JP4340125B2 - Slot machine, winning determination method and program for slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a winning determination method for a gaming machine, and a program.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided with a medal slot so that a player can enjoy a game by inserting a predetermined number of medals. The medals necessary for the game can be borrowed with a medal lending machine provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting it into the medal slot of a desired gaming machine.

The operation of the conventional gaming machine was as follows.
First, when the start switch is operated, the start switch is turned on. In response to this, a lottery process is performed by a winning lottery means inside the gaming machine. Here, when a predetermined combination is won, a winning flag is set. The rotating reel starts to rotate. When the stop switch is operated, the stop switch is turned on. Then, the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel is stopped. After the stop switches corresponding to all the rotating reels are operated, whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. Is determined. When it is determined that the winning is confirmed, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). In other words, only when winning in the lottery process, medals are paid out by winning a winning pattern under a predetermined condition, but when not winning, medals are paid out regardless of how the stop switch is operated. There is no. This is to keep the medal payout at a certain probability. In order to realize this, a random number generator is used in the lottery process.

  A random number generator of a gaming machine generates a random number using a counter, for example. The random numbers generated in this case have a certain degree of regularity, and therefore have a predictable aspect. The possibility that the player could make the lottery probability over a predetermined value by skillfully operating the start switch could not be denied.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine, a winning determination method for a gaming machine, and a program in which a specific random number cannot be obtained even by operating a start switch, and a specific player is not advantageous in terms of a lottery probability. Objective.

The present invention relates to a winning lottery means for performing lottery based on a signal of a start switch operated by a player and performing a winning determination based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, and a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels. A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the plurality of rotating reels, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels, and the reel driving unit and the reel position detection circuit. A slot machine comprising: a control device that controls rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the start switch and the plurality of stop switches;
The winning lottery means includes a fluctuation generator that receives a signal of the start switch for performing the lottery and outputs a fluctuation to the signal of the start switch,
The fluctuation generator reads a timing counter, an output of the timing counter based on a signal of the start switch, and performs a count based on the read value, and a fluctuation generation counter that performs a predetermined trigger on the timing counter. An update stop signal generator for instructing stop and restart of the count,
The carry signal of the fluctuation generating counter is output as a signal with fluctuation added,
The winning lottery means performs a lottery based on the signal subjected to fluctuation,
The update stop signal generator instructs the timing counter to stop counting when any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed,
When the rotating reel stops, the timing counter is instructed to resume counting.

The present invention relates to a winning lottery means for performing lottery based on a signal of a start switch operated by a player and performing a winning determination based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, and a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels. A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the plurality of rotating reels, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels, and the reel driving unit and the reel position detection circuit. A method for determining a prize in a slot machine comprising a control device for controlling rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the start switch and the plurality of stop switches,
A first step of receiving a signal from the start switch and adding a fluctuation to the signal from the start switch;
A second step of generating a random number;
A third step of extracting a random number from the random number generated in the second step based on the signal added with the fluctuation in the first step;
A fourth step of determining the presence / absence of the random number extracted in the third step and / or the type of the winning with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance,
In the first step,
Based on the signal of the start switch, the output of the timing counter is read, the counter for fluctuation generation is counted based on the read value, and the carry signal of the counter for fluctuation generation is output as the signal with the fluctuation added,
When any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed, the counting by the timing counter is stopped,
When the rotating reel stops, the counting by the timing counter is resumed.

The present invention relates to a winning lottery means for performing lottery based on a signal of a start switch operated by a player and performing a winning determination based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, and a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels. A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the plurality of rotating reels, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels, and the reel driving unit and the reel position detection circuit. A program for causing a computer to execute a method for determining a prize in a slot machine comprising a control device for controlling rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the start switch and the plurality of stop switches. And
A first step of receiving a signal from the start switch and adding a fluctuation to the signal from the start switch;
A second step of generating a random number;
A third step of extracting a random number from the random number generated in the second step based on the signal added with the fluctuation in the first step;
A fourth step of determining the presence / absence of the random number extracted in the third step and / or the type of the winning with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance,
In the first step,
Based on the signal of the start switch, the output of the timing counter is read, the counter for fluctuation generation is counted based on the read value, and the carry signal of the counter for fluctuation generation is output as the signal with the fluctuation added,
When any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed, the counting by the timing counter is stopped,
When the rotating reel stops, the counting by the timing counter is resumed.

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

  In addition, a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line is included. The Internet is also included in the communication medium here.

  A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.

  According to the present invention, artificial influence on random number generation at the time of lottery can be reduced by giving fluctuation to a signal used for lottery. Therefore, it is possible to intentionally aim for winning and to prevent fraud.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the invention.
A player who wants to enjoy a game with the slot machine 10 first borrows a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and inserts a medal directly into the medal insertion slot 100 of the medal insertion device. The medal slot 100 is provided at a substantially central position in front of the slot machine 10.

