JP3796341B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball game machine (pachinko game machine), and in particular, a winning detection device provided in a winning device (for example, a start port) in which a big hit is determined by a winning timing of a game ball thereto.Ball game machine equipped withAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a ball ball game machine (pachinko game machine), a game ball (pachinko ball) is fired from a hitting ball launching device toward a game board, and the game proceeds based on the winning status of the game ball to various winning devices. The progress of the game and various parts on the game board are controlled by a so-called accessory control device.
[0003]
FIG. 13 is a front view showing such a ball game machine.
[0004]
As shown in the drawing, an inner frame 3 is attached to the front of a machine frame (outer frame) 1 of a ball game machine by an upper hinge 2A and a lower hinge 2B, and a game board 4 is attached to the inner frame 3. Further, a glass frame 5 fitted with transparent glass is attached to the front surface of the inner frame 3, and the front surface of the game board 4 is covered with glass so that the game board 4 can be seen through the glass. The game board 4 can be removed from the inner frame 3 and can be separated from the main body of the ball game machine (configuration other than the game board 4 of the ball game machine), so that the game determined by the type of the game board 4 The mode can be changed by exchanging the game board 4.
[0005]
At the lower part of the game board 5, a game ball supply tray (upper plate) 6, a tray (lower plate) 7, and an operation unit 8 of a ball striking device are arranged. A game ball as a prize ball is introduced into the supply tray 6 from the prize ball port 6A. The tray 7 receives surplus game balls when the supply tray 6 is full of game balls. The game balls in the tray 7 can be discharged downward by operating the operation lever 7A. ing.
[0006]
The hitting ball launching device, in which only the operation unit 8 is illustrated, is a game ball launching unit. The game ball is supplied from the supply tray 6 to the hitting ball launching device, and is shot according to the rotation operation of the operation unit 8. The launched game ball is guided along a guide rail 9 provided on the game board 4 and enters the area surrounded by the guide rail 9 in the front of the game board 4, that is, the game area 10.
[0007]
The operation unit 8 is provided with a stop switch 8A, and the operator can stop the hitting of the hit ball even during the rotation operation of the operation unit 8 by operating the stop switch 8A. The operation unit 8 is provided with a touch switch 8B (not shown). The touch switch 8B indicates that the operator is operating the operation unit 8 (the operator's hand is touching the operation unit 8). When it is not detected, the hitting from the hitting device is stopped.
[0008]
A variable display device (image display device) 11 corresponding to a display means is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 10. The variable display device 11 performs display corresponding to the progress state of the game, and displays, for example, three symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) representing the game state on the liquid crystal screen. When a game ball wins a starting port 14 described later, the design of the variable display device 11 changes.
[0009]
Below the variable display device 11, a variable winning device 12 having a large openable and closable winning opening is disposed. In addition, a plurality of general winning holes 13 are arranged around the variable display device 11 and the variable winning device 12, and a start port 14 is arranged in an intermediate region between the variable display device 11 and the variable winning device 12. The Further, a discharge port 15 is provided at the lowermost end of the game area 10.
[0010]
As a result, the game balls driven into the game area 10 flow down the surface of the game area 10 while changing the rolling direction by the rolling guide members 16 such as windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 10. The winning device 12, the general winning port 13, the start port 14, and the discharge port 15 are entered.
[0011]
In addition, a count switch 112 (see FIG. 14) is provided at the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 12, and the count switch 112 detects a prize at the big prize opening.
[0012]
In addition, a V prize opening is provided inside the big prize opening, and when a game ball that has won a prize in the big prize opening further wins the V prize opening, it is detected by the V prize detection switch 113 (see FIG. 14). It has become. This V winning opening is a change in the opening / closing control pattern of the big winning opening depending on the winning situation. For example, as long as there is a winning in the V winning opening while the large winning opening is open, the opening of the large winning opening is predetermined. Is repeated up to the upper limit number of times (for example, 16 times).
[0013]
Further, a start switch 111 (see FIG. 14) is provided at the start port 14, and a winning to the start port 14 is detected by the start switch 111. As will be described later, when a winning game ball is awarded to the start port 14 at a jackpot timing, the game is a jackpot.
[0014]
Specifically, when a winning to the start port 14 is made at a jackpot timing, the display of the variable display device 11 shows a jackpot after changing with the winning to the start port 14 (for example, three In addition, the large winning opening of the variable winning device 12 that is normally closed is opened, and the game ball can enter the variable winning device 12 in a normal state.
[0015]
A decorative side lamp 17 is provided at both left and right ends of the game area 10, and a big hit lamp 18 that blinks when the variable display device 11 is in a big hit state is provided above the inner frame 3. In the following description, these various devices for decoration are collectively referred to as a decoration device 20.
[0016]
A sound emission port 19 is provided in front of the inner frame 3 below the game board 4, and sound effects from a speaker (not shown) are emitted from the sound emission port 19.
[0017]
In FIG. 14, the structure of the accessory control apparatus 100 is shown.
[0018]
The accessory control apparatus 100 includes, for example, various components disposed on an accessory control board installed on the back surface of the game board 4, that is, a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an input interface 105, an output interface 106, and an interrupt signal generation circuit 107. The power supply circuit 108 is configured.
