JP5194092B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, a ball ball gaming machine such as an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine installed in a gaming shop such as a pachinko shop.

Main control that controls basic actions associated with the progress of a game, among illegal acts that are performed on a gaming machine and forcibly pays out medals, game balls, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “game media”) regardless of the game content. For example, the following is related to a peripheral board on which a peripheral part that executes a rendering process or the like based on control command information from the main control part (hereinafter referred to as “control command”) is mounted. There is something to show.
(1) Replacing an authorized main control board with an unauthorized main control board (2) A ROM storing a legitimate program executed by the CPU mounted on the main control board and an unauthorized program obtained by falsifying the above program are stored. (3) An illegal board (impersonated board) is provided between the main control board and the peripheral board, and the ROM of (2) above is replaced.

  In order to prevent such illegal acts, the conventional gaming machines include the following. For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the main control board generates a control command and transmits it to the sub-control board, and checks the control command transmitted by the first transmission means within a predetermined period. Second transmission means for transmitting the thumb as a state monitoring command at a predetermined timing. In addition, the sub-control board verifies the validity of the control command transmitted within the predetermined period by comparing the checksum of the control command received within the predetermined period with the state monitoring command received at the predetermined timing. doing. That is, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 attempts to prevent the illegal act by transmitting a state monitoring command for verifying the validity of the control command at a predetermined timing.

JP 2002-18095 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a process of independently transmitting a state monitoring command at a predetermined timing is performed. Since the status monitoring command is a checksum of the control command transmitted within the predetermined period as described above, the status monitoring command and the normal control command have information of different data formats or data amounts. Therefore, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a person who intends to engage in fraud (hereinafter referred to as “illegal person”) can easily know the transmission timing of the state monitoring command, and can detect fraud. The inspection timing can be easily known. An unauthorized person who can know the transmission timing of the status monitoring command may steal the status monitoring command and analyze the contents.

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the checksum is added to the control command and transmitted. A communication error check is generally performed by adding the checksum to a control command and transmitting it. However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 in which a check sum of a control command transmitted within a predetermined period is used as a state monitoring command, an unauthorized person steals the control command by adding the check sum to the control command. This makes it easy to analyze the contents of the status monitoring command. Specifically, as described above, an unauthorized person can easily know the transmission timing of the state monitoring command. There is a possibility that an unauthorized person who knows the transmission timing of the status monitoring command can easily analyze the contents of the status monitoring command by acquiring and comparing the control command and its checksum within a predetermined period. .

  Moreover, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a process different from the normal process of transmitting a state monitoring command is performed. As a result, the processing becomes complicated, and it is necessary to store all the checksums transmitted within a predetermined period, which increases the processing load on the main control board. In gaming machines, the ROM and RAM capacities of the main control board are limited due to the regulations of the “Customs Business Regulations and the Act on the Optimization of Business (Fusei Law)”, and the resources of the main control board are limited. . On the other hand, gaming machine manufacturers have a desire to allocate a large amount of limited capacity to programs related to the effects of gaming machines. For this reason, it is not possible to overlook the problems of increasing the processing load on the main control board and increasing the code size of the program by adding security-related functions to the gaming machine.

  In addition, when trying to implement security-related functions in hardware, even if the processing speed decrease and code size increase can be suppressed, the specific processing content of the added security function is fixed due to the characteristics of the hardware, Of course, it becomes easy to analyze fraudulently, and if it is fraudulently analyzed, all gaming machines to which the security function is added cannot prevent fraud. Further, if the processing contents are fixed, the processing contents cannot be made different for each gaming machine manufacturer or each model, and the security function is poor in diversity. On the other hand, it is impractical to produce a product whose processing contents are different for each gaming machine manufacturer or each model, resulting in a huge burden. Accordingly, it is impossible to meet the demand for adding a variety of effective security functions that are rich in diversity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can improve the security strength by preventing illegal acts by a simple means that has not been conventionally used, and can be used for general purposes while suppressing an increase in processing load and code size. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a highly secure security function.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a main control unit that outputs control information, a first sub control unit that performs processing based on the control information, and a first sub control unit that is provided subsequent to the first sub control unit. a game machine and a second sub-control unit, the main control unit, which has a information storage area you storing predetermined game information and a control program, be accessible upon activation of the gaming machine In accordance with the information storage unit having an initial setting information storage area for storing the initial setting information of the gaming machine and the control program stored in the information storage area, the control information is generated by performing a predetermined calculation according to the gaming information as well as output, an arithmetic processing unit for outputting a transmission instruction for allowing transmitting the control information, in accordance with an algorithm uniquely held regardless of the instruction of the arithmetic processing unit, the control information generated in a predetermined past versus A first generating means for generating and outputting an error check value for the calculation according to a processing unit wherein the algorithm regardless of the instruction of the transmission instruction generated by said first generating means to said control information corresponding to the error check value And an information transmitting unit for transmitting the control information to which the error check value is added to the second sub-control unit via the first sub-control unit. The second sub control unit is transmitted via the first sub control unit and a second generation unit that generates a verification error check value corresponding to the control information generated in the past. The error check value is compared with the verification error check value, and a test for authenticating the validity of the control information transmitted via the first sub-control unit is performed, and the result information of the check is An information inspection unit to generate and the result information to the first sub-control Look including a transmission section that transmits to the first sub-control unit performs predetermined processing based on the control information transmitted in the information transmitting unit, which is transmitted by the transmitting portion and the result processing unit which performs a process according to information, only contains the first generation means has a plurality of generator circuits different from each other to generate an error check value, the initial setting information, generates the plurality Selection information corresponding to each of the circuits , and when the gaming machine is activated, the arithmetic processing unit sets specific selection information of the selection information in the first generation unit, and the first generation unit The means is characterized in that the error check value is generated by a specific generation circuit corresponding to the specific selection information that has been set.