  The slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11. A square window-like display window 12 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing 11. A symbol display window 13 through which the symbols 61 of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed at the center of the display window 12 at the center. The bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40 and reduces the number of stored medals to replace medal insertion. The settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotating reel, and pays out the stored inserted medal. The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 and starts driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted. The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. The reel unit 60 is composed of three rotating reels 40. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.

  Inside the slot machine 10, although not shown, a control device for controlling the entire operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated. Although not shown, the control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Then, the CPU operates by reading a program stored in the ROM, and controls the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, and also controls the display of lamps, speakers, and the like.

  As described above, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40. The start switch 30 is subject to the insertion of a game medal or the bet switch 16, or from the previous game at the time of “Replay”. This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on condition that the predetermined time elapses.

  The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60 as described above. Specifically, the stop switch 50 includes three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is disposed below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel 40.

  When the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “Replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three units The rotating reel 40 starts to rotate. Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 are operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped. At this time, when a preset symbol 61 is stopped on the effective pay line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out via the hobber unit 65. In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.

  When the control device controls the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, the lottery for determining whether or not the winning qualification is obtained based on a predetermined lottery probability. Including a winning lottery means. When the lottery result by the winning lottery means is a win, a winning flag is established, and the winning combination is established on the condition that the combination of the stopped symbols of the rotating reel 40 matches a predetermined winning symbol while the winning flag is established. It is determined so that the player is given a medal or a special game.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the winning lottery means. The winning lottery means is included in the control device, and specifically, the device is realized by the above CPU executing a program stored in the ROM of the main board and / or by hardware. As shown in FIG. 2, the winning lottery means includes a fluctuation generator 1, a random number generator 2, a random number extractor 3, a determination unit 4, and a winning determination table 5. The configuration of the winning lottery means is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  The fluctuation generator 1 receives a signal from the start switch 30, adds fluctuation to the signal, and outputs it. Details of this will be described later.

  The random number generator 2 generates a random number for winning lottery within a predetermined area. For example, an arbitrary numerical value is generated with a predetermined probability in a range of 0 to a certain number.

  The random number extractor 3 extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 2 under a predetermined condition (for example, operation of the start switch 30). The random number generator 2 continuously generates random numbers at a predetermined interval, and a part of them is extracted by the random number extractor 3. This extracted random number is used as extracted random number data.

  The winning determination table 5 has an area divided for each winning mode corresponding to the entire area of random numbers taken by the random number generator 2. For example, a range of 0 to a certain number is divided into a plurality, one division (area) is excluded, and the other division (area) is set as winning 1, winning 2,.

  The determination unit 4 refers to the extracted random number data extracted by the random number extractor 3 with the lottery probability data in the winning determination table 5. That is, the extracted random number data is collated with each winning determination area data segmented for each winning mode in the entire random number area taken by the random number generator 2, and the winning corresponding to the winning mode to which the extracted random number data belongs is determined. To decide. For example, it is determined which category (area) of the winning determination table 5 the extracted random number value belongs to, and if the category is, for example, a category of winning 1, it is determined as “winning 1”. Similarly, if the extracted random number value belongs to an out-of-range category (region) in the winning determination table 5, it is determined as “out”.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). And if predetermined symbols are prepared, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The winning lottery is performed based on the pressing signal of the start switch 30, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing signal is not used as it is, but the signal after the fluctuation signal is given to the pressing signal by the fluctuation generator 1. It is characterized by using. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a timing chart showing the relationship between the pressing signal of the start switch 30 and the random number extraction command output from the fluctuation generator 1. The fluctuation generator 1 outputs a signal delayed by a delay T from the pressing signal of the start switch 30. A random number is extracted by this random number extraction command. If the extraction timing is different, the random numbers extracted by the random number extractor 3 are also different. Since the delay T is not a constant value and takes a different value every time the start lever 30 is pressed, it is more difficult to predict the extracted random number value. By providing the fluctuation generator 1 in this way, even if the random number generated by the random number generator 2 is not uniform and has a certain regularity and can be predicted, the random number used in the lottery is predicted. I can't do that. When the player operates the start switch 30 at a certain timing, the lottery probability cannot be set to a predetermined value or more.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, since the random number is conventionally extracted using the start lever pressing signal as it is, the random number generated by the random number generator 2 is not uniform and has a certain regularity. In some cases, the possibility of predicting random numbers used in the lottery could not be denied.

  On the other hand, according to the winning lottery means of FIG. 2, the start lever pressing signal is used in the meaning that the player himself performs a lottery in the lottery process, but when the random number is acquired by the fluctuation generator 1, the signal is further fluctuated. By having it, timing cannot be taken from outside the gaming machine. Therefore, fraud etc. become difficult.

