JP4624386B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  In the present invention, a count value is extracted from a counter that advances at a predetermined clock at a predetermined timing after resetting, and it is determined by lottery based on the extracted count value whether or not the player is in an advantageous state. The present invention relates to a gaming table such as a pachislot machine or a pachinko machine having a game control device.

  In game machines such as pachinko machines, the game area of the game board is equipped with a start opening for winning game balls and a symbol display unit that can display multiple symbols in a variable manner. A game state that is advantageous to the player, such as opening the variable prize-winning means for a predetermined time when the design of the display unit is changed for a predetermined time and the changed design is in a specific mode that is a combination of predetermined specific symbols. Is generated.

  In this kind of game stand, when the symbol display part becomes a special aspect among the specific aspects, a high probability that the probability of displaying the big hit state and the specific aspect again on the symbol display part as a gaming state advantageous to the player is improved. There is a game having a game characteristic that a state is continuously generated and only a big hit state is generated as a game state advantageous to the player when the symbol display portion is in a non-special mode among the specific modes.

  In this type of game machine, the jackpot counter is configured by hardware or software, and when the jackpot probability is 1 / N, the jackpot counter is circulated within a numerical range of 0 to N-1, while the numerical range is One or more of the values are set as the jackpot determination value. When the detection switch provided at the start port detects the passing of the game ball, the value of the big hit counter at that time is acquired and compared with the big hit determination value. Shift to profit status. The jackpot counter is updated by a process of incrementing with an interrupt signal generated every predetermined cycle after being cleared to zero by an initial process after power-on.

  By the way, the big hit judgment value can be easily grasped by obtaining the game machine and analyzing the program. Therefore, for example, if an illegal circuit is attached to the gaming machine having the above-described configuration and the interrupt signal after power-on is counted, the big hit timing at which the value of the big hit counter matches the big hit determination value can be found. In addition, since this big hit timing comes regularly corresponding to the Nth interrupt signal after that, the signal of the detection switch of the start port is matched with this big hit timing by means of, for example, mounting an illegal circuit. The big hit state can be realized arbitrarily.

  In consideration of this point, when the CPU that performs the lottery process of the game machine is reset, the detection signal acquisition process detected regardless of the detection signal is skipped for a predetermined time, or the random number value for the lottery is selected. There has been proposed a gaming machine having means for substantially invalidating the lottery process by controlling the lottery process not to be performed by skipping the acquisition process (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2003-144730 A

  However, even if the lottery process is invalidated for a predetermined time after the CPU reset as described in the above-mentioned publicly known document, the CPU process executed from power-on is constant depending on the software structure, and the processing time is If it is constant, no matter how many times the big hit counter is rotated, the timing at which the big hit counter value becomes the big hit judgment value can be predicted even if it is constant or irregular. Similarly, since it is easy to grasp the timing when the lottery process is substantially effective, there is a possibility that a big hit state may be realized arbitrarily.

  Therefore, even if a big hit judgment value or a big hit period in which the value of the big hit counter matches the big hit judgment value is known, a game that can effectively prevent illegal games that cause a big hit state by an illegal circuit etc. A stand is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game table that can effectively prevent illegal games.

In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, a counter that changes a value at a predetermined period, and a count value is extracted from the counter, and whether or not the player is in an advantageous state based on the extracted count value is determined. A game control device having a CPU for performing game control including control for determining the game by lottery, and the time from when the game control device inputs an activation signal until game control by the CPU is started A time variation circuit for performing a time variation process for randomly varying the length of the game control device is provided inside the game control device, and the activation signal is a signal input to the game control device when the power is turned on. A ROM that stores game control contents of the CPU in advance is provided inside the game control device, and the game control device is a system that is executed based on the input of the activation signal. In the case of Tsu bets, as well as checks if there are any problems in the gaming control content of the CPU that the ROM is stored, it performs security check process for performing the time variation processing and the security check process is completed Thereafter, the game control by the CPU is started , and the time variation process in the security check process is a process of randomly varying the processing time of the security check process, and the game control device When a code in a memory area other than a legitimate designated area is executed during game control by the CPU, an out-of-designated-area run-inhibiting signal is generated even if the state is advantageous to the player. Is provided in the game control device, and is executed based on the input of the out-of-designated-area running prohibition signal. In the case of the user reset, the security check process is not executed, so that the time variation process is not executed, and the game control by the CPU is started. At the start of the game control based on the user reset, Therefore, the state is not advantageous to the player.

  With the above configuration, according to the present invention, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to easily and inexpensively realize a gaming table that can eliminate fraudulent gaming acts.

  Hereinafter, an example relating to a pachinko machine will be described as an example of the best mode for carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a schematic front view showing a state in which the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front (player side).

  The pachinko machine 100 can be visually recognized on the back side of the glass frame 151 that can change the open / close state from one of a closed state that covers the game area 104 and an open state that opens the game area 104 to the other. The game board (board surface) 102 is provided. The game board 102 is provided with an outer rail 106 and an inner rail 108 for guiding a game ball (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a ball) to a game area 104 located in the center of the game board 102. Yes.

  A horizontally long decorative symbol display device 110 is disposed slightly above the center of the game area 104, and a normal symbol display device 112, a special symbol display device 114, and a normal symbol are displayed at the lower right of the decorative symbol display device 110. A holding lamp 116, a special symbol holding lamp 118, and a high-probability medium lamp 120 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as a normal symbol and the special symbol may be referred to as a special symbol.

  The decorative symbol display device 110 is a display device for displaying a decorative symbol (see FIG. 3B), and is configured by a liquid crystal display device in this embodiment. The decorative symbol display device 110 is divided into three display regions, a left symbol display region 110a, a middle symbol display region 110b, and a right symbol display region 110c, and displays different decorative symbols in the respective display regions 110a, 110b, and 110c. It is possible to do.

  The general-purpose display device 112 is a display device for displaying a general-purpose image (see FIG. 3C), and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The special figure display device 114 is a display device for displaying a special figure (see FIG. 3A), and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment.

  The general figure hold lamp 116 is a lamp for indicating the number of general figure variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold, and in this embodiment, it is possible to hold up to two start of common figure variable games. It is said. The special figure hold lamp 118 is a lamp for indicating the number of special figure variable games that are held (details will be described later). In this embodiment, up to four special figure variable games can be held. It is said. The high probability lamp 120 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state or a high probability state, and is turned on when the gaming state is changed from the low probability state to the high probability state. Turns off when changing from probability state to low probability state.

  Further, around these display devices and lamps, a general prize opening 122, a general figure starting opening 124, a first special figure starting opening 126, a second special figure starting opening 128, and a variable winning opening 130 are arranged. Has been established.

  In this embodiment, two general winning ports 122 are arranged on the left and right sides. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning port 122 (in the general winning port 122). In the case of winning, a payout device 154 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of balls is discharged as a prize ball to a storage tray 144 described later. The ball discharged to the storage tray 144 can be freely taken out by the player, and with these configurations, the prize ball is paid out to the player based on the winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 122 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In the present embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning may be referred to as a winning ball, and a ball lent to a player may be referred to as a rental ball. The winning ball and the rental ball are collectively referred to as a ball (game ball). Call.

  The normal start port 124 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed through a predetermined area of the game area 104, and in this embodiment, one on each side. It is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 122, the ball that has passed through the normal start port 124 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the usual figure starting port 124, the pachinko machine 100 starts a usual figure variable game by the usual figure display device 112.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 126 is arranged at the center. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 126, a payout device 154, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (three in this embodiment) of balls are described later as prize balls. And the special figure display game 114 starts the special figure variation game. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 126 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 128 is called an electric tulip (electric chew), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 128 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 126. This second special figure starting port 128 is provided with wings that can be opened and closed to the left and right. While the wings are closed, it is impossible to enter a sphere. Is stopped and displayed, the blades open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 128, a payout device 154 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) of balls is described later as a prize ball. While discharging to the storage tray 144, the special figure display game by the special figure display device 114 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 128 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 130 is called a big winning opening or an attacker. In the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 130 is arranged below the center of the game area 104. This variable winning opening 130 has a door member that can be freely opened and closed, and it is impossible to enter a ball while the door member is closed, and the special figure display device 114 stops and displays the big hit symbol. In this case, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 130, a payout device 154 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (15 balls in this embodiment) of balls 144, which will be described later, are used as prize balls. To discharge. The ball that has entered the variable prize opening 130 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disk-shaped hitting direction changing members 132 and game nails 134 called windmills are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 108, An out port 136 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the game island side.

