JP2006122263A - Game machine, memory module used for the same, and sensing method and program of fraudulent action in game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the exchange and tampering of a memory module ROM. <P>SOLUTION: Power supply from the backup power source is not carried out when the memory module is removed from the processing section by carrying out power supply from a backup power source 2b to a RAM 2c present in a processing section 2 via the memory module 3 (a wiring 3c). Whether or not the memory module is removed from the processing section can be detected by confirming whether or not the content of the RAM 2c at the time of power-on is the same as that at the time of power-off. A fraudulent action can be suppressed by informing a error or stopping a game when the memory module is determined to be removed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and in particular, a gaming machine capable of preventing illegal acts such as replacement of a memory element (ROM) and tampering of a memory element (ROM), a memory module used therefor, and an illegal act in the gaming machine The present invention relates to a detection method and a program.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine has a built-in microcomputer (CPU), and controls lottery, winning, payout, and production by a program. This type of gaming machine receives an operation from the player, performs an internal lottery and a prize determination according to the lottery result, and controls a game medium payout control according to the prize, and receives a command from the main board. And a sub-board for notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects.

  The main board program is important to directly control the game. The entire main board is sealed so as not to be tampered with. The sub board program controls the display device such as the liquid crystal display device, the speaker, and the display lamp to notify the player of the winning etc., and further controls the weight of the winning rate. There is a gaming machine (for example, assist time (AT): the table itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game). Specifically, as described above, an instruction for obtaining a ball is displayed on the liquid crystal display device so that the player can easily obtain the ball if the player operates according to the instruction.

  In this way, the main board and the sub board realize the lottery, winning, payout, and production control by the program. The program for each board performs important control related to the game.

  A storage element such as a ROM for storing a CPU and a program (hereinafter referred to as a memory or a semiconductor memory) is often mounted on a single board. However, in recent gaming machines, images and sounds are generated due to diversification of effects. In particular, a large number of memories are used in the sub-board. As a method for easily handling these large-capacity memories, the size of the memory package is reduced to DIP → SOP → SSOP, and a board (hereinafter referred to as “multiple memories”) is mounted in order to incorporate these into the board by a simple method. ROM modules or memory modules have been used (DIP: Dual In-line Package: a popular package system with external input / output pins arranged on both long sides of a flat rectangular package. SOP: Small Outline Package: Surface mounting package method, equivalent to DIP flat type SSOP: Shrink Small Out-Line Package: Package with reduced SOP lead pitch)

  In addition, since tools are required to insert and remove the ROM, it is possible to connect the memory module to the main board or sub board using a board-to-board connector or the like from the viewpoint of easy handling. is there.

  There are some that try to get a ball out illegally by modifying the program that controls the CPU of the gaming machine. A ROM whose program has been tampered with in an advantageous manner is illegally attached to the main board or sub board. Alternatively, the ROM of the sub board is illegally exchanged, and for example, the AT function is altered so as to be advantageous to itself.

  By the way, gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines are regulated by law, and therefore the program for each board needs to be subject to prior verification and approval by the relevant organizations, and can be altered without permission. Not. The program mounted on each board, specifically, the content of the ROM is determined at the time of application to the related organizations, and the content of the ROM of the same type of gaming machine is always required to be the same.

  However, the ROM may be exchanged using illegal means and the contents of the program may be changed. The damage caused by such fraudulent acts is squeezing up the hall management and becoming a social problem.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem. In a gaming machine capable of preventing illegal acts such as ROM exchange and ROM tampering performed by exchanging a memory module, and a memory module used in the gaming machine and the gaming machine. The object is to provide a method and a program for detecting fraud.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a storage element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit obtains a characteristic value of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned off, holds this as a characteristic value when the power is turned off, and obtains a characteristic value of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned on. Is compared with the characteristic value when the power is turned off, and whether or not the module is removed is determined based on the comparison result.