[0019]
When describing each of these components in sequence, first, the CPU 102 is an IC that performs control (game control) by the accessory control device 100, and various switches (start switch 111, Detection signals from the count switch 112 and the V detection switch 113) are input. The CPU 102 calculates various control signals based on these detection signals, and outputs these control signals via the output interface 106 to various devices (a variable display device 11, a variable winning device 12, an ornament on the game board, which will be described later). Game control is performed by outputting to the apparatus 20).
[0020]
The ROM 103 stores various invariant information for game control, and stores a program for game control and constants such as a jackpot probability in game control.
[0021]
The RAM 104 is used as a work area during game control by the CPU 102. As a data storage area, a random number counter, a random number storage area, an event counter, a switch input buffer, a mechanical device output buffer, a decoration device output buffer, display control Each has a signal output buffer.
[0022]
The input interface 105 converts input signals from various switches into levels that can be read by the CPU 102, and includes a low-pass filter, a level conversion device, a buffer IC, an input port, and the like.
[0023]
The output interface 106 outputs various control signals from the CPU 102 to drive various devices, and includes an output port, a latch IC, a drive circuit, and the like.
[0024]
The interrupt signal generation circuit 107 is a circuit that transmits an interrupt signal to the CPU 102 at a predetermined timing. More specifically, the interrupt signal generation circuit 104 includes a clock circuit, and generates a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, about 10 microseconds) by dividing the basic pulse signal generated by the clock circuit. The pulse signal is transmitted as an interrupt signal at regular intervals (for example, every 2 milliseconds). The CPU 102 receives this interrupt signal via the reset input terminal, resets the processing so far every time it is received, and starts a new control process from a predetermined address. Thereby, the game control by the CPU 102 is executed in units of the transmission timing of the interrupt signal (for example, 2 milliseconds). The reason why the game control is divided into short cycles for each interrupt signal in this way is to prevent the CPU 102 from running away due to noise generated by circulation of a large number of metal game balls.
[0025]
The power supply circuit 108 is a circuit that converts an AC voltage (for example, AC 24 V) from an external AC power source into a DC voltage. Further, the power supply circuit 108 is provided with a power-on detection circuit 108A. The power-on detection circuit 108A outputs a power-on detection signal at the same time as the power-on, and the reset signal is input to the reset input terminal of the CPU 102. 105 and the output interface 106, respectively. Thereby, the CPU 102, the input interface 105, and the output interface 106 are initialized at the same time as the power is turned on.
[0026]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure by such an accessory control apparatus 100.
[0027]
The control is started when the power is turned on. First, in step 101, the RAM 104 is initialized. As a result, the random number counter, random number storage area, and event counter in the RAM 104 are each cleared to zero.
[0028]
In step 102, it is determined whether or not an interrupt signal is detected from the interrupt signal generation circuit 107. While no interrupt signal is detected, the determination of interrupt signal detection in step 102 is repeated.
[0029]
On the other hand, if an interrupt signal is detected in step 102, the process proceeds to step 103 and subsequent steps. As a result, the processing from step 103 to step 113 is executed once for each interrupt signal timing (for example, every 2 milliseconds). That is, as described above, the game control by the accessory control device 100 is executed in units of the timing of transmission of the interrupt signal.
[0030]
In step 103, the value of the random number counter in the RAM 104 is updated by +1. That is, the random number counter is updated by +1 for each interrupt signal (for example, every 2 milliseconds).
[0031]
Note that since a predetermined upper limit value is predetermined for the random number counter, it becomes 0 when the upper limit value is exceeded by updating. Specifically, for example, if the upper limit value is 300, the random number counter is updated from 299 to 0 instead of 300, and eventually is updated by +1 while taking a value in the range of 0 to 299. It has become.
[0032]
In step 104, detection levels from various switches such as the start switch 111, the count switch 112, and the V detection switch 113 are taken into the switch input buffer built in the RAM 104.
[0033]
In step 105, the status of the start switch area of the switch input buffer is confirmed. If this status is “with ball”, that is, if there is a game ball won at the start port 14 (game ball that has passed the start switch 111), the value of the random number counter at this time is stored in the RAM 104. Store in random number storage area. As will be described later, when the value of the random number counter stored in the random number storage area (that is, the value of the random number counter indicating the winning timing to the start port 14) matches a predetermined jackpot value, the game becomes a jackpot, The variable winning device 12 is opened. More specifically, when the interrupt signal transmission timing is every 2 milliseconds and the upper limit value of the random number counter is 300, the random number counter makes a round in 300 × 2 milliseconds = 600 milliseconds. If the game ball wins the starting port 14 in 2 milliseconds corresponding to the jackpot value in milliseconds, the game becomes a jackpot state.
[0034]
This random number storage area is provided with a plurality of areas (for example, four areas) each capable of storing the value of the random number counter, so that it is possible to deal with a case where a plurality of game balls wins continuously at the start port 14. It has become.
[0035]
In step 106, the event counter in the RAM 104 is updated by +1. In other words, the event counter is updated by +1 for each processing by one interrupt signal.
