JP2010194182A - Game machine, peripheral board, authentication method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that restriction on design is generated when the strength of security is increased in a conventional game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A main control part 2a outputs a power ON command for designating power supply or designating initialization and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid. A peripheral part 3a inputs the output of the main control part 2a, controls the execution of processing based on the power ON command, and outputs the authentication data. An authentication part 3b determines whether or not the main control part 2a is valid on the basis of the authentication data output from the peripheral part 3a. When it is determined that the main control part 2a is not valid by the authentication part 3b, the peripheral part 3a reports that effect. Since whether or not the main control part is valid is authenticated in the authentication part, burdens on the peripheral part are reduced, the strength of security is increased more than that of a conventional one and whether or not the main control part is valid is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for preventing fraud with respect to control boards mounted on various electronic devices have been proposed. The control board includes a main control board that controls the operation of the entire electronic device such as a pachinko game machine, and a controlled board (peripheral board) that operates each part of the electronic device. The main control board outputs a control signal including a control command to the peripheral board. The peripheral board performs an operation according to the control signal transmitted from the main control board.

  Examples of frauds with respect to the control board include a method of replacing a regular main control board with an unauthorized control board, or connecting an unauthorized control board between a regular main control board and a controlled board. In order to prevent such injustice, a technique has been proposed in which authentication data for authenticating the main control board is added to the control command, and the main control board is authenticated using the authentication data (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 21, a main control unit 201 and a peripheral board that performs predetermined processing based on a control command transmitted by the main control unit 201 (effect control unit 202a, prize ball control unit 203d). In a pachinko machine equipped with That is, in the same figure, the adding unit 312 of the main control unit 201 controls the main control when the control command to be transmitted to the peripheral board is a miss command that causes the peripheral board to execute the process when the lottery result at the lottery is missed. Authentication data for authenticating the unit 201 is added to the control command. The transmission unit 314a transmits a control command to the peripheral board. The peripheral board receiving unit 321 receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 201. The authentication unit 322 authenticates the main control unit 201 using the control command received by the reception unit 321.

  The control command storage unit 311 of the main control unit 201 stores control command data (control command data) to be transmitted to the peripheral board. A predetermined program code is recorded in the recording unit 313.

  The notification signal output unit 323 outputs a notification signal when the authentication unit 322 does not authenticate the main control unit. When the peripheral board has the effect control unit 202a, the notification signal output unit 323 outputs a notification signal to, for example, a symbol display unit (not shown) or a lamp control unit (not shown).

JP 2008-279042 A

  By the way, if it is attempted to authenticate the main control unit 201 by increasing the security strength, the capacity of the authentication data becomes large or complicated arithmetic processing is required. If the capacity of the authentication data is increased or complicated calculation processing is required, the processing load on the peripheral board increases, which is not preferable. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a design restriction when trying to increase the strength of security.

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a peripheral board, an authentication method, and a program that can determine whether or not the main control unit is valid without being restricted by design even if the strength of security is increased as compared with the prior art. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention has a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication for authenticating itself. A main control unit that outputs data, an output of the main control unit as an input, and controls execution of processing based on the power-on command, and a peripheral unit that outputs the authentication data, and is output from the peripheral unit And an authentication unit that determines whether the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data.

  According to such a configuration, since the main control unit has an authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is legitimate, the burden on the peripheral unit is reduced, and the security strength is increased compared to the related art. Thus, it can be determined whether or not the main control unit is valid.

  When it is determined that the main control unit is not valid, the peripheral unit may notify the fact. This makes it easier for employees and players of pachinko halls to recognize the state.

  The authentication unit may determine whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. After the period when the process based on the power-on command is executed, by determining whether or not the main control unit is valid, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or a complicated calculation process is performed, The authentication operation can be performed independently of the peripheral operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  You may provide the single path | route used for signal transmission / reception with the said peripheral part and the said authentication part. Even when the authentication data is exchanged through a single route, it is possible to determine whether the main control unit is valid by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  Two paths used for signal exchange between the peripheral part and the authentication part are provided, the peripheral part outputs the authentication data to the authentication part by one of the paths, and the authentication part On the other hand, the result of determination as to whether the main control unit is valid may be output to the peripheral unit. Even when authentication data is exchanged through two routes, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  The peripheral board of the present invention controls execution of processing based on a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization from the main control unit, and the main control unit from the main control unit A peripheral unit that outputs authentication data for authenticating that the main control unit is valid, and an authentication unit that determines whether the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit. It is characterized by having. Apart from the peripheral part, it has an authentication part that determines whether or not the main control part is legitimate, so the burden on the peripheral part is reduced, the strength of security is increased, and the main control part is legitimate It can be determined whether or not.

  When it is determined that the main control unit is not valid, the peripheral unit may notify the fact. This makes it easier for employees and players of pachinko halls to recognize the state.

  The authentication unit may determine whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. After the period when the process based on the power-on command is executed, by determining whether or not the main control unit is valid, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or a complicated calculation process is performed, The authentication operation can be performed independently of the peripheral operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  The authentication method of the present invention includes a main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that the power-on command is valid, and the power-on An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising a peripheral unit that controls execution of processing based on a command, wherein the gaming machine further includes an authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is valid, A control unit that outputs the power-on command and the authentication data; a step in which the peripheral unit controls execution of the process; and a step that outputs the authentication data; and the authentication unit includes the peripheral unit And an authentication step for determining whether or not the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the unit. Separately from the peripheral part, by providing an authentication part that determines whether the main control part is valid or not, the burden on the peripheral part is reduced and the security strength is increased compared to the conventional control part. It is possible to determine whether or not is valid.

  The peripheral part may further include a step of notifying that when it is determined that the main control part is not valid. This makes it easier for employees and players of pachinko halls to recognize the state.

The authentication method of the present invention includes a main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that the power-on command is valid, and the power-on An authentication method for authenticating the main control unit in a gaming machine including a peripheral unit that controls execution of processing based on a command,
An acquisition step of acquiring the authentication data via the peripheral portion;

  And an authentication step of determining whether or not the main control unit is valid using the authentication data acquired in the acquisition step. Authentication data acquired via the peripheral part is used to authenticate the main control part, so the burden on the peripheral part is reduced, the strength of security is made larger than before, and whether or not the main control part is legitimate Judgment can be made.

  When it is determined in the authentication step that the main control unit is not valid, it may further include a notification signal output step of outputting a signal for notifying the authentication result. This makes it easier for employees and players of pachinko halls to recognize the state.

  In the authentication step, it may be determined whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. After the period when the process based on the power-on command is executed, by determining whether or not the main control unit is valid, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or a complicated calculation process is performed, The authentication operation can be performed independently of the peripheral operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each step of the authentication method. Authentication data acquired via the peripheral part is used to authenticate the main control part, so the burden on the peripheral part is reduced, the strength of security is made larger than before, and whether or not the main control part is legitimate Judgment can be made. Further, by outputting a signal for informing the authentication result, it becomes easier for employees and players of the pachinko hall to recognize the state.

