JP4663024B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine.

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

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

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

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

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine in which a specific random number cannot be obtained even if the start switch is devised, and a specific player is not advantageous in terms of a lottery probability.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention, in a gaming machine comprising a winning lottery means for performing a lottery based on a signal of a predetermined switch and making a winning determination based on the lottery result, the winning lottery means generates a random number for winning lottery A random number generator that extracts a random number generated by the random number generator based on a signal of a predetermined switch, a winning determination table that stores in advance a correspondence between a numerical value related to a lottery and a winning, and the winning determination A determination unit for determining whether or not the random number extracted by the random number extractor with reference to the table and at least one of the types of the winnings, and stopping the update of the random number at a predetermined opportunity with respect to the random number generator Or a random number update stop signal generation unit for instructing restart, and the random number generation unit temporarily stops updating of random numbers based on a signal from the random number update stop signal generation unit. That.

  Further, the gaming machine includes a rotating reel, a stop switch for stopping the rotation of the rotating reel, a reel driving unit that drives the rotating reel, and a reel position detecting unit that detects a rotational position of the rotating reel. The random number update stop signal generation unit stops the random number update based on a signal from the stop switch, and updates the random number based on the rotation reel stop signal from the reel drive unit or the reel position detection unit. A signal for resuming the process may be generated.

  Further, in the case where the gaming machine includes a detection unit that detects insertion of a game medium and a start switch for starting a game, the random number update stop signal generation unit is configured to input a game medium input from the detection unit. The random number update may be stopped based on the detection signal, and a signal for restarting the update may be generated based on the signal from the start switch.

  Further, the gaming machine includes a rotating reel including an index member for detecting a rotational position, a start switch for starting rotation of the rotating reel, and a stop switch for stopping rotation of the rotating reel, In the case of including a reel driving unit that drives the rotating reel and a reel position detecting unit that detects a rotational position of the rotating reel, the random number update stop signal generating unit updates the random number based on a signal from the start switch. A signal for resuming updating may be generated based on a signal related to detection of the index member from the reel position detection unit.

  Further, in the case where the gaming machine includes a rotating reel and a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the rotating reel, the random number update stop signal generating unit generates a random number based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch. The update may be stopped and a signal for restarting the update may be generated based on a signal from another arbitrary stop switch.

  The gaming machine receives a player's operation to make an internal lottery and winning determination, and controls a game medium payout control according to the winning, and receives a command from the first processing unit to receive an internal lottery. The random number update stop signal generating unit stops the random number update based on the command transmission request and updates the command according to the transmission start of the command. A signal for resuming the process may be generated.

  The random number update stop signal generation unit operates with a timing counter that operates with a first clock, and a second clock with a different frequency or a different phase from the first clock, and the switch signal or other signal A fluctuation generation counter that reads the output of the timing counter and counts based on this value, stops random number updating based on the signal of the switch or other signal, and based on the carry signal of the fluctuation generation counter A signal for resuming random number update may be generated.

  Further, a bit replacement unit that performs bit replacement of the timing counter output may be provided, and the fluctuation generating counter may read the output of the bit replacement unit.

  The random number update stop signal generator may include a mechanical relay that operates based on the signal of the switch or another signal, and the output thereof may be output as a signal instructing stop or restart of update of the random number.

  You may make it add mass to the movable part of the said mechanical relay, or drive the said mechanical relay by the value lower than a regular voltage value and / or electric current value.

  The random number update stop signal generator includes a counter, a control signal generator that converts a value generated by the counter into an analog value and outputs the analog value, and a delay that is delayed based on the delay time control signal A random number update circuit based on a signal from the switch or another signal, and a signal to restart the random number update based on the output from the delay circuit.

  A bit replacement unit that performs bit replacement of the output bits of the counter may be provided, and the control signal generator may generate the delay time control signal based on an output of the bit replacement unit.

  The clock frequency of the counter is preferably different from the clock frequency used for the lottery.

  The control signal generator includes a latch that acquires and holds the value generated by the counter based on the signal of the switch, and an analog-digital converter that converts the value held by the latch into an analog value. You may do it.

  The control signal generator acquires an analog-to-digital converter that converts the value generated by the counter into an analog value, and acquires and holds the analog value converted by the analog-to-digital converter based on the signal of the switch A sample-and-hold circuit may be provided.

  The delay circuit may include a one-shot multivibrator that generates a pulse after a time corresponding to the delay time control signal has elapsed.

  The delay circuit may include an integration circuit that receives the signal of the switch and a comparator that compares the output of the integration circuit with the delay time control signal and generates a pulse according to the result.

  The random number update stop signal generating unit includes an oscillator that generates an irregular signal as a signal for instructing stop or restart of random number update, and the oscillator is a combination of a part, or all of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor. A signal having a predetermined frequency may be oscillated and output based on a circuit element, and at least a part of each component of the circuit element may have a constant that changes due to a temperature change.

  The oscillator includes a first oscillator and a second oscillator, and a synthesis unit that synthesizes these outputs, and at least one of the first oscillator and the second oscillator is a combination of a resistor, a capacitor, or a part of an inductor. The circuit element may oscillate and output a signal having a predetermined frequency, and the constant of at least a part of each component of the circuit element may change due to a temperature change.

  The circuit element includes a resistor, and the resistor is, for example, a temperature-dependent semiconductor (such as a thermistor).

  The oscillator may include an inverter of a Schmitt trigger element with hysteresis and a resistor and a capacitor provided in a circuit that feeds back an output thereof to an input, and may oscillate using charge / discharge of the capacitor.

  The random number update stop signal generation unit is a voltage generation unit that generates a control voltage that changes with time or temperature change, and an irregular signal as a signal that instructs the stop or restart of random number update based on the control voltage. You may make it provide the voltage-controlled oscillator to generate | occur | produce.

  The voltage generator may include a resistor, and the resistor may be a semiconductor having temperature dependency.

  The random number update stop signal generation unit extracts one or a plurality of values, generates a random number using the value as a seed of random numbers, selects an irregular time based on the random number, and corresponds to the irregular time. The updating of the random number may be stopped.