[0036]
Note that a predetermined upper limit value is set for the event counter, and the event counter value returns to 0 when the upper limit value is exceeded by updating. In this flowchart, the upper limit is 8, and when the event counter is updated from 7, it becomes 0 instead of 8, and eventually the event counter is sequentially updated in the range of 0-7.
[0037]
In step 107, the value of the event counter updated in step 106 is determined, and the process proceeds to one of the branch processes in steps 108 to 113 according to the value of the event counter. Therefore, these branch processes (hereinafter collectively referred to as “time division process”) are executed once when the event counter value makes a round between 0 and 7. Specifically, when the timing of the interrupt signal is 2 milliseconds, one unit of time division processing is executed at a period of 2 milliseconds × 8 = 16 milliseconds.
[0038]
Step 108 is processing when it is determined in step 107 that the event counter = 0. Here, data for opening / closing control of the variable winning device 12 is set in the mechanical device output buffer of the RAM 104.
[0039]
Step 109 is processing when it is determined in step 107 that the event counter = 1. Here, data for display control of the variable display device 11 is set in the display control output buffer of the RAM 104.
[0040]
Step 110 is processing when it is determined in step 107 that the event counter = 2, and here, the data for display control of the variable display device 11 set in step 109 is output to the output interface 106. As a result, a display control signal is transmitted from the output interface 106 to the variable display device 11.
[0041]
Step 111 is processing when it is determined in step 107 that event counter = 3, and here, game processing that is the core of game control is executed. In this game process, various processes such as a process related to jackpot determination are performed according to the progress of the game (or the process number corresponding to the progress).
[0042]
The main process in this game process will be described. When the value of the random number counter is stored in the random number storage area, first, the value of the random number counter stored in the random number storage area is a predetermined value corresponding to the jackpot. It is determined whether or not it matches. Then, after the comparison determination, the value of the random number counter is deleted, and a new random number counter value is stored in the random number storage area after the deletion in step 105. Subsequently, the stop symbol pattern (parameter corresponding to the stop symbol pattern) in the variable display device 11 is determined according to whether or not the value of the random number counter matches a predetermined jackpot value. For example, when the value of the random number counter matches a predetermined jackpot value (that is, in the case of jackpot), the parameters are determined so that the three numeric symbols of the variable display device 11 are stopped at a doublet (for example, “777”). However, if they do not match (if they are not big hits), the parameters are set so as to stop at a pattern other than a slotted pattern. Furthermore, in the case of a big win, the parameter is set so that the variable winning device 12 is opened.
[0043]
Step 112 is processing when it is determined in step 107 that event counter = 4. Here, data for controlling the decoration device 20 is set in the decoration device output buffer of the RAM 104.
[0044]
Step 113 is a process that is executed following the process of any one of steps 108 to 112 or when it is determined in step 107 that any of the event counters is 5 to 7. Here, the data set in the mechanical device output buffer and the decoration device output buffer of the RAM 104 are output to the output interface 106. As a result, a control signal is output from the output interface 106 toward the variable winning device 12 and the decoration device 20, and the variable winning device 12 and the decoration device 20 are driven.
[0045]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, such a conventional ball game machine may be cheated by the following method.
[0046]
More specifically, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14, a person who intends to perform an illegal act is connected to the wiring (lead wire) between the start switch 111 and the input interface 105 via the device 120 for the illegal action. Disguise. And once the jackpot timing in the game control is grasped, the timing of winning detection from the start switch 111 is shifted by the fraudulent device 120 and input to the accessory control device 100 using this jackpot timing. Manipulate game jackpots illegally.
[0047]
In other words, in the conventional apparatus, the detection signal from the start switch 111 is composed of two levels of voltage signals indicating “with ball” and “without ball”. By analyzing the above, it is possible to easily know the winning timing that causes the big hit of the game. As described above, since the jackpot timing in the accessory control device 100 is generated at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds / 600 milliseconds), once the first jackpot timing is grasped, the timing thereafter The jackpot timing can be easily determined by the unauthorized device 120.
[0048]
Therefore, the fraudster can freely input a signal to the accessory control apparatus 100 at the jackpot timing via the fraud apparatus 120. In this case, it is easy to create a voltage signal consisting of two levels indicating a simple “with sphere” or “without sphere”, or to send it in by shifting the timing.
[0049]
In addition, a fraudster artificially generates a jackpot when he / she is playing a game, while a person who is not a fraudulent person plays a game with a jackpot when a person other than the fraudster is playing on the same ball game machine. Can also be removed.
[0050]
As a result, the probability of a jackpot in the ball game machine as a whole can be prevented from increasing, so that it is difficult to detect fraud even if the occurrence frequency of the jackpot is monitored. Moreover, since the detection signal input to the accessory control apparatus 100 is a simple two-level voltage signal as described above, the connection of the unauthorized device 120 cannot be found from this detection signal.
[0051]
For this reason, there is no other way to find frauds than to actually discover the fraudulent device 120 by disassembling the components of the ball game machine, but in recent years the fraudulent device 120 tends to be miniaturized. , Discovery is also not easy.