  According to the present invention, authentication is performed in the authentication unit provided separately from the peripheral unit. Therefore, even if the capacity of authentication data is increased or complicated arithmetic processing is performed to increase the strength of security compared to the related art. The processing load on the peripheral portion does not increase, and it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is valid without being restricted by design.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the game board of the game machine by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the gaming machine by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a main control part. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a control command. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a control command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows production control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a control command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot command process. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the authentication operation | movement of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the sequence of operation | movement of the pachinko machine based on control commands other than a power-on command. It is a 1st figure which shows the timing when the process based on a power-on command is performed, and the timing when an authentication process is performed. It is a 2nd figure which shows the timing with which the process based on a power-on command is performed, and the timing with which an authentication process is performed. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the gaming machine by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure which added the alerting | reporting part to the structure of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure which added the alerting | reporting part to the structure of FIG. It is a block diagram of the conventional game machine.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings. Here, a case where the gaming machine, peripheral board, authentication method, and program according to the present invention are applied to a pachinko machine will be described.
[Composition of game board]
First, the configuration of the game board 1 in the pachinko machine will be described.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the game board 1.

  In FIG. 1, on the left side of the game board 1, two rails 102a and 102b extending upward in a circular arc are provided. The game area 101 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown) for making the trajectory of the game ball fall irregularly, and a windmill or a prize opening for changing the fall direction of the game ball is provided in the middle of the fall. It has been. The game ball is fired by a launching unit (not shown) disposed at a lower position of the game board 1 and rises between the rails 102a and 102b to reach the upper position of the game board 1, and then falls within the game area 101. To do.

  In the center of the game board 1, there is provided a symbol display unit 104 that displays the effect symbols in three regions while independently varying the effect symbols. The symbol display unit 104 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum that variably displays by rotating a motor. Etc., and the effect symbols composed of a plurality of numbers, symbols, etc. are variably displayed.

  Below the symbol display unit 104 is provided a start winning opening 105 through which a game ball can be won. A winning gate 106 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the symbol display unit 104. When the game ball passes through the winning gate 106, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when the winning ball is won, the start winning opening 105 is opened for a predetermined time.

  A normal winning opening 107 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the start winning opening 105. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 107, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is paid out as a prize ball for each game ball.

Below the start winning opening 105, it is normally closed, but when the design symbol on the symbol display unit 104 becomes a jackpot symbol (for example, “777”), the game ball can be won in an open state. A special winning opening 109 is provided. When the jackpot lottery results in a “hit” (hereinafter simply referred to as “hit”), the opening and closing members installed on the entire surface of the big winning opening 109 repeat the opening and closing operation. While the open / close member is open, a large number of game balls are received. When a game ball wins the big winning opening 109, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is paid out as a prize ball for each game ball. The opening of the special winning opening 109 continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. One opening period of the big prize opening 109 is called a round, and the round continues a maximum of a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as the maximum number of rounds).
At the lowermost part of the game area 101, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won any prize opening.
[Overall configuration of gaming machine]

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine has a game board 1, a main control board 2, and a peripheral board 3. The main control board 2 and the peripheral board 3 constitute a gaming machine control device 100.

  The main control board 2 is a board having a main control unit 2a. The main control unit 2a includes a control command for controlling an effect relating to the game executed by the game board 1 or pre-processing or post-processing of the effect, and authentication data for authenticating the main control unit 2a. Is a means for outputting.

  Here, “production” is, for example, a jackpot production by lottery. “Pre-production of the effect” is, for example, a process of setting a value for changing the symbol in the register when the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is changed. However, the main control unit 2a may not output control data but may output a control command and authentication data to the peripheral unit 3a. For example, when the contents of the control are clear, such as when the power of the pachinko machine is going to be turned on, the control data is not output. In this case, the power of the pachinko machine is turned on as preprocessing for the effect. Note that the “post-processing of the effect” is, for example, a process of initializing the contents of the RAM described later after the effect.

  The peripheral board 3 is a board having a peripheral part 3a, an authentication part 3b, and a bus 3c. The peripheral unit 3a receives the output of the main control unit 2a as input, and controls the execution of the pre-processing or post-processing of the effect or effect based on the control command from the main control unit 2a, and the authentication data from the main control unit 2a Is output to the authentication unit 3b.

  The authentication unit 3b is provided at the subsequent stage of the peripheral unit 3a, and is a means for determining whether or not the main control unit 2a is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit 3a. In addition to the peripheral part, a configuration with an authentication part is adopted. For this reason, even when the main control unit is not authenticated by the general configuration of the main control unit and the peripheral unit, if the authentication unit is added, the specification change of the peripheral unit can be minimized and the main control unit Authentication can be performed. When the authentication unit 3b determines that the main control unit 2a is not valid, the peripheral unit 3a performs control for notifying that the main control unit 2a is not valid. When the main control unit 2a notifies that it is not valid, the notification by displaying on a liquid crystal (not shown) provided in the gaming machine or lighting a lamp or the like under the control of the peripheral unit 3a Is done. The notification using the liquid crystal and the lamp will be described in detail later.

Not only visual notification by lighting a liquid crystal display or a lamp, but also auditory notification by outputting sound from a speaker (not shown) or tactile notification by vibrating a vibrator (not shown) may be performed. Moreover, you may perform combining the said alert | report. The bus 3c is the only communication path used for signal exchange between the peripheral unit 3a and the authentication unit 3b. A single bus 3c provided between the peripheral part 3a and the authentication part 3b is used as a bidirectional communication path.
[Configuration of game control device]
Next, the configuration of the game control device in the pachinko machine will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game control device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game control device 100 includes a main control board 2, a peripheral board 3, and a prize ball control unit 400. In this example, the main control board 2 is provided with a main control unit 2a that performs main control of the game. Further, the peripheral board 3 is provided with an effect control unit 300 that controls the effect of the game by the control of the main control unit 2a, and an authentication unit 3b that authenticates the main control unit 2a. The effect control unit 300 is an example of the peripheral portion 3a in FIG. The prize ball control unit 400 controls the payout of game balls under the control of the main control unit 2a.

  The main control unit 2a performs main control of the game, and transmits various control commands for performing game effect control or game ball payout control to the effect control unit 300 and the prize ball control unit 400, respectively. The main control unit 2a includes a ROM 204 that stores a control program, a CPU 202 that executes game control processing in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 204, a RAM 206 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 202 performs arithmetic processing, and input / output between external devices. And an I / F (interface) 210 for performing the above.

  In the I / F 210, a start winning port detection unit 280 that detects a game ball won in the start winning port 105, a gate detection unit 282 that detects a game ball that has passed the winning gate 106, and a normal winning port 107 are won. An ordinary winning opening detection unit 284 that detects a game ball and a large winning opening detection unit 286 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning port 109 are connected. These detection parts 280-286 can be comprised using a proximity switch, for example.

  The I / F 210 is further connected to a big prize opening / closing part 288 that opens and closes the opening / closing member of the big prize opening 109 during the big hit, an effect control part 300, and a prize ball control part 400. Note that communication with the effect control unit 300 is in one direction from the main control unit 2a to the effect control unit 300. In contrast, communication with the prize ball control unit 400 is bidirectional.

  The big prize opening opening / closing unit 288 can be configured using, for example, a solenoid. The jackpot is pre-programmed to occur with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/300) based on the jackpot random number.