  The determination unit obtains a checksum for all data or a part of data of the volatile memory element, and performs a logical operation including logical product, logical sum, or exclusive logical sum to obtain the feature value. Or, a hash value is obtained by a hash function.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a storage element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit saves all or part of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned off, reads all or part of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned on, and compares the data with the saved data Then, the presence or absence of the removal of the module is determined based on the comparison result.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a storage element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit writes predetermined data to a predetermined address of the volatile storage element, reads data of the predetermined address of the volatile storage element when power is turned on, and determines the predetermined data. It is compared with the obtained data, and whether or not the module is removed is determined based on the comparison result.

  When the backup power supply is mounted on the processing unit, a power supply line from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element enters the memory module from the backup power supply at least once, and passes through the memory module. It returns to the said process part and arrange | positions so that it may connect with the said volatile memory element.

  The backup power supply can be mounted on the memory module. In this case, a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile memory element is arranged to enter the processing unit from the memory module and be connected to the volatile memory element.

  When the comparison result does not match, it may be determined that the module has been removed, and at least one of error notification and game stop may be performed.

  The present invention is a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU, and includes a substrate, a storage element mounted on the substrate, and a connector that is electrically connected to the processing unit, The connector includes a first terminal connected to a power supply line from a backup power source mounted on the processing unit to supply power when the power is turned off, and a power supply to a volatile memory element mounted on the processing unit. And a second terminal connected to the supply line, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are connected on the substrate.

  The present invention is a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU, and includes a substrate, a storage element mounted on the substrate, a connector that is electrically connected to the processing unit, and the processing unit. And a backup power supply for supplying power to the volatile memory element mounted on the volatile memory element, and the connector supplies power provided to the processing unit to supply power to the volatile memory element The backup power supply is connected to the terminal including a terminal connected to a line.

The present invention includes a processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, a memory module that can be attached to and detached from the processing unit, and a backup for supplying power when the power is turned off. A power supply and a volatile storage element that receives power from the backup power supply, and is configured to stop power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine,
Obtain the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at the time of power-off, hold this as the characteristic value at the time of power-off,
Find the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare it with the characteristic value at the time of power-off holding this,
When the comparison result does not match, it is determined that the act is an illegal act.

The present invention includes a processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, a memory module that can be attached to and detached from the processing unit, and a backup for supplying power when the power is turned off. A power supply and a volatile storage element that receives power from the backup power supply, and is configured to stop power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine,
Save all or part of the data in the volatile memory element when the power is turned off,
Read all or a part of the data of the volatile memory element at power-on, compare it with the saved data,
When the comparison result does not match, it is determined that the act is an illegal act.

The present invention includes a processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, a memory module that can be attached to and detached from the processing unit, and a backup for supplying power when the power is turned off. A power supply and a volatile storage element that receives power from the backup power supply, and is configured to stop power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine,
Write predetermined data to a predetermined address of the volatile storage element,
Read the data of the predetermined address of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare this with the predetermined data,
When the comparison result does not match, it is determined that the act is an illegal act.

The present invention is a program for causing a CPU 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 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, the supply of backup power to the volatile storage element in the processing unit is performed via the memory module, so that when the memory module is removed from the processing unit, the backup power is not supplied, and Whether or not the memory module is removed from the processing unit can be detected by checking whether or not the content of the volatile memory element is the same as when the power is turned off when the power is turned on. When it is determined that the memory module has been removed, fraudulent acts can be suppressed by notifying an error or stopping the game.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (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 display of lamps, speakers, and the like are controlled. Temporary data necessary for the CPU to operate is RAM (generally RAM is a volatile memory, and data is lost in principle when the power is turned off. A backup power supply may be prepared, and in this case, data is not lost even if the power is turned 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. In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 10 includes a main substrate 1 and a sub-substrate 2 that operates in response to commands from the main substrate 1 as main processing devices. 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 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. Further, the sub-board 2 includes a memory module 3 on which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM is mounted. The main board 1 may be provided with a memory module.

  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.

FIG. 3 shows a state where the memory module 3 is mounted on the sub-board (processing unit) 2.
The memory module 3 includes a memory module substrate 3b, one or a plurality of semiconductor memories (ROM) 3a mounted thereon, and a memory module 3 side for electrically connecting the memory module 3 to the sub-substrate 2. And a connector 6. The sub-board 2 is provided with a connector 2a for electrical connection with the memory module 3. The connector 2 a is coupled with the connector 6 of the memory module 3. In the example of FIG. 3, the memory module 3 is attached to the connector 2 a so as to be perpendicular to the sub-board 2.