This invention is a winning determination method for a gaming machine that performs a lottery based on a signal of a predetermined switch and performs a winning determination based on the lottery result,
A first step of generating a random number;
A second step of extracting a random number from the random numbers generated in the first step;
A third step of determining at least one of the presence / absence of a winning or the type of winning with respect to the random number extracted in the second step with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance;
A fourth step instructing to stop or restart the update of the random number at a predetermined opportunity;
And a fifth step of temporarily stopping the update of the random number based on the instruction of the fourth step.

  Preferably, in the fifth step, the time for stopping the update of the random number is irregularly changed every time.

The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a method of performing a lottery based on a signal of a predetermined switch and performing a winning determination based on the lottery result,
A first step of generating a random number;
A second step of extracting a random number from the random numbers generated in the first step;
A third step of determining at least one of the presence / absence of a winning or the type of winning with respect to the random number extracted in the second step with reference to a winning determination table prepared in advance;
A fourth step instructing to stop or restart the update of the random number at a predetermined opportunity;
Based on the instruction of the fourth step, the computer is caused to execute the fifth step of temporarily stopping the update of the random number.

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

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

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

  According to the present invention, the random number value is not synchronized with the passage of time by stopping or restarting the update of the random number at a predetermined opportunity. Therefore, even if the start switch is pressed at a certain timing. A random number that is not the intended value can be acquired, thereby preventing fraud.

It is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine). 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the winning lottery means of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a graph which shows the example of distribution of delay T by the fluctuation generator concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a process flowchart which concerns on Example 1 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Example 1 of invention. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation reel unit of a rotating type game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the rotation reel which comprises the rotation reel unit of a game machine. It is a process flowchart which concerns on Example 2 of invention. It is a process flowchart which concerns on Example 3 of invention. It is a process flowchart which concerns on Example 4 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Example 5 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the bit replacement based on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a figure which shows the bit replacement pattern (1 set of bit replacement) based on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a figure which shows the bit replacement pattern (2 sets and 4 sets of bit replacement) based on Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a flowchart of the random number update stop process which concerns on Embodiment 4 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 5 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 5 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 6 of invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 6 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 6 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 7 of invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 7 of invention. It is a timing chart which concerns on Embodiment 7 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 8 of invention. It is a circuit diagram (an example) of the oscillator which concerns on Embodiment 8 of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the timing signal which concerns on Embodiment 8 of invention. It is a block diagram of the random number generation part and random number update stop signal generation part which concern on Embodiment 9 of invention.

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

  The slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11. A square window-like display window 12 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing 11. A symbol display window 13 through which the symbols 61 of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed at the center of the display window 12 at the center. The bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40, and reduces the number of stored medals that are continuously inserted into the medal insertion slot 100 and stored to replace the medal insertion. The settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotating reel, and pays out the stored inserted medal. The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 and starts driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted. The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. The reel unit 60 is composed of three rotating reels 40. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.

  Inside the slot machine 10, a control device for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated as will be described later. The control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The CPU (processing unit) is operated by reading a program stored in a ROM (storage unit) in response to the player's operation. Specifically, the CPU (processing unit) is operated by the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. Based on this, the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 are controlled, and the display of lamps, speakers, and the like are controlled. Temporary data necessary for the operation of the CPU is RAM (storage unit: RAM is generally a volatile memory, and data is lost in principle when the power is turned off. A backup power source such as a battery may be prepared. In this case, data is not lost even if the power is cut off). The CPU performs a predetermined operation in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM, records temporary data necessary for processing in the RAM, and reads out and refers to the recorded data as necessary.

  The start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 as described above. The start switch 30 can be obtained on the condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted or according to a winning determination. "Replay)" is to start driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.

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

  When the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or on the condition that a predetermined time elapses from the previous game at the time of the “replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three The rotary reel 40 starts to rotate. Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 are operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped. At this time, if a predetermined symbol 61 on the effective pay line of the display window 13 stops, it is determined that the winning is made, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out through a hopper unit (not shown). In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.

  When the control device controls the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, the control device determines whether or not a winning qualification has been obtained based on a predetermined internal lottery probability. A winning lottery means for performing a lottery. A winning flag is established when the internal lottery result by the winning lottery means is a win, and the winning combination is made on the condition that the combination of the stopped symbols of the rotating reel 40 matches a predetermined winning symbol while the winning flag is established. Is determined, and the player is given a profit such as paying out medals or a special game advantageous to the player.

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

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

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

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

  In FIG. 2, the random number update stop signal generator 1a is built in the main board 1 or is realized by the main board 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The random number update stop signal generator 1a may be added to the main board 1 and realized in the form of hardware including firmware using a microcomputer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The ROM of the main board 1 stores game processing procedures executed in the slot machine 10 as a sequence program, and stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. Has been. The winning probability table is divided so as to divide the random number extracted by the random number generation unit 20 into each winning mode, and the random number extracted from a certain range of numerical values generated by the random number generating unit 20 is assigned to each winning mode. The data to be partitioned into is stored. That is, the winning probability table has an area divided for each winning mode corresponding to the entire area of random numbers taken by the random number generator 20. For example, a range of 0 to a certain number is divided into a plurality, one division (area) is excluded, and the other division (area) is set as winning 1, winning 2,. The extracted random number data is collated with each of the winning determination area data divided for each winning mode in all areas corresponding to the random number generated from the random number generator 20, and the winning prize to which the extracted random number data belongs. The winning corresponding to the aspect is determined. For example, it is determined to which category (region) of the winning probability table the extracted random number value belongs, and if the category is, for example, a category of winning 1, it is determined as “winning 1”. Similarly, if the extracted random number value belongs to an out-of-range category (region) in the winning determination table 5, it is determined as “out”. For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop switch is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). And if predetermined symbols are prepared, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out. Various winnings are generated under the probability according to the data setting of the winning probability table, and the symbol stop control is performed. For example, the operating hours of the day are not influenced by the skill of the player. The total medal payment rate is maintained almost constant.