The effect control unit 300 receives a control command from the main control unit 2a, and performs an effect control of the game based on the received control command. The effect control unit 300 includes a ROM 304 that stores a control program, a CPU 302 that executes an effect control process according to the control program stored in the ROM 304, a RAM 306 that functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 302, and a display on the symbol display unit 104. And an I / F 310 for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device.
The ROM 304 stores an expected value for collation with the verification value. The verification value is for authenticating the main control unit 200, and the expected value is the same value as the verification value.

  The RAM 306 stores input data from the main control unit 200, data for arithmetic processing, a random number counter for generating random numbers, various other counters, and various flags.

  The I / F 310 includes a main control unit 2a, a symbol display unit 104, a sound control unit 382 that performs sound control for outputting sound from the speaker 380, and a lamp control unit 386 that performs lamp control for lighting the lamp 384. It is connected.

  The award ball control unit 400 receives a control command from the main control unit 2a, and performs payout control of the game ball based on the received control command. The prize ball control unit 400 includes a ROM 404 that stores a control program, a CPU 402 that executes a payout control process according to the control program in the ROM 404, a RAM 406 that functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 402, and an external device. And an I / F 410 that performs output.

  Connected to the I / F 410 are a main control unit 2 a, a payout unit 480 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls from a storage unit for game balls, and a launch unit 482 that launches game balls to the game board 1.

  The award ball control unit 400 controls the payout unit 480 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls in accordance with winnings in each winning award (starting winning port 105, normal winning port 107, large winning port 109). . In addition, an operation on the launch unit 482 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The launching unit 482 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects an operation by the player and a solenoid (not shown) that launches a game ball. When the award ball control unit 400 detects an operation by the sensor of the launch unit 482, the prize ball control unit 400 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid according to the operation amount.

The main control unit 2a, the effect control unit 300, and the prize ball control unit 400 are provided on different printed boards. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the prize ball control unit 400 is the same print as the main control unit 2a. It can also be provided on the substrate.
[Data structure of control commands, etc.]
Next, a data structure such as a control command will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of control commands and the like.

  In the case of a normal control command 500, control data 501 is added as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of the control command with authentication data, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control data 501 is added and the encrypted authentication data 502 is further added. In this way, by adding the authentication data to the control command and transmitting from the main control unit 2a, the communication load between the main control unit 2a and the peripheral unit 3a is reduced as compared with the case of transmitting the authentication data alone. The increase can be suppressed. Further, by adding the authentication data to the control command and transmitting from the main control unit 2a, there is a risk that the authentication data is extracted from the communication data and analyzed compared to the case where the authentication data is transmitted alone. Can be reduced. Furthermore, since the authentication process is performed only when a control command to which authentication data is added is transmitted, the rate at which the processing load of the main control unit 2a due to the authentication process increases due to the authentication process can be suppressed.

Note that the arrangement order of the control data 501 and the authentication data 502 with respect to the control command 500 is not limited to the case of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4C, the control data 500 is arranged with authentication data 502 added to the head, or as shown in FIG. 4D, authentication is performed between the control command 500 and the control data 501. Alternatively, the data 502 may be inserted. Further, the authentication data may be transmitted separately from the control command 500 and the control data 501. For example, after transmitting the control command and its control data, the authentication data may be added and transmitted when the third control command is transmitted.

Here, the control commands include a power-on command, a power-off command, a customer waiting demo start command, a customer waiting demo stop command, a variation pattern command, a jackpot start command, a jackpot end command, and a jackpot command.
The power-on command is a control command for designating power-on, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 and the prize ball control unit 400 when the power is turned on. In addition, when the reset button is pressed when designating the initialization of the gaming machine, this power-on command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 and the prize ball control unit 400. That is, the power-on command is a command for designating power-on or designating initialization.
The power-off command is a control command for designating power-off, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 and the prize ball control unit 400 when the power is turned off.

The customer waiting demonstration start command is a control command for designating the start of a demonstration effect (hereinafter referred to as a customer waiting demo) for attracting a player, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 when the game is interrupted.
The customer waiting demo stop command is a control command for designating the end of the customer waiting demo, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 when the game is resumed.

  The variation pattern command is a control command for designating the variation pattern of the effect symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 when the variation of the effect symbol is started. The variation pattern command includes an outlier non-reach command, an outlier reach command, and a jackpot reach command.

  The non-reach non-reach command is a control command for designating a change pattern that does not perform reach among the change patterns that are selected when the big hit lottery results in “out” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “out”). .

  The detachment reach command is a control command for designating a variation pattern for performing a reach effect among the variation patterns selected at the time of detachment. The effect control unit 300 can determine that there is a loss based on a loss reach command or a loss non-reach command.

The jackpot reach command is a control command for designating a variation pattern for performing a reach effect among the variation patterns selected at the time of the jackpot. The effect control unit 300 can determine that the jackpot is based on the jackpot reach command.
The jackpot start command is a control command for designating the start of the jackpot effect, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 at the start of the jackpot effect.

The jackpot end command is a control command for designating the end of the jackpot effect, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 at the end of the jackpot effect (at the end of the final round).
The jackpot command is a control command for designating a jackpot, and includes a round start command and a round end command.

  The round start command is a control command for designating the start of a round, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 at the start of the round. The round start command is set for each round. For example, when the maximum number of rounds is 15, 15 types of round start commands are set. Accordingly, when the round continues twice or more, the round start command is transmitted a plurality of times during the jackpot.

  The round end command is a control command for designating the end of the round, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 at the end of the round excluding the final round. The round end command is set for each round except the final round. For example, when the maximum number of rounds is 15, 14 types of round end commands are set. Therefore, when the round continues three or more times, the round end command is transmitted a plurality of times during the jackpot.

These control commands are merely representative, and various other control commands are defined. Among these control commands, encryption authentication data is added to predetermined ones. In this embodiment, encrypted authentication data is added to the power-on command.
[Game control processing]
Next, the game control process executed by the main control unit 2a will be described.

The CPU 202 reads from the ROM 204 a control program that can execute one cycle at a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [ms]), and executes the game control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 according to the read control program.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the game control process.
When the game control process is executed by the CPU 202, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S100, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on. When it is determined that the power is turned on (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102, but when it is determined that it is not (No), the power is turned on. It waits in step S100 until it turns on.

  In step S102, the contents of the RAM 206 are initialized, and an initialization process for transmitting a power-on command to the effect control unit 300 and the prize ball control unit 400 via the I / F 210 is executed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S104, and a winning determination process is performed to determine that a game ball has been won at the start winning opening 105, and the process proceeds to step S106 to determine the jackpot and determine the variation pattern of the effect symbol. The jackpot determination process is executed, the process proceeds to step S108, the electric accessory control process for opening the opening / closing member of the big winning opening 109 in a predetermined pattern is performed, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, a prize ball payout control process for storing in the transmission buffer of the RAM 206 a control command (payout control command) for designating game ball payout to the prize ball control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S112. Then, a control command transmission process for transmitting the control command stored in the transmission buffer to the effect control unit 300 or the prize ball control unit 400 via the I / F 210 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off. When it is determined that the power is turned off (Yes), the process proceeds to step S116, and the effect control unit 300 and the award are received via the I / F 210. A termination process for transmitting a power-off command to the ball control unit 400 is executed, and the game control process is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S114 that the power is not turned off (No), the process proceeds to step S104.