[0052]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and even if a device for fraud is attached, it is difficult to artificially manipulate the occurrence of jackpots.NairiAn object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine equipped with an award detection device.
[0058]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In the first invention, EnterPrize deviceTo win a game ball toA detection unit to detect;Of the detection unitA winning detection device comprising an encrypting means for encrypting the detection signal and a transmitting means for transmitting the encrypted signal as a winning signal, and generating the specific game by decrypting the encrypted winning signal A control device for determining,And the encryption means corresponds to a storage means for storing a set of encrypted data composed of a plurality of data with a sphere and a plurality of data without a sphere, and whether or not a prize is detected by the detection unit from the set of the encrypted data. Selection means for randomly selecting the encrypted data to be transmitted data, the transmission means transmits the transmission data selected by the selection means, and the selection means detects the winning by the detection unit. If not, the plurality of non-sphere data is switched at random and selected as the transmission data..
[0059]
  In the second invention, in the first invention,The selection means switches the plurality of ball presence data at random to select the transmission data while the detection unit detects a prize..
[0060]
  In the third invention,In the first or second invention, the set of encrypted data includes a plurality of sequences, and the selecting means selects one of the plurality of sequences as a corresponding sequence for selecting the transmission data, and While the detecting means does not detect a winning, the corresponding sequence is switched to another sequence at a sequence switching timing determined at random.
[0061]
  In the fourth invention, in the third invention,Each sequence of the set of encrypted data includes sequence switching data for causing the control device to recognize a sequence switching destination, and the selection means uses the sequence switching data as the transmission data at the sequence switching timing. select.
[0064]
Operation and effect of the invention
  In the first and second aspects of the invention, since the signal from the winning detection device to the control device is encrypted, information for generating a specific game ( For example, information about when the winning detection was ) Is difficult to detect from the outside. In addition, even if an attempt is made to manipulate the timing of signal input to the control device by interposing a device for cheating between the winning detection device and the control device, an encrypted prize that enters the cheating device Since it is not known whether the signal indicates winning detection or non-detection, it is difficult for the cheating person to know when the winning of the game ball is detected. Therefore, even if there is a prize in the prize winning device, the fraudulent person cannot know the timing of the prize winning. Therefore, even if he / she wants to send a detection signal that artificially manipulates the timing to the control device side, I can't get the first reference timing. Therefore, the operation of the jackpot probability due to fraud becomes extremely difficult, and the game can be kept sound.
[0065]
  In addition, it is possible to simply select encryption data corresponding to the presence / absence of detection of a winning of the detection unit from a set of encryption data composed of a plurality of data with a ball and a plurality of data without a ball and use it as transmission data to select a detection signal. Encryption can be performed. Further, if the same set of encrypted data is stored on the control device side, the encrypted detection signal in the control device can be easily decrypted simply by comparing the transmitted data with this set of encrypted data. It becomes possible.
[0066]
  In the third invention,Since the selection means switches the sequence for selecting transmission data to another sequence at a sequence switching timing determined at random by a random number while no winning is detected, encryption is easily complicated by this sequence switching. It becomes possible to prevent fraud more effectively.
[0067]
  In the fourth invention,When the selection means is the sequence switching timing, the sequence switching data is selected as transmission data and transmitted by the transmission means, so that the control device easily recognizes the sequence switching destination by this sequence switching data. It becomes possible.
[0069]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0070]
In each of the following embodiments, the overall configuration of the ball game machine is the same as that shown in FIG. 13, for example. Therefore, in the following description, the winning detection device (starting switch unit) that is a feature of the present invention and the configuration on the electric circuit including the starting switch unit will be mainly described.
[0071]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072]
As shown in the figure, the accessory control apparatus 100 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an input interface 105, and an output interface 106, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. The detection switch 113 is connected to the input interface 105, and the variable display device 11, the variable winning device 12, and the decoration device 20 are connected to the output interface 106. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the accessory control apparatus 100 includes an interrupt signal generation circuit 107 and a power supply circuit 108 as in the conventional example of FIG. 14. In addition, in the relationship with a claim, this accessory control apparatus 100 is equivalent to a control apparatus.
[0073]
Furthermore, as a configuration that characterizes the present embodiment, the accessory control apparatus 100 includes an EEPROM 201 and a setting switch 202. On the game board 4, a start switch unit 203 is provided as a winning detection device for the start port 14 instead of the start switch 111.
[0074]
The start switch unit 203 includes a control unit (communication unit) 203B made of, for example, a one-chip IC, as well as a detection unit 203A that actually detects a winning of a game ball to the start port 14 (see FIG. 4). .
[0075]
The control unit 203B includes a CPU, a ROM, an EEPROM, a RAM, an interface, and the like, and is connected to the output interface 106 of the accessory control device 100 via an upload command line, and via a strobe signal line and a transmission data line. It is connected to the input interface 105 of the accessory control apparatus 100. In relation to the claims, the control unit 203B corresponds to an encryption unit, a transmission unit, a storage unit, and a selection unit.