  As described above, the ROM of the main board 1 stores a program, a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like, which are collectively referred to as being stored in the ROM. This is called ROM data. Alternatively, they may be collectively referred to as program data in terms of a program for causing the CPU to perform an operation for control processing and data related thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the winning lottery means. At least some of the functions of the winning lottery means are realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the ROM of the main board 1 or by hardware. As shown in FIG. 3, the winning lottery means includes a random number generator 2, a random number extractor 3, a determining unit 4, and a winning determination table 5. The random number generator 2 and the random number extractor 3 correspond to the random number generator 20 in FIG. The configuration of the winning lottery means is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  The random number generator 2 generates a random number for winning lottery within a predetermined area. For example, an arbitrary numerical value is generated with a predetermined probability in a range of 0 to a certain number. The random number generator 2 includes a control terminal for turning on / off the random number update, to which a signal line from the random number update stop signal generator 1a of the main board 1 is connected. That is, the random number output from the random number generator 2 is controlled by the output of the random number update stop signal generator 1a.

  The random number extractor 3 extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 2 under a predetermined condition (for example, operation of the start switch 30). The random number generator 2 continuously generates random numbers at a predetermined interval (except when it is interrupted by the random number update stop signal generator 1a), but a part of them is extracted by the random number extractor 3. This extracted random number is used as extracted random number data.

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

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

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

  The present invention is characterized in that the update of the random number output from the random number generator 2 is controlled by the output of the random number update stop signal generator 1a. The random number update stop signal generator 1a generates a random number update stop signal at a predetermined trigger including an event during a game, but the period is not constant. Therefore, the period during which the update of the random number is stopped varies, and the update cycle always changes. The same random number does not appear periodically. In other words, it fluctuates. Speaking of events in the game, temporal fluctuations occur due to the player's operation, so the causal relationship between the update of random numbers and the passage of time is lost.

  According to the winning lottery means in FIG. 3, the start lever pressing signal is used in the lottery process in the sense that the player himself performs a lottery, but the random number value is used for the control of the random number generator 20 by the random number update stop signal generator 1a. Will not synchronize with the passage of time, so the timing cannot be taken from outside the gaming machine. Therefore, fraud etc. become difficult.

  Next, the nature of the update stop time T generated in the random number update stop signal generator 1a will be described. The update stop time T takes a different value every time, that is, fluctuates. The fluctuation here means that the random update stop time changes irregularly (becomes difficult to predict) every time. The update stop time T is preferably completely random and has a uniform distribution. However, in practice, the update stop time T may be generated at a constant rate. In short, it should not be regular. Examples of distribution of the random number update stop time T are shown in FIGS. These figures schematically show the random number update stop time and the frequency of occurrence thereof.

  According to the present invention, the random number value is not synchronized with the passage of time by stopping or restarting the update of the random number at a predetermined opportunity. Therefore, even if the start switch is pressed at a certain timing. A random number that is not the intended value can be acquired, thereby preventing fraud. The effect is further enhanced by providing such random number update stop / restart events at a plurality of locations.

For example, there are the following triggers for stopping or restarting the update of the random number.
(1) The random number update stop signal generation unit 1a stops random number update based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch (stop button) 50, and based on a reel stop signal from the reel drive unit 70 or the reel position detection circuit 71. Resume update. This utilizes the sliding of the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40 until it stops. The degree of this slip changes irregularly every time the stop button is pressed or the lottery result.
(2) The random number update stop signal generation unit 1a stops random number update based on a medal insertion detection signal from a medal selector (not shown), and restarts update based on a signal from the start switch 30.
(3) The random number update stop signal generator 1 a stops the random number update based on the signal from the start switch 30 and restarts the update based on the reel index detection signal from the reel position detection circuit 71. Depending on the reel stop state, the time until the first index detection (or up to a specific number of times) varies irregularly every time. Specifically, a certain reel is determined in advance, and the time when the index is first detected (or a specific number of times) after the rotation of the reel is started is used. Alternatively, a plurality of index detection signals of three or four reels are selected and combined (for example, a logical sum is obtained), and the first (or a specific number of times) index detection signal is used. Good.
(4) The random number update stop signal generation unit 1 a stops random number update based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch (for example, the first stop switch) 50, and outputs from another arbitrary stop switch (second stop switch) 50. Update is resumed based on the signal.
(5) The random number update stop signal generator 1a stops the random number update based on the subcommand transmission request, and restarts the update in response to the start of the subcommand transmission. The time from when the subcommand transmission request is received until the subcommand is actually transmitted varies depending on the processing status of the CPU. For example, it varies between 0 and 36 ms.

  The examples (1) to (5) will be described in detail.

  In the first embodiment, the random number update is stopped based on a signal from any one stop switch (stop button) 50, and the update is restarted based on a reel stop signal from the reel drive unit 70 or the reel position detection circuit 71. That's it. This utilizes the sliding of the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40 until it stops. The degree of slipping varies irregularly each time.

  FIG. 5 shows a random number generator 20 and a random number update stop signal generator 1a according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 2a denotes a clock generator (oscillator) that generates a clock having a predetermined frequency. Reference numeral 2b denotes a counter that operates with the clock and repeatedly outputs a numerical value from 0 to a predetermined value. Reference numeral 3 denotes a latch register as a random number extractor. The counter 2b has a count stop terminal, and stops a count operation when a predetermined signal (for example, an L level signal) is input thereto. In a state where a predetermined signal is not input, a normal count operation is performed. In the figure, reference numeral 1a-1 denotes a flip-flop circuit as an example of a random number update stop signal generator. The set terminal of the circuit 1a-1 receives a signal when any one of the stop switches 50 is depressed (or may be a signal obtained by ORing the outputs of a plurality of switches 50). Is inputted with a stop signal of a rotating reel (also referred to as a rotating drum) 40 (or a signal obtained by ORing stop outputs of a plurality of rotating reels 40). Therefore, the flip-flop circuit 1a-1 generates a count stop signal by the stop switch pressing signal, cancels the count stop signal by the rotating reel (rotating drum) stop signal, and causes the counter 2b to restart counting.

  FIG. 5 shows a hardware block diagram of the first embodiment, but it goes without saying that the first embodiment can also be realized in software. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing according to the first embodiment.

S1: When a medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, a game is possible.

S2: When the start lever 30 is pushed in this state, the game is started. That is, the rotary reel 40 rotates and the process of S3 is performed.

S3: A hardware random number is latched. If it demonstrates in FIG. 5, the latch register 3 will take in the output of the counter 2b at that time with the pressing signal of the start switch 30. FIG. This is a random value in the game.