According to the present invention, in order to add an authentication function for the main control unit as a security function, the error check value generation function provided in the main control unit is configured by hardware, and includes a plurality of types of the generation functions. Is selected when setting an initial value in a boot process that cannot be known during a game. Further, the transmission unit that generates the error check value to realize the function adds the error check value generated from the control command generated in the past from the control command to the control command to be transmitted, and the error check value Send control commands with Further, the transmission unit automatically performs error check value generation and addition processing regardless of an instruction from the main CPU, and transmits the error check value to the subsequent control unit via the effect control unit.
By applying such an unprecedented simple method, it becomes difficult for an unauthorized person to analyze the relationship between the control command and the error check value added thereto, and the security strength of the gaming machine is improved by a simple method. be able to. Moreover, the CPU processing load and code size of the main control unit, which increase with the addition of security functions, can be suppressed to the maximum, and a variety of effective security functions can be added relatively easily. And a highly versatile security function can be provided.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the state which open | released the glass frame of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the back surface side of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure regarding the authentication process of the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the memory map of the main ROM and boot ROM which comprise the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the addition method of the error check value to the control command which the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention outputs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure regarding the authentication process of the back | latter stage control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the classification of the control command transmitted to the production | presentation control part from the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the main process by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the interruption process by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the special figure special electricity control process by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the special symbol memory | storage determination process by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the boot process at the time of starting by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the command transmission process by the main control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the main process by the production | presentation control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the interruption process by the production | presentation control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the command analysis process 1 by the presentation control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the command analysis process 2 by the production | presentation control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the authentication result data analysis process by the presentation control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart in the main process by the back | latter stage control part which comprises the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Specifically, a pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 1”), which is one of the gaming machines according to the embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

[Composition of gaming machine]
The configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment in a state where the glass frame is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the back side of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which the game ball 200 flows down is formed. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 35 for changing the effect mode by a pressing operation is provided.

  Further, the glass frame 50 is provided with a tray 40 for storing a plurality of game balls 200, and the tray 40 has a downward slope so that the game balls 200 flow down toward the operation handle 3. (See FIG. 2). A receiving opening (not shown) for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 40, and the game ball received in the receiving opening is driven by the ball feed solenoid 4b, so that the glass frame One by one is sent to a ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface of 50. Then, the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having a downward slope toward the launching member 4c. A stopper 43 for stopping the game ball is provided above the downwardly inclined end portion of the launch rail 42, and the game ball 200 sent out from the ball feed opening 41 is the downwardly inclined end portion of the launch rail 42. Thus, one game ball is stopped (see FIG. 2).

  When the player rotates the operation handle 3, the launch volume 3b (see FIG. 4) directly connected to the operation handle 3 also rotates, and the launch volume of the game ball is adjusted and adjusted by the launch volume 3b. The launching member 4c directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a (see FIG. 4) rotates with the firing strength. By rotating the launch member 4 c, the game ball 200 stored at the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 is launched by the launch member 4 c, and the game ball is launched into the game area 6.

  When the game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5a and 5b from the launch rail 42 and exceeds the ball return prevention piece 5c, the game ball reaches the game area 6 and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12. Each of these general winning awards 12 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 12a (see FIG. 4). When this general winning opening detecting switch 12a detects the winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10) Game balls).

  Further, in the area below the center of the game area 6, there are a first start port 14 and a second start port 15 that constitute a start area into which game balls can enter, and a second large area in which game balls can enter. A winning opening 17 is provided.

