JP2008061786A - Game machine, monitoring method and program for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely detect fraudulent exchanges of a ROM and a substrate without interference of a person doing fraudulent act. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of units for executing processing concerning a game are provided with a monitoring parts respectively. The monitoring part makes an error signal circulate. That is, the monitoring part: (a) transmits a check signal or the error signal for checking the connection of wiring; (b) monitors the signals transmitted from the other monitoring parts; (c) judges error when the received signal is the error signal, memorizes the occurrence of error and transmits the error signal to the other monitoring parts; (d) judges error when the check signal is not received, memorizes the occurrence of error and transmits the error signal to the other monitoring parts; and (e) executes an error processing. The monitoring part judges error when a ROM is removed as well. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine (pachinko machine), a monitoring method for the gaming machine, and a program for executing the monitoring method, and particularly to prevent unauthorized replacement of units such as a main board. Related to technology.

  Pachinko machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines that are installed and used in game halls such as pachinko parlors are given a certain value to game media such as pachinko balls and medals, and the game media acquired by playing games It can be exchanged for various prizes. The gaming machine is provided with various drive devices such as a lamp device and a sound generation device that are operated based on the supply of the game medium, and a control circuit device corresponding to control these drive devices inside the housing. Therefore, when the player plays a game, the game is filled with interest by appropriately operating them. Further, in recent years, a variable symbol display device such as a reel display device or a liquid crystal image display device that can display predetermined identification information (symbol) in a variable manner is built in and stopped after changing the identification information when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The mainstream is to operate the variable symbol display device so that it can be displayed. These devices are controlled by a control circuit device.

  A control circuit device disposed in a recent gaming machine is generally one in which a CPU (central processing unit) provided on a board performs electronic control according to a control program. The control program is stored as data in an IC chip mounted on a substrate such as a mask ROM (read only memory), and the CPU sequentially reads and executes the control program data from the IC chip according to the gaming state. Control is done by doing.

  The gaming machine installed in the game hall is managed so that the control program is not tampered with. The control circuit device (main board) is stored in a storage case, and the storage case is assembled to a predetermined member of the main body frame. Thus, consideration is given so that the ROM that stores the main board and the control program is not illegally replaced. Furthermore, a seal seal is stuck on the ROM so that it cannot be easily removed from the mounted substrate.

However, even if the main board is housed in the case as described above or a seal seal is affixed to the ROM, unauthorized replacement of the main board and the ROM will never fail.
For example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose conventional techniques for preventing unauthorized ROM replacement.

JP, 8-155144, A Game control means 12 in which a game control parameter information recording unit 13 in which a game control program 13a or game control parameter information 13b is stored and installed is installed in a gaming machine, and for each gaming machine Child ID information generating means 20 for generating child ID information 20a at a predetermined timing, and storing and holding predetermined parent ID information 25a and comparing the child ID information 20a with the parent ID information 25a according to the predetermined timing and the child ID There is provided ID information monitoring means 25 that gives a value-added stop command 29 to the game control means 12 and prevents generation of the value-added 26 when the information 20a does not match the parent ID information 25a. An illegal ROM exchange is detected by comparing the IDs. JP, 10-80561, A After a power-on or reset, first, a read signal is outputted to read signal line L1. Ten milliseconds after the read signal is output, code data is input from the ROM 3 via the data bus B2, and the CPU 1 determines whether or not the code is equal to a predetermined value. At this time, the operation of the CPU 1 is stopped. The code stored in the ROM 3 encodes at least a part of the game control program stored in the ROM 3 in advance, and uses the encoded information correlated with the execution part of the game control program as identification information. is there. Detect illegal ROM replacement based on code. JP, 11-276699, A The game control program written in the ROM mounted on the game control board includes a security check code generation routine. The security check code generation routine generates a security check code by loading the value of the program counter and adding it to the previous load value. The security check code is sent to the display control board. The display control CPU mounted on the display control board checks whether the security check code is a normal value, and stops the operation if the security check code is not a normal value. Therefore, when the illegal ROM is installed, the variable display of the gaming machine stops. An illegal ROM exchange is detected based on the security check code. An operation of the CPU 30 is provided by separately providing a check connector 34 at the side edge of the main board 14 and outputting a stop signal from the ROM checker 38 to the CPU 30 via the check terminal 34A and the stop signal line 35. In such a stopped state, a check control signal is output from the ROM checker 38 to the ROM 31 via the check terminal 34B and the check control signal line 36, and program data from the ROM 31 is sent to the data signal line 37 and the check terminal 34C. The program is sent to the ROM checker 38 and the program data in the ROM 31 is checked by the ROM checker 38. Unauthorized ROM replacement is detected through the check terminal.