[0076]
The ROM of the control unit 203B stores a systematic set of encryption data as shown in FIG. These encrypted data are divided into 8 series with sequence numbers 0 to 7. Each series stores 8 data with spheres, 8 series switching data, and 4 illegal data. Has been. Note that the encryption data that does not belong to any of the data with a sphere, the sequence switching data, and the unauthorized data is the data without a sphere.
[0077]
And the control part 203B transmits the data (selection data) selected from this encryption data set to the accessory control apparatus 100 via a transmission data line. That is, a winning detection signal (winning signal) from the start switch unit 203 is encrypted and transmitted to the accessory control device 100. In this case, the transmission data is transmitted one by one at a timing synchronized with a strobe signal having a predetermined period.
[0078]
The EEPROM 201 of the accessory control device 100 stores the same set of encrypted data as the ROM of the control unit 203B, and the CPU of the accessory control device 100 can decrypt the encryption based on this set. It is like that.
[0079]
In such a transmission process, encrypted data to be transmitted is selected from a sequence corresponding to that time. Specifically, when a game ball winning is detected by the detection unit 203A, data with a ball is detected, and when a game ball winning is not detected by the detection unit 203A and the process is a sequence switching timing, the sequence switching data is displayed. In other cases, the sphereless data is selected from the series corresponding to the time point and transmitted.
[0080]
Furthermore, the sequence corresponding to each time point is switched to another sequence at the sequence switching timing, and the corresponding sequence is maintained the same while such sequence switching is not performed. It is like that. In this sequence switching, since the sequence to be switched is determined corresponding to the sequence switching data, the CPU 102 of the accessory control device 100 is based on the sequence switching data transmitted at the time of sequence switching. And the CPU of the start switch unit 203 can recognize the sequence switching destination. The sequence switching timing is determined at random by a random number stored in the ROM of the control unit 203B.
[0081]
Unauthorized data is provided in particular for detecting unauthorized acts and is not selected as data for transmission from the control unit 203B. Thereby, if data corresponding to unauthorized data is transmitted to the accessory control apparatus 100, it can be determined that there has been a trouble such as an unauthorized act.
[0082]
FIG. 3 shows an example in which actual numerical data is applied to the set of encrypted data in FIG. Thus, in each series, different numerical data are applied so as not to overlap. The numerical data applied here are all in hexadecimal.
[0083]
Note that the control unit 203B of the start switch unit 203 is formed into a black box, for example, as described above by configuring the whole with a one-chip IC. This makes it impossible to make changes from the outside, and even if the start switch unit 203 is obtained from a discarded ball game machine, it makes the analysis from the outside impossible and can more reliably prevent fraud. .
[0084]
The setting switch 202 is a switch indicating the necessity of writing encrypted data into the EEPROM 201 before the accessory control device 100 is shipped from the factory or when the start switch unit 203 is replaced. If the setting switch 202 is ON, an upload command signal is transmitted from the accessory control device 100 to the start switch unit 203 at the same time as the power is turned on. Based on this upload command, the entire encrypted data set (all series data) is transmitted from the control unit 203B via the transmission data line, and this all series data is written to the EEPROM 201.
[0085]
The upload of all series data is executed only when the start switch unit 203 receives the upload command signal for the first time (only when the startup flag in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described later is 0). ing. As a result, all series data cannot be illegally read from the start switch unit 203 after uploading. .
[0086]
FIG. 4 shows a state where the start switch unit 203 is attached to the back of the game board 4.
[0087]
As shown in the figure, the start switch unit 203 is fixed to a predetermined position of the winning ball collecting cover 51 provided on the back surface of the game board 4 by screws 52, and the detecting portion 203B is attached to the mounting portion 51A inside the winning ball collecting cover 51. Is supposed to be excluded. The detection unit 203A is specifically composed of a coil, and when a game ball (winning ball) 50 that has won a prize at the start port 14 flows down from the start port 14 toward the winning ball collective cover 51 side, this detection unit It passes through the coil of 203A. As a result, a current is excited in the coil of the detection unit 203A through the passage of the metal game ball 50, and this excitation current is detected by the control unit 203B. The control unit 203B is connected to the accessory control device 100 (not shown) via the lead wire 211 and the connector 212, and transmits the encrypted detection signal to the accessory control device 100.
[0088]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the game control of the present embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing in the CPU of the accessory control device 100 is shown on the left side, while the processing in the CPU of the start switch unit 203 is shown in parallel on the right side.
[0089]
First, the control in the accessory control apparatus 100 will be described. The control starts when the power is turned on. In step 1, initialization processing of the RAM 104, that is, random number counter in the RAM 104, random number storage area, and event counter are cleared to zero. The
[0090]
In the subsequent step 2, it is confirmed whether or not the setting switch 202 is ON.
[0091]
If it is determined here that the setting switch 202 is ON, the encryption data needs to be written into the EEPROM 201, so that the process proceeds to step 3, and an upload command signal is transmitted to the start switch unit 203. In step 4, the entire series data is received from the start switch unit 203, stored in the EEPROM 201, and then the process proceeds to step 5.
[0092]
On the other hand, when the setting switch 202 is OFF, it means that the same encryption data set as that of the ROM of the start switch unit 202 is already stored in the EEPROM 201, and the process proceeds to step 5 as it is.