  Below the game board 102, a launcher 138 that is rotated by a launcher motor 452 to be described later, a launcher 140 that is attached to the tip of the launcher 138 and launches a ball toward the game area 104, and this launcher The launch rail 142 for guiding the ball launched by 140 to the outer rail 106, the storage tray 144 for temporarily storing the ball and supplying the stored ball to the launch rail 142 in sequence, and by the player A chance button 146 is provided for changing the effect display by the decorative symbol display device 110 or the like when the pressing operation is possible and the operation is detected at a predetermined time.

  Further, below the launcher 138 and the launcher 140, an operation handle 148 for controlling the launcher 138 and operating the launch intensity of the sphere toward the game area 104 is disposed. Below the 144, a lower plate 150 is provided for storing overflow balls that cannot be stored in the storage plate 144.

  The pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the storage tray 144 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail 142, drives the launch motor 452 with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle 148, The launcher 138 and the launcher 140 are passed through the outer rail 106 and the inner rail 108 to launch into the game area 104. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 104 falls downward while changing its advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 132, the game nail 134, etc., and a winning port (general winning port 122, variable winning port 130) or starting port. (First special figure start port 126, second special figure start port 128), or the out port 136 without winning any of the winning port and start port, or just passing the normal start port 124 To reach.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 100 viewed from the back side.

  The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 152 for temporarily storing a ball, and a lower part of the ball tank 152 that is formed at the bottom of the ball tank 152. A tank rail 153 for guiding a ball that has passed through the communicating hole and dropped to the dispensing device 154 located on the right side of the back surface is provided.

  The payout device 154 is made of a cylindrical member, and includes a sprocket 157 and a payout sensor 158 inside thereof. The sprocket 157 is configured to be rotatable by a motor. The sprocket 157 temporarily retains a sphere that passes through the tank rail 153 and falls into the dispensing device 154, and is rotated by a predetermined angle by driving the motor. The balls that have stayed temporarily are sent one by one downward to the payout device 154. The payout sensor 158 is a sensor for detecting the passage of the sphere sent out by the sprocket 157, and outputs an ON signal when the sphere is passing, and an OFF signal when the sphere is not passing. Is output. Note that the sphere that has passed through the payout sensor 158 passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches a storage tray 144 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, and the pachinko machine 100 has this configuration. Pay out the ball to the player.

  In addition, on the left side of the payout device 154, a main board 161 constituting a main control section 300 described later and a sub board 164 constituting an effect control section 350 described later are arranged. Further, below the main board 161 and the sub-board 164, a launch board 166 constituting a launch control section 450 described later, a power board 162 constituting a power management section 500 described later, and a payout control section 400 described later are provided. A payout board 165 to be configured and a CR interface unit 163 connected to the payout board 165 are provided.

<Type of design>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the special drawing display device 114, the decorative symbol display device 110, and the special drawing display device 112 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with respect to the special drawing and the type of the general drawing. To do.

  FIG. 3 (a) shows an example of a special figure stop display mode. As shown in the figure, there are three types of special display stop display modes of the present embodiment: Special Figure 1 which is a special jackpot symbol, Special Figure 2 which is a jackpot symbol, and Special Figure 3 which is a missed symbol. . When the special figure variation game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 126 or the second special figure start port 128, the special figure display device 114 Performs a variable display of a special figure that repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. And when the change time decided before the start of the special figure change has passed, if the winning of the special figure variable game (special jackpot game) is to be notified, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed. When notifying the winning of the special figure 2, the special figure 2 is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the special figure variable game, the special figure 3 is stopped and displayed. In addition, the white part in a figure shows the location of the segment which turns off, and the black part shows the location of the segment which lights up.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of a decorative design. There are eight types of decoration patterns, decoration 1 to decoration 8, in this embodiment. The left symbol display area 110a of the decorative symbol display device 110, the middle symbol, on condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special symbol start port 126 or the second special diagram start port 128 Decoration symbols that switch display in the order of decoration 1 → decoration 2 → decoration 3 →... Decoration 7 → decoration 8 → decoration 1 →... In the respective symbol display areas of the display area 110b and the right symbol display area 110c. Display fluctuations. When notifying the winning of the special figure variable game (big hit game), the symbol combination corresponding to the big hit in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c (in this embodiment, a combination of decorative symbols of the same number (for example, decoration) 2-decoration 2-decoration 2)) is stopped and the winning of special figure variable game (special jackpot game) is notified, the symbol combination corresponding to the special jackpot (in this embodiment, the same odd number) The combination of decorative symbols (for example, decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration 1)) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game or special jackpot game is started, and when the combination of symbols corresponding to the special jackpot is stopped and displayed, the special jackpot game is started. . In the case of notifying a detachment, if there is a variation display of the decorative symbol that is put on hold after the symbol combination other than the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c, the variation display is performed. To start.

  FIG. 3C shows an example of a normal stop display mode. There are two types of stop display modes of the usual figure of the present embodiment: the usual figure 1 which is a winning symbol and the ordinary figure 2 which is a missed symbol. In the case where a general-purpose display game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general-purpose start opening 124, the general-purpose display device 112 displays that all seven segments are turned on. , The usual fluctuation display that repeats lighting of one central segment is performed. Then, when notifying the winning of the general variable game, the general figure 1 is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the normal variable game, the general figure 2 is stopped and displayed.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 shows a circuit block diagram of the main control unit, payout control unit, launch control unit, and power supply management unit, and FIG. 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the effect control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as a command) transmitted by the main control unit 300. An effect control unit 350 that performs control, a payout control unit 400 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls in response to a command transmitted by the main control unit 300, a firing control unit 450 that performs control of game ball discharge, The power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 is configured by a power management unit 500 that generates predetermined power for transmitting power to the electrical components mounted on the pachinko machine 100.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 stores a CPU 304, a control program describing the game control contents of the CPU, and various data. ROM 306, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and the operation of CPU 304 are monitored. A watchdog timer (WDT) 313 for transmitting an initialization signal to the control circuit 302 when the control signal output from the basic circuit 302 is not received for a predetermined time (32.8 ms in this embodiment). It is equipped with.

  The basic circuit 302 includes input / output (I / O mapped) for peripheral devices such as a sensor circuit 320, a display circuit 322, a display circuit 324, a solenoid circuit 332, a counter constituting the counter circuit 316, and an information output circuit 334, which will be described later. An address decoding circuit 351 for controlling (I / O) is mounted.

  The system controller (address bus / data bus) is connected to each part of the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300, particularly the basic circuit 302 and peripheral devices, or the payout control unit 400 and the production control unit 350 described later. An output driver IC / connector or the like is used. The I / O mapped I / O for the peripheral device is controlled by the address decoding circuit 351.

  Note that other storage means may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308 described above, and this is the same for the effect control unit 350 and the payout control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock.

  The main control unit 300 also includes a counter circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314a is received (the circuit includes a first counter 316). 1 and 2 are provided with two counter circuits 316a and 316b for processing the winnings at the start of the second special figure respectively as described later) and the opening / closing of the glass frame 151 is detected. Glass frame opening sensor, front frame opening sensor for detecting opening / closing of the front frame, lower plate full sensor for detecting that the lower plate 150 is full of balls, each starting port, winning port entrance and variable winning port A signal output from various sensors 318 including a ball detection sensor provided inside the counter circuit 316 and a comparison result with a reference voltage are received as a result of amplification and a reference circuit 302. A sensor circuit 320 for outputting, a display circuit 322 for performing display control of the special figure display device 114, a display circuit 324 for performing display control of the general view display device 112, and various status display units 326 (general purpose display units 326) A display circuit 328 for performing display control of the figure holding lamp 116, the special figure holding lamp 118, the high accuracy medium lamp 118, and the like, and various solenoids 330 for opening and closing the second special starting port 1280, the variable winning port 130, and the like. A solenoid circuit 332 for controlling is provided.

  When the ball detection sensor 318 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 126, the sensor circuit 320 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126. This is stored in the register (counter circuit 316a). Similarly, when the counter circuit 316 receives a signal indicating that the ball has won the second special figure starting port 128, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register (counter circuit 316b) corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128.

  Further, the main control unit 300 is provided with an information output circuit 334, and the main control unit 300 pachinko through the information output circuit 334 to an information input circuit 550 provided in an external hall computer (not shown). The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 336 that monitors the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit 500 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 336 is a voltage value of the power supply. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input, game control is started (main control unit reset interrupt processing described later is started). Here, when the voltage value of the power supplied to the activation signal transmission circuit 338 exceeds a predetermined value, the activation signal is output to the basic circuit 302. When the power sufficient to operate the electrical components / electric circuits such as the basic circuit 302 is supplied to the basic circuit 302, the voltage value of the power supplied to the start signal transmission circuit 338 exceeds a predetermined value. A circuit of the main control unit 300 is configured.