  According to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is possible to detect unauthorized ROM replacement. However, by replacing the substrate itself, unauthorized ROM replacement detection means (detection technique) described in each Patent Document. When I was disabled, it was no longer possible to detect unauthorized ROM replacement. In the conventional technology, the place where fraud is monitored is determined at one place in the gaming machine (one of the units constituting the gaming machine is equipped with a function for monitoring fraud). If targeted by an actor and the function was disabled, fraud could not be prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine, a gaming machine monitoring method, and a program that can reliably detect a fraud without being disturbed by a fraudster. .

The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a plurality of units for supplying power or performing processing relating to a game, and wiring for connecting the plurality of units.
Each of the plurality of units is provided with a monitoring unit,
The monitoring units are respectively
(A) A signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is transmitted to another monitoring unit,
(B) Monitor signals sent from other monitoring units through the wiring,
(C) When the signal received from the other monitoring unit is an error signal, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring,
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another monitoring unit, it is determined that there is an error, the fact that an error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring To do.

(E) When each of the monitoring units determines that the error has occurred, the monitoring unit executes an error process including a supply of power performed by the unit provided with the monitoring unit or an interruption of the process related to the game. Also good.

A memory in which a program or the like is stored in advance is attached to at least one of the plurality of units.
The monitoring unit of the unit to which the memory is attached is
(F) monitoring the memory;
(G) It may be determined that an error has occurred when the memory is removed, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to another monitoring unit through the wiring.

In the case of providing three or more units,
The monitoring unit provided in each of the three or more units transmits a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring and the error signal to one of the two adjacent units, and the wiring of the wiring from the other. You may comprise so that the signal for confirming a connection and the said error signal may be received.

  The monitoring unit provided in each of the plurality of units transmits a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring and the error signal to one or a plurality of other units, and the one or a plurality of other units. A signal for confirming the connection of the wiring and the error signal may be received from the unit.

The present invention is a method for monitoring fraud in a gaming machine comprising a plurality of units for supplying power or performing a process relating to a game, and wiring connecting the plurality of units,
(A) Sending a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring to the other unit through the wiring;
(B) Monitor signals sent from other units through the wiring,
(C) When the signal received from the other unit is an error signal, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other unit through the wiring,
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another unit, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other unit through the wiring. Is.

The present invention provides a gaming machine including a plurality of units that supply power or perform processing related to a game, and a wiring that connects the plurality of units. A program for realizing a monitoring unit that
On the computer,
(A) transmitting a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring to another monitoring unit;
(B) monitoring a signal sent from another monitoring unit through the wiring;
(C) determining that an error has occurred when a signal received from another monitoring unit is an error signal, storing that an error has occurred, and transmitting the error signal to the other monitoring unit through the wiring;
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another monitoring unit, it is determined that there is an error, the fact that an error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring And a step of executing.

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

  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 error signal is held by a plurality of units of the gaming machine, the fraud detection function cannot be disabled unless all the units are replaced at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect fraud and to effectively prevent fraud.

