition to the time information, a message shared by both the gaming machine and the hall computer can be used. For example, arbitrary data may be generated on the hall computer side, included in the inquiry message in S32, and the data may be encrypted with the secret key on the gaming machine side. Alternatively, a common secret word may be determined in advance.

S34: Time information is encrypted with a secret key unique to the gaming machine prepared in advance.
S35: Create a response message including the encrypted time information.
S36: A response message is sent to the hall computer.

S37: Decrypt the electronic signature included in the response message. That is, when the response message is received, the gaming machine that transmitted the response message is specified based on the MAC address. A public key prepared in advance for the specified gaming machine is acquired. Decrypts the electronic signature with the public key and obtains time information.

S38: The presence or absence of abnormality is determined by comparing the time information with the time information on the hall computer side. If the two substantially match, it can be determined that the electronic signature is valid. If the response message is from a third party, time information cannot be obtained when decrypted with the public key.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, by including an electronic signature in the response message from the gaming machine to the hall computer, it is possible to prevent “spoofing” by an unauthorized person.

  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, and 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 a first embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the network which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the communication procedure of the game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention, and a hall computer. It is a flowchart of the determination process of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the power supply part of the game machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the communication procedure of the game machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention, and a hall computer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine 11 Case 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Settlement switch 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 insertion port 200 Liquid crystal control board 201 Speaker 202 LED board 203 Power supply unit 203a DC power supply device 203b Response processing unit 203c PLC modem 203d Clock device 304 Medal payout port 311 Medal receiving unit (lower plate) )

Claims (9)

A control unit that starts a game process in response to a player's operation, performs internal lottery and winning determination, and controls payout of game media according to winning, and a storage unit that stores setting information related to the internal operation of the control unit And a gaming machine that requires a power-off to change the setting information,
A power line modem connected to an AC power supply, a DC power supply that receives AC power from the power line modem, generates DC power, and supplies the power to each part of the gaming machine including the control unit, and uses the AC power line by the power line modem And a response processing unit that communicates with an external computer,
When the response processing unit receives an inquiry message from an external computer, the response processing unit creates a response message and transmits the response message to an external computer using an AC power line.   The response processing unit transmits a power-on message from the gaming machine to an external computer as the response message using an AC power line when the power of the gaming machine is turned on. The gaming machine according to 1. It further includes a clock device that outputs time information,
When the response processing unit receives an inquiry message from an external computer, it acquires time information from the timepiece device, and encrypts the time information with a secret key unique to the gaming machine prepared in advance. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein time information is included in the response message. A method for monitoring the power state of the gaming machine in a computer network in which one or a plurality of gaming machines and a computer for managing the gaming machine are connected,
Setting a timer to generate an interrupt signal at predetermined times; and
Transmitting an inquiry message from the computer to one or more gaming machines based on the interrupt signal;
Receiving the inquiry message and creating a response message;
Transmitting the response message from the gaming machine to the computer;
Receiving the response message;
Determining that the gaming machine is powered on when receiving the response message;
A game machine monitoring method comprising: determining that the gaming machine is in a power-off state when the response message is not received, and determining whether there is an abnormality by comparing the gaming machine with a predetermined time table.   5. The gaming machine monitoring method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of creating a power-on message when the gaming machine is turned on and transmitting the message from the gaming machine to the computer.   6. The gaming machine monitoring method according to claim 4, wherein in the step of setting the timer, an interrupt signal generation interval is set to be shorter than a power-off / on interval necessary for setting change. The step of receiving the inquiry message and creating a response message includes the steps of obtaining time information, encrypting the time information with a secret key unique to a gaming machine prepared in advance, and encrypted time information Creating a response message including:
The step of receiving the response message includes a step of identifying a gaming machine that has transmitted the response message, a step of obtaining a public key unique to a gaming machine prepared in advance based on the identification result, and decrypting with the public key 7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: obtaining time information of a gaming machine; and determining whether there is an abnormality by comparing the time information of the gaming machine with time information on a computer side. A monitoring method for a gaming machine according to any one of the above. When a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is connected to the computer network, requesting an IP address assignment from the gaming machine to the DHCP server;
The game according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a step of identifying the gaming machine based on a MAC (Media Access Control) address unique to the gaming machine included in log information of the DHCP server. How to monitor the machine. A program for causing a computer to execute a method for monitoring the power state of the gaming machine in a computer network in which one or a plurality of gaming machines and a computer for managing the gaming machine are connected,
Setting a timer to generate an interrupt signal at predetermined times; and
Transmitting an inquiry message from the computer to one or more gaming machines based on the interrupt signal;
Receiving a response message to the inquiry message;
Determining that the gaming machine is powered on when receiving the response message;
A program for causing a computer to execute a step of determining whether or not the gaming machine is in a power-off state when not receiving the response message, and determining whether or not there is an abnormality by comparing the gaming machine with a predetermined time table.

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