  Next, the nature of the delay T generated in the fluctuation generator 1 will be described. The delay T takes a different value irregularly, that is, fluctuates. The fluctuation here means that the time from the reception of the pressing signal of the start switch 30 to the generation of a random number extraction command for the random number extractor 3 changes irregularly (difficult to predict) every time. Although it is desirable that the delays T be completely random and have a uniform distribution, in practice, the delays T may be generated at a constant rate. It doesn't have to be regular. Examples of the distribution of the delay T are shown in FIGS. These figures schematically show the delay time and its occurrence frequency.

  In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4A ', the delay time has a uniform distribution in a certain range, and any delay time occurs within the predetermined range. Note that the range need not be limited as indicated by the dotted line. FIG. 4A shows a case where the delay time is 0 or more, and FIG. 4B shows a case where the delay time is distributed around a certain value (hereinafter the same).

  In the examples of FIGS. 4B and 4B, the delay time occurs within a certain range, but the frequency of occurrence decreases linearly as the delay time increases.

  In the example of FIGS. 4C and 4C, there is a distribution peak at a predetermined delay time, and the frequency of occurrence gradually decreases around this. FIG. 5C 'shows a distribution similar to a so-called normal distribution.

  As a specific method for generating the delay T, a known algorithm (Monte Carlo method or the like) can be used, or a physical random number using thermal noise can be used. Although it is desirable that the delays T be completely random and have a uniform distribution, in practice, the delays T may be generated at a predetermined rate. An example in which the fluctuation generator 1 is realized by hardware is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, 1a is a timing counter that operates with a predetermined clock and repeatedly outputs a numerical value from 0 to a predetermined value, and 1b is a fluctuation generating counter that operates with a predetermined clock. 2 is a counter as a random number generator, and 3 is a latch register as a random number extractor. The carry (carry) of the fluctuation generating counter 1 b becomes the latch clock of the latch register 3. The fluctuation generating counter 1b reads the output of the timing counter 1a in response to a pressing signal of the start switch 30, and counts based on this preset value. Therefore, the timing at which the carry is output depends on the preset value. The timing counter 1a, the fluctuation generating counter 1b, and the random number counter 2 operate with clocks having different frequencies and different phases, and do not interfere with each other and do not synchronize with each other. Therefore, the preset value in the fluctuation generating counter 1b is difficult to predict from the outside and is different every time, so that the carry timing fluctuates variously.

  FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the apparatus of FIG. When the start lever signal becomes valid (t1), the value (fluctuation value) of the timing counter 1a is taken into the fluctuation generating counter 1b (part A). The value of the counter 2 is taken into the latch register 3 by a carry that is output when the fluctuation generating counter 1b returns to 0 (B section).

  Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, in step S1 shown in FIG. 7, when the start switch 30 is operated, the start switch 30 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.
In step S2, lottery processing is performed by the winning lottery means shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

In step S3, the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.
In step S4, when the stop switch 50 is operated, the stop switch 50 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.
In step S5, rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed. When it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S7.
In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8.

In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S9.
In step S9, when a winning decision is made for a special game of the BB game or RB game, the number of winning decisions for the special game is incremented by one.

The lottery process in step S2 described above will be described using the flow of FIG.
In step S10, a fluctuation is added to the start switch pressing signal by the fluctuation generator 1 of the winning lottery means. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S11.
In step S <b> 11, random numbers are extracted by the random number extractor 3 based on a signal to which fluctuation has been added from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 2. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S12.

In step S12, the extracted random number is stored inside the random number extractor 3. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S13.
In step S <b> 13, the determiner 4 compares the extracted random number with the winning determination area data in the winning determination table 5. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S14.

In step S <b> 14, the determiner 4 determines which winning mode of the winning determination table 5 includes the extracted random number, and determines the evaluation of the lottery process. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S15.
In step S15, if the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, for example, the predetermined symbols are set so as not to be aligned (so-called kicking), and if the win is determined, the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. It is set so that the symbols are aligned (so-called pull-in). Then, the lottery process ends.

  According to Embodiment 1 of the invention, the start lever pressing signal is used in the sense that the player himself draws lots. However, when the random number is acquired, the signal is further fluctuated, so that the timing is externally from the gaming machine. I can't take it. Therefore, it is difficult to deliberately aim for winning or cheating.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
In order to make the fluctuation even more irregular and unpredictable, it is possible to provide a bit replacement unit that performs bit replacement of the output bits of the timing counter 1a, and the fluctuation generation counter 1b may be configured to read the output of the bit replacement unit. Good.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration. In the figure, a bit replacement unit 6 performs bit replacement by replacing a wiring or a printed circuit board pattern. For this reason, the bit replacement pattern is fixed. In the example shown in the figure, the LSB (QH) output from the timing counter 1a is connected to the MSB (D1) input to the fluctuation generating counter 1b, and the other bits of the timing counter 1a output are used for generating fluctuations each having a small weight by ½. It is connected to the bit of the counter 1b input. That is, QG is connected to D8, QF is connected to D7, and similarly, QA is connected to D2. Such bit replacement is equivalent to shifting one bit to the right.