  Further, the main control unit 300 is provided with an output interface for transmitting a command to the effect control unit 350 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 400, respectively. An input interface for receiving commands from the main control unit 300 is provided, and the payout control unit 400 is provided with an input interface for receiving commands from the main control unit 300. With this configuration, communication between the main control unit 300, the effect control unit 350, and the payout control unit 400 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300, the production control unit 350, and the payout control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can transmit signals such as commands to the production control unit 350 and the payout control unit 400. However, the production control unit 350 and the payout control unit 400 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Discharge control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire payout control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a control program, ROM 406 for storing various data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sensor circuit 420 for receiving signals output from various sensors 428 including a payout sensor 158 provided in the payout device 154, and a display circuit 422 for controlling display of the various lamps 430. The motor control circuit 424 for rotating the sprocket 157 provided in the payout device 154 is connected.

  Further, a CR interface unit 163 is connected to the payout control unit 400, and the payout control unit 400 communicates with a card unit 552 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 via the CR interface unit 163. While communicating, the operation signal input from the ball lending operation unit 407 is detected.

  In addition, the payout control unit 400 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 426 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 500 to the payout control unit 400. The voltage monitoring circuit 426 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 402.

  The payout controller 400 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) (not shown) that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from, payout control is started (payout control unit reset interrupt processing described later is started).

<Launch control unit, power management unit>
Next, the launch control unit 450 and the power management unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The firing control unit 450 controls the amount of operation of the launch handle 148 by the player, which is output by the control signal instructing launching permission or stop output from the payout control unit 400 and the launch intensity output circuit provided in the operation handle 148. Based on the control signal instructing the corresponding launch intensity, the launcher 138 and the launcher 140 that drive the launcher 140 are controlled, and the ball feeder 454 that feeds the balls from the storage plate 144 to the launch rail 142 is controlled. .

  The power management unit 500 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and controls each unit such as the main control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400 and each device such as the payout device 154. To supply. Further, the power management unit 500 is a power storage device (for example, for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Capacitor) and electric power supplied to a predetermined component (for example, the entire basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300) is smaller than that of the power storage device, and is supplied to static electricity noise, human error, and a game table. The battery further includes a power storage device (for example, a capacitor) for supplementing a certain amount of power when the power fluctuates and decreases due to a decrease in power. With this power storage device, even if the power supplied to a predetermined component (for example, the main control unit 300) becomes unstable at the time of power interruption, power recovery, etc., the predetermined component can operate stably to some extent. It is composed. Further, the power supply board 162 is provided with an operation unit (RAM clear switch) that can be operated by an amusement shop clerk. When it is detected that the operation unit is operated when the power is turned on, the main control unit A RAM clear signal for instructing initialization of the RAMs 308 and 408 is output to the basic circuit 302 of 300 and the basic circuit 402 of the payout control unit 400.

<Production control unit>
Next, the presentation control unit 350 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The effect control unit 350 includes a basic circuit 352 that controls the entire effect control unit 350 based mainly on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 352 includes a CPU 354, a control program, ROM 356 for storing various data, RAM 358 for temporarily storing data, I / O 360 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 362 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. The CPU 354 of the basic circuit 352 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 364 as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 352 includes a sound source IC 368 for controlling the speaker 366 (and amplifier), a display circuit 372 for controlling various lamps 370, and a motor control circuit for controlling the stepping motor 376. 378, a liquid crystal control circuit 374 for controlling the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 and a shutter device 373 disposed on the front face of the decorative symbol display device 110, and the operation of the chance button 146. A chance button detection circuit 146a that outputs a detection signal to the basic circuit 352 when it is detected is connected.

  In addition, the effect control unit 350 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) (not shown) that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and the CPU 354 includes the start signal output circuit. When the activation signal is input from, production control is started.

<Game control microcomputer>
The control circuits shown as basic circuits 302, 402, 352, etc. of the main control unit 300, the payout control unit 400, and the effect control unit 350 in FIGS. 4 and 5 are one-chip LSIs as game control devices, so-called game control microcomputers. Or it can be configured as an ASIC.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a game control microcomputer according to the present embodiment, in particular, a game control microcomputer 600 suitable as the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300. Although reference numerals in the 600s are used for the constituent members of the game control microcomputer 600 in FIG. 6, the constituent members common to the above-described basic circuits 302, 402, 352, etc. are 600 in which 1 and 10 digits are common. The reference numerals of the number stand are used.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 604 denotes a CPU, which uses an instruction set compatible with a general-purpose microprocessor. Programs executed by the CPU 604, particularly programs to be described later executed in the startup phase after power-on or reset, are stored in the internal ROM 606, and the internal RAM 608 is used as a work area when the CPU 604 executes the programs.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 600 includes an external bus interface 610, a clock circuit 611, a random number circuit 614, a timer circuit 612, a parallel input / output control circuit 617, a serial input / output control circuit 618, and an address decode circuit 651 as shown in the figure. A watchdog timer 613 is provided. The main functions of these blocks are as described above.

  The game control microcomputer 600 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a non-designated area travel prohibition circuit 619 and a verification block 620 from the viewpoint of security.

  The out-of-designated-area travel prohibition circuit 619 is for controlling the program not to execute a code in a memory area other than the valid designated area by hardware means. When travel outside the designated area occurs, the travel outside the designated area prohibition circuit 619 generates a travel prohibition signal outside the designated area (IAT), and the reset interrupt controller 615 generates a user reset interrupt based on this signal. By this interruption, the game control microcomputer 600 sets the built-in registers and the like to the initial state, and starts the execution of the program stored in the above-mentioned built-in ROM 606 again from the first control process.

  When a reset signal is input to a reset terminal (not shown) of the game control microcomputer 600, the reset interrupt controller 615 performs a system reset interrupt according to the level of a predetermined control terminal (eg, PGM terminal: not shown). Is generated. In the case of a system reset, a security check process described later is executed.

  The collation block 620 stores collation data such as checksums and CRCs of software and control data stored in the built-in ROM 606 and the like. These verification data are used for verification of software and control data at an appropriate timing such as when a game machine is started, and a verification terminal is provided in the game control microcomputer 600, and a terminal of a specific external device is electrically connected to the terminal. May be connected to each other, and the specific external device may read the above-described verification data to check whether or not the connected gaming machine is a regular gaming machine. In the verification block 620 (or the built-in ROM 606 or the like), identification information (ID number or the like) unique to each gaming machine may be stored. This unique identification information of the game machine can be used for time variation control described later.

  In the game control microcomputer 600 of this embodiment, a time variation circuit 616 for performing time variation control for varying the processing start timing of the CPU after reset or power-on, which will be described later, is housed in a one-chip microcomputer. ing. As described above, the time variation circuit 616 according to the present invention is housed in the chip of the game control microcomputer 600 and is made into a black box, thereby making reverse engineering difficult and preventing the time variation control described later, It is possible to make it difficult to analyze the lottery / decision control method for the advantageous state of the player, and to greatly improve the strength against fraudulent games.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, a main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 and a reset interrupt process executed mainly by the CPU 304 in response to a reset interrupt will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit reset interrupt process.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306. Similarly, when the initialization signal output from the watchdog timer (WDT) 313 is input to the basic circuit 302, a reset start is performed by a reset interrupt.

  In step S701, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, the stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt mask is set, the initial setting of the I / O port 310, the initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and the initial value in the WDT 313. Set up. In this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set as an initial value in WDT 313.

  In step S702, the WDT 313 is reset, and the time measurement by the WDT 313 is restarted.

  In step S703, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 336 supplies to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit 500 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply has been cut off), the process returns to step S702, and when the low voltage signal is off (when the CPU 304 has not detected that the power supply has been cut off), the process proceeds to step S702. The process proceeds to S704.

  In step S704, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, to the counter / timer 312, a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, Processing for outputting a clear signal from the output port to the effect control unit 350, setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S705, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to step S708. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process advances to step S708.

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of the game shop operates the operation unit provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicating that there is an operation), that is, It is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary, and if the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S708 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and whether the power status information is information indicating suspend. Determine whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S708 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S707 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S708 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process advances to step S708.

  In step S707, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read and reset to the stack pointer. In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out, reset to each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in steps S710 and S711) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before the power interruption.

  In step S708, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization processing, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer, initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S710, after setting for interrupt inhibition, basic random number initial value update processing is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the normal figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the normal figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer random number counter, respectively. Two random number counters for generating numerical values are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to step S711.

  Note that the counter circuit 316 in FIG. 4 is used as each random number counter. Among the above random number counters, the special figure random number counter particularly constitutes the jackpot counter described above or later, and the CPU 304 enters a user mode (described later), as shown in step S710 above. The timing for starting each of the random number counters is almost constant. Therefore, when the value of the random number counter is extracted from the time when the CPU 304 enters the user mode, the timing at which the value is equivalent to the jackpot is also almost constant. It is.