Note that the random number counter is updated using the remaining time during which each process is executed in one cycle (for example, 4 [ms]) of the operation clock. In addition, it can be updated by a random number update process executed in parallel with the game control process. For example, the random number counter counts up by “1” sequentially from “0”, and returns to “0” when the count value exceeds the maximum value (for example, “999”). Counting is performed cyclically in a range (for example, “0” to “999”).
[Control command transmission processing]
Next, the control command transmission process in step S112 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control command transmission process.
When the control command transmission process is executed in step S112, the process first proceeds to step S200 as shown in FIG.

  In step S200, the control command is read from the transmission buffer, and the process proceeds to step S202 to determine whether or not the read control command is a predetermined command, that is, a power-on command, and is determined to be a power-on command. If (Yes), the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, authentication data is generated based on the data of the control program stored in the ROM 204. The authentication data is data for authenticating the main control unit 200 by the production control unit 300. For example, for part or all of the data of the control program, calculation by a hash function, parity check, cyclic redundancy check ( A value obtained by performing error detection calculation such as CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) or checksum is included as a verification value. Thus, the verification value is calculated from the data of the control program actually stored in the ROM 204. Therefore, by performing authentication using the verification value, it is possible to detect fraudulent acts such as replacing a regular main control board with an unauthorized main control board or falsifying the control program in the ROM 204.
Next, the process proceeds to step S206, and an encryption process for encrypting the generated authentication data is executed by a predetermined encryption algorithm.

In this encryption process, for example, an encryption algorithm that calculates an exclusive OR (XOR) with an encryption key (for example, “0x33”) is used. In this case, the decryption algorithm corresponding to the encryption algorithm is the same.
Then, with this encryption algorithm, the operation value obtained by the executed encryption process is used as encrypted authentication data.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S208, and the control command read in step S200 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 with the encrypted encrypted authentication data added thereto, and the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the command is not a power-on command (No), the process proceeds to step S210, and the control command read in step S200 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 or the prize ball control unit 400 as it is. The process is terminated and the original process is restored.

Note that the transmission of the power-on command and the power-off command (steps S102 and S116) is similar to the control command transmission process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[Winning determination process]
Next, the winning determination process in step S104 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a winning determination process.
When the winning determination process is executed in step S104, the process first proceeds to step S300 as shown in FIG.
In step S300, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls is “0”, and when it is determined that the number of reserved balls is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, a timer (not shown) is used to determine whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the last winning to the start winning opening 105, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ( If Yes, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, a customer waiting demo execution process for performing a customer waiting demo is executed. In the customer waiting demo execution process, the customer waiting demo is started by storing the customer waiting demo start command in the transmission buffer. Further, when the resumption of the game is detected in response to winning at the start winning opening 105, an operation on the launching unit 482, etc., the customer waiting demo is terminated by storing a customer waiting demo stop command in the transmission buffer. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, a customer waiting demonstration start command or a customer waiting demonstration stop command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S306, where the sensor signal from the start winning opening detection unit 280 is read via the I / F 210, and whether it is detected that the game ball has won the start winning opening 105 based on the read sensor signal. If it is determined whether or not the winning of the game ball is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, it is determined whether or not the number of retained balls is “4” or more, and when it is determined that the number of retained balls is less than “4” (No), the process proceeds to step S310 and the number of retained balls is determined. “1” is added to, and the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, the jackpot determined random number, stop symbol determined random number and other random numbers used for game control are acquired from the random number counter, and the process proceeds to step S314, where each acquired random number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 206 corresponding to the number of reserved balls. Store, end a series of processing, and return to the original processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S308 that the number of held balls is “4” or more (Yes) and when it is determined in step S306 that no winning of a game ball is detected (No), a series of processes To return to the original process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No) and when it is determined in step S300 that the number of reserved balls is not “0” (No), the process proceeds to step S306. .
[Big hit judgment processing]
Next, the jackpot determination process in step S106 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination process.

  In the jackpot determination process, in order to generate a jackpot with a predetermined probability, one jackpot value is set in a predetermined numerical range (for example, “0” to “400”) that can be taken by the jackpot determination random number, and the start winning hole 105 8 is a process for obtaining a jackpot decision random number at the winning timing when the game ball is won, and generating a jackpot when the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value. First, the process proceeds to step S400.

  In step S400, it is determined whether or not the effect symbol is changing in the symbol display unit 104, and when it is determined that the effect symbol is not changing (No), the process proceeds to step S402 and the number of reserved balls is “1”. When it is determined whether or not the number is equal to or more than one and it is determined that the number of reserved balls is “1” or more (Yes), the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, the jackpot determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 206 corresponding to the number of reserved balls, and the process proceeds to step S406 to determine whether or not the read random number value matches the jackpot value. When it is determined that it has been done (Yes), the process proceeds to step S408, the jackpot flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, a big-hit stop symbol determination process is executed to determine the aspect of the effect symbol to be stopped at the big-hit. In the jackpot stop symbol determination process, for example, a jackpot stop symbol determination table is read from the ROM 204. Then, a stop symbol determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 206 corresponding to the number of reserved balls, a stop symbol number of the order of the read random number value is acquired from the read stop symbol determination table, and control indicating the acquired stop symbol number Store the command (designation command) in the transmission buffer.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S412, and the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process is executed for determining the fluctuation pattern of the effect symbol to be displayed in a variable manner at the big hit. In the jackpot variation pattern determination process, for example, a reach determination random number is acquired from a random number counter, and a variation pattern determination table for jackpot corresponding to the acquired random number value is read from the ROM 204. Since the jackpot reach command is registered only in one or a plurality of specific variation pattern determination tables, this selection based on the reach determination random number determines whether or not to perform the reach effect. Then, the fluctuation pattern determination random number is obtained from the random number counter, the fluctuation pattern number of the order of the obtained random number value is obtained from the read fluctuation pattern determination table, and the fluctuation pattern command indicating the obtained fluctuation pattern number is stored in the transmission buffer. To do. As a result, in the control command transmission process of step S112, the jackpot reach command and other variation pattern commands selected at the time of jackpot are transmitted to the effect control unit 300.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S414, and a symbol variation start process for storing in the transmission buffer a control command (variation start command) for designating the effect symbol variation start to the effect control unit 300 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S416. Then, “1” is subtracted from the number of held balls, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S406 that it does not coincide with the jackpot value (No), the process proceeds to step S418, and the off-time stop symbol determining process is executed to determine the mode of the effect symbol to be stopped at the time of loss. The off-time stop symbol determination process is configured in the same manner as in step S410. The difference from step S410 is that a stop symbol determination table for detachment is used.

Next, the process proceeds to step S420, and a variation pattern determination process at the time of detachment is performed to determine a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed at the time of the detachment. The deviation variation pattern determination process is configured in the same manner as in step S412. The difference from step S412 is that a deviation variation pattern determination table is used. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, the fluctuation pattern command selected at the time of the deviation non-reach command, the deviation reach command or the like is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
When the process of step S420 ends, the process proceeds to step S414.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S400 that the effect symbol is changing in the symbol display unit 104 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S422.

