JP2006122264A - Game machine, and detecting 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 real time clock (RTC) 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 sensed, by checking the flag of the RTC 2c at the time of energizing and confirming whether or not the voltage is lowered at the time of power-off. A fraudulent action can be suppressed by informing an 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 more particularly to a gaming machine capable of preventing illegal acts such as replacement of a storage element (ROM) and tampering of a storage element (ROM), a fraud detection method in the gaming machine, 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.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and is a gaming machine capable of preventing fraudulent acts such as ROM exchange and ROM tampering performed by exchanging memory modules, a fraud detection method in the gaming machine, and The purpose is to provide a program.

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 semiconductor element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power supply from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the semiconductor element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The semiconductor element sets a flag indicating that when the power supply voltage drops or outputs a signal,
The determination unit determines whether or not the memory module is removed based on the flag or signal of the semiconductor element when power is turned on.

  When the backup power supply is mounted on the processing unit, a power supply line from the backup power supply to the semiconductor element enters the memory module at least once from the backup power supply, and the processing is performed via the memory module. Returning to the section, it is arranged so as to be connected to the semiconductor 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 semiconductor element is arranged so as to enter the processing unit from the memory module and be connected to the semiconductor element.

  When the flag is set or the signal is output, it may be determined that the memory module has been removed, and at least one of error notification and game stop may be performed.

  A memory module to which the present invention is applied includes a substrate, a storage element mounted on the substrate, and a connector for electrically connecting to the processing unit, and the connector supplies power when the power is turned off. A first terminal connected to a power supply line from a backup power source mounted on the processing unit, and a second terminal connected to a power supply line to a semiconductor element mounted on the processing unit. The first terminal and the second terminal are connected on the substrate.

  A memory module to which the present invention is applied includes a substrate, a storage element mounted on the substrate, a connector for electrically connecting to the processing unit, and a power supply to the semiconductor element mounted on the processing unit A backup power supply for supplying power sometimes, and the connector includes a terminal connected to a power supply line provided in the processing unit for supplying power to the semiconductor element, and the backup power supply to the terminal A power supply is connected.

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 gaming machine comprising: a power source; and a semiconductor element that receives power supply from the backup power source, wherein the power supply from the backup power source to the semiconductor element is stopped when the memory module is removed. A method of detecting fraud,
When a power supply voltage is lowered in the semiconductor element, a flag indicating that is set or a signal is output,
When the power is turned on, the flag or signal of the semiconductor element is checked, and when the flag is set or the signal is output, it is determined that it 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 backup power is supplied to the semiconductor element in the processing unit via the memory module so that the backup power is not supplied when the memory module is removed from the processing unit, and the power is turned on. Sometimes it is possible to detect whether the memory module has been removed from the processing unit by checking whether the content of the semiconductor element is the same as when the power is turned off. 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 real-time clock IC (semiconductor element; hereinafter referred to as RTC) that receives power from a backup power source. The RTC 2c is a commercially available IC, and has, for example, a calendar function and a counter function for year, month, date, day of the week, hour, minute, and second, and functions such as a time alarm, an interval timer, and a time change interrupt. A determination unit 2d determines whether or not the memory module 3 is removed. The determination unit 2d can read the contents of data and flags from the RTC 2c, write data to the RTC 2c, and set or reset the flags. 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 RTC 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 RTC 2c is first connected from the backup power source 2b to the terminal 2a-1 of the connector 2a, and then contacts the terminal 6-1 of the connector 6 corresponding to this terminal, thereby the memory module. 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 RTC 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. 9 shows a conventional connection between the backup power supply 2b and the RTC 2c. Conventionally, these are directly connected and do not go through the memory module 3.

  The apparatus / method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention supplies backup power to the semiconductor element (RTC) 2c on the sub-substrate (processing unit) 2 via the memory module 3, and the memory module 3 By removing the backup power supply to the RTC 2c when it is removed from the board 2, the internal flag of the RTC is checked when the power is turned on, and it is confirmed whether the backup power supply is stopped when the power is turned off. It is characterized in that it is confirmed whether or not the memory module 3 has been removed from the sub-board 2. The RTC 2c has a flag register therein, and at least one bit thereof is a flag (VLF (Voltage Low Flag) bit) set when the power supply voltage is lowered. The fact that the VLF bit is set (= 1) means that time-measured data or the like may be lost due to a decrease in power supply voltage or the like, and it is recommended to initialize the registers and the like.