  In step S711, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S710 and S711 except during the timer interrupt process starting at predetermined intervals.

<Main controller timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of main controller timer interrupt processing.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter / timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Start with a predetermined period.

  In step S801, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving the value of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S802, the WDT 313 is periodically counted (this implementation is performed so as not to detect a processing abnormality) so that the WDT 313 count value exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur. In the example, the restart is performed once in about 2 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S803, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals of various sensors 318 including the above-described glass frame opening sensor, front frame opening sensor, lower pan full sensor, and a plurality of ball detection sensors are input via the input port of the I / O 310. Then, the presence or absence of a detection signal is monitored and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308. In this embodiment, information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process of the last time (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each previous sphere detection sensor. This information is read from the area, and this information is stored in the RAM 308 in the detection signal storage area provided in advance for each sphere detection sensor, and the detection of each sphere detection sensor detected by the previous timer interruption process (about 2 ms before). Information on the presence or absence of a signal is read from the current detection signal storage area provided in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor, and this information is stored in the previous detection signal storage area. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step S803, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the previous detection signal recording area, the previous detection signal recording area, and the current detection signal recording area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in the sphere detection sensor of the two sphere detection sensors matches. The information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, this time detection signal) In the case of a match to the winning opening (the general winning opening 122, the variable winning opening 130) or the starting opening (the first special figure starting opening 126, the second special drawing starting opening 128), It is determined that the starting port 124 has passed. For example, if the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the ball detection sensor that detects the winning at the general winning opening 122, it is assumed that the player has entered the general winning opening 122. After determining and performing the process associated with the subsequent entry to the general winning opening 122, if the information on the presence or absence of the detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with entering the mouth 122.

  In steps S804 and S805, basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step S 710 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value and special value used in the main control unit 300 are updated. The two random number counters for generating the figure random number values are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made a round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. In addition to the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the regular-winning random number next makes one round, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308.

  In step S808, timer update processing is performed. As will be described in detail later, in this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update device for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 112, and the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the special symbol display device 114. Various timers including a special figure display symbol update timer for timing the time to perform, a timer for timing a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, etc. are updated. .

  In step S809, winning opening counter update processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when there is a winning (winning) in the winning opening (the general winning opening 122, the first and second special figure starting openings 126, 128, and the variable winning opening 130), The value of the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning opening is read, and 1 is added to set the original winning ball number storage area.

  In step S810, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, if there is a prize at the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128 and the number of special figure variable games held is less than four, it corresponds to the winning starting port. The value is acquired as a special figure winning random number value from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 316b. In addition, a value is acquired as a special figure random value from the random number counter for generating the special figure random value described above, and stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 308 together with the special figure winning random number value. In addition, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the general figure starting port 124, and the number of the general figure variable games held is less than two, the random number counter for generating the normal figure winning random number value at that timing Is obtained as a random number value for normal winning, and is stored in a random number value storage area provided in the RAM 308 different from that for the above special figure. Further, in this winning acceptance process, when a predetermined ball detecting sensor detects a winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the ordinary drawing starting port 124, or the variable winning port, In the transmission information to be transmitted to the control unit 350, winning acceptance information indicating presence / absence of winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the universal drawing starting port 124, and the variable winning port is set. .

  In step S811, a payout request number transmission process is performed (details will be described later). The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 400 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information in bit 7 (indicating that data is set when turned on), and power supply in bit 6 Input information (when ON, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type (0-3), and bits 0-3 indicate the number of payout requests after processing I am doing so.

  In step S812, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in a general diagram state update process during a normal map change (a general-purpose general-purpose timer value to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the general map display device 112 is performed. Do.

  Further, in the general chart state update process at the timing when the normal map change display time has elapsed (the timing at which the value of the general map display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, FIG. When the 7-segment LED constituting the universal display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the embodiment shown in FIG. In the RAM 308, in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec), the 7-segment LED constituting the ordinary display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so as to be in the second mode. In addition, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the normal stop time management timer. With this setting, the usual figure is stopped and the result of the usual figure variable game is notified to the player.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the predetermined state is displayed. During the opening period (for example, 2 seconds), a signal for holding the blade member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the blade member of the second special figure starting port 128, and the blade opening time management provided in the RAM 308 is controlled. Information indicating the release period is set in the storage area of the timer.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in a closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 330, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the normal state update process that starts at the timing when a predetermined closing period has elapsed (the timing when the value of the blade closing time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the normal state is set to inactive. In the normal state update process when the normal state is inactive, the process proceeds to the next step S813 without doing anything.

  In step S813, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 128 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time for displaying the variable map on the general map display device 112 is selected from among them, and this variable display time is stored in the general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308 as the normal map variable display time. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  In step S814, special figure state update processing is performed. In the special figure state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed according to the state of the special figure. For example, in special figure state update processing during special figure fluctuation (the value of a special figure general-purpose timer to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 114 is performed. Do.

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the special figure change display time has elapsed (when the special figure display symbol update timer value changes from 1 to 0), the big hit flag is on and the probability variation flag is on When the special figure display device 114 has the special figure 1 shown in FIG. 3A and the big hit flag is on and the probability variation flag is off, the special figure display device 114 has the special figure 2 shown in FIG. When the flag is OFF, the 7 segment LED constituting the special figure display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure display device 112 shown in FIG. In order to maintain the display period (for example, 500 milliseconds), information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308. With this setting, the special figure is stopped and displayed, and the result of the special figure variable game is notified to the player. Further, 02H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S816).

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the special figure stop time management timer changes from 1 to 0), if the big hit flag is on, a predetermined A special figure waiting time management timer provided in the RAM 308 for waiting for a period during which an image for notifying the player that a big hit by the decorative symbol display device 110 is started, that is, for 3 seconds, is displayed. Information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area. Further, 04H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S816).

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the special figure standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds or A signal for holding the door member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the variable prize opening 130 (until a winning of a game ball of a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable prize opening 130). At the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 10H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S816).

  In the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) is variable. A signal for holding the door member in the closed state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the winning opening 130, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. To do. In addition, 20H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S816).

  Further, in the special figure state update processing which is repeated at predetermined timing (for example, 15 rounds) and this door member opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds), a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, by the decorative symbol display device 110 Information indicating the effect standby period is set in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit is to be ended is displayed. Further, 08H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S816).

  Further, in the special figure state update process which starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (the timing when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure state is set to inactive. . In the special figure state update process when the special figure is in a non-operating state, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S815.

  In step S815, special drawing related lottery processing is performed. In this special drawing-related lottery process, the opening / closing control of the special drawing variable game and the variable winning opening 130 is not performed (the state of the special drawing is inactive), and the number of the special drawing variable games held is 1 In the case of the above, first among various lotteries using a jackpot determination table, a high probability state transition determination table, a timer number determination table (all not shown) and the like stored in advance in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 Make a big hit judgment. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure winning random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S810 is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure starting port in the jackpot determination table. When the random number value is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure start opening, information indicating that the special figure variable game is won and the big hit flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is a big hit is set. (Here, setting the jackpot information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag to ON). On the other hand, when the special figure winning random number value is outside the numerical range of the first special figure starting port lottery data, it is determined that the special figure variable game is out and the big hit flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is out. (In this case, setting outlier information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag off). Note that the number of special figure variable games held is stored in the special figure hold number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Each time a hit determination is made, the number of special figure variable games held is determined. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is stored again in this special figure reservation number storage area. In addition, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  As a specific example, when the gaming state is a low probability state, the jackpot flag is turned on when the special figure winning random number obtained based on the detection of the ball winning at the first special figure starting port 126 is 10001 or more and 10145 or less. The above jackpot determination table is configured so as to (determine that the jackpot will be executed). That is, the probability that the jackpot flag is turned on by setting this table is 145/65536 (about 1/449). Here, if the gaming state is a low probability state and the special figure winning random number obtained based on the detection of the ball winning at the first special figure starting port 126 is 10100, the jackpot flag is set to ON and the special figure winning is set. When the random value is 10200, the big hit flag is set to OFF.

  If the big hit flag is set to ON, the probability variation transition determination is performed next. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S810 is within the numerical range of the transfer determination random number in the high probability state transfer determination table, and the special figure random value is the lottery data. Is set in the storage area of the probability variation (probability variation) flag provided in the RAM 308, information indicating that a special big hit game is started. (Here, setting the special jackpot game start information in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the probability variation flag to ON). On the other hand, when the special figure random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data, information indicating that the big hit game is started is set in the above-described probability variation flag storage area (where the big hit game start information is set). Setting in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the probability variation flag off). For example, when a numerical range such as 11 to 74 is stored as the numerical range of the transition determination random number in the high probability state transition determination table, and the numerical range that the special figure random number can take is 0 to 127 When the special figure random number value is 20, the probability variation flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when the acquired special figure random value is 80, the probability variation flag is set to OFF.