S4: A symbol lottery process is performed based on the random number. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S5: It is determined whether or not the stop button 50 is depressed. When pressed down (YES), the process of S6 is performed. Since there are three stop buttons 50, there are several patterns depending on which button the signal is used from. That is, (1) a specific button among the three buttons is determined in advance and the signal of the specific button is used, and (2) two buttons are determined in advance from the three buttons, and the logical sum of these signals is determined. (3) Use logical OR of all three signals. The first embodiment includes cases (1) to (3) or cases equivalent to these.

S6: When the stop button 50 is depressed, the hardware random number update is stopped. If it demonstrates in FIG. 5, a stop signal will be input into the count stop terminal of the counter 2b.

S7: When the stop button 50 is depressed, the stop position determination process of the rotary reel (rotating drum) 40 is performed. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S8: It is determined whether or not the rotating reel (rotating drum) 40 has stopped. When stopped (YES), the process of S9 is performed. Since there are three rotary reels 40, there are several patterns for which rotary reel 40 stop signal is used. Since it is the same as that of the stop switch 50, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

S9: Restart the hardware random number update. If it demonstrates in FIG. 5, the stop signal to the count stop terminal of the counter 2b will be cancelled | released, or the connection to the said terminal will be cut | disconnected.

S10: It is determined whether or not all the rotation reels (rotating drums) 40 are stopped. When stopped (YES), the process of S10 is performed.

S11: A winning determination process is performed. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.

S12: A payout process is performed. This is a known process and will not be described in detail.
By the way, whether or not the corresponding winning symbol can be aligned on the effective winning line while any one of the winning flags is established depends on the timing of the stop switch 50 when the rotation speed of the rotary reel 40 is constant. is there. Specifically, since the rotary reel 40 is set to stop within 190 ms after operating the stop switch 50, it can be stopped as it is after operating the stop switch 50, or can be stopped within 190 ms. When the corresponding winning symbol 61 is included in the retractable symbols 61 on the circumference of the rotating reel 40, for example, four consecutive retractable symbols 61, the time until stopping is delayed. The rotary reel 40 draws the winning symbol on the effective winning line and stops. On the other hand, when the corresponding winning symbol 61 is not included in the four retractable symbols 61, the winning symbol cannot be drawn on the effective winning line and stopped.

  As described above, the time from S6: stop of updating the hardware random number to S9: restart of update of the hardware random number corresponds to the stop time of the rotating reel (rotor) 40 that is the object of the process of S8. To do. The stop time of one rotary reel 40 is about 7.5 ms to 190 ms, but this is different each time depending on the timing of pressing the stop button, the result of the internal lottery, and the like. In other words, since the stop time of the rotary reel 40 always fluctuates, this can be used as a fluctuation signal. The width of fluctuation by one rotating reel 40 is about 183 ms. In terms of the entire three rotating reels 40, the stop time is about 22.5 ms to 570 ms, and the fluctuation width is about 548 ms. The fluctuation width of the rotating reel 40 is larger than the hardware random number update period (the time until the counter 2b in FIG. 5 reaches FFFF when the counter 2b sequentially counts up from 0000 and reaches 0000 again). The update cycle can be varied irregularly.

  This will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In the drawing, a stop switch pressing signal is generated at t2, and the rotating reel is stopped at t3. A count stop signal is output from t2 to t3, and the operation of the counter stops. The fluctuation T from t2 to t3 is called the number of sliding frames, and corresponds to the fluctuation width. When there is no count stop signal, the value of the timing counter shown in the figure is repeated at the standard repetition cycle, and the prediction is easy. However, due to the count stop signal, the repetition period is a time obtained by adding fluctuation T to the standard repetition period, and is greatly deviated from the standard repetition period. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the counter value, and a desired hardware random number cannot be obtained even if the start switch is operated at the standard repetition cycle. Therefore, cheating can be prevented.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the first embodiment, a specific configuration of the rotating reel (rotating drum) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, each of the reels 40 a to 40 c is configured as a rotary reel unit, and is attached to the frame 151 via a bracket 152. Each of the reels 40a to 40c has a reel band 154 attached to the outer periphery of a reel drum 153. The symbol row (design 61) is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 154. Each bracket 152 is provided with a stepping motor 155, and the reels 40a to 40c are driven by the motor 155 to rotate.

  The structure of each reel 40a-40c is shown in FIG. A lamp case 156 is provided inside the reel drum 153 behind the reel band 154, and back lamps 157a, 157b, and 157c are attached to the three rooms of the lamp case 156, respectively. These back lamps 157 a to 157 c are mounted on a substrate 158 as shown in FIG. 9B, and this substrate 158 is attached to the back of the lamp case 156. A photo interrupter 159 is attached to the bracket 152. A photointerrupter is a case in which a light emitting element (such as a light emitting diode) and a light receiving element (such as a phototransistor or a photodiode) are arranged to face each other, and a detection groove is provided between them. The passage is detected without contact. The photo interrupter 159 detects that the shielding plate 160 provided on the reel drum 153 passes through the photo interrupter 159 as the reel drum 153 rotates. A signal from the photo interrupter 159 is input to the reel position detection circuit 71 in FIG.

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

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

  The reel position detection circuit 71 receives the output pulse signal from the photo interrupter 159 and detects the rotational position of each reel 40. The photo interrupter 159 detects the shielding plate 60 and generates a reset pulse every time each reel 40 makes one rotation. This reset pulse is applied to the main board 1 via the reel position detection circuit 71. In the RAM of the main board 1, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored for each reel 40. When the CPU of the main board 1 receives a reset pulse, it is formed in the RAM. The counted value is cleared to “0”. By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 155 is eliminated every rotation. When the stop switch 50 is pressed, a signal for stopping the corresponding reel 40 is sent to the main board 1.