  In step S422, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the change in the effect design. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S424. The symbol stop process for storing in the transmission buffer a control command (design stop command) for designating the stop of the effect symbol to the effect control unit 300 is executed, and the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. Let

On the other hand, when it is determined at step S422 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No) and when it is determined at step S402 that the number of reserved balls is “0” (No), a series of processing is performed. End and return to the original process.
[Electric character control processing]
Next, the electric accessory control process in step S108 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the electric accessory control process.
When the electric accessory control process is executed in step S108, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the process proceeds to step S500.

  In step S500, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the jackpot flag, and if it is determined that the jackpot is set by setting the jackpot flag (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the jackpot effect. If it is determined that it is time to start the jackpot effect (Yes), the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, a jackpot presentation start process for storing the jackpot start command in the transmission buffer is executed, and a series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, the jackpot start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S502 that it is not the timing to start the jackpot effect (No), the process proceeds to step S506, where it is determined whether it is the timing to start the round, and the timing to start the round. (Yes), the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S508, a round start process for storing the round start command in the transmission buffer is executed, a series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, the round start command to which the encrypted authentication data is added is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S506 that it is not the timing to start the round (No), the process proceeds to step S510, where it is determined whether the round is continuing, and it is determined that the round is continuing. If (Yes), the process proceeds to step S512.

  In step S512, a special prize opening / closing control process for controlling the opening / closing of the special prize opening 109 is executed by the special prize opening / closing part 288, and a series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S510 that the round is not continuing (No), the process proceeds to step S514, where it is determined whether it is time to end the round, and it is determined that it is time to end the round. If yes (Yes), the process proceeds to step S516.

  In step S516, “1” is added to the number of rounds, and the process proceeds to step S518 to determine whether or not the number of rounds exceeds the maximum number of rounds (for example, 15 times). When it determines (No), it transfers to step S520.

In step S520, a round end process for storing the round end command in the transmission buffer is executed, and a series of processes are ended to return to the original process. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, the round end command to which the encrypted authentication data is added is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S518 that the number of rounds exceeds the maximum number of rounds (Yes), the process proceeds to step S522.

In step S522, a jackpot presentation end process for storing the jackpot end command in the transmission buffer is executed. Thereby, in the control command transmission process of step S112, a jackpot end command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
Next, the process proceeds to step S524, where the jackpot flag is reset, a series of processes are terminated, and the original process is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined at step S514 that it is not the timing to end the round (No), and when it is determined at step S500 that the big hit flag is not reset because the big hit flag is reset (No), a series of processing To return to the original process.
[Production control processing]
Next, the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 300 will be described.
CPU302 reads a control program from ROM304, and performs the production | presentation control process shown to the flowchart of FIG. 10 according to the read control program.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control process.
When the effect control process is executed in the CPU 302, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the process proceeds to step S600.

  In step S600, a control command reception process for receiving a control command from the main control unit 200 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S602 to execute a fluctuation pattern command process for processing a fluctuation pattern command among the received control commands. The process proceeds to S604.

In step S604, a jackpot command process for processing the jackpot command among the received control commands is executed, and the process proceeds to step S606, and other command processes for processing the received control command other than the variation pattern command and the jackpot command. And the process proceeds to step S600.
[Control command reception processing]
Next, the control command reception process in step S600 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control command reception processing.
When the control command reception process is executed in step S600, the process first proceeds to step S700 as shown in FIG.

  In step S700, it is determined whether or not a control command has been received from the main control unit 200 via the I / F 310. When it is determined that a control command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S702. (No), the process waits in step S700 until a control command is received.

  In step S702, it is determined whether or not the received control command is a power-on command. When it is determined that the received control command is a power-on command (Yes), the process proceeds to step S704 and is added to the received control command. The encrypted authentication data is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, a decryption process for decrypting the obtained encrypted authentication data is executed by a decryption algorithm corresponding to a predetermined encryption algorithm used by the main control unit 200.

  As the decryption algorithm, for example, a decryption algorithm that calculates an exclusive OR with a decryption key (for example, “0x33”) is used. Here, the decryption algorithm is capable of decrypting the encrypted result encrypted by the encryption algorithm.

  Therefore, in the decryption process, the verification value is obtained by decrypting the encrypted authentication data by the decryption algorithm. This verification value matches the verification value generated by the main control unit 200 (that is, the expected value).

Next, the process proceeds to step S708, the expected value is read from the ROM 304, and the process proceeds to step S710, where it is determined whether the verification value obtained by decoding matches the read expected value, When it is determined that they match (Yes), the process proceeds to step S712.
In step S712, the control command received in step S700 is stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 306, and a series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S710 that the verification value does not match the expected value (No), the process proceeds to step S716.
In step S716, the control command received in step S700 is discarded, and the process proceeds to step S718.

In step S718, a fraud notification process for transmitting a control command (fault notification effect command) for designating a fraud notification effect for performing a fraud notification to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386, respectively. Execute. When the symbol display unit 104, the voice control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 receive the fraud notification effect command, the fraud notification effect is performed. In the fraud notification effect, for example, a character that does not normally appear in the symbol display unit 104 appears, or a character appears in a method different from normal. Further, notification may be performed by changing the brightness or color of the symbol display unit 104 or blinking the lamp 384 with a predetermined blinking pattern. This makes it easier for employees of pachinko halls to recognize the condition. Further, the fraud notification effect may be performed in a mode in which the player is difficult to recognize the state, or conversely, may be performed in a mode in which the player is easy to recognize. If it is performed in a manner that is easy for the player to recognize, it can be expected that fraud will be stopped.
When the process of step S718 ends, the series of processes ends and the original process is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S702 that the received control command is not a power-on command (No), the process proceeds to step S720, the control command received in step S700 is stored in the reception buffer, and the series of processing ends. To return to the original process.
[Variation pattern command processing]
Next, the variation pattern command process in step S602 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern command processing.
When the variation pattern command process is executed in step S602, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the process proceeds to step S800.

  In step S800, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command has been received based on the control command of the reception buffer. When it is determined that the variation pattern command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S802. When it is determined (No), the process waits in step S800 until a variation pattern command is received.

  In step S802, a random number is acquired from a random number counter, the process proceeds to step S804, and one of a plurality of variation effects corresponding to the received variation pattern command is selected based on the acquired random number, and the process proceeds to step S806. Transition.

  In step S806, a variation effect start process for transmitting a control command (variation effect start command) for designating the start of the selected variation effect to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 is performed. Execute.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S808, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the transmission of the change effect start command, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No). Shifts to step S810 to determine whether or not a symbol stop command has been received based on the control command of the reception buffer, and when it is determined that a symbol stop command has been received (Yes), shifts to step S812. .

In step S812, a variation effect end process is performed in which a control command (variation effect end command) for designating the end of the variation effect is transmitted to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386, respectively. .
When the process of step S812 ends, the series of processes ends and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it determines with not receiving a symbol stop command by step S810 (No), it transfers to step S808.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S808 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S812.

The random number counter can be updated by the above method employed by the main control unit 200. However, the update method is not necessarily the same as that of the main control unit 200.
[Big hit command processing]
Next, the jackpot command processing in step S604 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot command processing.
When the jackpot command process is executed in step S604, the process first proceeds to step S900 as shown in FIG.

  In step S900, it is determined whether or not a jackpot start command has been received based on the control command of the reception buffer. If it is determined that a jackpot start command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S902.