  Regardless of the result of the big hit determination, the process for determining the timer number is performed next. Specifically, the value of the random counter for generating the special figure timer random value described above is acquired as the special figure timer random value. The timer number corresponding to the numerical value range of the timer random number in the timer number determination table including the value of the big hit flag and the acquired special figure timer random number value is selected and stored in a predetermined timer number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Further, the fluctuation time corresponding to the timer number is stored as the special figure fluctuation display time in the special figure display symbol update timer described above, and the general command rotation start setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S816). For this reason, 01H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the process ends.

  In step S816, command setting transmission processing is performed (details will be described later). The output schedule information to be transmitted to the effect control unit 350 is composed of 16 bits, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bits 11 to 14 are command types ( 00H is a basic command, 01H is a symbol change start command, 04H is a symbol change stop command, 05H is a winning effect start command, 06H is an end effect start command, and 07H is a big hit number of rounds. Designated command, information that can specify the type of command such as a power recovery command in the case of 0EH and a RAM clear command in the case of 0FH), and bits 0 to 10 are command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type) It is composed.

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, the command data includes information indicating the value of the big hit flag, the probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special symbol related lottery process, etc. If it is a case, it includes the value of the jackpot flag, the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a winning effect command and an end effect start command, it includes the value of the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a jackpot round number designation command The value of the probability variation flag, the number of big hit rounds, etc. are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 126, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 128, winning of the variable winning port 130 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the command type is 01H, the jackpot flag value stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the probability variation flag value, the timer number selected in the special drawing related lottery process, the pending Information indicating the number of special figure variable games being set is set. In the general command rotation stop setting transmission process described above, 04H is set as the command type, and information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the general command winning effect setting transmission process described above, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, the various lamps 370, and the speaker 366 during the winning effect period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type and 05H as the command type, the probability change Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set. In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various lamps 370, and the speaker 366 during the effect waiting period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type is stored in the command type 06H. Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set. In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, information indicating 07H for the command type, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 for the command data, the value of the probability variation flag, the number of the special figure variation games held, etc. Set. In the above-described general command big prize closing setting transmission process, information indicating the command type is 08H, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 as command data, the value of probability variation flag, the number of special figure variable games held, etc. Set. In the effect control unit 350, it is possible to determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and the command data included in the output schedule information Based on this information, the contents of the effect control can be determined.

  In step S817, external output signal setting processing is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 550 that is separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S820, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step 303 are read to monitor whether there is a glass frame opening error, a front frame opening error, or a lower pan full error. When the glass frame open error, front frame open error, or lower pan full error is detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the production control unit 350 includes the glass frame open error, the front frame open error, the lower pan Set device information that indicates whether a full error has occurred. In addition, the solenoids 330 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 128 and the variable prize opening 130, and the general diagram display device 112 and the special figure display device 114 are provided via the display circuits 322, 324, and 328. The display data to be output to the various status display units 326 and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. In addition, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S811) is output to the effect control unit 350 via the output port 310.

  In step S821, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S824. When the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S822.

  In step S822, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S801 is set in each original register, or interrupt permission is set.

  In step S824, a power interruption process is performed. In this power interruption process, the current stack pointer value is stored in the stack pointer save area, and information indicating suspend is set in the power status storage area. Further, all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) of the RAM 308 is added to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and is stored in the checksum calculation numerical storage area. A value obtained by subtracting the addition result from the value is calculated as a checksum (power failure checksum), the calculated power failure checksum is stored in the above-described checksum calculation numerical value storage area, and writing to the RAM 308 is performed. After setting to prohibit, it becomes an infinite loop.

<Production control unit main processing>
Next, an effect control unit main process executed by the CPU 354 of the effect control unit 350 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A shows the flow of the production control unit main process executed by the CPU 354 of the production control unit 350.

  The effect control unit 350 is provided with a reset signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 354 of the basic circuit 352 to which this reset signal is input starts resetting by a reset interrupt and executes processing according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 356. First, various initial settings are performed in step S901. In this initial setting, input / output ports are initialized and various variables are initialized.

  In step S902, a command input process described later is performed.

  In step S903, a command is output to the liquid crystal control circuit 374 via the output port of the I / O 360. The effect control unit 350 thereafter repeatedly executes the processes of steps 9302 and S903, except for interruption due to the strobe process or the effect control unit timer interruption process.

<Command input processing>
Here, the command input process (step S902) in the effect control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of command input processing executed by the CPU 354 of the effect control unit 350.

  In the command storage area allocated in the RAM 358 of the basic circuit 352, the effect control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 by the main board interrupt processing shown below is stored. In step S909 of FIG. The contents of the command storage area in the RAM 358 are confirmed, and it is determined whether or not an unprocessed command remains.

  If an unprocessed command remains in the command storage area in step S909, the process proceeds to step S910. If an unprocessed command does not remain in the command storage area, the process ends and returns to the effect control unit main process. To do.

<Main board interrupt processing>
Next, the main board interruption process performed by the effect control unit 350 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main board interrupt processing executed by the CPU 354 of the effect control unit 350.

  The main board interrupt process is a process executed by the CPU 354 of the effect control unit 350 when the main control unit 300 of the main board detects an interrupt generated by the strobe signal. When the interrupt occurs, in step S908 of FIG. 9C, the CPU 354 stores the command output from the main control unit 300 in the command storage area provided in the RAM 358 as an unprocessed command.

<Production control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9B, an effect control unit timer interruption process executed by the CPU 354 of the effect control unit 350 will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control unit timer interruption process.

  The effect control unit 350 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). The timer interrupt is triggered by the timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle. By performing the above, the desired production control is performed.

  In step S904, effect data update processing is performed. In this effect data update process, decoration based on effect data such as a change number, a combination of temporary stop symbols, a combination of stop symbols, an operation effect pattern to be described later, and an elapsed time since the start of variable display of the decorative symbols. The operation control data for controlling the decorative symbol variation display by the symbol display device 110, the speaker 366, and the various lamps 370 is updated.

  In step S904, processing for switching the production information from A to B is performed at the timing of switching the production, for example, at the end timing of the production by the production information A, and the decorative symbol variation display is performed in the mode indicated by the switched production information. Subsequently, processing such as storing a display command to be output to the liquid crystal control circuit 374 in a liquid crystal command storage area provided in the RAM 358 is performed. In addition, preparation is made for controlling the speaker 366 or the various lamps 370 in steps S905 and S906 described later.

  In step S904, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to execute a predetermined effect. For example, whether or not to perform a chance button-related effect is determined, the content of the effect is determined, the determination result is stored in the operation effect pattern storage area provided in the RAM 358, and depending on the determination result result, the decoration pattern changes. Preparations for controlling the decorative symbol display device 110, the speaker 366, and the various lamps 370 are made based on the effect information related to the small classification data different from the small classification data used for display. After performing these processes, step S904 is terminated.

  In step S905, a sound output process is performed. In this sound output processing, the audio data to be output to the speaker 366 included in the speaker control information (for example, small classification data B or effect information) acquired in step S904 is set as an output port of the I / O 360, and the speaker The sound source IC 368 performs the output control of 366.

  In step S906, a lamp control process is performed. In this lamp control process, the data indicating lamp ON / OFF output to the various lamps 370 included in the various lamp control information acquired in step S904 is set in the output port of the I / O 360, and the various lamps 370 are set. The display circuit 372 is controlled to turn on and off.

  In step S907, the stepping motor 376 drives the actors and the like arranged in the game area in the effect mode specified by the effect data. Here, driving data corresponding to the effect specified by the effect data is set in the output port of the I / O 360, the stepping motor 376 is driven via the motor control circuit 378, and the effects placed in the game area are effected. Drive in the production mode specified by the data.

<Discharge control unit reset interrupt processing>
Next, the payout control unit reset interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the payout control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout control unit reset interrupt process.

  The payout control unit 400 is provided with a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 to which this reset signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 406.

  In step S1001, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, a stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 404.

  In step S1002, whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 426 supplies to the payout control unit 400 from the power management unit 500 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), step S1001 is repeated. If the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), step S1001 is executed. The process proceeds to S1003.

  In step S1003, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a payout control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 412, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 406, and an I / O port 360 Make initial settings for the.

  In step S1004, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before power interruption (before power interruption). If the state before power interruption does not return (when the pachinko machine 100 is to be in the initial state), step S1006 is determined. When the process returns to the state before the power interruption, the process proceeds to step S1005.