  In the second embodiment, the random number update is stopped based on a medal insertion detection signal from a medal selector (not shown), and the update is restarted based on a signal from the start switch 30. The flowchart of Example 2 is shown in FIG. S20 and S21 are steps for determining the insertion of the first medal. According to the second embodiment, the update of the random number is stopped between the insertion of the first medal and the pressing of the start switch 30. Except for this point, the operation is the same as that of a conventional gaming machine, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the random number update is stopped based on the signal from the start switch 30, and the update is restarted based on the reel index detection signal from the reel position detection circuit 71. When the reel rotation is started, the shielding plate 160 provided on the reel drum 153 blocks the light from the photo interrupter 159 until it rotates 360 degrees at the latest. This output is input to the main board 1 as an index detection signal. In the third embodiment, the update of random numbers is stopped between the start and the first index detection. Since the stop state of the reels after the game varies every time, the time until the first index detection changes irregularly every time. The flowchart of Example 3 is shown in FIG. S30 is a step for detecting the first index of the drum. Except for this point, the operation is the same as that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, random number updating is stopped based on a signal from an arbitrary stop switch (for example, a first stop switch) 50, and updating is restarted based on a signal from another arbitrary stop switch (second stop switch) 50. That's it. The flowchart of Example 4 is shown in FIG. This figure shows only the processing related to the stop button. While the stop button press and the stop position determination process of the rotating reel (rotating cylinder) are repeated three times, the update of the random number is stopped by the first stop button, and the update of the random number is restarted by the second stop button. Restart may be the third stop button. The random number update may be stopped by the second stop button, and the random number update may be restarted by the third stop button. Except for the above points, the operation is the same as that of a conventional gaming machine, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, the random number update is stopped based on the subcommand transmission request in the main board 1, and the update is restarted in response to the start of the subcommand transmission. Examples 1 to 4 are all related to the player's operation, but Example 5 is triggered only by the internal processing of the apparatus. The present invention includes those triggered by internal processing of the apparatus. The time from when the subcommand transmission request is received until the subcommand is actually transmitted varies depending on the processing status of the CPU. For example, it varies between 0 and 36 ms. This time can be used as fluctuation. FIG. 13 shows a timing chart according to the fifth embodiment. When a subcommand transmission request is generated at t10 and the transmission start of the subcommand is t11, the time from t10 to t11: delay T fluctuates, and the repetition period of the timing counter at this time is delayed to the standard repetition period T Will be added.

  As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, due to a certain event in the game, the internal processing of the device is triggered, the update of the random number is stopped for a certain period, and then restarted. Thus, the random number update cycle is changed. The reason why a random value can be intentionally acquired according to the timing is that the random number value is updated in a fixed cycle regardless of the game, but because of a human operation or an internal process of the device for the event during the game Because of this, temporal fluctuations occur, and the causal relationship between the update of random numbers and the passage of time disappears. Therefore, cheating can be prevented. Since the counter IC for generating random numbers is provided with a signal terminal for controlling update stop as a standard, no additional hardware is required to realize the embodiment of the present invention. Although the embodiment of the present invention can be easily realized, the effect is enormous.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
An example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by hardware is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, 1a is a timing counter that operates with a predetermined clock and repeatedly outputs a numerical value from 0 to a predetermined value, and 1b is a fluctuation generating counter that operates with a predetermined clock. The carry (carry) of the fluctuation generating counter 1b becomes a reset signal of the flip-flop circuit 1a-1. The fluctuation generating counter 1b reads the output of the timing counter 1a in response to a pressing signal of the start switch 30, and counts based on this preset value. Therefore, the timing at which the carry is output depends on the preset value. The timing counter 1a, the fluctuation generating counter 1b, and the random number counter 2 operate with clocks having different frequencies and different phases, and do not interfere with each other and do not synchronize with each other. Therefore, the preset value in the fluctuation generating counter 1b is difficult to predict from the outside and is different every time, so that the carry timing fluctuates variously.

  In FIG. 14, the flip-flop circuit 1a-1 is set by a start lever pressing signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a signal of another switch, for example, a stop switch. The set signal and reset signal of the flip-flop circuit 1a-1 may be controlled by separate switches, for example, set by a stop switch and reset by a start switch.

  FIG. 15 is an operation explanatory view (timing chart) of the apparatus of FIG. When the start lever signal becomes valid (t1), the value (fluctuation value) of the timing counter 1a is taken into the fluctuation generating counter 1b (part A). At the same time, the flip-flop 1a-1 is set. The flip-flop 1a-1 is reset by a carry output when the fluctuation generating counter 1b returns to 0 (B section). Therefore, the count stop signal is output only during the period from A to B in the figure.

Embodiment 3 of the Invention
In order to make the fluctuation even more irregular and unpredictable, it is possible to provide a bit replacement unit that performs bit replacement of the output bits of the timing counter 1a, and the fluctuation generation counter 1b may be configured to read the output of the bit replacement unit. Good.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration. In the figure, a bit replacement unit 6 performs bit replacement by replacing a wiring or a printed circuit board pattern. For this reason, the bit replacement pattern is fixed. In the example shown in the figure, the LSB (QH) output from the timing counter 1a is connected to the MSB (D1) input to the fluctuation generating counter 1b, and the other bits of the timing counter 1a output are used for generating fluctuations each having a small weight by ½. It is connected to the bit of the counter 1b input. That is, QG is connected to D8, QF is connected to D7, and similarly, QA is connected to D2. Such bit replacement is equivalent to shifting one bit to the right.

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

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

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

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

(2) Replacing two or more sets of bits The simulation result is shown in FIG. In this case, the change amplitude can be 32 or 128, and the change period can be 2. The graph when two or more sets of bits are exchanged has a large amplitude, and since the graph is quite different from the linear shape rising to the right before the bit exchange, an effect can be expected. From the viewpoint that it is preferable that the change period is short and the change amplitude is large, all of the bit exchanges shown in FIG. 21 are preferable. Therefore, it is preferable to exchange at least two sets of bits.

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

  If bits are exchanged as in Embodiment 3, the lottery result can be made more irregular and difficult to predict.

  In the above description, it has been described that the bit replacement unit 6 is realized by a pattern of a wiring or a printed board. However, the bit replacement unit 6 may be realized by a memory table such as a shift register, a ROM, or a multiplexer. According to these examples, since the replacement pattern of the bit replacement unit 6 can be changed by an external signal, the replacement pattern may be changed as appropriate.

  As the bit replacement pattern change command signal, a signal from a stop switch, a reel rotation start or stop signal, a time from a timer, a date or day signal, a winning notification signal such as a big bonus (BB), or the like can be used.

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

Embodiment 4 of the Invention
The random number update stop signal generator 1a may be realized by software. The operation of the random number update stop signal generator 1a according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by software (specifically, a microprocessor that operates according to a program).