An outline of the structure of the ball game machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
First, the external structure of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The outer frame 50 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.
The main body member 51 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 50 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame via a hinge portion 51a. The main body member 51 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside thereof.
The opening frame door 52 is mounted on the front surface of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside is an opening. It is a door member.
A transparent plate member made of glass or resin is provided at the opening of the opening frame door 52, and an electrical decoration 52a, a speaker 52b, and the like are attached in the vicinity of the opening.
A game board (not shown in FIG. 1), which will be described later, is detachably attached to the main body member 51 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 51. After the game board is mounted on the main body member 51, the game area can be observed from the opening.

The door 53 with a ball tray is a door member that has at least a ball tray for storing a game ball that is attached to the lower side of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be locked and openable. In addition, the following members are attached to the door with a ball tray in the present embodiment.
(1) A ball tray in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 48 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 48b for performing an operation of launching the stored game ball guided to the launch drive device 48 to a game area provided on the board surface 11 of the game board 10.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit provided with buttons for instructing a read-in related to reading a paid card and a lending process related to a borrowed game ball.
(4) A storage ball discharge operation button for a ball tray for releasing the game ball stored in the ball tray into a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit that is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member attached thereto, and performs electrical game control processing to generate main processing information.
40b is provided through the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member provided to the main body member 51, or a sub member that performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing by obtaining processing information generated by the control unit 40. It is a control unit.
A payout control unit 42 performs payout control of prize balls.
43 is a game ball payout device for paying out game balls.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a lamp control unit that controls a lamp (not shown) and the electric decoration 52a.
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound by controlling and driving the speaker 52b.
49 is a control device for controlling the firing drive device 48, and is a launch control device for controlling the launch of a game ball to a game area provided on the board surface via a rotary operation handle 48b.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a board surface of the game board 10. The board surface 11 changes the direction of the guide rail 12, the discharge port (out port) 13 that guides the game ball that has fallen through the substantially circular game area defined by the guide rail 12, and the direction of the game ball that moves in the game area. It is a rectangular board surface provided with a plurality of obstacles such as the nailing 14 and the windmill 14a.

  The game area of the board surface 11 described above is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by the guide rail 12 (including a sliding part for sliding the game ball and a regulation part for regulating the game ball), and the movement of the game ball that has been launched It is an area that regulates the range. A restricting portion is provided to follow the sliding portion. The sliding portion is arranged on the board surface 11 in a spiral as a whole.

The discharge port (out port) 13 is a collection opening provided at a position where the game balls thrown into the game area converge.
The game nails as the obstacles 14 are a plurality of rod-shaped members that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface 11 in order to make the movement direction irregular by contacting with the game ball or to restrict the movement direction.

Reference numeral 30a denotes a variable display device (center accessory) that is provided at the center or slightly above the game area and has one or more variable display sections such as an effect display lamp and an LCD (liquid crystal display device).
30b is a through chucker (winning chucker) as a winning part.
30c is a normal winning device having a normal winning opening.
30d is a start chucker (start winning device) having a start winning opening.
30e is an attacker having a big prize opening.
In the following description, 30b to 30e may be collectively referred to as a winning opening 30 or the like.
Although not shown, the ball passage detectors 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are provided inside the 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e (the symbols in parentheses in the figure mean that). ).

The start winning device of the start chucker 30d is also called a specific winning device, and the big winning device of the attacker 30e is also called a special winning device.
The start chucker (start winning device) 30d is provided with movable pieces on both sides for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, making a variable display by winning a game ball and winning a prize for a player. Device.
The attacker (large winning device) 30e is driven and controlled by a movable door that exposes the winning port and closes the winning port, and is compared with other winning devices by winning game balls. This is a winning device that allows more prize balls to be obtained.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine. In the figure, the display of the sub-control unit 40b is omitted.
Reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit that performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. The control unit 40 moves (flows down) the game area and receives signals from the ball passage detectors 20b to 20e that detect the game balls that have passed through the winning ports 30b to 30e, respectively, and passes the gaming balls through the winning ports 30b to 30e. Depending on the lottery / determination,

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a display control unit that turns on an effect display lamp of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a and displays an image related to the effect on an LCD (liquid crystal display device). The display control unit 41 identifies the result according to the result of the electronic winning / losing lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition in the winning determination performed by the control unit 40 (for example, winning of a game ball to the start winning device 30d). It is also a display control device that performs stop display after variably displaying display information (displayed on the LCD of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a). Further, the display control unit 41 performs identification lighting according to the result of electronic determination of whether or not the lottery is based on establishment of a predetermined condition in the winning determination of the control unit 40 (for example, passage of a game ball to a predetermined passing port). It is also a display control device that performs stop display after variably displaying information (lighted and displayed on the effect display lamp of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a).