  FIG. 4 shows a connection diagram between the memory module and the processing unit (sub board) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows only the parts necessary for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention, omitting the display of the CPU on the sub-board 2 and the ROM on the memory module 3, and the display of address signals and data signals. is doing.

  In FIG. 4, 2b is a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off. The backup power source 2b is a secondary battery such as a lithium battery, but the present invention is not limited to the secondary battery. A battery such as a primary battery or a capacitor may be used. Reference numeral 2c denotes a RAM (volatile storage element) that receives power from a backup power source. A determination unit 2d determines whether or not the memory module 3 is removed. The determination unit 2d can read data from the RAM 2c and write data to the RAM 2c. The determination unit 2d is realized by a CPU (not shown) that operates according to a predetermined program, for example. In addition to determining whether or not the memory module 3 has been removed, the determination unit 2d may determine the deterioration of the backup power source 2b. Reference numeral 2e denotes a diode that receives the power supply (DC voltage) VDD of the substrate and supplies it to the backup power supply 2b for charging, and also prevents the current of the backup power supply 2b from flowing back to the power supply VDD at the time of power-off backup.

  In FIG. 4, the backup power source 2 b is mounted on the sub-board (processing unit) 2, but at least a part of the power supply line from the backup power source 2 b to the RAM 2 c is arranged so as to pass through the memory module 3. . That is, the power supply line from the backup power source 2b to the RAM 2c is first connected from the backup power source 2b to the terminal 2a-1 of the connector 2a, and comes into contact with the terminal 6-1 of the connector 6 corresponding to this terminal. Enter 3. The power supply line returns to the sub-board 2 again via the terminal 6-2 of the connector 6 and the terminal 2a-2 of the connector 2a, and is connected to the power supply terminal of the RAM 2c. The terminals 6-1 and 6-2 of the connector 6 are connected in the memory module 3 by wiring 3c.

  For reference, FIG. 11 shows a conventional connection between the backup power supply 2b and the RAM 2c. Conventionally, these are directly connected and do not go through the memory module 3.

  The apparatus / method according to the first embodiment of the present invention supplies backup power to the volatile memory element (RAM) 2c on the sub-substrate (processing unit) 2 via the memory module 3, and the memory module 3 Is removed from the sub-board 2, the backup power is not supplied to the RAM 2c, and when the power is turned on, the memory module 3 checks whether the contents of the RAM are the same as when the power is turned off. It is characterized by confirming whether it remove | deviated from 2. If the memory module 3 is not removed, the backup is performed normally, and the contents of the RAM 2c should not change between when the power is turned off and when the power is turned on. If the content has changed, it can be determined that the memory module 3 may have been removed (the same phenomenon occurs when the backup power supply 2b deteriorates, but in this case as well, the fraud detection is performed). Since it is necessary to report an error, no problem will occur even if the processing described below is performed including the case of backup power supply deterioration.

  In order to determine whether or not the contents of the RAM 2c have changed between when the power is turned off and when the power is turned on, a checksum (check sum) is used in the first embodiment of the invention. The checksum is a total obtained for the data of all addresses of the RAM or the data of some addresses. Even when one bit of one data changes, this can be detected by a checksum. The checksum can be said to be a feature value representing the entire data of the RAM 2c.

FIG. 5 shows a processing flowchart when the power switch is turned off, and FIG. 6 shows a processing flowchart when the power switch is turned on. FIG. 7A shows a timing chart when the power switch is turned off, and FIG. 7B shows a timing chart when the power switch is turned on. The operation of the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to these drawings.
In FIG. 7A, when the power switch is on, the power supply voltage is a specified value (period P1). In the period P1, the power supply VDD is supplied to the RAM 2c and the backup power supply 2b is charged as shown by a thick line in FIG. When the power switch is turned off from on (time T1), the power supply voltage supplied to the sub-board 2 or the like does not decrease immediately, and after a while after the power switch is turned off, the power supply voltage becomes zero ( Time T2). During this period (period P2), the CPU or the like of the sub-board 2 can perform a predetermined process. Immediately after the power switch is turned from on to off (time T1), the power-off signal indicating that effect becomes effective, so that the CPU or the like can execute processing at the time of power-off upon the power-off signal. . Specifically, the process of FIG. 5 is performed in the period P2.