[0093]
In step 5, it is determined whether or not an interrupt signal from the interrupt signal generation circuit 107 has been detected. While the interrupt signal is not detected in step 5, this interrupt signal detection determination is repeated, while if an interrupt signal is detected, the process proceeds to step 6 and subsequent steps. As described above, in the game control according to the present embodiment, one unit of processing from step 6 to step 11 is repeated for each interrupt signal timing (for example, every 2 milliseconds).
[0094]
In step 6, the value of the random number counter in the RAM 104 is updated by +1. Thus, the random number counter is updated by +1 for each interrupt signal (for example, every 2 milliseconds). A predetermined upper limit value (for example, 300) is predetermined for the random number counter, and the random number counter is updated in a range up to the upper limit value (for example, a range of 0 to 299).
[0095]
Subsequently, in step 7 to step 10, a start signal reading process is executed.
[0096]
First, in step 7, selection data from the start switch unit 203 is received, and in the subsequent step 8, the received selection data is analyzed, and this received data is data without a sphere, data with a sphere, series switching data, illegal It is determined which of the data corresponds to.
[0097]
If it is determined in step 8 that the received data is data without a ball, the process proceeds to the basic game control process in step 11 as it is.
[0098]
If it is determined in step 8 that the received data is the sequence switching data, the sequence is changed in step 9 and then the process proceeds to the basic game control process in step 11.
[0099]
If it is determined in step 8 that the received data is data with a ball, the process proceeds to step 10 where the value of the random number counter at that time is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 104 and then the basic game in step 11 is performed. Proceed to the control process.
[0100]
Although not shown in this flowchart, when it is determined in step 8 that the received data is illegal data, it indicates that a trouble has occurred such as some illegality, so the game control is stopped.
[0101]
In the basic game control process of step 11, the same process as the process of step 106 to step 113 in the flowchart of the conventional example of FIG. 15 is executed. That is, the basic game control process similar to the conventional example is executed.
[0102]
Next, the processing in the CPU of the start switch unit 203 will be described. Control starts when the power is turned on, and in step 21, it is determined whether or not the start flag is zero.
[0103]
This start-up flag is stored in the EEPROM in the control unit 203B of the start switch unit 203, and before the start switch unit 203 is combined with the accessory control device 100, that is, the encryption in the ROM of the control unit 203B. Before the data set is uploaded to the EEPROM 201 of the accessory control apparatus 100, it is 0.
[0104]
Therefore, when it is determined in step 21 that the startup flag is 0, the upload command signal is received from the accessory control device 100 in step 22, and the entire systemized set of encrypted data is received in step 23. (All series data) is transmitted to the accessory control apparatus 100, and the startup flag is set to 1 in step 24.
[0105]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 21 that the startup flag is not 0, uploading of encrypted data is unnecessary, and the process proceeds to step 25 and subsequent steps.
[0106]
As described above, since the startup flag is stored in the EEPROM in the control unit 203B, the same state is maintained even after the power is turned off. Therefore, once all the series data is uploaded, when the power is turned off and then turned on again, the start-up flag is 1, and the processing from step 22 to step 24 is not performed. Therefore, once the upload process is performed, the entire series data is not transmitted to the outside thereafter.
[0107]
In step 25, it is determined whether or not a game ball winning at the start port 14 is detected by the detection unit 203A.
[0108]
If it is determined in this step 25 that winning detection has been detected, the process proceeds to step 30, and one of the data with a sphere of the corresponding series at that time is arbitrarily selected as selection data, and the process proceeds to step 31.
[0109]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 25 that no winning is detected, the process proceeds to step 26, where it is determined whether or not the process is at the time of series update.
[0110]
If it is determined in step 26 that the process is the timing of sequence update, the process proceeds to step 27, and one of the sequence switching data of the corresponding sequence at that time is arbitrarily selected as selection data. In step 28, the CPU of the control unit 203B changes the series, and the process proceeds to step 31.
[0111]
If it is determined in step 26 that the process is not the sequence update timing, the process proceeds to step 29, and one of the corresponding series-free data at that time is arbitrarily selected as selection data. Proceed to 31.
[0112]
In step 31, the selection data selected in any of steps 27, 29, and 30 is transmitted to the accessory control circuit 100.
[0113]
Next, transmission of data from the start detection switch 203 will be specifically described based on the timing charts of FIGS.
[0114]
In the transmission processing of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a set of encrypted data as shown in FIG. 2 is used.
[0115]
In the transmission process of FIG. 6, the corresponding sequence number is 0. While the winning unit is not detected in the detection unit 203A and the sensor detection level is low, encrypted data that does not belong to any of the data with a ball, the sequence switching data, and the illegal data, that is, the data without a ball, is transmitted as data. It is selected at random and transmitted in synchronization with the strobe signal (corresponding to transmission data s0, q0, t0 in FIG. 6).
[0116]
Here, when a winning is detected by the detection unit 203A, the sensor detection level becomes high level. At the same time, data with a sphere having a series number 0 is selected at random and transmitted as transmission data. (Corresponding to e0, b0, d0, and g0 in FIG. 6).