  In step S902, a jackpot effect start process for transmitting a control command (a jackpot effect start command) for designating the start of a jackpot effect to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 is executed. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step S904, where it is determined whether a round start command is received based on the control command of the reception buffer. When it is determined that the round start command is received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S906. .

  In step S906, a round effect start process for transmitting a control command (round effect start command) for designating the start of the round effect to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 is executed. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step S908, where it is determined whether a round end command has been received based on the control command of the reception buffer. When it is determined that a round end command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S910. .

  In step S910, a round effect end process for transmitting a control command (round effect end command) for designating the end of the round effect to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 is executed. The process proceeds to step S904.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S908 that the round end command is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S912, where it is determined whether or not the jackpot end command is received based on the control command of the reception buffer. When it is determined that the end command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S914.

In step S914, a big hit effect ending process is executed for transmitting a control command (big hit effect end command) for designating the end of the big win effect to the symbol display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386, respectively. Then, the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S912 that the jackpot end command is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S908.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S904 that the round start command is not received (No), the process waits in step S904 until the round start command is received.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S900 that the jackpot start command is not received (No), the process waits in step S900 until the jackpot start command is received.
[Operation of the present embodiment]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, when power is turned on to the pachinko machine, the main control unit 200 executes an initialization process through step S102. In the initialization process, a power-on command is transmitted. Since the power-on command is a predetermined command, encrypted authentication data is added through steps S204 to S208 and transmitted to the effect control unit 300, which is an example of the peripheral unit 3a.

  When the effect control unit 300 receives the power-on command, the effect display unit 104, the sound control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 receive the control command for the effect when the power is turned on (specifically, display of a demonstration screen). , The lighting of the lamp 384 and the control command for designating the output of sound) are transmitted respectively.

  When the initialization process is completed, the main control unit 200 repeatedly performs a winning determination process, a jackpot determination process, an electric accessory control process, and a control command transmission process at predetermined intervals through steps S104 to S112. As a result, the pachinko machine is in a playable state. A player can play a game by loading a rented game ball into a pachinko machine and operating the launch unit 482 to fire the game ball onto the game board 101.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins the start winning opening 105, the main control unit 200 acquires a jackpot determination random number at the winning timing through steps S306 and S312. Then, after steps S404 and S406, if the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.

  When the jackpot is reached, the stop symbol mode and the variation pattern at the jackpot are determined through steps S410 and S412. At this time, when it is determined to perform the reach effect, in the control command transmission process, a symbol designation command for designating a jackpot symbol and a jackpot reach command are transmitted. Since the jackpot reach command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is not added to the effect control unit 300 via step S210.

  When the effect control unit 300 receives the jackpot reach command, the process at the time of jackpot reach change is executed based on the received jackpot reach command through steps S802 to S812.

  In the main control unit 200, through steps S414 and S424, the effect symbols are variably displayed with a predetermined variation pattern, and after a part of the effect symbols is stopped with the reach symbol, the effect symbols are stopped with the jackpot symbol. When the effect symbol stops, a jackpot start command is transmitted in the control command transmission process. Since the jackpot start command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), it is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 as it is without adding encrypted authentication data through step S210.

  When the effect control unit 300 receives the jackpot start command, the process at the time of starting the jackpot effect is executed based on the received jackpot start command through step S902.

  During the big hit, the round continues until the predetermined condition is satisfied with the maximum number of rounds as the upper limit. In the control command transmission process, a jackpot command is transmitted at the start and end of a round. Since the jackpot command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is not added to the effect control unit 300 via step S210.

  In addition, during the big hit, the big winning opening 109 is opened with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and when a gaming ball wins the big winning opening 109, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out as one winning ball.

  When the final round ends, a jackpot end command is transmitted in the control command transmission process. Since the jackpot end command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), it is transmitted as it is to the effect control unit 300 through step S210 without adding encrypted authentication data.

When the effect control unit 300 receives the jackpot end command, the process at the time of the end of the jackpot effect is executed based on the received jackpot end command through step S914.
On the other hand, if the acquired random number value does not coincide with the jackpot value through steps S404 and S406, the result is a loss.

  When it comes off, through steps S418 and S420, the mode and variation pattern of the stop symbol at the time of loss are determined. At this time, when it is determined to perform the reach effect, in the control command transmission process, a symbol designating command and a missed reach command for designating a missed symbol (or an effect of becoming a missed symbol) are transmitted. On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the reach effect, the symbol designation command and the off-reach non-reach command are transmitted in the control command transmission process. Since the loss reach command and the loss non-reach command are not predetermined commands (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is not added to the effect control unit 300 via step S210.

  When the production control unit 300 receives the outlier reach command or the outlier nonreach command, the process at the time of deviation fluctuation is executed based on the received outlier reach command or outlier nonreach command through steps S802 to S812.

  On the other hand, when the game is interrupted, the main control unit 200 executes a customer waiting demonstration execution process. In the control command transmission process, a customer waiting demonstration start command is transmitted. Since the customer waiting demonstration start command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is not added and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 as it is through step S210.

  When the production control unit 300 receives the customer waiting demonstration start command, as a process at the time of the customer waiting demonstration start, control commands for the customer waiting demonstration are sent to the symbol display unit 104, the voice control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386, respectively. Sent.

  Thereafter, when the game is resumed, a customer waiting demonstration stop command is transmitted in the control command transmission process. Since the customer waiting demonstration stop command is not a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is not added to the effect control unit 300 via step S210 and is transmitted as it is.

  When the production control unit 300 receives the customer waiting demonstration stop command, a control command for the customer waiting demonstration is sent to the symbol display unit 104, the voice control unit 382, and the lamp control unit 386 as processing at the time of the customer waiting demonstration end. Sent.

  In the above description, the case where the control command is not a predetermined command and the encrypted authentication data is transmitted without being added has been described. However, dummy value data is added instead of the encrypted authentication data. You may send it.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a sequence of the authentication operation of the pachinko machine. When the control command is a predetermined command (that is, a power-on command), the encrypted authentication data is added and then transmitted from the main control unit 2a.

  When the control command is stored (S1) and the control command is a power-on command, authentication data including a verification value is generated (S2). The generated authentication data is encrypted by a predetermined encryption algorithm (S3). Then, the power-on command to which the authentication data is added is transmitted from the main control unit 2a to the peripheral unit 3a (S4, S5).

The power-on command with the authentication data added is received by the peripheral part (S6). Then, the power-on command with the authentication data added is transmitted from the peripheral unit 3a to the authentication unit 3b via the bus 3c (S7, S8).
Further, processing based on the power-on command is performed in the peripheral portion 3a (S9).

  The power-on command with the authentication data added is received by the authentication unit 3b (S10). In the authentication unit 3b, after the decryption process is performed, the authentication process using the authentication data is performed (S11). In the case of authentication OK, the processing is continued as it is.

  If the authentication is not OK (No in S13), a notification signal is output via the bus 3c (S14, S15). This notification signal is received by the peripheral portion 3a (S16). Then, it is informed that the main control unit 2a is not valid (S17).