  How the output of the timing counter 1a is converted when connected as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. When a counter is used as the timing counter 1a, the timing counter 1a sequentially outputs 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,. However, if the bits are replaced as described above in the bit replacement unit 6, the data received by the fluctuation generating counter 1b is 0, 8, 1, 9, 2,. In this way, the numerical value changes greatly even with simple bit replacement. A person who commits cheating knows that random numbers are regularly generated such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,..., And that the jackpot interval is constant, and attempts to cheat based on this assumption. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the lottery result simply by exchanging the bits as described above, which is effective in preventing fraud.

  In the example of bit replacement in FIG. 9, the entire bit is shifted by 1 bit. Another bit replacement technique is bit replacement. Hereinafter, the replacement of bits will be described.

  Bit exchange is to exchange one or more sets of bits. The replacement of some of the plurality of bits constituting the random number will be specifically described based on the simulation result. The following example is for 8 bits. In the following description, the “change period” is the data change period received by the CPU when bits are exchanged, and the “change amplitude” is the data change width (change change). If the width is not constant, its maximum value). Specifically, refer to FIG.

(1) Replacing one set of bits The simulation result is shown in FIG. By appropriately selecting the combination of bits, the change amplitude can be set to 2 to 128, and the change period can be set to 2 to 32. Although not shown, the graph when one set of bits is exchanged is considered to be not very effective because it is linear to the right even when the amplitude is large. As will be described later, it is preferable that the change period is short and the change amplitude is large. If one set of bit swapping is evaluated from this point of view, this bit swapping includes less desirable bit swapping.

(2) Replacing two or more sets of bits The simulation result is shown in FIG. In this case, the change amplitude can be 32 or 128, and the change period can be 2. The graph when two or more sets of bits are exchanged has a large amplitude, and since the graph is quite different from the linear shape rising to the right before the bit exchange, an effect can be expected. From the viewpoint that it is preferable that the change period is short and the change amplitude is large, all of the bit exchanges shown in FIG. 14 are preferable. Therefore, it is preferable to exchange at least two sets of bits.

  Preferably, the amplitude of change is large and the period of change is small. For this purpose, it is preferable to exchange the most significant bit and the least significant bit. In this way, it is considered that even if one set of bits is exchanged, an effect is obtained to some extent.

  If bits are exchanged as in the second embodiment of the present invention, fluctuations can be made more irregular and difficult to predict.

  In the description of FIG. 9, it has been described that the bit replacement unit 6 is realized by a pattern of a wiring or a printed board. However, the bit replacement unit 6 may be realized as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, for example. According to these examples, since the replacement pattern of the bit replacement unit 6 can be changed by an external signal, the replacement pattern may be changed as appropriate.

  In addition to the above, as a bit replacement pattern change command signal, a signal from a stop switch, a reel rotation start or stop signal, a time from a timer, a date or day signal, a big bonus (BB) winning notification signal, or the like is used. Can do.

  When changing the bit replacement pattern for each game, the lottery timing is preferable. Alternatively, when similar random numbers (numerical values within a certain range) are continuously generated, the bit replacement pattern may be changed when the number exceeds a predetermined number of times. For example, if the BB is won twice continuously or three times out of five times, the bit replacement pattern is changed.

  FIG. 15 shows an example in which a shift register is used for the bit replacement unit 6. FIG. 4A shows an outline of connection, and FIG. 4B shows a processing procedure. The input QA to QH data is shifted by the designated direction to the right or left, and output as D1 to D8. In the right shift, the rightmost bit data is input from the right shift output to the left right shift input. In the left shift, the leftmost bit data is input from the left shift output to the right shift input.

  It is the input in the shift direction and the clock (CLK) input that determines the bit replacement pattern. When changing the bit replacement pattern in FIG. 15, one or more pulses may be input to the clock in FIG. The shift direction at this time is arbitrary. However, in the example of FIG. 15, it returns to the original state when eight pulses are input. A clock pulse may be input every time the start switch is depressed. At this time, for example, if the BB is won twice consecutively or three times out of five times, the shift direction may be reversed.