  The second starting port 15 has a pair of movable pieces 15b, a mode in which the pair of movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state (hereinafter referred to as “first mode”), and a pair of movable pieces. The movement control is performed so that 15b is in an open state (hereinafter referred to as “second aspect”). When the second starting port 15 is controlled in the first mode, the winning member of the second large winning port 17 located immediately above the second starting port 15 becomes an obstacle, and the game ball Is impossible to accept. On the other hand, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and it is easy to win a game ball to the second start port 15. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased.

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a (see FIG. 4) for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is a first for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 2 A start port detection switch 15a (see FIG. 4) is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a special symbol determination random number value is acquired, and a right acquisition lottery (to be described later) Hereinafter, “Lottery for jackpot” is performed. Also, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.

  In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2. Below the second grand prize opening 17, there is a second big prize opening / closing door 17b that can protrude from the game board surface side to the glass plate 52 side. It is controlled to move between an open state protruding to the side and a closed state buried in the game board surface. When the second grand prize opening opening / closing door 17b protrudes from the game board surface, it functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, and the game ball can enter the second big prize opening 17. Become. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a (see FIG. 4). When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, it is set in advance. Award balls (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

Furthermore, in the area on the right side of the game area 6, there are provided a normal symbol gate 13 constituting a normal area through which game balls can pass and a first grand prize opening 16 through which game balls can enter.
For this reason, if the operation ball 3 is not a game ball which has been greatly rotated and launched with a strong force, the normal design gate 13 and the first big winning opening 16 are configured so that the game ball does not pass or win. Yes.

  The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol determination random number value. Is acquired, and a “normal symbol lottery” to be described later is performed.

  The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first big prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a (see FIG. 4). When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, it is set in advance. Prize balls (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

  Further, in the lowermost area of the game area 6 and the lowermost area of the game area 6, the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first major winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening. An out port 11 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports 17.

In addition, a decoration member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided in the center of the game area 6. A liquid crystal display device 31 is provided at a substantially central portion of the decorative member 7, and an effect driving device 33 in the form of a belt is provided above the liquid crystal display device 31.
In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 31 is used as a liquid crystal display. However, an organic EL display may be used, a projector, a reel made of an annular structure, a so-called 7-segment LED, a dot matrix. A display device or the like may be used.

The liquid crystal display device 31 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 36 for informing the jackpot lottery result, which will be described later, are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 36 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a jackpot lottery result. A big hit is announced.
More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 36 are scroll-displayed, and the scroll is stopped after a predetermined time, The effect design 36 is stopped and displayed. Further, by displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 36, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation according to the operation mode. The effect driving device 33 performs, for example, an operation in which the belt moves downward or a rotating member at the center of the belt rotates. Various operational feelings are given to the player depending on the operation mode of the effect driving device 33.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described various production devices, the audio output device 32 outputs background music, sound effects, and the like, and produces productions using sound. The production lighting device 34 uses the light irradiation direction of each lamp, The luminescent color is changed to produce lighting.

  The effect button 35 is effective only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 35 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31. The effect button 35 is provided with an effect button detection switch 35a (see FIG. 4). When the effect button detection switch 35a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed in accordance with this operation.

  In the lower right of the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, a normal A symbol hold indicator 25 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 is for notifying a lottery result obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 14, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  Here, the “successful lottery” means that when a game ball enters the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, a special symbol determining random number value is acquired, and the acquired special symbol determining random value is acquired. Is a random number value corresponding to “big hit” or a random number value corresponding to “small hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the first special symbol display device 20 displays a variation such as blinking of the special symbol, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, the jackpot lottery result The special symbol corresponding to is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, “big hit” means that a right to win a big hit game is obtained in a big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 Say what you did. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. A predetermined time is set for the maximum opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed. In other words, the “big hit game” is a game in which a game ball can enter the first grand prize winning opening 16 or the second big winning prize opening 17 and the player can acquire a winning ball according to the winning prize.

In this embodiment, in the “hit lottery”, two gaming states are set according to the winning probability. That is, the “low probability gaming state” in which the winning probability is set to 1 / 299.5 and the “high probability gaming state” in which the winning probability is set to 1 / 29.95. Also, in the “jackpot game”, a plurality of types of jackpot games are set. For example, in the case of “game per long”, the first grand prize opening 16 is released once (× 15 rounds) for 29.000 seconds for each round game. If it is “short win game”, the second big prize opening 17 is opened for 0.052 seconds × 1 time (× 15 rounds) for each round game. In the case of “game per development”, the second grand prize opening 17 is opened for 0.052 seconds × 3 times in the first round game, and after the second round, 29.000 seconds × 1 for each round game. Times (× 14 rounds).
In the case of “small hit”, one gaming state with a winning probability of 1 / 149.75 is set. In addition, if it is a “small hit game”, although it is not a round game, the second big prize opening 17 is opened for 0.052 seconds × 15 times. In the present embodiment, “big hit game” and “small hit game” are collectively referred to as “special game”.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Here, “normal symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random value corresponds to “winning”. A process for determining whether or not the value is a random value. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not always notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, but the normal symbol display device 22 displays a variation such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit hold number is set to 4, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 Lights up. In addition, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 blinks and the right LED is lit, and when there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold. Two LEDs on the display 23 blink. The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.
The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

  The glass frame 50 supports a glass plate 52 that covers the game area 6 in a visible manner in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 52 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50.