  In step S20 of FIG. 22, a CPU (not shown) goes to see the state of a predetermined switch, for example, the start switch 30. The stop switch 50 can also be used as the predetermined switch. Alternatively, instead of the switch, an output signal of an index sensor for detecting the position of the reel (which may be caused by the stop of the reel) is used, or an IN signal (not shown) of a concentration terminal board (not shown) Number of signals) can be used. The IN signal is a signal sent to a hall computer (not shown), and is a signal indicating the number of medals per game inserted when the game is started. It is output after the start lever is pressed, and a pulse signal corresponding to the number of sheets is output.

  Whether or not a predetermined factor predetermined in step S21 has occurred, for example, whether the start switch 30 or the stop switch 50 is pressed and a signal is output, whether or not the reel index sensor signal is output, IN It is determined whether a signal is being output. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S25, waits for the process for a predetermined time, and then repeats the process again. Through the processing of S20, S21, and S25, the CPU monitors a random number latching factor (for example, pressing of the start lever switch 30) every predetermined time (for example, 1.5 ms).

  When a predetermined factor has occurred in step S21 (YES), the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, a lottery is performed to obtain a random time (irregular time). And the random number update is stopped only during that time.
Here, as a method for obtaining the random time, (1) a method of using a CPU refresh register, (2) a method of configuring a counter by software and using the count value, and (3) hardware for generating random numbers There is a way to prepare (counter etc.).

  The refresh register (1) is a register used for periodically charging (refreshing) a dynamic memory (DRAM) used as a CPU memory. Specifically, the refresh register holds an address for refreshing the DRAM. Since the content of the refresh register changes with time, it can be used for random number generation. Specifically, the value of the refresh register at that time is read at a predetermined timing, and this is applied to a predetermined expression to obtain a random value.

  The method using the counter (2) is basically the same as the method using the hardware counter. Specifically, a predetermined value is stored in a memory or a register, and this is counted up at regular intervals. This value is applied to a predetermined formula to obtain a random value.

  (3) uses a physical random number generator using a counter or thermal noise.

  In addition to the above, a known algorithm may be used.

  In step S23, the generated random time is received, and a wait process is performed for a time corresponding to the random time. Since the random time is a random number, the wait time is irregular. Random number update is stopped for the wait time.

  In step S24, update of the random number is resumed when the wait time elapses.

  The period during which the random number update is stopped is the sum of the random time lottery processing time in S22 and the random time weight processing time in S23. As described above, since the random time wait processing time is irregular, the period during which the random number update is stopped is irregular.

Embodiment 5 of the Invention
FIG. 23 shows another example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by hardware.

  In FIG. 23, 110 is a relay driving buffer circuit that receives a start switch pressing signal, and 111 is a mechanical relay. 111a is a driving coil of the mechanical relay 111, and 111b is a contact point. When a current flows through / cuts off the driving coil 111a, the mechanical movable portion of the relay 111 moves, and any one of the contacts is selected. In FIG. 23, one of the contacts is grounded and the other is connected to the power supply voltage VCC. The common contact for these is sent to the counter 2b as a random number update stop / restart signal. In the example of FIG. 23, the relay 111 is driven and random number updating is stopped when an L level (ground potential) signal is output (see FIG. 24B).

  FIG. 24 is a schematic timing chart for explaining the operation. FIG. 24A shows a signal when a switch (for example, a start switch, a stop switch, etc.) is depressed (the falling edge of the signal indicates when the start switch is depressed, and the rising edge indicates the return of the switch). . FIG. 24B shows the output signal of the relay 111.

  The operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the embodiment of the present invention, the contact output of the relay 111 having a mechanical contact driven by the contact output of the start switch or its sensor output is used for stopping / restarting the random number update. In general, when a mechanical relay operates, a phenomenon (chattering) occurs in which the contact is turned on / off many times. In the example of FIG. 24, the relay 111 operates while the start switch is pressed (FIG. 24 (a)). According to FIG. 24 (b), the contact is repeatedly turned on and off four times. (T1 to t4). Due to such irregular chattering, random number updating is stopped / restarted many times in the embodiment of the present invention. Since the number of contact ON / OFF (number of pulses) generated by chattering is indefinite, it can be used as unpredictable fluctuation.

  The fluctuation generation method in the embodiment of the present invention reversely utilizes a characteristic that has not been allowed in the past, such as chattering that occurs during the operation of a mechanical relay. For this reason, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to use it differently from the usual way. The mechanical relay used in the embodiment of the present invention preferably has a large movable part, that is, a large relay. This is because chattering is likely to occur as the mass of the movable part increases. Furthermore, mass may be added to the movable part of the mechanical relay (for example, a weight is provided on the movable part of the relay). Furthermore, the mechanical relay may be driven at a value lower than a specified voltage value and / or current value. This is because the attractive force of the movable part by the coil is reduced and chattering is likely to occur.

Embodiment 6 of the Invention
Another example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by hardware is shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 25, reference numeral 121 denotes a predetermined frequency (from the viewpoint that it becomes difficult for a player to predict the lottery result, it is desirable that the frequency be different from the clock used for the lottery process. In the embodiment of the present invention, a different frequency is also used. A clock generator that generates a clock of the present invention will be described by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to this. 122 is a random number generator that receives the clock and generates a random value (counts). (Counter) 123 is a latch that captures and holds a random number generated when the start switch is pressed, 124 is an analog-digital converter that converts the digital value held in the latch 123 into an analog value, and 125 is a start Delay for delaying the switch pressing signal in accordance with the output voltage of the analog-digital converter 124 It is a road. The delay circuit 125 is, for example, a one-shot multivibrator or a timer circuit, and the delay time (the time from when the start switch is pushed down until a pulse is output) depends on the output voltage of the analog-to-digital converter 124 and the external circuit. It is determined by the constant (time constant) of the resistor R and the capacitor C. Since the time constant is constant, the delay time is controlled by the analog control voltage. The output of the delay circuit 125 is supplied to the flip-flop circuit 1a-1.

  FIG. 26 uses a sample-hold circuit 126 instead of the latch 123. A sample-and-hold circuit is a circuit that measures an input signal at a series of predetermined times, and its output is held until the next measurement is performed. The latch 123 holds fluctuation (random number value) as a digital value, while the sample-hold circuit 126 holds fluctuation as an analog value.

  The circuits in FIGS. 25 and 26 perform the same operation.