  FIG. 16 shows an example in which a ROM (Read Only Memory) is used for the bit replacement unit 6. FIG. 2A shows an outline of connection. A0 to A9 indicate address input terminals. FIG. 4B shows an example of mapping of the ROM bit replacement pattern. When the random number is 8 bits, there is no bit shift from 0 to 255 as shown in the figure (data inputted as an address is output as it is), the first bit shift pattern from 256 to 511, and the second bit shift pattern from 512 to 767. , 768 to 1023 store the third bit shift pattern. The content of each bit shift pattern is arbitrary, and a pattern shifted by 1 to 7 bits to the right or left, or a pattern in which one set or two sets of bits are replaced can be stored.

  The bit replacement pattern is determined by signals at addresses A8 and A9 in FIG. In FIG. 16, when changing the bit replacement pattern, the signals of the addresses A8 and A9 may be changed. For example, a counter that operates in response to a start switch pressing signal may be provided, and the output of this counter may be input to addresses A8 and A9.

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which a multiplexer is used for the bit replacement unit 6. For example, 8 multiplexers that select 1 bit from 8 bits are used. Since each multiplexer selects one of the three-bit control signals, the multiplexer control signal is generated so as to obtain a desired bit replacement pattern. For example, when 000 is input as a control signal, QH is connected to D8, and when 001 is input, QG is connected to D8 (the same applies hereinafter).

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the bit replacement pattern can be appropriately changed by configuring the bit replacement unit 6 with, for example, a shift register, a ROM, and a multiplexer. For example, a start switch pressing signal, a signal from a stop switch, a reel rotation start or stop signal, a time from a timer, a date or day signal, a winning notification signal such as a big bonus (BB), or the like can be used. By appropriately changing the bit replacement pattern, the random numbers used in the lottery become more irregular and the illegal act becomes very difficult, so that the illegal act can be effectively prevented.

  In the above description, bit replacement is performed using hardware, but bit replacement may be performed using software.

Embodiment 3 of the Invention
In order to make the fluctuation more irregular and unpredictable, the counter operation of the timing counter 1a (or the fluctuation generation counter 1b) may be stopped or restarted at a predetermined timing. As a result, the value of the timing counter 1a (or the fluctuation generating counter 1b) is not synchronized with the passage of time.

For example, there are the following triggers for stopping or restarting the update of the random number.
(1) The random number update is stopped based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch (stop button) 50, and the update is restarted based on a reel stop signal from a reel drive unit (described later) or a reel position detection circuit (described later). This utilizes the sliding of the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40 until it stops. The degree of this slip changes irregularly every time the stop button is pressed or the lottery result.
(2) The random number update is stopped based on a medal insertion detection signal from a medal selector (not shown), and the update is restarted based on a signal from the start switch 30.
(3) The random number update is stopped based on the signal from the start switch 30, and the update is restarted based on the reel index detection signal from the reel position detection circuit. Depending on the reel stop state, the time until the first index detection (or up to a specific number of times) varies irregularly every time. Specifically, a certain reel is determined in advance, and the time when the index is first detected (or a specific number of times) after the rotation of the reel is started is used. Alternatively, a plurality of index detection signals of three or four reels are selected and combined (for example, a logical sum is obtained), and the first (or a specific number of times) index detection signal is used. Good.
(4) The random number update is stopped based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch (for example, the first stop switch) 50, and the update is restarted based on a signal from another arbitrary stop switch (second stop switch) 50.
(5) The random number update is stopped based on the subcommand transmission request, and the update is restarted when the subcommand transmission is started. The time from when the subcommand transmission request is received until the subcommand is actually transmitted varies depending on the processing status of the CPU. For example, it varies between 0 and 36 ms.

  The examples (1) and (5) will be described in detail. (2) (4) does not require the above description, and (3) can be fully understood by referring to the description of (1).

(1)
The random number update is stopped based on a signal from an arbitrary one stop switch (stop button) 50, and the update is restarted based on a reel stop signal from a reel driving unit or a reel position detection circuit. This utilizes the sliding of the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40 until it stops. The degree of slipping varies irregularly each time.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic structure of the slot machine 10. In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 10 includes a main substrate 1 (first processing unit) and a sub substrate 2 (second processing unit) that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 1 (first processing unit). At least the main substrate 1 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and a sealing process is performed so that traces remain when the substrates are removed.

  The main board 1 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 1 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. The main board 1 includes an update stop signal generator 1a that generates a signal for instructing a random number generator 20 (described later) to stop random number update under a predetermined condition. This is realized by software, for example, and in this case, this processing is executed by the CPU of the main board 1. A program for performing this processing is written in the ROM of the main board 1 in advance. The update stop signal generator 1a will be described in detail later.

  The sub-board 2 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 1 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 2 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub-board 2 receives a command from the main board 1 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. The flow of commands is only one from the main board 1 to the sub board 2, and conversely, no command or the like is issued from the sub board 2 to the main board 1.

  In FIG. 18, the update stop signal generator 1a is built in the main board 1 or expressed in such a form as to be realized by the main board 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it implement | achieve in the form of the hardware also including the firmware using the microcomputer which adds the update stop signal generator 1a to the main board | substrate 1. FIG.