Here, the authentication process in the authentication unit 3b will be described in more detail. For example, when the verification value is “0x12”, encrypted authentication data “0x21” is obtained by the predetermined encryption algorithm as shown in the following formula (1).
0x21 = 0x12 xor 0x33 (1)

When the production control unit 300 receives the power-on command, the encrypted authentication data added to the received command is acquired through steps S704 and S706, and the acquired encrypted authentication data is obtained by a predetermined decryption algorithm. Decrypted.
When the encrypted authentication data “0x21” obtained by the above equation (1) is decrypted by a predetermined decryption algorithm, the verification value “0x12” is obtained by the following equation (2).
0x12 = 0x21 xor 0x33 (2)

  When the verification value is obtained, an expected value “0x12” that is the same value as the verification value generated by the main control unit 200 is read through step S708. Then, through step S710, the verification value obtained by decoding is collated with the expected value. At this time, since the verification value “0x12” obtained by the above equation (2) matches the expected value “0x12”, authentication is obtained, and the control command is stored in the reception buffer through step S712. Then, processing is executed based on the received control command.

  On the other hand, if an unauthorized act such as an unauthorized control board is connected between the main control board and the production control board, even if the unauthorized control board sends a control command to the production control board, In the effect control unit 300, since the encrypted authentication data is not added to the received command, the verification value does not match the expected value, and there is a high possibility that the authentication cannot be obtained. As a result, the received control command is discarded through steps S716 and S718, and the fraud notification process is executed (that is, it is notified that the main control unit is not valid).

  Even if an unauthorized control board adds some authentication data and transmits a control command to the production control board, the production control unit 300 cannot obtain an appropriate verification value, so that the verification value matches the expected value. Therefore, there is a high possibility that authentication will not be obtained.

  It should be noted that the order in which the processes are performed is not limited for the transmission of the control command to the authentication unit in the peripheral part and the process based on the control command in the peripheral part. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the control command may be transmitted to the authentication unit first, and then the processing based on the control command may be performed, and conversely, based on the control command. The order may be such that the processing is performed first and then the control command is transmitted to the authentication unit.

  Similarly, the order in which the processing is performed is not limited for the processing based on the control command in the peripheral portion and the authentication processing using the authentication data in the authentication portion. In other words, the processing based on the control command may be performed first, and then the authentication processing using the authentication data may be performed, or vice versa.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation based on a control command other than the power-on command. As shown in FIG. 15, when a control command other than the power-on command is stored (S151), a normal control command with no authentication data added is transmitted from the main control unit 2a to the peripheral unit 3a (S152, S153). The control command is received by the peripheral part (S154), and processing based on the control command is performed (S155). Control commands other than the power-on command are not transmitted from the peripheral unit 3a to the authentication unit 3b.
[Timing of authentication operation]

  Incidentally, the main control unit 2a normally outputs a plurality of control commands at intervals. In the following, taking as an example the case where the main control unit 2a outputs the second power-on command after outputting the first power-on command, the main control unit 2a outputs a plurality of control commands at intervals. The timing of the authentication operation in the case of outputting will be described using FIG. 16 and FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows the timing at which processing is executed and the timing at which the authentication unit 3b performs authentication processing when the main control unit 2a outputs the second power-on command after outputting the first power-on command. FIG. FIG. 17 shows the timing when the process is executed and the timing when the authentication unit 3b performs the authentication process when the main control unit 2a outputs the second power-on command after outputting the first power-on command. FIG.

  When the main control unit 2a outputs the first power-on command, the main control unit 2a outputs first authentication data associated with the first power-on command. Further, when outputting the second power-on command, the main control unit 2a outputs second authentication data associated with the second power-on command together with the second power-on command.

  At this time, after the authentication operation for the first authentication data associated with the first power-on command is performed, the second power-on command may be output from the main control unit 2a. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the authentication unit 3b determines whether the main control unit 2a is valid based on the first authentication data after the execution period t41 of the process based on the first power-on command. It is determined in the period t42. Thereafter, after the execution period t43 of the process based on the second power-on command, it is determined in the period t44 whether or not the main control unit 2a is valid based on the second authentication data.

  On the other hand, the main control unit 2a outputs the second power-on command from the main control unit 2a before the authentication operation for the first authentication data associated with the first power-on command is performed. There is a case. In that case, as shown in FIG. 17, the authentication unit 3b determines whether the main control unit 2a is valid based on the first authentication data after the execution period t42 ′ of the process based on the second power-on command. Is determined in the period t43 ′. Thereafter, based on the second authentication data, it is determined in period t44 whether or not the main control unit 2a is valid.

  In any case, as is clear from FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the authentication unit 3b performs main processing based on the authentication data associated with the power-on command after the period when the processing based on the power-on command is executed. It is determined whether or not the control unit 2a is valid.

  As described above, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment includes the authentication unit 3b that determines whether or not the main control unit 2a is valid separately from the peripheral unit 3a, so that the burden on the peripheral unit 3a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the main control unit 2a is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.

  Further, the authentication unit 3b determines whether or not the main control unit 2a is valid based on authentication data output from the main control unit 2a together with the power-on command after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. Judging. Therefore, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or complicated calculation processing is performed, the authentication unit 3b can perform the authentication operation independently of the operation of the peripheral unit 3a. Therefore, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment can determine whether or not the main control unit 2a is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional one.

  In the embodiment described above, the peripheral board 3 has the bus 3c, which is the only communication path used for signal exchange between the peripheral part 3a and the authentication part 3b. However, as shown in FIG. 18, the peripheral board 3 does not include the bus 3c, but the bus 3d and the bus 3e, which are two communication paths used for signal exchange between the peripheral portion 3a and the authentication unit 3b. You may have. In this case, the peripheral unit 3a outputs authentication data to the authentication unit 3b via one of the communication paths (for example, the bus 3d), and the authentication unit 3b determines whether the main control unit 2a is valid. Is output to the peripheral portion 3a via the other communication path (for example, the bus 3e).

  Further, a memory having a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the main control unit 2a and a computer for executing the program may be provided on the main control board 2. In this case, the function of the main control unit 2a is realized by the computer executing the program.

  A memory having a program for causing the computer to realize the functions of the peripheral unit 3a and a computer for executing the program may be provided on the peripheral board 3. In this case, the function of the peripheral portion 3a is realized by the computer executing the program.

A memory having a program for causing the computer to realize the function of the authentication unit 3b and a computer that executes the program may be provided on the peripheral board 3. In this case, the function of the authentication unit 3b is realized by the computer executing the program.
[Authentication method]

  In the gaming machine described above, the following authentication method is employed. That is, a main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid, and a process based on the power-on command. An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising a peripheral unit that controls execution, wherein the gaming machine further includes an authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is valid, and the main control unit includes: A step of outputting a power-on command and the authentication data (corresponding to S4 and S5 in FIG. 14), and a step in which the peripheral unit controls execution of the processing and outputs the authentication data (FIG. 14). (Corresponding to S7 to S9), and the authentication unit determines whether or not the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit (in response to S12 in FIG. 14). ) And authentication methods, including has been adopted. When this authentication method is adopted, authentication is performed by the authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is legitimate, so that the burden on the peripheral portion is reduced and the security strength is increased compared to the conventional control unit. It is possible to determine whether or not is valid. In addition, when the peripheral portion is determined not to be legitimate, the pachinko hall employee or player further includes a step of notifying the fact (corresponding to S14 to S17 in FIG. 14). It becomes easy to recognize the state.