  Namely, calculated checksum of RAM 2c (S1), and stores the calculated checksum to RAM 2c arbitrary address (previously decide whether to advance which address) (S2). Since the backup power is supplied to the RAM 2c, the characteristic value (check sum) of the RAM 2c when the power is turned off is held in the RAM 2c during the power-off period (period P3 in FIG. 7).

  In the period P3 after time T2 in FIG. 7A, the power supply voltage is zero, but power is supplied from the backup power supply 2b to the RAM 2c as shown by a thick line in FIG. Therefore, the contents of the RAM 2c are kept.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the power switch is turned on (time T3), the power supply voltage rises and quickly reaches the specified value. At that time, a reset signal is usually generated, and the CPU or the like starts an initial operation in the subsequent period P4. 6 is performed as one of the initial operations.

  That is, the checksum of the RAM 2c is obtained (S10), the checksum stored in the RAM 2c when the power is cut off is read (S11), and both are compared (S12). If they match (matched in S12), it means that the contents of the RAM 2c are retained even when the power is turned off, so that it can be determined that the memory module 3 is not removed and the backup power supply 2b is normal. Since this is a normal state, normal activation processing is performed (S14). At this time, the checksum stored in the RAM 2c may be cleared.

  On the other hand, when the memory module 3 is replaced in the power-off period P3 (it is necessary to replace it when the power is turned off to enable the ROM of the memory module), the memory module 3 is removed as shown in FIG. At that time, the power supply to the RAM 2c is cut off. This is because at least a part of the power supply line from the backup power source 2b to the RAM 2c is arranged to pass through the memory module 3. In the state of FIG. 10, the contents of the RAM 2c are lost, and even if power is supplied again, the contents are not recovered (the contents are random). In this case, the checksums do not match in the determination of S12 in FIG. Since the contents are lost, the checksum obtained in S10 is naturally different from that obtained in S1, and the checksum itself stored in S2 is also lost. Therefore, error processing is performed to notify that the memory module 3 has been replaced (S13). After this, the normal activation process is not performed, so that the game cannot be performed. Note that error processing may be performed when a checksum mismatch is detected outside the period P3.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the backup power is supplied to the volatile memory element (RAM) through the memory module, and the volatile memory element is removed when the memory module is removed from the processing unit (sub-board). The backup power supply to the server is cut off, causing a backup failure. When the power is turned on, a check based on the total value of the volatile memory elements is performed, so if the memory module is removed, a backup failure will be detected, and it is determined that the memory module may have been removed. Transition to the state and stop the game. The error state has a meaning that the memory module is removed as well as a backup failure due to deterioration of the backup power supply. With the configuration as described above, it is possible to suppress an illegal act of illegal replacement of the ROM by detecting the replacement of the memory module and notifying an error.

  In the above description, the case where a checksum is obtained as a feature value has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. It suffices if a characteristic value unique to the contents of the volatile memory element (RAM) can be obtained. For example, a logical operation including logical product, logical sum, or exclusive logical sum is performed, or a hash value is obtained by a hash function. You may do it. The hash function is a calculation method for generating a fixed-length pseudorandom number from a given original text, and the generated value is called a “hash value”. Also called “summary function” or “message digest”. Since an irreversible one-way function is included, the original text cannot be reproduced from the hash value, and it is extremely difficult to create different data having the same hash value.

  In the above description, the feature value is written in the RAM 2c itself, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it write in other RAM or non-volatile memory elements (EEPROM etc.) to which backup power is supplied.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
In the first embodiment of the invention, the backup power supply 2b is mounted on the sub-board 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a backup power supply 2c may be mounted on the memory module 3 as shown in FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 12, at least a part of the power supply line from the backup power source 2 b to the RAM 2 c can be arranged so as to pass through the memory module 3. The configuration of FIG. 12 also has the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 of the Invention
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the replacement of the memory module is detected using the feature value of the content of the volatile memory element, but the same detection can be performed by comparing the data itself without obtaining the feature value. . Examples are listed.