  To count the number of medals paid out from the random number generator 20, start switch 30, stop switch 50, reel drive unit 70, reel position detection circuit 71, hopper drive unit 80, hopper 81 and hopper 81 on the main board 1. Are connected to the medal detection unit 82. A peripheral board (local board) such as a control board 200 of the liquid crystal display device 62, a speaker 201, and an LED board 202 is connected to the sub board 2. Hereinafter, these peripheral substrates / devices except for the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 will be described.

  The random number generation unit 20 has a random number generation function for generating a pseudo random number by updating the numerical values in a certain range at high speed, and a sampling function for extracting an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers in response to the player's operation. It is to be prepared. As a specific example, it is composed of a counter and a latch.

  The reel driving unit 70 is a circuit that drives a stepping motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the three reels 40. Each stepping motor is subjected to 1-2 phase excitation by the reel drive circuit 70 and rotates once when a drive signal having a predetermined number of pulses is supplied.

  The reel position detection circuit 71 is provided in the vicinity of the reel 40, receives an output pulse signal from a photo interrupter (not shown) for detecting the rotation position of the reel 40, detects the rotation position of each of the three reels 40, and detects it. A signal is output. A photo interrupter (not shown) detects a shielding plate provided on each reel 40 and generates a reset pulse every time each reel 40 rotates once. This reset pulse is given to the CPU of the main board 1 via the reel position detection circuit 71. In the RAM of the main board 1, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored for each reel 40, and when the CPU receives the reset pulse, the count value formed in the RAM is stored. Clear to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor is eliminated every rotation.

  The hopper driving unit 80 is a circuit that drives a motor of a hopper 81 that stores medals and pays out the number of medals corresponding to the designated winning.

  The medal detection unit 82 is for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. The CPU of the main board 1 stops driving by the hopper driving unit 80 when the actually paid out medal count value received from the medal detection unit 82 reaches the predetermined payout number data corresponding to the winning. Finish paying out. A predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player by the hopper driving circuit 80 and the medal detection unit 82 based on a winning obtained as a result of the game.

The liquid crystal control board 200 is a circuit for driving the liquid crystal display unit 62.
The speaker 201 is for generating sound such as voice and sound effects.
The LED substrate 202 is a circuit for driving a display lamp and a back lamp (not shown).

  The liquid crystal display device 62 controlled by the liquid crystal control substrate 200 and the LED substrate 202 including the speaker 201 and the display lamp constitute an effect display device. This effect display device is for notifying a player of a prize or the like, or for teaching a user a specific small role during a certain game with some action during a so-called assist time (AT).

  In FIG. 19, 1a-1 is a flip-flop circuit as an example of an update stop signal generator. The set terminal of the circuit 1a-1 is inputted with a signal when any one of the stop switches 50 is pushed down (or may be a signal obtained by ORing the outputs of a plurality of switches 50), and is also supplied to the reset terminal. Is inputted with a stop signal of a rotating reel (also referred to as a rotating drum) 40 (or a signal obtained by ORing stop outputs of a plurality of rotating reels 40). Accordingly, the flip-flop circuit 1a-1 generates a count stop signal in response to a stop switch pressing signal, cancels the count stop signal in response to a rotating reel (rotating drum) stop signal, and causes the counter 1a (or the counter 1b) to restart counting.

  FIG. 19 shows a hardware block diagram, but this can also be realized by software.

  Thus, the time from the stop of the timing counter 1a to the restart corresponds to the stop time of the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40. The stop time of one rotary reel 40 is about 7.5 ms to 190 ms, but this is different each time depending on the timing of pressing the stop button, the result of the internal lottery, and the like. In other words, since the stop time of the rotary reel 40 always fluctuates, this can be used as a fluctuation signal. The width of fluctuation by one rotating reel 40 is about 183 ms. In terms of the entire three rotating reels 40, the stop time is about 22.5 ms to 570 ms, and the fluctuation width is about 548 ms.

  This will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. This figure shows a case where the operation of the timing counter is stopped. In the drawing, a stop switch pressing signal is generated at t2, and the rotating reel is stopped at t3. A count stop signal is output from t2 to t3, and the operation of the counter stops. The fluctuation T from t2 to t3 is called the number of sliding frames, and corresponds to the fluctuation width. When there is no count stop signal, the value of the timing counter shown in the figure is repeated at the standard repetition cycle, and the prediction is easy. However, due to the count stop signal, the repetition period is a time obtained by adding fluctuation T to the standard repetition period, and is greatly deviated from the standard repetition period. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the counter value.