[0117]
Furthermore, when the sensor detection level returns to a low level after a predetermined period (a period in which four encrypted data are transmitted in this embodiment) elapses, the non-sphere data with the sequence number 0 is again selected at random. It is transmitted (corresponding to u0, r0, t0 in FIG. 6).
[0118]
On the other hand, in the transmission process of FIG. 7, the corresponding sequence is initially sequence number 0, and as the transmission data, spherical data of sequence number 0 is selected at random and transmitted (transmission data of FIG. 6). equivalent to t0).
[0119]
Here, when the processing is the sequence switching timing, the sequence switching data of sequence number 0 is selected at random as transmission data and is transmitted (corresponding to k0 in FIG. 7). Then, the sequence is switched to the sequence of sequence number 2 corresponding to the transmitted sequence switching data k0. Thereby, the non-sphere data of the sequence number 2 is transmitted thereafter (s2, r2, u2 in FIG. 7).
[0120]
Then, when a winning is detected by the detection unit 203A and the sensor detection level becomes a high level, the data with a sphere of series number 2 is selected at random and transmitted (a2, c2, h2 in FIG. 7). Then, when the sensor detection level returns to the low level, the series-less data of series 2 is transmitted again (corresponding to q2 in FIG. 7).
[0121]
Next, the overall operation will be described.
[0122]
In the ball game machine, the winning of the game ball to the start port 14 is detected by the start switch unit 203 which is a winning detection device, and this detection signal is transmitted to the accessory control device 100. And the accessory control apparatus 100 determines the jackpot of a game based on the timing of this detection signal reception.
[0123]
In this case, in the present invention, the game ball winning detection signal from the start switch unit 203 is transmitted as encrypted data. In this case, the encrypted data is selected from the set of encrypted data stored in the ROM of the control unit 203B. However, the accessory control apparatus 100 stores the same set of encrypted data in the EEPROM 201. Based on this, the received data can be decrypted.
[0124]
For this reason, even if an attempt is made to manipulate the timing of signal input to the accessory control device 100 by interposing a device for improper action between the start switch unit 203 and the accessory control device 100, difficult. That is, since the encrypted detection signal entering the fraudulent device does not know whether it indicates winning detection or non-detection, the fraudster detects when a game ball winning is detected. It is difficult to know if there was. Therefore, even if there is a prize at the start port 14, the fraudulent person cannot know the timing of the prize, so even if he / she wants to send a detection signal for manipulating the timing to the accessory control device 100 side. The first timing that is the reference for this timing cannot be grasped. Therefore, according to the present invention, the operation of the jackpot probability due to fraud becomes extremely difficult, and the soundness of the game can be maintained.
[0125]
In this embodiment, the set of encrypted data is composed of a plurality of sequences, and the sequence from which transmission data is selected is switched one after another at the sequence switching timing. Becomes even more difficult.
[0126]
Furthermore, if the systematic set of encryption data is different for each individual start switch unit 203, even if the encryption data is decrypted, it must be performed for each individual ball game machine. Can be made more difficult.
[0127]
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
[0128]
This embodiment is common to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in the basic configuration, and the accessory control device 100 is provided with an analysis chip 204, and a transmission data line and a strobe signal from the start switch unit 203 are provided. This is different from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that the line is input to the analysis chip 204 instead of the input interface 105.
[0129]
The analysis chip 204 stores the same encrypted data as the set of encrypted data stored in the ROM of the start switch unit controller 203B (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The encrypted data transmitted via the line is decrypted, and a detection signal (switch status identification signal) for detecting or not detecting the winning is input to the input interface 105. In this case, the switch state identification signal from the analysis chip 204 may be simplified, for example, composed of two types of signals of high level and low level.
[0130]
As described above, also in the present embodiment, the detection signal for notifying the winning detection from the start switch unit 203 to the accessory control device 100 is encrypted, and it is difficult to know the timing of the winning detection from the outside. Can significantly reduce the risk of being done.
[0131]
In the present embodiment, the analysis chip 204 stores a systematic set of encrypted data in advance, so it is not necessary to upload the set of encrypted data from the start switch unit 203. An upload command line from the output interface 106 in FIG. 1 to the control unit 203B is not necessary. Instead, in the present embodiment, the accessory control board 100 and the start switch unit 203 need to be a set having the same encrypted data in advance.
[0132]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure in the embodiment of FIG.
[0133]
First, the control in the accessory control apparatus 100 will be described. The control starts when the power is turned on, and after the initialization process of the RAM 104 is performed in step 41, the process immediately proceeds to step 42, where determination of interrupt signal detection is performed. . As described above, in the present embodiment, encryption data upload processing is unnecessary, and therefore processing corresponding to steps 2 to 4 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is not performed.
[0134]
The processing in steps 42 and 43 is the same as the processing in steps 5 and 6 in the flowchart of FIG. 5. If an interrupt signal is detected in step 42, the random number counter is updated by +1 in step 43.
[0135]
In subsequent steps 44 to 46, a start signal reading process is executed.