  The LCD (not shown) of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning device) 30d, the displayed symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery is drawn when the game ball start chucker (start winning device) 30d passes. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed on the LCD and stopped. The attacker 30e includes an opening / closing plate that can be opened forward. When the symbol after the LCD fluctuation stops is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” is started, and the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened a predetermined number of times. After the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened, the opening / closing plate is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls are won.

42 is a payout control unit that receives the signal of the winning determination unit 40a and controls the game ball payout device 43 according to the game balls passing through the winning holes 30b to 30e and / or according to the lottery / determination result. .
43 is a game equipped with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the passing of game balls of the winning openings 30b to 30e and / or the results of lottery / determination as a result of achieving the winning conditions. A ball dispensing device.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a lamp control unit for controlling lighting of the lamp / electric decoration 52a and the like provided on the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound effects / sounds through a speaker 52b provided in the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.

  PS is a power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage such as +5 V to the control unit 40 and other units. The power supply unit PS includes a power switch PW that turns on and off the power.

  The winning devices 30b to 30e in which game balls are provided in the game area are provided with ball passage detectors (for example, switches) 20b to 20e, respectively, so that the passage of the game ball can be detected. When the position of any of the winning devices 30b to 30e passes, the ball passage detectors 20b to 20e detect this, and the winning determination unit 40a performs a predetermined lottery / determination process. For example, when the ball passage detector 20b detects a game ball that has passed through the through chucker (winning chucker) 30b, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d is released for a predetermined time. That is, a pair of movable pieces provided opposite to each other on both the left and right sides of the start chucker (start winning device) 30d are opened outward. At the same time, the effect of winning is displayed on the variable display device (center accessory) 30a. Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the big winning device of the attacker 30e is released.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 40 and the payout control unit 42 are equipped with a memory (ROM) that stores a CPU and a program in advance. Since these processing units (units) execute processing related to games and payout of prize balls, they are likely to be subject to fraud. The fraudster replaces the ROM or the board of the control unit 40 with an illegal ROM or a board on which the ROM or the board on which the ROM or the board on which the player wins a lottery process is performed by increasing the probability of winning a lottery, or the payout control unit 42 is mounted. May be exchanged for a ROM storing a program modified so as to pay out more prize balls than usual or a board on which the ROM is mounted. The same applies to the sub-control unit 40b. In order to prevent an illegal act of illegally replacing the ROM / substrate, it is particularly necessary to monitor the control unit 40, the sub-control unit 40b, and the payout control unit 42.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. In the same figure, the control unit 40, the sub-control unit 40b and the payout control unit 42 to be monitored, and the power supply unit that can perform an effective operation (power off) to stop the operation of the gaming machine when an illegal act is detected. PS is displayed, and the display of other elements is omitted. In each unit such as the control unit 40, only the part related to the operation according to the embodiment of the invention is displayed, and the display of other elements (CPU, RAM, I / O, etc.) is omitted. The control unit 40, the sub control unit 40b, the payout control unit 42, and the power supply unit PS may be referred to as a processing unit or a unit. The power supply unit PS of FIG. 5 not only supplies power but also includes processing in the processing unit, that is, because it detects fraud and performs error processing.