In order to facilitate understanding, a specific configuration of the rotating reel (rotating drum) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 21, each of the reels 40 a to 40 c is configured as a rotary reel unit, and is attached to the frame 151 via a bracket 152. Each of the reels 40a to 40c has a reel band 154 attached to the outer periphery of a reel drum 153. The symbol row (design 61) is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 154. Each bracket 152 is provided with a stepping motor 155, and the reels 40a to 40c are driven by the motor 155 to rotate.

  The structure of each reel 40a-40c is shown in FIG. A lamp case 156 is provided inside the reel drum 153 behind the reel band 154, and back lamps 157a, 157b, and 157c are attached to the three rooms of the lamp case 156, respectively. These back lamps 157 a to 157 c are mounted on a substrate 158 as shown in FIG. 22B, and the substrate 158 is attached to the back of the lamp case 156. A photo interrupter 159 is attached to the bracket 152. A photointerrupter is a case in which a light emitting element (such as a light emitting diode) and a light receiving element (such as a phototransistor or a photodiode) are arranged to face each other, and a detection groove is provided between them. The passage is detected without contact. The photo interrupter 159 detects that the shielding plate 160 provided on the reel drum 153 passes through the photo interrupter 159 as the reel drum 153 rotates. A signal from the photo interrupter 159 is input to the reel position detection circuit 71 in FIG.

  The back lamps 157a to 157c are individually controlled to be turned on by a lamp driving circuit (not shown). By turning on each of the back lamps 157a to 157c, among the symbols drawn on the reel band 154, three symbols located at the front of each of the back lamps 157 are individually illuminated from behind, and are respectively displayed on the symbol display window 13. Three symbols are displayed.

  By operating the start lever 30, the reels 40a to 40c rotate all at once. The three stop buttons 50-50 are arrange | positioned corresponding to each reel 40a-40c. When the rotational speed of each reel 40a-40c reaches a certain speed, the operation of each stop button 50-50 is validated, and each stop button 50-50 is activated according to the player's push button operation. Stop rotating.

  The reel position detection circuit receives the output pulse signal from the photo interrupter 159 and detects the rotational position of each reel 40. The photo interrupter 159 detects the shielding plate 60 and generates a reset pulse every time each reel 40 makes one rotation. This reset pulse is applied to the main board via the reel position detection circuit. In the RAM of the main board, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored for each reel 40, and when the CPU of the main board receives the reset pulse, this count formed in the RAM is stored. The count value is cleared to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 155 is eliminated every rotation. When the stop switch 50 is pressed, a signal for stopping the corresponding reel 40 is sent to the main board.

(5)
This is to stop the random number update based on the subcommand transmission request in the main board 1 and restart the update in response to the start of the subcommand transmission. (1) to (4) are all related to the player's operation, but (5) is triggered only by the internal processing of the device. The present invention includes those triggered by internal processing of the apparatus. The time from when the subcommand transmission request is received until the subcommand is actually transmitted varies depending on the processing status of the CPU. For example, it varies between 0 and 36 ms. This time can be used as fluctuation. FIG. 23 shows a timing chart. When a subcommand transmission request is generated at t10 and the transmission start of the subcommand is t11, the time from t10 to t11: delay T fluctuates, and the repetition period of the timing counter at this time is delayed to the standard repetition period T Will be added.

Embodiment 4 of the Invention
In the above embodiments of the invention, the output of the random number generator 2 constituted by a counter is a random number. However, a known algorithm (for example, linear congruence method) uses the output of the random number generator 2 as a seed of random numbers. , MT method, average sampling method, exponential random number sequence, etc.) may be used to generate random numbers.

  This example is shown in FIG. The timer counter 2a continues to count up (count down) based on a predetermined clock. The random number generator 2b generates a random number using a known algorithm using the output of the random number extractor 3 (the latch of the output of the counter timer 2a) as a seed of random numbers. A lottery is performed based on this output. Since the timing of latching is fluctuated by the fluctuation generator 1 and the seeds of random numbers take various values, the generated random number sequences are not preferably the same. As the fluctuation generator 1, one using the counter described above, one performing bit replacement, one utilizing reel slipping and command delay can be applied.

  When generating a random number in the sub-board 2, it is preferable to latch the output of the timer counter 2a at the reception timing of the command sent from the main board 1. Since a random time delay occurs in the reception timing of the command (see the description of (5) of the third embodiment of the invention), the possibility that the seeds of random numbers take the same value or a regular value is reduced. . In this case, since the command transmission / reception itself fluctuates, it is not necessary to provide the fluctuation generator 1 specially. In other words, the communication procedure itself between the main board 1 and the sub board 2 corresponds to the fluctuation generator 1. The fluctuation generator described in the claims is intended to include such a generator.

  The fluctuation generator described in the above embodiments of the present invention can be applied not only to the lottery means on the main board 1 but also to the lottery means on the sub-board 2. The winning lottery means described in the claims may be provided on one or both of the main board 1 and the sub board 2. Either case is included in the present invention.