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of the game shop operates the operation unit provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicating that there is an operation), that is, It is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S1006 in order to set the pachinko machine 100 to an initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 408 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. Determine whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S1006 to set the pachinko machine 100 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 408 is displayed. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is 0 (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S1005 to return to the state before power interruption. If the checksum result is other than 0 (checksum) If the result is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S1006 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process advances to step S1006.

  In step S1005, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, initialization of the storage area of the RAM 408 to be cleared upon power recovery (a storage area excluding a command buffer for storing commands and an error status for storing error status) is performed. Etc.

  In step S1006, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization processing, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer, initialization of a predetermined area (for example, all storage areas) of the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S1007, initial setting 3 is performed. In this initial setting 3, information other than the illegal payout error and the payout excess error among the error statuses stored in the error status storage area provided in the RAM 408 is cleared, interrupt permission is set, and the like.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether or not there is unanalyzed data in the data input from the main control unit 300. If there is unanalyzed data, command analysis processing (details will be described later) is performed in step S1009. If there is no unanalyzed data, the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In step S1010, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is off. If the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S1008, and the low voltage signal is on. In the case of detecting a power shutdown, the process proceeds to step S1011.

  In step S1011, power interruption processing is performed. In the power interruption process, the current stack pointer value is stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 408, and information indicating suspend is set in the power status storage area. Further, all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) of the RAM 408 is added to a 1-byte register having an initial value of 0 and stored in a checksum calculation numerical storage area. A value obtained by subtracting the added result from the value is calculated as a checksum (power failure checksum), the calculated power failure checksum is stored in the above-described checksum calculation numerical value storage area, and writing to the RAM 408 is performed. Perform prohibited settings.

  In step S1012, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step S1012 is repeatedly executed to turn off the low voltage signal. When the low-voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S1001, and the payout control unit reset interrupt process is started from the beginning. That is, in this step S1012, when it is detected that the output of the low voltage signal has stopped after the low voltage signal is input in step S1010 (after the power supply is detected to be cut off) (when the power supply is detected to be restored). ) Performs initialization processing for initializing the payout control circuit 402.

<Startup time fluctuation control>
Now, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the activation time variation control performed in response to power-on or reset input, and the configuration for that will be described.

  The control circuits shown as the basic circuits 302, 402, 352, etc. of the main control unit 300, the payout control unit 400, and the effect control unit 350 in FIGS. 4 and 5 are usually one-chip LSIs or ASICs as so-called game control microcomputers. Configured as The game control microcomputer according to the present embodiment, particularly used as the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300, is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

  The CPU incorporated in such a game control microcomputer has an instruction set equivalent to that of a general-purpose CPU. However, unlike a general-purpose CPU, the CPU (604 in FIG. After performing the security check defined in the relevant laws / laws / regulations, the above-described control procedure (for example, main control unit main process in FIG. 7 in the case of the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300) is executed as a user mode program. Must be configured to do.

  The security check process is generally configured as an abnormality check process for checking whether the game control content stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 is abnormal.

  As described above, in the conventional gaming machine, the big hit timing at which the value of the big hit counter matches the big hit determination value is the first big hit timing after a certain time after the gaming machine is activated (reset), and then The signal arrives periodically according to the timer interrupt signal. And, for example, an illegal circuit (which performs a series of operations such as shutting off the main power (reset), waiting for a predetermined time, generating a start, etc.) that generates a start signal for the detection switch at the start port according to this jackpot timing in some way There is a technique of fraudulent gaming such as. In order to randomize the period in which this timing arrives, a so-called initial value update type random number that substitutes an initial value random number every time the basic random number counter makes a round, as employed in the gaming machine described in the first embodiment. There is also a generation method, but there is an illegal game method that aims at the big hit timing that arrives during the period from when the power is turned on until the initial random number is substituted until the basic random number counter goes around, and initial value update type random number generation The interrupt processing time varies depending on the length of game control (for example, interrupt processing immediately after a ball wins a plurality of winning holes is more than interrupt processing immediately after a ball does not win any winning holes) The initial value is also updated by a method that does not perform a specific game operation from power-on (for example, does not fire a single ball into the game area). Even if they adopt the method of random number generation, thus it is possible to predict the timing at which the jackpot is generated. In addition, even in the random number generation method using a counter circuit provided outside the basic circuit 300 as in the game table described in the embodiment, the start port (for example, the first special figure start port) is turned on at a specific timing from power-on. When a signal as if the game ball has won in 126) is input to the counter circuit (for example, 316) and the basic circuit 300, the jackpot operation is started. Here, the counter circuit may count up one or more times. Such illegal games are actually performed.

  In this embodiment, after the game machine is activated (reset), a time variation circuit is provided so that the big hit timing that periodically arrives cannot be estimated from the activation time. In a preferred implementation, the time variation circuit 616 is incorporated in the game control microcomputer 600 as shown in FIG.

  The circuit for time variation 616 of this embodiment varies the time from the start (reset) timing of the gaming machine to the start timing of the gaming machine control program executed as the user mode of the CPU 604.

  FIG. 11 conceptually shows the state of time variation control by the time variation circuit 616 in this embodiment.

  A timing T0 in FIG. 11 is a reset input timing of the game machine generated by turning on the power, operating a reset switch, or the like. When a reset input is generated at timing T0, a reset signal is generated by a reset circuit outside the microcomputer, for example, a start signal output circuit 338 (FIG. 4), and the game control microcomputer 600 of FIG. A signal is captured (1101).

  In response to this, the CPU 604 executes the above-described security check processing (1102), then monitors the output of the time variation circuit 616, and the time variation processing (1103) of the time variation circuit 616 is terminated, and for time variation. It waits for the circuit 616 to generate a later-described delay end signal.

  That is, in the gaming control microcomputer 600 of this embodiment, after the initialization process or the security check process, the CPU 604 controls the user mode after that, unless the time variation circuit 616 generates a delay end signal, that is, the above-described user mode. Internal connection is made so that the game control operation starting from S701 is not executed. Alternatively, an equivalent function can be realized by incorporating a detection loop that waits for the time variation circuit 616 to generate a later-described delay end signal as the final routine of the initialization process or the security check process.

  When the later-described time variation circuit 616 finishes its operation and generates a delay end signal, the time variation process (1103) is completed, and the CPU 604 starts the game control program (1104) in the user mode from the timing T1 in FIG. The game control operation starting from S701 is started.

  Thus, by inserting the time variation (1103) of the time variation circuit 616, the time Tx (T0 to T1) from the start (reset) to the start of execution of the user mode game control program (1104) is obtained. The length can be varied.

  The length of the time variation (1103) of the time variation circuit 616 is preferably not random, but random, so that after the start (reset), until the execution of the user mode game control program (1104) The time Tx (T0 to T1) can be made indefinite.

In this embodiment, the length of the time variation (1103) of the time variation circuit 616 is controlled at random. In the present embodiment, for example, the randomness of the time variation (1103) of the time variation circuit 616 means the following randomness:
(A) The time variation circuit 616 generates a different delay time for each mounted gaming machine.
(B) Even in the same game machine, such a time variation circuit in which the time variation circuit 616 generates a different delay time at each start-up by using an operation error caused by temperature, disturbance, circuit element manufacturing error, or the like. Due to the randomness of the time variation (1103) of 616, the length of the time Tx (T0 to T1) until the start of execution of the game control program (1104) shown in FIG. 11 can be made indefinite. However, it is almost impossible to estimate the jackpot timing in advance.

  In addition, although it is desirable to realize both of the above randomness (a) and (b), the effect of making the illegal gaming act described later impossible or remarkably difficult can be expected with only one of them.

  However, the length of time variation (delay) processing (1103) performed by the time variation circuit 616 (time Tx2 in FIG. 20 to be described later) is preferably set such that a random number counter that counts the big hit value changes from the minimum value to the maximum value. Set it longer than the length of circulation time required. Therefore, the above randomness (a) and (b) needs to be achieved at least within the time fluctuation range of this order. For example, if the fluctuation time Tx2 of the circuit for time fluctuation 616 determined in relation to the circulation time of the random number counter that counts the jackpot value is about 1 second, the randomness (within the range of about 1 second) ( a) and (b) need to be achieved.

  12 to 19 show various implementation examples of the above-described time variation circuit 616. FIG.

  The circuits shown in FIGS. 12 to 18 have a configuration in which a periodic signal is generated using a simple oscillation circuit, and the counter circuit 1200 is incremented by this periodic signal. Each counter circuit 1200 outputs a delay end signal when it counts a predetermined count value by up-counting or down-counting. Note that a waveform shaping circuit such as a Schmitt trigger is incorporated in the count input of the counter circuit 1200. In the circuits shown in FIGS. 12 to 18, the above randomness (a) and (b) can be achieved mainly by the selection of circuit constants of the oscillation circuit or the accuracy related to individual differences of circuit components, temperature dependency, and the like. .