The operation of the circuits of FIGS. 25 and 26 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.
The counter 122 is continuously counting. The sawtooth graph of the value of the timing counter in FIG. 27 schematically shows that the counter 122 is incremented by a clock and repeatedly outputs all bits 0 to 1 (FFFF in the case of 16 bits) in order. (The graph can also be considered as a waveform obtained by observing the digital value of the counter 122 converted to an analog value).

  If the start switch 30 (or another switch such as a stop switch) is pushed down at time t1, the latch 123 in FIG. 25 acquires and holds the data of the counter 122 at that time (the part indicated by the arrow A). . Then, the analog-digital converter 124 converts the data into an analog value. This analog value is Va. In FIG. 26, the sample-hold circuit 126 holds the output value Va of the analog-digital converter 124 at that time)

  The analog value Va is input to the delay circuit 125 as a control voltage. The delay circuit 125 has a property that its delay time varies depending on the control voltage. Therefore, the delay time T in FIG. 27 changes according to the voltage Va. Since the value of the control voltage Va changes variously depending on the depression timing of the start switch 30, the delay time T changes irregularly as a result. Thus, since the delay T is not a constant value and takes a different value every time the start switch 30 is pressed, it is difficult to predict the extracted random number value. Since the output of the counter 122 is periodic, the delay time T can be made constant by depressing the start switch 30 in accordance with this period, but the random number value extracted in this way is also predicted. I can't do it. This is because the clock frequency of the clock generator 121 and the frequency of the clock used by the random number generator 20 are different, so that even if the delay time T is constant, the random number value extracted by the random number extractor 3 is different every time. In other words, if the timing at which the start switch 30 is pushed down is matched with the cycle of the random number generator 20, it cannot be matched with the cycle of the random number update stop control circuit 1a. It is not possible to match the period of the generator 20, and in any case the timing cannot be taken and the lottery result cannot be predicted (from this point of view, it is preferable that one frequency is not an integer multiple of the other. A relationship such as 7 and 11, 13 and 19 having no number is preferable, or the frequency of the clock generator 121 is preferably significantly lower (or higher) than the frequency of the random number generator 2.

  Although the counter is used to generate random numbers in the sixth embodiment of the invention, an analog circuit is used to generate irregular delay times (fluctuations), so the parts are compared with the case where all are configured digitally. Fewer points and simpler configuration.

Embodiment 7 of the Invention
28 and 29 show another example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by hardware.

  The circuits in FIGS. 25 and 26 use the delay circuit 125 to delay the start switch pressing signal. Instead of this, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, an integration circuit and a comparator may be used. 28 and 29 correspond to FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively. Hereinafter, differences will be described.

  28 and 29, reference numeral 127 denotes an integration circuit (low-pass filter) for a start switch pressing signal including a resistor R and a capacitor C, and 128 denotes a voltage Va by comparing the signal of the integration circuit 127 with a latched or sampled voltage Va. It is a comparator that outputs a pulse when it reaches. The delay time T is determined by the voltage Va as in the case of FIGS.

  FIG. 30 is a timing chart. The start switch pressing signal by the integrating circuit 127 becomes an integrated waveform. When this waveform reaches the voltage Va, the comparator 128 outputs a pulse. When the voltage Va decreases, the delay time decreases, and when the voltage Va increases, the delay time T increases. That is, the integration circuit 127 and the comparator 128 have the property that the delay time thereof varies depending on the control voltage, like the delay circuit 125. The delay time T changes according to the voltage Va, and as described above, the value of the control voltage Va changes variously depending on the timing of depressing the start switch 30. As a result, the delay time T changes irregularly.

  Since the circuit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention also employs an analog circuit, the number of parts is reduced compared to the case where the entire circuit is configured digitally, and the configuration is simplified.

Embodiment 8 of the Invention
FIG. 31 shows another example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by hardware.

  In FIG. 31, reference numerals 130-1 and 130-2 denote a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit. A combining unit 131 combines the outputs of the two oscillation circuits 130-1 and 130-2. The counter 2b stops counting for a predetermined time (random number updating is stopped) based on the timing signals (these combined signals in FIG. 31) generated by the oscillation circuits 130-1 and 130-2. The oscillation circuits 130-1 and 130-2 oscillate and output a signal having a predetermined frequency based on a circuit element obtained by combining a part of or all of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor. At least part of the element has a constant that changes with temperature. For this reason, the cycle / period of the output fluctuates and it is difficult to predict it. The change in the constants of the respective constituent elements is not limited to what is planned in the design, but also includes those that have occurred in manufacturing (results). For example, it includes variations in resistance constants and capacitor capacitances, and temperature dependence thereof.

  The reason why the oscillation circuits 130-1 and 130-2 are purposely employed is to make it difficult to aim at a specific numerical value in the lottery by giving fluctuation to the signal from the outside. A circuit that counts a counter circuit with an accurate cycle and extracts a numerical value with an external input signal can be aimed from the outside the more accurate the cycle. Even when the counter circuit related to the lottery counts at an accurate cycle, fluctuation can be given by controlling the stop / restart of the count by an external input signal. This makes it difficult to shoot. By causing fluctuations in the hardware, the burden on the software and CPU can be reduced.

  The fluctuation generating method in the embodiment of the present invention is that an accurate oscillator is not used. In other words, characteristics that were not allowed in the past, such as temperature drift and performance variations from product to product, were used in reverse. In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, two inaccurate oscillation circuits are prepared and their outputs are synthesized, so that it is more difficult to aim.

  Note that the random number count related to the lottery is in the [ns] order, whereas the fluctuation effect can be further enhanced by setting the signal fluctuation time to the [ms] order.

  A specific configuration example of the oscillation circuit is shown in FIG. The inverter INV1, the capacitor C1, and the resistor R1 constitute a first oscillation circuit 130-1, and the inverter INV2, the capacitor C2, and the resistor R2 constitute a second oscillation circuit 130-2. The inverters INV1 and INV2 are Schmitt trigger elements with hysteresis. The diodes D1 and D2 constitute a combining unit 131. The circuit shown in FIG. 32 oscillates by using charge and discharge of a capacitor and a resistor, but the frequency depends on the time constant of the capacitor and the resistor. Oscillation with an accurate period cannot be obtained because the resistance constant and the capacitance of the capacitor have large variations in manufacturing and temperature rise. Further, if the voltage input to the IC changes due to the influence of noise or the like, the period of oscillation temporarily changes. Therefore, the circuit of FIG. 32 is not used in industrial equipment that requires reliability, but it is preferable to generate fluctuations.