In FIG. 5, CONT1 is provided in the control unit 40, the sub-control unit 40b, and the payout control unit 42, and detects that an illegal ROM replacement and wire harness (wiring, hereinafter referred to as “harness”) has been removed. A monitoring unit that outputs a signal and stops processing related to a game when an error signal is received. CONT2 is a monitoring unit that is provided in the power supply unit PS, detects that the harness has been removed, outputs an error signal, and stops processing related to the game when the error signal is received (turns the power off). is there. The monitoring unit CONT2 is the same as the monitoring unit CONT1 except that it does not have an unauthorized ROM replacement monitoring function. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the monitoring unit CONT1 and the monitoring unit CONT2, the monitoring unit CONT may be referred to as a monitoring unit CONT. The WHS is a harness that connects each part, and mainly transmits signals. WHP is a harness for supplying power from the power supply unit PS to each unit.
Illegal ROM replacement and unauthorized wire harness insertion / removal are the cases where ROMs are inserted / removed during the business hours of the amusement store (hall) (including the start-up of the gaming machine and dedicated timer monitoring), This includes the case where the connection confirmation signal that is transmitted periodically cannot be transmitted.

  FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of the monitoring unit CONT1. RX is a receiving unit that receives a signal from the outside, TX is a transmitting unit that transmits a signal to the outside, MON is a ROM monitoring unit that monitors unauthorized exchange of ROM, and MEM is received when an illegal act is detected by the ROM monitoring unit MON. When an error signal is received by the unit RX, or when confirmation signals 1 and 2 (details will be described later) are not received by the reception unit RX, an error occurrence storage unit that stores “error occurrence”, ERR indicates that an error has occurred An error processing unit that performs error processing when stored and disables the game, and BAT is a backup power source (for example, a rechargeable battery) that supplies power to each unit when the power is off.

  FIG. 6B shows a block diagram of the monitoring unit CONT2. This is the same as FIG. 6A except that the ROM monitoring unit MON is not provided.

The features of the gaming machine of FIG. 5 are as follows.
(1) A monitoring unit CONT is provided in each of the control unit 40, the sub-control unit 40b, the payout control unit 42, and the power supply unit PS.
(2) The monitoring unit CONT of each unit receives signals from adjacent units and transmits signals to other adjacent units. Signals to be transmitted are connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 and an error signal. In the gaming machine of FIG. 5, those signals circulate in one direction (in FIG. 5, they circulate clockwise). When the priority of the error signal is highest and any unit transmits an error signal, the error signal circulates throughout, and eventually all units receive the error signal. A configuration other than the circulating form is also conceivable (see FIGS. 11 and 12).
(3) The monitoring unit CONT1 monitors the ROM mounted on the same unit (substrate).
(4) The monitoring unit CONT outputs an error signal when it detects unauthorized ROM replacement or unauthorized harness insertion / removal.
(5) The error signal generated in any one of the monitoring units CONT circulates through each unit in FIG. 5, and the error occurrence is stored in the monitoring unit CONT of each unit. Error processing is executed when an error occurs, and the game machine cannot be played.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 5, if an illegal ROM exchange or an illegal board exchange accompanied by harness insertion / extraction is performed in any unit, an error signal is generated thereby, and the error signal travels around each unit. Then, it is stored that an error has occurred in all the units, and the execution of the process relating to the game is stopped in each unit. Since the error signal of any unit spreads to all other units and becomes unplayable, it is not possible to obtain a profit based on fraud. In order to return to the game-ready state again, it is necessary to wait until the voltage of the backup power supply BAT decreases, and to reset the monitoring unit CONT of all the units or to replace all the units illegally. Is very difficult. Therefore, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, fraudulent acts can be reliably prevented.

  The operation of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 shows the signal flow between the units. Reference signs A to H indicate a case where the gaming machine is operating normally, reference signs I to O indicate a case where an error is detected (when a harness WHS connecting the control unit 40 and the sub control unit 40b is removed), Symbols P to X also indicate a case where an error is detected (when the ROM of the control unit 40 is removed).
FIG. 8 shows ROM monitoring processing performed by the monitoring unit CONT1.
FIG. 9 shows an error transmission process performed by the monitoring unit CONT.
FIG. 10 shows error processing performed by the monitoring unit CONT.