  The circuit of FIG. 12 generates a periodic signal with an oscillator configured by connecting the CR time constant circuit CR1 to the feedback circuit to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 1201 and the CR time constant circuit CR2 between the non-inverting input and the ground, The periodic signal is counted by the counter circuit 1200.

  In the circuit of FIG. 13, series-connected operational amplifiers (or amplifiers / inverters) 1201 and 1201 are connected to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200, and a CR time constant circuit CR3 is connected to the input / output feedback path of the first operational amplifier 1201. Therefore, the periodic signal input from the second operational amplifier 1201 is counted by the counter circuit 1200.

  In the circuit of FIG. 14, a plurality of series-connected operational amplifiers (or amplifiers / inverters) 1202, 1202,... Are connected to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200. The series-connected operational amplifiers (or amplifiers / inverters) 1202, 1202,... Oscillate with a period corresponding to the internal delay of each stage, and the periodic circuit 1200 counts this periodic signal.

  The circuit of FIG. 15 is obtained by connecting an oscillation circuit using a transistor 1203, a capacitance circuit Xtal1 including a crystal oscillation element and a capacitor, and a CR time constant circuit CR4 to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200, and is obtained at the collector of the transistor 1203. The counter circuit 1200 counts the periodic signal to be generated.

  In the circuit of FIG. 16, a time constant circuit composed of a series circuit-connected operational amplifier (or amplifier / inverter) 1206, 1207 and a capacitance circuit Xtal1 composed of a resistor, a crystal oscillation element and a capacitor is connected to the feedback path of the first operational amplifier 1206. The oscillation circuit constructed as described above is connected to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200, and the counter circuit 1200 counts the periodic signal obtained at the output of the second operational amplifier 1206.

  The circuit shown in FIG. 17 includes transistors 1204 and 1205 that operate in a complementary manner, and an oscillation circuit composed of CR time constant circuits CR5 and CR6 connected to the collector circuits of these transistors 1204 and 1205, connected to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200. Thus, the periodic signal obtained at the collector of the transistor 1205 is counted by the counter circuit 1200.

  Each of the time variation circuits 616 shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 has a counter circuit 1200 that counts the periodic signal generated by the oscillation circuit. For example, the time constant of the oscillation circuit differs for each game machine. Then, the randomness (a) can be realized, and the randomness (b) can be realized by using a circuit element having a low accuracy with respect to temperature dependency or the like.

  The circuit shown in FIG. 18 has an LC tuning circuit LC1 having a predetermined tuning frequency, and a detection (smoothing) circuit DC1 composed of a diode and a capacitor for detecting (smoothing) the output of the LC circuit connected to the input terminal of the counter circuit 1200. It is.

  The circuit of FIG. 18 is not provided with an active circuit specially, but the LC tuning circuit LC1 is tuned and resonates with the electromagnetic wave inside the game table. Normally, electromagnetic noise radiated from a clock generator, a wire harness, or the like is present inside the game machine. Therefore, an AM-detected random low-frequency signal is obtained at the output of the detection (smoothing) circuit DC1. The counter circuit 1200 counts the signal.

  Since a slightly different point usually occurs in the arrangement and handling of the wire harness and the like inside the game table, the above randomness (a) can be realized by the configuration using the LC tuning circuit as shown in FIG. The above randomness (b) can be realized by using a circuit element such as a capacitor having a low accuracy in terms of temperature dependency. Further, by appropriately selecting the tuning frequency of the LC tuning circuit LC1, the range of the delay time of the time variation circuit 616 can be roughly selected.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of AM detection. The feature of this circuit is that electromagnetic wave noise inside the game machine is used to determine the delay time of the time variation circuit 616. The AM detection method is as follows. It is not an essential requirement. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can use another detection method (for example, FM detection) so that a suitable delay time can be generated according to actual design conditions. Needless to say, if the detection output gain is insufficient with respect to the input terminal of the counter circuit, a low-frequency amplifier or the like may be added as appropriate.

  FIG. 19 shows a different configuration of the time variation circuit 616. The counter circuit 1200 receives a start signal from the CPU 604 at a start terminal (not shown), thereby down-counting (up-counting) a count value given as a preset count value, and outputs a delay end signal at the end of the count. appear. For example, the randomness (a) described above can be realized by giving a random number value generated based on an identification number unique to a gaming machine stored in the collation block 620 as a preset count value. The randomness (b) can also be realized by using an error of the clock generator applied to the counter circuit 1200 or a product having a large error in the counter circuit 1200 itself.

  Further, according to the configuration of FIG. 19, an equivalent time variation function can be realized by giving a value that can realize other appropriate randomness (a) and (b) as the preset count value of the counter circuit 1200. For example, it is conceivable that a random numerical value is generated based on environmental information such as electromagnetic wave noise inside the game machine or temperature information inside the game machine, and given to the counter circuit 1200 as a preset count value.

  Using the time variation circuit 616 configured as described above, the length of the time Tx (T0 to T1) until the user mode gaming machine control (1104 in FIG. 11) is started can be made indefinite. It is almost impossible for an unauthorized player to estimate the jackpot timing in advance. FIG. 20 shows this state more specifically.

  FIG. 20 shows the timing of reset processing executed in response to a reset signal input from the activation signal output circuit 338 or the like to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 600, the operation timing of the time variation circuit 616, and the user mode of the CPU 604. It shows the operation timing and the timing of the big hit start (which occurs first).

  As shown in FIG. 20, when a reset signal (1101) is generated by turning on (or resetting) the gaming machine, the security check process (SC) runs in the case of a system reset (in the case of not a user reset). To do.

  When the security check process (SC) is finished (immediately when there is no security check process (SC)), the delay process of the time variation circuit 616 is started, and the CPU 604 outputs a delay end signal until the time variation circuit 616 outputs a delay end signal. Wait (1102, period Tx1).

  When the time variation circuit 616 outputs a delay end signal, the execution of the game control program in the user mode (1104) is started from here. Since the time variation (delay) period Tx1 of the time variation circuit 616 is random, the length of the user mode activation time Tx until the execution of the game control program in the user mode (1104) is started, In the meaning of the above-described randomness (a) and (b), that is, for each game machine, and for each activation, it becomes random.

  Also in this embodiment, when the jackpot counter is configured by the hardware random number counter, the time from the start of the execution of the game control program in the user mode (1104) to the timing of the jackpot obtaining the jackpot counter value (1107) Is still constant. In addition, when the jackpot counter is configured with the software random number counter (1106), even after the initial setting (1105), even if a process for prohibiting the lottery for a predetermined time after starting as shown in the background art is included, Again, the time (1107) until the big hit timing for obtaining the big hit counter value is always constant.

  However, in this embodiment, the length of the user mode activation time Tx until the execution of the game control program in the user mode (1104) is started for each gaming machine as described above, and for each activation. Since it is controlled at random, the length Tx2 from the end of the reset process (or security check process), which was a fixed time in the past, to the (first) jackpot start timing (1108) is set for each game machine, Random at each startup.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is almost impossible for an unauthorized player to estimate the jackpot timing in advance, and even if the jackpot determination value is known, an illegal reset is performed, or the starting port is further synchronized with the jackpot timing. It is possible to substantially avoid / invalidate illegal gaming acts such as generating a detection switch signal by any method and arbitrarily generating a big hit state.

  This embodiment uses a simple configuration in which a time variation circuit is used to vary the time until the start of execution of the game control program in the user mode after resetting, and can be implemented easily and inexpensively. For example, since it is not necessary to change the jackpot lottery process itself, it can be easily realized even in an existing game machine by adding a time variation circuit and varying (delaying) the start time of the user mode of the CPU. Can do.

  The time variation circuit can be easily and inexpensively implemented by a simple circuit such as an oscillation circuit, a tuning circuit, and a counter circuit as shown in FIGS.

  Also, by incorporating a time variation circuit inside the game control microcomputer as shown in FIG. 6, it becomes a black box, making reverse engineering difficult, preventing time variation, and a player's advantageous state such as jackpot Analysis of the lottery / decision control method can be made difficult and difficult, and security can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the time variation by the time variation circuit is executed after the security check process. However, as apparent from FIGS. 11 and 20, the time until the user mode program execution start is varied. Therefore, those skilled in the art can determine when to perform the time variation by the time variation circuit within the range allowed by the restrictions of laws / laws / rules. For example, it is conceivable that the time variation due to the time variation circuit is inserted at an arbitrary time until the start of program execution in the user mode, such as between reset processing and security check processing.

  The main points of the configuration shown in the above embodiment are listed as follows. Hereinafter, related modifications will be described as appropriate.