(1) By saving all data in the RAM 2c, for example, by writing to another RAM or a non-volatile storage element (EEPROM, etc.) to which backup power is supplied, the data is held even when the power is cut off. In general, evacuation is temporary in order to use the contents of a specific storage location (location), region (region), register (register), etc. on the main storage for other purposes. In other words, it is stored in another storage location of the main storage device or in an auxiliary storage.
When the power is turned off, all data in the RAM 2c is read, and these are written in another RAM or a non-volatile memory element. When the power is turned on, all data in the RAM 2c is read and compared with the saved data. As a result of the comparison, when a mismatch occurs in all or part of the data, it is determined that the memory module has been replaced.

(2) By saving a part of the data in the RAM 2c, for example, by writing to another RAM or a non-volatile storage element (EEPROM, etc.) to which backup power is supplied, the data is held even when the power is cut off.
When the power is turned off, a part of the data in the RAM 2c is read, and these are written in another RAM or a nonvolatile memory element. When the power is turned on, a part of the data in the RAM 2c (with the same address as when the power is turned off) is read and compared with the saved data. As a result of the comparison, when a mismatch occurs in all or part of the data, it is determined that the memory module has been replaced. Only the data at one address may be saved. Since the data of all addresses in the RAM 2c are affected by the power interruption, the determination can be made only by monitoring the data of one address.

(3) A part of the data in the RAM 2c is written (saved) in a previously prepared area of the RAM 2c itself. Other points are the same as (2) above.

  The third embodiment of the invention has the same effects as the first embodiment.

Embodiment 4 of the Invention
Even if a specific value is written at a specific address in the RAM and it is determined whether or not it is maintained when the power is turned on, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments of the present invention can be obtained. The specific address of the RAM is always determined to be a specific value at least when the power is turned off, and if it is not maintained when the power is turned on, it is determined that the memory module has been replaced. In this case, it is not necessary to obtain the characteristic value, and it is not necessary to read the contents of the RAM when the power is turned off.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the preliminary data writing process according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the process when the power switch is turned on. The process of writing a specific value to the specific address in FIG. 13 may be performed when the power is turned off (period P2 in FIG. 7), or may be performed at any other timing (such as at initialization). You may make it repeat repeatedly regularly or irregularly.

  The fourth embodiment of the invention has the same effects as the first embodiment of the invention.

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

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

It is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine). It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attached the memory module to the process part (sub board | substrate). It is a block diagram which shows the backup power supply system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a process flowchart at the time of OFF of the power switch which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a process flowchart at the time of ON of the power switch which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of Embodiment 1 of invention (at the time of a power supply ON and a backup power supply non-operation). It is a block diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of Embodiment 1 of invention (at the time of a power-off and backup power supply operation | movement). It is a block diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement of Embodiment 1 of invention (the state which removed the memory module at the time of a power failure). It is a block diagram which shows the conventional backup power supply system. It is a block diagram which shows the backup power supply system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a flowchart of the prior data writing process which concerns on Embodiment 4 of invention. It is a process flowchart at the time of ON of the power switch which concerns on Embodiment 4 of invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main board | substrate 2 Sub board | substrate 2a Connector 2a-1 1st terminal 2a-2 2nd terminal 2b Backup power supply 2c RAM (volatile memory element)
2d determination unit 2e diode 3 memory module 3a storage element (semiconductor memory, ROM)
3b Memory module substrate 3c Backup power supply line in memory module 6 Connector 6-1 First terminal 6-2 Second terminal 10 Slot machine 11 Housing 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Checkout switch 30 Start switch 40 Reel 42 Reel Tape 50 Stop Switch 60 Reel Unit 61 Design 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 304 Medal payout slot 311 Medal receiving part (lower plate)

Claims (15)