  In the authentication unit 3b of the gaming machine described above, the following authentication method is adopted. That is, a main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid, and a process based on the power-on command. An authentication method for authenticating the main control unit in a gaming machine including a peripheral unit that controls execution, wherein the authentication data is acquired through the peripheral unit (in steps S8 and S10 in FIG. 14). And an authentication step (corresponding to S12 in FIG. 14) for determining whether or not the main control unit is valid using the authentication data acquired in the acquisition step is employed. . When this authentication method is adopted, authentication is performed by the authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is legitimate, so that the burden on the peripheral portion is reduced and the security strength is increased compared to the conventional control unit. It is possible to determine whether or not is valid. Further, by further including a notification signal output step (corresponding to S14 to S17 in FIG. 14) that outputs a signal for notifying the authentication result when it is determined that the main control unit is not valid in the authentication step. Pachinko hall employees and players can easily recognize the situation.

In the authentication step, it may be determined whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. After the period when the process based on the power-on command is executed, by determining whether or not the main control unit is valid, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or a complicated calculation process is performed, The authentication operation can be performed independently of the peripheral operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.
〔program〕

  Moreover, in order to implement | achieve the said authentication method, the program which makes a computer perform the following each step may be prepared, and may be performed by CPU in an authentication part. That is, the program includes a main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid, and the power-on command. A program for performing authentication on the main control unit in a gaming machine including a peripheral unit that controls execution of processing based on the acquisition step, and acquiring the authentication data via the peripheral unit; A program for causing a computer to execute an authentication step of determining whether or not the main control unit is valid using the authentication data acquired in step (b). When this program is executed by a computer, authentication is performed by the authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is legitimate, so that the burden on the peripheral portion is reduced and the main control is performed with greater security than before. It can be determined whether or not the part is legitimate. When it is determined in the authentication step that the main control unit is not valid, it may further include a notification signal output step of outputting a signal for notifying the authentication result. This makes it easier for employees and players of pachinko halls to recognize the state.

In the authentication step, it may be determined whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. After the period when the process based on the power-on command is executed, by determining whether or not the main control unit is valid, even if the capacity of the authentication data is increased or a complicated calculation process is performed, The authentication operation can be performed independently of the peripheral operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by increasing the strength of security compared to the conventional case.
[Modification]

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the peripheral unit 3a performs notification that the main control unit 2a is not valid has been described. However, a notification unit for the notification is provided, and the notification unit is the peripheral unit 3a. Notification may be performed instead of. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a notification unit 4 that notifies that the main control unit 2a is not valid may be provided separately from the peripheral unit 3a. When the notification unit 4 receives a signal indicating that the main control unit 2a is not valid from the peripheral unit 3a, the notification unit 4 notifies the outside of the pachinko machine to that effect.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a notification unit 4 is added to the configuration illustrated in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a notification unit 4 is added to the configuration illustrated in FIG. In either case of FIG. 19 or FIG. 20, the notification unit 4 performs notification by displaying on a liquid crystal (not shown) or notification by turning on a lamp or the like. Not only visual notification by turning on or blinking a liquid crystal display or a lamp, but also auditory notification by outputting sound from a speaker (not shown) and tactile notification by vibrating a vibrator (not shown). You may go. Moreover, you may perform combining these alerting | reporting.
Further, the peripheral unit 3a may simply pass the authentication data from the main control unit 2a without receiving it and allow the authentication unit 3b to receive it.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine of the present invention has been described by taking a pachinko machine as an example. However, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine. Examples of the gaming machine of the present invention include a pachislot machine, an amusement game machine, and the like having an execution unit that executes an effect relating to a game. In that case, a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine or an amusement game machine has a main control unit 2a, a peripheral unit 3a, and an authentication unit 3b.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 2 Main control board 2a Main control part 3 Peripheral board 3a Peripheral part 3b Authentication part 3c-3e Bus 4 Notification part 100 Game control apparatus 101 Game area 102a, 102b Rail 104 Symbol display part 105 Start winning opening 106 Winning gate 107 Normal winning port 108 Collection port 109 Large winning port 201 Main control unit 202 CPU
202a Production control unit 203d Prize ball control unit 204 ROM
206 RAM
210 I / F
280 Start winning port detecting unit 282 Gate detecting unit 284 Normal winning port detecting unit 286 Large winning port detecting unit 288 Large winning port opening / closing unit 300 Production control unit 302 CPU
304 ROM
306 RAM
308 VRAM
310 I / F
311 Control command storage unit 312 Addition unit 313 Recording unit 314 Production related device group 314a Transmission unit 321 Reception unit 322 Authentication unit 323 Notification signal output unit 380 Speaker 382 Audio control unit 384 Lamp 386 Lamp control unit 400 Prize ball control unit 402 CPU
404 ROM
406 RAM
410 I / F
414 Prize ball-related device group 480 Dispensing unit 482 Launching unit 500 Control command 501 Control data 502 Authentication data

Claims (14)

A main control unit for outputting a power-on command for designating power-on or designating initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid;
With the output of the main control unit as an input, while controlling the execution of processing based on the power-on command, a peripheral unit that outputs the authentication data,
An gaming machine comprising: an authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the main control unit is determined not to be valid, the peripheral unit notifies the fact. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a single path used for signal exchange between the peripheral unit and the authentication unit. Provided with two paths used for signal exchange between the peripheral part and the authentication part,
The peripheral unit outputs the authentication data to the authentication unit through one of the paths,
4. The authentication unit according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit outputs a result of determination as to whether or not the main control unit is legitimate by the other of the paths to the peripheral unit. The gaming machine according to the item. Controls execution of processing based on a power-on command for designating power-on or initialization from the main control unit and authenticating that the main control unit is valid from the main control unit A peripheral for outputting authentication data for
A peripheral board comprising: an authentication unit that determines whether the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit. The peripheral board according to claim 6, wherein, when it is determined that the main control section is not valid, the peripheral section notifies that fact. The peripheral board according to claim 6, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. A main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid, and executing a process based on the power-on command An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising a peripheral part to be controlled,
The gaming machine further includes an authentication unit that determines whether or not the main control unit is valid,
The main control unit outputting the power-on command and the authentication data;
The peripheral unit controlling execution of the process and outputting the authentication data;
An authentication method comprising: an authentication step in which the authentication unit determines whether the main control unit is valid based on the authentication data output from the peripheral unit.   The authentication method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of notifying the peripheral unit when the main control unit is determined not to be valid. A main control unit that outputs a power-on command for designating power-on or initialization, and authentication data for authenticating that it is valid, and executing a process based on the power-on command An authentication method for authenticating the main control unit in a gaming machine including a peripheral unit to be controlled,
An acquisition step of acquiring the authentication data via the peripheral portion;
And an authentication step of determining whether or not the main control unit is valid using the authentication data acquired in the acquisition step.   The authentication method according to claim 11, further comprising a notification signal output step of outputting a signal for notifying an authentication result when the main control unit is determined not to be valid in the authentication step. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, in the authentication step, it is determined whether or not the main control unit is valid after a period during which processing based on the power-on command is executed. The authentication method described in the section.   A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the authentication method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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