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

  In the present specification, the term “unit / means” does not necessarily mean a physical means, but includes cases where the functions of the respective units / means are realized by software. Further, the function of one part / means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the function of two or more parts / means may be realized by one physical means.

It is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine). It is a block diagram of the winning lottery means of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A is a timing chart showing the relationship between a start switch pressing signal and a random number extraction instruction output from the fluctuation generator according to the embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3B is a conventional timing chart. It is a graph which shows the example of distribution of delay T by the fluctuation generator concerning an embodiment of the invention. The example which implement | achieved the fluctuation generator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention with hardware is shown. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (timing chart) of the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. The example which implement | achieved the fluctuation generator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention with hardware is shown. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a figure which shows the bit replacement pattern (1 set of bit replacement) based on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a figure which shows the bit replacement pattern (2 sets and 4 sets of bit replacement) based on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is an example (shift register) of the bit replacement part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is an example (ROM) of the bit replacement part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is an example (multiplexer) of the bit replacement part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a block diagram of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation reel unit of a rotating type game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the rotation reel which comprises the rotation reel unit of a game machine. It is another timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a block diagram of the winning lottery means of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fluctuation generator 1a Fluctuation generator timing counter 1b Fluctuation generation counter 2 Random number generator 2a Timer counter 2b Random number generator 3 Random number extractor 4 Judgment part 5 Winning judgment table 6 Bit replacement part 10 Slot machine 11 Case 12 Display Window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Checkout switch 30 Start switch 31 Connector 32 Processing / display unit 33 Connector 40 Rotating reel 42 Reel tape 50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit 61 Symbol 62 Liquid crystal display unit 100 Medal insertion slot 304 Medal payout slot 311 Medal receiving part (bottom plate)

Claims (3)

A lottery means for performing a lottery based on a signal from a start switch operated by a player and determining a prize based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, and the plurality A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the rotation reel, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotation reels, the reel drive unit and the reel position detection circuit, and the start switch And a control device that controls rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the plurality of stop switches ,
The winning lottery means includes a fluctuation generator that receives a signal of the start switch for performing the lottery and outputs a fluctuation to the signal of the start switch ,
The fluctuation generator reads a timing counter, an output of the timing counter based on a signal of the start switch, and performs a count based on the read value, and a fluctuation generation counter that performs a predetermined trigger on the timing counter. and a renewal stop signal generator for indicating count the resume stop及beauty,
The carry signal of the fluctuation generating counter is output as signal applied with fluctuations,
The winning lottery means performs a lottery based on the signal subjected to fluctuation,
The update stop signal generator instructs the timing counter to stop counting when any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed ,
A slot machine that instructs the timing counter to resume counting when the rotating reel stops . A lottery means for performing a lottery based on a signal from a start switch operated by a player and determining a prize based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, and the plurality A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the rotation reel, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotation reels, the reel drive unit and the reel position detection circuit, and the start switch And a method for determining a prize in a slot machine comprising a control device for controlling rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the plurality of stop switches ,
A first step of receiving a signal from the start switch and adding a fluctuation to the signal from the start switch ;
A second step of generating a random number;
A third step of extracting a random number from the random number generated in the second step based on the signal added with the fluctuation in the first step;
A fourth step of determining the presence / absence of the random number extracted in the third step and / or the type of the winning with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance,
In the first step,
Based on the signal of the start switch , the output of the timing counter is read, the counter for fluctuation generation is counted based on the read value, and the carry signal of the counter for fluctuation generation is output as the signal with the fluctuation added,
When any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed , the counting by the timing counter is stopped,
A slot machine winning determination method, characterized in that counting by the timing counter is resumed when the rotating reel stops . A lottery means for performing a lottery based on a signal from a start switch operated by a player and determining a prize based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, and the plurality A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the rotation reel, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotation reels, the reel drive unit and the reel position detection circuit, and the start switch And a program for causing a computer to execute a method for determining a prize in a slot machine comprising a control device that controls rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the plurality of stop switches ,
A first step of receiving a signal from the start switch and adding a fluctuation to the signal from the start switch ;
A second step of generating a random number;
A third step of extracting a random number from the random number generated in the second step based on the signal added with the fluctuation in the first step;
A fourth step of determining the presence / absence of the random number extracted in the third step and / or the type of the winning with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance,
In the first step,
Based on the signal of the start switch , the output of the timing counter is read, the counter for fluctuation generation is counted based on the read value, and the carry signal of the counter for fluctuation generation is output as the signal with the fluctuation added,
When any of the plurality of stop switches is pressed , the counting by the timing counter is stopped,
A program for resuming counting by the timing counter when the rotating reel is stopped .

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