  The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 31 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 33 shows the output CLK1 of the first oscillation circuit 130-1, the output CLK2 of the second oscillation circuit 130-2, and the output (the output of the synthesis unit 131) CLK3 obtained by synthesizing them.

  In FIG. 33, the period tc1 of the first oscillation circuit 130-1 is about 2.5 times the period tc2 of the second oscillation circuit 130-2. Since the synthesizing unit 131 takes a logical product of CLK1 and CLK2 (or another operation such as logical sum), the output is as shown by CLK3 in FIG. That is, one or two pulses are output in the period tc1 of CLK1. Therefore, CLK1 has a complicated waveform. In order to obtain such a waveform, tc1 may be an integer multiple of tc2 + a fraction (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, etc.). Moreover, as described above, tc1 and tc2 are not constant and vary depending on the temperature. For this reason, CLK3 can be called an irregular pulse. Since the counter 2b irregularly stops / resumes counting, it is difficult to predict the generated random number, and illegal acts can be prevented.

Embodiment 9 of the Invention
As the oscillation circuit, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) whose oscillation frequency varies depending on the applied voltage may be used. An example using this is shown in FIG. In order to make the frequency fluctuate, the control voltages of the voltage controlled oscillators 140-1 and 140-2 may be varied irregularly. For example, since the power supply voltage (AC 100V) fluctuates, this may be detected and applied as a control voltage, or a voltage of a circuit whose voltage often fluctuates due to a motor or solenoid coil connected as a load is detected. Also good. Alternatively, a signal that changes over time may be given as the control voltage. If the time signal is digital, D / A conversion may be performed after changing the bit of the time signal in order to make the voltage change with time irregular.

  34, reference numeral 141-1 generates a reference voltage that fluctuates based on fluctuations in the power supply voltage, a first voltage generator that supplies the first voltage controlled oscillator circuit 140-1, and 141-2 indicates a time signal (for example, a digital signal). This is a second voltage generator that generates a reference voltage that fluctuates based on D / A conversion of time data) and supplies the reference voltage to the second voltage controlled oscillation circuit 140-2. A combining unit 131 combines the outputs of the two oscillation circuits 140-1 and 140-2.

  Also in Embodiment 9 of the present invention, the counter 2b irregularly stops / resumes counting, so it becomes difficult to predict the generated random number, and fraud can be prevented.

Embodiment 10 of the Invention
In the fourth embodiment of the invention, the example in which the random number update stop signal generator 1a is realized by software is shown. However, in S22 of FIG. 22 of the same embodiment, the output of the counter is used as a seed of random numbers (for example, A random number may be generated using a linear congruential method, an MT method, an average sampling method, an exponential random number sequence, or the like.

  The software timer counter continues to count up (count down) at a predetermined timing. A random number is generated using a known algorithm with the output of the counter timer extracted as a seed of random numbers, and the random numbers are associated with random times. Based on this output, the count of the counter 2b is stopped / restarted. Since the seeds of random numbers take various values, the generated random number sequences are preferable because they are not the same.

  When generating a random number in the sub-board 2, it is preferable to latch the output of the timer counter 2a at the reception timing of the command sent from the main board 1. Since a random time delay occurs in the reception timing of the command (see the description of the fifth embodiment), the possibility that the seeds of random numbers have the same value or a regular value is reduced.

  In the above description, a slot machine (rotating game machine) is taken as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine provided with a winning lottery means for performing lottery based on random numbers and making a winning determination based on the lottery result.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Timing counter 1b Fluctuation generating counter 2 Random number generator 3 Random number extractor 4 Judgment unit 5 Winning judgment table 6 Bit substitution unit 10 Slot machine 11 Housing 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 16 Bet switch 17 Checkout switch 20 Random number generation unit 30 start switch 31 connector 32 processing / display unit 33 connector 40 rotating reel 42 reel tape 50 stop switch 60 reel unit 61 design 62 liquid crystal display unit 70 reel drive unit 71 reel position detection circuit 80 hopper drive unit 81 hopper 82 medal detection unit 100 Medal slot 110 Buffer circuit 111 for relay drive Mechanical relay 111a Coil 111b for mechanical relay Contact of mechanical relay 121 Clock generator 122 Random number generator (counter)
123 latch register 124 analog-to-digital converter 125 delay circuit 126 sample-hold circuit 127 integration circuit 128 comparator 130 oscillation circuit 131 synthesis unit 140 voltage control oscillation circuit 141 voltage generation unit 159 photointerrupter 160 shielding plate 200 liquid crystal control board 201 speaker 202 LED board 304 Medal payout slot 311 Medal receiving part (lower plate)

Claims (1)

A lottery means for performing a lottery based on a signal from a start switch operated by a player and determining a prize based on the lottery result, a plurality of rotating reels, a reel driving unit for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, and the plurality A reel position detection circuit for detecting a rotation position of the rotation reel, a plurality of stop switches for stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotation reels, the reel drive unit and the reel position detection circuit, and the start switch And a main board that controls rotation and stop of the plurality of rotating reels based on signals from the plurality of stop switches,
The winning lottery means includes a random number generator for generating a random number for winning lottery, a random number extractor for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator based on a signal of the start switch, and a correspondence between a numerical value related to the lottery and winning A winning determination table for storing the relationship in advance, a determination unit for determining at least one of the winning type of the random number extracted by the random number extractor with reference to the winning determination table and the type of the winning, and the random number generation A random number update stop signal generating unit for instructing the device to stop or restart the update of random numbers at a predetermined opportunity,
The random number generator temporarily stops random number update based on a signal from the random number update stop signal generation unit,
The random number update stop signal generation unit stops random number update based on a signal from the stop switch , and a winning flag is being established based on a stop signal of the rotating reel from the reel driving unit or the reel position detection circuit . Reel until stoppage that occurs when a winning symbol corresponding to the winning flag is included in a symbol that can be stopped within a predetermined time based on the pressing timing by the stop switch or the lottery result by the winning lottery means A slot machine characterized by generating a signal for delaying the time due to slipping and restarting random number updating.

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