  If the memory module 3 is not removed, the power backup is performed normally, and the VLF bit of the internal flag should not be set (= 0) when the power is turned on. If the VLF bit is set, it can be determined that the memory module 3 may have been removed (the same phenomenon occurs when the backup power supply 2b is deteriorated, but in this case as well, an error is detected in the same manner as fraud detection. Since it is necessary to notify, there is no problem even if the processing described below is performed including the case of backup power supply deterioration).

FIG. 5 shows a processing flowchart when the power switch is turned on, and FIG. 6 to FIG. The operation of the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to these drawings.
When the power switch is on, 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 voltage of the power supply VDD decreases, power is supplied from the backup power supply 2b to the RTC 2c as shown by a thick line in FIG. Therefore, even if the power switch is turned off, the flag (VLF bit) of the RTC 2c is not set.

  Next, when the power switch is turned on, 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. The process shown in FIG. 5 is performed as one of the initial operations.

  That is, the RTC 2c flag register is checked (S10), and it is checked whether the VLF bit is set (S11). When the VLF bit is not set (NO), it means that the battery is backed up even when the power of the RTC 2c is cut off. Therefore, 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 (S13).

  On the other hand, when the memory module 3 is replaced during the power-off period (it is necessary to replace the ROM of the memory module when the power is turned off), the memory module 3 is removed as shown in FIG. At that time, the power supply to the RTC 2c is cut off. This is because at least a part of the power supply line from the backup power supply 2b to the RTC 2c is arranged so as to pass through the memory module 3. In the state of FIG. 8, the VLF bit of the RTC 2c is set (= 1), and even if power is supplied again, the bit is not reset (= 0). As a result, the determination result in S11 is YES, error processing is performed, and notification is made 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 VLF bit set is detected even during a period other than the power-off period.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, backup power is supplied to the semiconductor element (RTC) via the memory module, and the backup power supply to the semiconductor element is removed when the memory module is removed from the processing unit (sub-board). The supply of data is cut off and a backup failure occurs. When the power is turned on, the flag of the semiconductor element is checked by the determination unit, 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, causing an error. 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, a real-time clock IC (RTC) has been described as an example of a semiconductor element that is supplied with backup power, but this is only an example, and other semiconductor elements can be used. For example, it is possible to use an IC that detects this when the power is lowered and outputs a signal (for example, a reset signal), and holds the output until the power is turned on, for example, by a register or a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, etc.).

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
In Embodiment 1 of the present 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. Even in the configuration of FIG. 10, at least a part of the power supply line from the backup power supply 2 b to the RTC 2 c can be arranged so as to pass through the memory module 3. The configuration of FIG. 10 also provides the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment.

  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 ON of the power switch which concerns on Embodiment 1 of 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.

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 RTC (semiconductor 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 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 304 Medal payout slot 311 Medal receiving part (lower plate)

Claims (6)

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 semiconductor element mounted on the processing unit and receiving power supply from the backup power source, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the memory module is removed,
At least a part of a power supply line from the backup power source to the semiconductor element is disposed so as to pass through the memory module;
The semiconductor element sets a flag indicating that when the power supply voltage drops or outputs a signal,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the memory module is removed based on the flag or signal of the semiconductor element when power is turned on. The backup power supply is mounted on the processing unit,
The power supply line from the backup power source to the semiconductor element is at least once entered the memory module from the backup power source, returns to the processing unit via the memory module, and is connected to the semiconductor element. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is arranged. The backup power supply is mounted on the memory module,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a power supply line from the backup power source to the semiconductor element enters the processing unit from the memory module and is connected to the semiconductor element.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the flag is set or the signal is output, it is determined that the memory module has been removed, and at least one of error notification and game stop is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 3. 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 semiconductor device that receives power from a backup power supply, and detects fraud in a gaming machine configured to stop power supply from the backup power supply to the semiconductor device when the memory module is removed. A way to
When a power supply voltage is lowered in the semiconductor element, a flag indicating that is set or a signal is output,
A method of detecting fraudulent behavior in a gaming machine, wherein the flag or signal of the semiconductor element is examined at power-on, and when the flag is set or the signal is output, the fraudulent behavior is determined. 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 semiconductor device that receives power from a backup power supply, and detects fraud in a gaming machine configured to stop power supply from the backup power supply to the semiconductor device when the memory module is removed. A program for causing a CPU to execute a method for performing
The semiconductor element sets a flag indicating that when the power supply voltage drops or outputs a signal,
A program for causing the CPU to check the flag or signal of the semiconductor element when power is turned on and to determine that the flag is set or the signal is output when the flag is set or the signal is output.

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