[0136]
First, at step 44, a switch state identification signal from the analysis chip 204 is read, and at step 45, it is determined whether the switch state identification signal indicates presence or absence of a sphere. If the switch state identification signal indicates that there is a sphere, the value of the random number counter at that time is stored in the random number storage area in step 46, and if the switch state identification signal indicates that there is no sphere. The process proceeds to the basic game control process in step 47 as it is. Thus, in this embodiment, since the analysis chip 204 analyzes the encrypted data, the start signal reading process is simplified.
[0137]
Next, the control in the start switch unit 203 will be described. This is the same as the control in the start switch unit in the flowchart in FIG. 5 except that there is no processing related to the upload process corresponding to steps 21 to 24 in the flowchart in FIG. It becomes control. That is, steps 51 to 57 in the flowchart in FIG. 9 correspond to steps 25 to 31 in the flowchart in FIG. 5, and the selection data is not transmitted to the input interface 105 in step 57 but for analysis. The only difference is the point made on the chip 204. Therefore, description of these controls is omitted.
[0138]
FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0139]
In this embodiment, the start switch unit 203 is provided with a signal waveform generation / transmission circuit 203C. The signal waveform generation / transmission circuit 203C transmits a signal waveform (for example, a pulse waveform) obtained by encrypting the winning detection in the detection unit 203A to the signal waveform analysis circuit 205 provided in the accessory control apparatus 100. The signal waveform analysis circuit 205 decrypts the encryption of the signal waveform and transmits a switch state identification signal indicating winning detection or non-detection to the input interface. This switch state identification signal may be a simplified signal composed of two kinds of signals, for example, a high level and a low level. Also in such an embodiment, the winning detection signal from the start switch unit 203 is encrypted, and it is difficult for an external fraudulent person to know the timing of winning detection.
[0140]
In the present embodiment, the other components on the accessory control device 100 and the game board 4 are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0141]
FIGS. 11 and 12 show examples of transmission signal waveforms from the signal waveform generation / transmission circuit 203C in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in association with the numerical encryption data shown in FIGS. ing.
[0142]
Here, the method of expressing the cipher by the signal waveform is not particularly limited. For example, it may be expressed by the pulse width as shown in FIG. 11, or may be expressed by the amplitude of the pulse as shown in FIG. Also good. Then, by changing the pulse width or amplitude, a plurality of series of non-sphere data, data with spheres, series switching data, and illegal data are expressed in the same manner as the numerical encryption data shown in FIGS. At the same time, the series of these data may be switched one after another.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a chart showing a set of encrypted data.
3 is a chart showing a state in which numerical data is applied to the set of encrypted data in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state where the start switch unit is mounted.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission of encrypted data.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart that similarly shows an example of transmission of encrypted data.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission of encrypted data that is also converted into a signal waveform.
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission of encrypted data that is also converted into a signal waveform.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing a ball game machine.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional ball game machine.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a game control procedure in a conventional ball game machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Machine frame
2A Upper hinge
2B Lower hinge
3 inner frame
4 Game board
5 Glass frame
6 Supply tray
7 saucer
8 Operation part
8A Stop switch
8B touch switch
9 Guide rail
10 game areas
11 Variable display device
12 Variable winning equipment
13 General winning entrance
14 Start
15 outlet
16 Rolling guide member
17 Side lamp
18 jackpot lamp
19 Sound outlet
20 Decoration equipment
50 game balls
51 winning ball set cover
52 screw
100 accessory control device
102 CPU
103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Input interface
106 Output interface
112 count switch
113 V detection switch
201 EEPROM
202 Setting switch
203 Start switch unit
203A detector
203B control unit
203C Signal waveform generation and transmission circuit
204 Analysis chip
205 Signal waveform analysis circuit
211 Lead wire
212 connector

Claims (4)

Winning detection comprising: a detecting unit for detecting a winning of a game ball to the winning device; an encrypting unit for encrypting a detection signal of the detecting unit; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the encrypted signal as a winning signal Equipment,
A controller that decrypts the encrypted winning signal and determines the occurrence of a specific game , and
The encryption means includes
Storage means for storing a set of encryption data composed of a plurality of data with a sphere and a plurality of data without a sphere;
Selecting means for randomly selecting encrypted data corresponding to the presence or absence of detection of a prize by the detection unit from the set of encrypted data and setting it as transmission data; and
The transmission means transmits the transmission data selected by the selection means,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection means switches the plurality of ballless data at random to select the transmission data while the detection unit does not detect a winning . 2. The ball game according to claim 1 , wherein, while the detection unit detects a winning, the selection unit randomly selects and selects the plurality of ball presence data as the transmission data. Machine. The set of encrypted data comprises a plurality of sequences ;
The selection means includes
Selecting one of the plurality of sequences as a corresponding sequence for selecting the transmission data;
3. The ball game according to claim 1 , wherein the corresponding sequence is switched to another sequence at a sequence switching timing that is randomly determined while the detection means does not detect a winning. 4. Machine. Each system column of the set of cryptographic data includes a sequence switching data to recognize the switching destination sequence to the controller,
4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the selection means selects the sequence switching data as the transmission data at the sequence switching timing .

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