First, reference signs A to H in FIG. 7 will be described. For convenience, the operation of the control unit 40 will be described first.
(Reference A) The monitoring unit CONT1 of the control unit 40 monitors a signal from the monitoring unit CONT2 of the power supply unit PS. Based on these signals and the ROM mounting state of the control unit 40, it is determined whether or not it is normal.
(Code B) When receiving the connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 indicating normality without receiving an error signal from the adjacent unit and determining that the ROM is normally installed, the control unit Forty monitoring units CONT1 transmit connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 to the adjacent sub-control unit 40b. The connection confirmation signal 1 indicates that the ROM is normally installed, and the connection confirmation signal 2 indicates that the harness WHS has not been removed (the connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 have been received from the power supply unit PS). ). In other words, the connection confirmation signal 2 is a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring by another monitoring unit through the wiring (harness WHS).

  Thereafter, the same processing as that of the symbol A is repeated in other units (signs C, E, G). The same applies to the code B (codes D, F, H). As described above, since the signal of the monitoring unit CONT of each unit circulates, as long as the gaming machine operates normally, the flow of signals A to H in FIG. 7 continues.

Next, reference signs I to O in FIG. 7 will be described.
(Symbol I) When the harness WHS connecting the control unit 40 and the sub control unit 40b is removed, the monitoring unit CONT1 of the sub control unit 40b cannot receive the connection confirmation signals 1 and 2. Then, it is determined as an error by the process of FIG. 9 (NO in S11 or NO in S12).
(Symbol J) An error signal is transmitted to an adjacent unit (payout control unit 42) (S15).
(Symbol K) The monitoring unit CONT1 of the payout control unit 42 receives an error signal from an adjacent unit (sub control unit 40b), and is determined to be an error by the process of FIG. 9 (YES in S10).
(Symbol L) An error signal is transmitted to the adjacent unit (power supply unit PS) (S15).

  Thereafter, the same processing as that of the symbol K is repeated in other units (signs M and O), and the same processing as that of the symbol L is repeated in other units (reference number N). Here, it should be noted that the monitoring unit CONT1 of the control unit 40 also determines that an error has occurred. Since the signal flow is one-way from the control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 40b, the control unit 40 cannot detect this even if the harness WHS connecting them is removed. However, according to the embodiment of the invention, since the signal of the monitoring unit CONT of each unit circulates, the occurrence of an error can be detected by a signal from another adjacent unit (power supply unit PS).

Next, symbols P to X in FIG. 7 will be described.
(Symbol P) The monitoring unit CONT1 of the control unit 40 monitors the state of the ROM of the control unit 40.
(Signs Q and R) When the ROM of the control unit 40 is removed, the monitoring unit CONT1 of the control unit 40 detects this and transmits an error signal (YES in S1 of FIG. 8, S4).
(Symbol S) The monitoring unit CONT1 of the sub-control unit 40b receives an error signal from an adjacent unit (control unit 40), and is determined to be an error by the process of FIG. 9 (YES in S10).
(Symbol T) An error signal is transmitted to an adjacent unit (payout control unit 42) (S15).

  Thereafter, the same processing as that of the code S is repeated in other units (codes U and W). The same applies to the code T (codes V and X). According to the embodiment of the invention, since the signal of the monitoring unit CONT of each unit circulates, the error signal of ROM removal in one unit (control unit 40) spreads to all units.

  Next, the process of FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 shows processing performed by the monitoring unit CONT1. Since the monitoring unit CONT2 is provided in a unit in which the ROM is not mounted, the processing in FIG. 8 is not necessary.

S1: It is determined whether the ROM has been removed. For example, a switch for detecting whether or not the ROM has been removed is provided, and removal of the ROM is detected by bringing the operating portion of the switch (protrusion for on / off switching) into contact with the ROM. Alternatively, the presence / absence of current flowing into the VCC power supply terminal of the ROM is monitored (the ROM is removed when the current becomes zero), or the change in the signal at a specific terminal of the ROM is monitored (the voltage level of the data terminal is constant). (For example, the ROM is removed when there is no change for more than 1 second).