In a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit obtains a characteristic value of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned off, holds this as a characteristic value when the power is turned off, and obtains a characteristic value of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned on. The gaming machine is characterized in that it is compared with the characteristic value at the time of power-off that holds the value and whether or not the module is removed is determined based on the comparison result.   The determination unit obtains a checksum for all data or a part of data of the volatile memory element, and performs a logical operation including logical product, logical sum, or exclusive logical sum to obtain the feature value. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of obtaining a hash value by a hash function is performed. In a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit saves all or part of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned off, reads all or part of the data of the volatile memory element when the power is turned on, and compares the data with the saved data And determining whether or not the module is removed based on the comparison result. In a gaming machine that includes a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate, and includes a memory module that can be attached to and detached from a processing unit including a CPU.
A backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off, a volatile storage element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed. Prepared,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile storage element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The determination unit writes predetermined data to a predetermined address of the volatile storage element, reads data of the predetermined address of the volatile storage element when power is turned on, and determines the predetermined data. A game machine characterized by comparing with the obtained data and determining whether or not the module is removed based on the comparison result. The backup power supply is mounted on the processing unit,
The power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile memory element enters the memory module from the backup power source at least once, returns to the processing unit via the memory module, and is connected to the volatile memory element The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is arranged as described above. The backup power supply is mounted on the memory module,
The power supply line from the backup power source to the volatile memory element is arranged to enter the processing unit from the memory module and to be connected to the volatile memory element. The gaming machine according to claim 4.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the comparison result does not match, it is determined that the module has been removed, and at least one of error notification and game stop is performed. .   A memory module detachably attached to a processing unit including a CPU, comprising: a substrate; a storage element mounted on the substrate; and a connector for electrically connecting to the processing unit; A first terminal connected to a power supply line from a backup power source mounted on the processing unit to supply power when disconnected, and a power supply line connected to a volatile memory element mounted on the processing unit A memory module, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are connected on the substrate.   A memory module detachably attached to a processing unit including a CPU, mounted on a substrate, a storage element mounted on the substrate, a connector for electrically connecting to the processing unit, and the processing unit A backup power supply for supplying power to the volatile storage element when the power is turned off, and the connector is connected to a power supply line provided in the processing unit for supplying power to the volatile storage element A memory module comprising: a terminal, wherein the backup power supply is connected to the terminal. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is detachable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud,
Obtain the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at the time of power-off, hold this as the characteristic value at the time of power-off,
Find the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare it with the characteristic value at the time of power-off holding this,
A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine, wherein when the comparison result does not match, it is determined as fraud. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is removable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power supply from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud,
Save all or part of the data in the volatile memory element when the power is turned off,
Read all or a part of the data of the volatile memory element at power-on, compare it with the saved data,
A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine, characterized in that when the comparison result is inconsistent, it is determined as fraud. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is removable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power supply from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud,
Write predetermined data to a predetermined address of the volatile storage element,
Read the data of the predetermined address of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare this with the predetermined data,
A method of detecting fraud in a gaming machine, characterized in that when the comparison result is inconsistent, it is determined as fraud. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is removable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power supply from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A program for causing a CPU to execute a method of detecting fraud,
Obtain the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at the time of power-off, hold this as the characteristic value at the time of power-off,
Find the characteristic value of the data of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare it with the characteristic value at the time of power-off holding this,
A program for causing a CPU to determine that a fraudulent action is made when the comparison result does not match. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is removable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power supply from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A program for causing a CPU to execute a method of detecting fraud,
Save all or part of the data in the volatile memory element when the power is turned off,
Read all or a part of the data of the volatile memory element at power-on, compare it with the saved data,
A program for causing a CPU to determine that a fraudulent action is made when the comparison result does not match. A processing unit including a CPU, a substrate and a memory element mounted on the substrate; a memory module that is removable from the processing unit; a backup power source for supplying power when the power is turned off; A volatile storage element that receives power supply from a backup power supply, and wherein the power supply from the backup power supply to the volatile storage element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A program for causing a CPU to execute a method of detecting fraud,
Write predetermined data to a predetermined address of the volatile storage element,
Read the data of the predetermined address of the volatile storage element at power-on, compare this with the predetermined data,
A program for causing a CPU to determine that a fraudulent action is made when the comparison result does not match.

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