  The time variation circuit (616) varies the time from the reset input to the start of calculation by the CPU. The fluctuation range (Tx1) by the time fluctuation circuit is set longer than the length of time necessary for the random number counter to change from the minimum value to the maximum value. Further, the fluctuation range (Tx1) of the circuit for time variation is configured to be random (randomness (a)) for each game machine and random (randomness (b)) for each activation.

  The time variation circuit uses an oscillation circuit using a time constant such as CR, ceramic or quartz, and achieves the above randomness (a) by selecting a circuit constant, for example. The randomness (b) is achieved by making the oscillation period indefinite due to individual differences in electrical components used for oscillation. The time variation circuit may have a configuration in which a preset value of the down counter is determined based on a value acquired from the ultrafast counter based on the nuclear decay rate, and a time variation width is determined.

  The time variation circuit is configured using a delay circuit, and includes an input circuit for inputting a signal value (or information value) from the outside in the delay circuit. The delay circuit delays the calculation start time by the CPU. Corresponds to the value input by the input circuit. For example, information generated from game table-specific ID (identification) information for identifying the game control device from other game control devices or disturbance information is input, and the delay circuit delays the calculation start time by the CPU (time variation ) Determine the length of the period.

  Information generated from game table specific ID (identification) information for distinguishing the game control device from other game control devices is stored in an identification information storage device (such as a verification block 620) incorporated in the game control device. Can be kept.

  The time variation circuit determines a time variation width based on a value generated based on disturbance information. For example, electromagnetic wave noise inside the game table can be used as this disturbance information. The time variation width of the time variation circuit can be determined using other arbitrary disturbance information.

  The time variation circuit may be configured to determine a preset value of a random counter by some method and determine the variation time (Tx1). In this case, if the CPU of the game control device (the above-mentioned game control microcomputer) can take out the preset value of the counter determined at random as a random value, the game control device can use this random value as an arbitrary game control. Can be used for

  The game control device is configured as a game control microcomputer provided with a time variation circuit of this embodiment in a one-chip package together with known components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output I / F. The counter that counts the big hit value is a counter configured by software or hardware that cyclically changes the count value at a constant period. Even when the software counter is used to perform a process for prohibiting the lottery for a predetermined time after activation, this embodiment has the same effect as the case where the hardware counter is used.

  After the system reset is input, the game control device performs all internal circuit initialization and security check processing, and then starts executing the game control program as a user mode program by the internal CPU. In the case of a user reset input, the game control device initializes internal elements such as a built-in CPU, CTC (timer circuit), PP (parallel input / output port), WPT (RAM write protect register), and then The execution of the game control program is started as a user mode program by the internal CPU. In any case, the time variation control of the circuit for time variation may be inserted before the start of the user mode in which the game control program is executed by the internal CPU including processing related to the big hit counter.

  In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the value is acquired from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 316a or 316b as the special figure winning random value, but the counter value is acquired from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 316a or 316b. And the operation of the acquired value and a specific value (for example, a value of a specific register such as another hard counter, a predetermined random number generation circuit provided in the basic circuit 302 or the game control microcomputer 600, or the R register) The result (for example, the result of addition) may be used as the special figure winning random number value.

  In the above description, the pachinko machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention extracts a count value from a counter that advances at a predetermined clock at a predetermined timing after reset, and is advantageous to the player based on the extracted count value. The game control device that determines whether or not to enter the game state by lottery, and can be implemented on any game table as long as it is a game table that performs a big hit lottery by the same method as described above.

It is the front view which showed the structure of the pachinko machine as an example of the game machine which employ | adopted this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the back part of the pachinko machine of FIG. FIG. 1 shows the display mode of the pachinko machine of FIG. 1, (a) is an example of a special figure stop display mode, (b) is an example of a decorative pattern, (c) is a normal map stop display mode. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example, respectively. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit, a payout control unit, a launch control unit, and a power management unit of the pachinko machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of an effect control unit of the pachinko machine of FIG. 1. It is the block diagram which showed the example of a structure of the microcomputer for game control of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the flowchart figure which showed the main process of the main control part of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the flowchart figure which showed the timer interruption process of the main control part of the pachinko machine of FIG. 1A and 1B show various processes of the production control unit of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 1A shows the main process, FIG. 1B shows the timer interrupt process, FIG. 1C shows the main board interrupt process, and FIG. It is the flowchart figure which each showed input processing. It is the flowchart figure which showed the reset interruption process of the payout control part of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode of the time fluctuation control of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the circuit diagram which showed the example of mounting of the time-variation circuit which can be used for the pachinko machine of FIG. It is the timing figure which showed the mode of time fluctuation control of the pachinko machine of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Pachinko machine 102 Game board 104 Game area 106 Outer rail 107 Step S
108 Inner rail 110 Decorative symbol display device 112 Normal symbol display device 114 Special symbol display device 116 Normal symbol hold lamp 118 Special symbol hold lamp 120 High accuracy lamp 122 General winning opening 124 Universal drawing start port 126 First special drawing start port 128 2nd special drawing start port 130 variable winning opening 136 out port 138 launch rod 140 launch rod 142 launch rail 144 storage tray 146 chance button 148 operation handle 150 lower plate 151 glass frame 152 ball tank 153 tank rail 154 dispensing device 157 sprocket 158 dispensing Sensor 162 Power supply board 163 CR interface section 164 Sub board 165 Delivery board 166 Launch board 300 Main control section 302 Basic circuit 304 CPU
306 ROM
308 RAM
310 I / O
312 Counter timer 313 Watchdog timer (WDT)
314b Crystal oscillator 316 Counter circuit 318 Various sensors 320 Sensor circuit 322, 324 Display circuit 326 Various status display units 332 Solenoid circuit 334 Information output circuit 336 Voltage monitoring circuit 338 Start signal output circuit 350 Production control unit 351 Address decode circuit 352 Basic circuit 354 CPU
356 ROM
358 RAM
360 I / O
362 Counter timer 364 Crystal oscillator 366 Speaker 368 Sound source IC
370 Various lamps 372 Display circuit 373 Shutter device 376 Stepping motor 378 Motor control circuit 400 Dispensing control unit 402 Basic circuit 404 CPU
407 Ball lending operation unit 408 RAM
410 Buffer 412 Counter Timer 414 Crystal Transmitter 424 Motor Control Circuit 426 Voltage Monitoring Circuit 428 Various Sensors 430 Various Lamps 450 Firing Control Unit 452 Firing Motor 454 Ball Feeder 500 Power Management Unit 550 Information Input Circuit 552 Card Unit 600 Game Control Microcomputer 604 CPU
608 Built-in RAM
610 External bus interface 611 Clock circuit 612 Timer circuit 613 Watchdog timer (WDT)
614 Random number circuit 615 Reset interrupt controller 616 Time variation circuit 618 Serial input / output control circuit 619 Run out of specified area prohibition circuit 620 Block for comparison 1200 Counter circuit 1201, 1202, 1206, 1207 Operational amplifier 1203-1205 Transistor

Claims (3)

A counter that changes a value at a predetermined cycle;
A game control device including a CPU for performing game control including control for extracting a count value from the counter and determining by lottery whether the player is in an advantageous state based on the extracted count value;
Have
Provided inside the game control device is a time variation circuit for performing a time variation process that randomly varies the length of time from when the game control device inputs an activation signal until the game control by the CPU starts.
The activation signal is a signal that is input to the game control device when power is turned on,
A ROM for storing game control content of the CPU in advance is provided inside the game control device,
The game control device includes:
In the case of a system reset executed based on the input of the activation signal, a security check process for checking whether there is any abnormality in the game control content of the CPU stored in the ROM and performing the time variation process is executed, after the security check process has been completed, is configured to start the game control by the CPU,
The time variation process in the security check process is a process of randomly varying the processing time of the security check process,
When the game control device executes a code in a memory area other than the legitimate designated area during the game control by the CPU, a running prohibition signal outside the designated area is generated even if the state is advantageous to the player. Provided outside the designated area travel prohibition circuit inside the game control device,
In the case of a user reset executed based on the input of the out-of-designated area prohibition signal, the security check process is not executed, and the game control by the CPU is started without executing the time variation process. The gaming machine is configured as described above, and when the game control based on the user reset is started, the state is not advantageous to the player. In the game stand of Claim 1,
By preventing the specific count value from being extracted from the counter by executing the time variation process, and preventing the execution of the security check process based on the input of the out-of-designated area travel prohibition signal, A gaming machine characterized by preventing the time variation processing from being performed when a code in a memory area other than the legally designated area is executed. In the game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
When a game ball passes through a predetermined area of the game area, when a random number lottery value is obtained from a random number counter that is updated at a predetermined cycle, and a random number lottery based on the normal winning random number value is won The electric tulip provided in the game area is configured to open and close,
The game table, wherein the random number counter is a counter that changes a value at the predetermined period.

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