S2: When the ROM is not removed (NO in S1), since it is normal, the connection confirmation signal 1 is transmitted to the adjacent unit.

S3: When the ROM is removed (YES in S1), it is determined as an error, and the error occurrence is stored in the error occurrence storage unit MEM.
S4: An error signal is transmitted to the adjacent unit.
Whether the harness WHS has been removed may be determined by providing a harness detection switch in the same manner as the ROM monitoring process.

  Next, the process of FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 shows processing performed by the monitoring units CONT1 and CONT2.

S10: It is determined whether an error signal is received from an adjacent unit. When the error signal is received (YES in S10), the error occurrence is stored in the error occurrence storage unit MEM (S14), and the error signal is transmitted to the adjacent unit (S15).

S11: It is determined whether or not the connection confirmation signal 1 is received from the adjacent unit. The connection confirmation signal 1 is, for example, a low (L) level signal. When the connection confirmation signal 1 has not been received (NO in S11), it is considered that the ROM has not been normally installed. Therefore, the error occurrence is stored in the error occurrence storage unit MEM (S14), and the error signal is adjacent. Transmit to the unit (S15).

S12: It is determined whether or not the connection confirmation signal 2 has been received from the adjacent unit. The connection confirmation signal 2 is, for example, a low (L) level signal. When the connection confirmation signal 2 has not been received (NO in S12), it is considered that the harness WHS has been removed, so that an error occurrence is stored in the error occurrence storage unit MEM (S14) and an error signal is transmitted to the adjacent unit. (S15).

S13: When no error signal is received (NO in S10) and connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 are received (YES in S11 and S12), it is normal, so the ROM or harness WHS is not connected in this unit. If it is determined that the connection has not been made, connection confirmation signals 1 and 2 are transmitted to adjacent units.

  Next, the process of FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 shows processing performed by the monitoring units CONT1 and CONT2.

S20: The monitoring unit CONT checks the contents of the error occurrence storage unit MEM, and performs error processing when an error occurrence is stored (S21). That is, the control unit 40 stops the process related to the game, the sub-control unit 40b stops the process related to the effect, the payout control unit 42 stops paying out the prize ball, and the power supply unit PS stops supplying power. . Therefore, the game becomes impossible. Note that by clearing the contents of the error occurrence storage unit MEM and eliminating the memory of the occurrence of the error, the gaming machine returns to a state in which the game can be performed. To that end, the backup power supply BAT is exhausted and the error occurrence memory is stored. There is no choice but to wait for the part MEM to be reset.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, error monitoring processing is performed in all the main units (boards), and the information is shared among the boards so that the ROM or harness of which board is illegally replaced. Can also prevent damage caused by fraud.

  By not installing the error canceling function, the gaming machine in which the illegal act has been performed does not operate normally, so that the damage of the illegal act does not occur and it is possible to easily find out that the illegal act has been performed.

By providing a backup power source, it is possible to store an action even if an illegal action is performed other than during power-on. In that case, the above processing is performed after the power is turned on.
Note that the connection confirmation signal may be transmitted by a backup power source or the like even during start / stop of the gaming machine or during non-business hours (when closed) to enable monitoring.

  In the gaming machine of FIG. 4, a connection confirmation signal or the like circulates each unit in one direction. The present invention is not limited to this and may be circulated in both directions. For example, error signals may be exchanged between units as shown in FIGS. In these examples, the monitoring unit CONT of each unit exchanges a connection confirmation signal and the like with the monitoring unit CONT of the adjacent unit. The configuration of FIGS. 11 and 12 has the same effect as the configuration of FIG.

  In the above description, a bullet ball game machine has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to other types of game machines, for example, a revolving game machine (slot machine).

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

It is a perspective view which shows the surface structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game machine. It is a figure (front view) which shows the mode of the board surface seen from the player. It is a block diagram of the whole gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a functional block diagram of the monitoring part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the flow of the signal of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a ROM monitoring process flowchart of the monitoring part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is an error signal transmission process flowchart of the monitoring part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is an error execution process flowchart of the monitoring part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a functional block diagram of the other gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a functional block diagram of the other gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 game board 11 board 12 guide rail 13 outlet (out)
14 Obstacles 20b to 20e Ball passage detector 30 Award opening 30a Variable display device (center accessory)
30b Through chucker (winning chucker)
30c Regular winning device 30d Start chucker (starting winning device)
30e Attacker (Large winning device)
40 Control unit
40b Sub-control unit (unit)
41 Display Control Unit 42 Discharge Control Unit (Unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 43 Game ball dispensing apparatus 44 Lamp control part 46 Sound control part 48 Firing drive apparatus 48b Rotating operation handle 49 Firing control apparatus 50 Outer frame 51 Main body member 52 Opening frame door 52a Electric decoration 52b Speaker 53 Door with ball tray BAT Backup power supply CONT1, CONT2 monitoring unit ERR error processing unit MEM error occurrence storage unit MON ROM monitoring unit PS power supply unit (unit)
PW Power switch RX Receiver TX Transmitter WHS Wire harness (for signal)
WHP wire harness (for power supply)

Claims (7)

In a gaming machine comprising a plurality of units for supplying power or performing processing relating to a game, and wiring for connecting the plurality of units,
Each of the plurality of units is provided with a monitoring unit,
The monitoring units are respectively
(A) A signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is transmitted to another monitoring unit,
(B) Monitor signals sent from other monitoring units through the wiring,
(C) When the signal received from the other monitoring unit is an error signal, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring,
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another monitoring unit, it is determined that there is an error, the fact that an error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring A gaming machine characterized by that. (E) When each of the monitoring units determines that the error has occurred, the monitoring unit executes an error process including a supply of power performed by the unit provided with the monitoring unit or an interruption of the process related to the game. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A memory in which a program or the like is stored in advance is attached to at least one of the plurality of units.
The monitoring unit of the unit to which the memory is attached is
(F) monitoring the memory;
(G) determining that an error has occurred when the memory is removed, storing that an error has occurred, and transmitting the error signal to another monitoring unit through the wiring. Item 3. The gaming machine according to Item 2. Comprising three or more units,
The monitoring unit provided in each of the three or more units transmits a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring and the error signal to one of the two adjacent units, and the wiring of the wiring from the other. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a signal for confirming connection and the error signal are received.   The monitoring unit provided in each of the plurality of units transmits a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring and the error signal to one or a plurality of other units, and the one or a plurality of other units. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a signal for confirming connection of the wiring and the error signal are received from a unit. A method of monitoring fraud in a gaming machine comprising a plurality of units for supplying power or performing processing relating to a game, and wiring connecting the plurality of units,
(A) Sending a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring to the other unit through the wiring;
(B) Monitor signals sent from other units through the wiring,
(C) When the signal received from the other unit is an error signal, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other unit through the wiring,
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another unit, it is determined as an error, the fact that the error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other unit through the wiring. A gaming machine monitoring method characterized by the above. In a gaming machine comprising a plurality of units for supplying power or performing processing relating to a game, and wiring for connecting the plurality of units, a monitoring unit provided for each of the plurality of units for monitoring fraud A program for realizing,
(A) transmitting a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring to another monitoring unit;
(B) monitoring a signal sent from another monitoring unit through the wiring;
(C) determining that an error has occurred when a signal received from another monitoring unit is an error signal, storing that an error has occurred, and transmitting the error signal to the other monitoring unit through the wiring;
(D) When a signal for confirming the connection of the wiring is not received from another monitoring unit, it is determined that there is an error, the fact that an error has occurred is stored, and the error signal is transmitted to the other monitoring unit through the wiring And a program for causing a computer to execute the step.

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