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via the hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1). The other end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 52, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 (see FIG. 4) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board on which the main control unit 110 is mounted, an effect control board on which the effect control unit 120 is mounted, a rear control board on which the rear control unit 180 is mounted, and a payout control unit 130 The payout control board, the power board on which the power supply unit 170 is mounted, the game information output terminal board 30 and the like are provided. Further, the power supply unit 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

[Internal configuration of gaming machine]
Hereinafter, control means for controlling processing related to game progress of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The main control unit 110 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and receives various detection signals from the first start port detection switch 14a, etc., and opens and closes the first special symbol display device 20 and the first grand prize opening. The game is controlled by driving the solenoid 16c and the like.

  The main control unit 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 110m including at least a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, a main RAM 110c, and a boot ROM 110d, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control. The main control unit 110 includes a transmission unit 500 that is used to output control commands to other control units (such as an effect control unit 120 and a payout control unit 130 described later), among other output ports.

  The main control input port includes a payout control unit 130, a general winning port detecting switch 12a for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the general winning port 12, and a game ball having been inserted into the normal symbol gate 13. Gate detection switch 13a to detect, first start port detection switch 14a to detect that a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and second start to detect that a game ball has entered the second start port 15 The mouth detection switch 15a, the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a that detects that a game ball has entered the first grand prize opening 16, and the second that detects that a game ball has entered the second grand prize opening 17 A big prize opening detection switch 17a is connected. Various signals are input to the main control unit 110 through the input port for main control.

  The main control output port includes a payout control unit 130, a start opening / closing solenoid 15c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 15b of the second start opening 15, and a first large winning opening opening / closing door 16b. A special winning opening / closing solenoid 16c, a second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c for operating the second winning opening / closing door 17b, a first special symbol display device 20 and a second special symbol display device 21 for displaying special symbols, and a normal symbol. A normal symbol display device 22 for displaying a symbol, a first special symbol hold indicator 23 and a second special symbol hold indicator 24 for displaying the number of reserved balls for a special symbol, and a normal symbol hold indicator for displaying the number of reserved balls for a normal symbol 25. A game information output terminal board 30 for outputting an external information signal is connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The main CPU 110a of the main control unit 110 reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b based on an input signal from each detection switch or a timer (not shown) incorporated as an internal function, and performs arithmetic processing. Depending on the result, a control instruction (hereinafter referred to as “control signal”) for each component constituting the main control unit 110 and a control command for another control unit other than the main control unit 110 are output.

The main ROM 110b of the main control unit 110 stores in advance a game processing program that describes the content and procedure of processing related to game progress, and fixed data and tables necessary for determining various games.
As an example of the table stored in the main ROM 110b, a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery, a symbol determination table for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol, after the jackpot ends End of jackpot game setting data table for determining the gaming state of the game, special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the special winning opening opening door, determining the opening pattern table of the special winning opening, and the variation pattern of the special symbol There is a variation pattern determination table.

  The main ROM 110b also stores initial values set for the built-in circuit and peripheral circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 110m during the boot process of the main control unit 110 performed when the gaming machine 1 is reset such as when the power is turned on. So-called hardware parameters) are stored in advance. In addition, unique information that is unique to the gaming machine 1 is stored in the main ROM 110b in advance.

  The boot ROM 110d of the main control unit 110 includes a boot executed by the main CPU 110a, including initialization of internal circuits and peripheral circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 110m and initial value setting processing (hereinafter referred to as “initial value setting processing”). A boot processing program describing the contents and procedure of processing, and fixed data used when executing the boot processing program are stored. This boot processing program is set to start immediately after the main CPU 110a is activated.

The main RAM 110c of the main control unit 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a, and has a plurality of storage areas.
As an example of the storage area that the main RAM 110c has, a normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, a normal symbol holding storage area, a normal symbol data storage area, a first special symbol holding number (U1) storage area, a second special symbol Reservation count (U2) storage area, first special symbol random value storage area, second special symbol random value storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of open times (K) storage area, number of big winning entrances ( C) Storage area, game state storage area (high probability game flag storage area, etc.), high probability game count (X) counter, game state buffer, stop symbol data storage region, transmission data storage region, special symbol time counter, special There are various timer counters such as game timer counters.

  The transmission unit 500 of the main control unit 110 checks the validity of the control command output from the main control unit 110 and authenticates the validity of the main control unit 110 without depending on an instruction from the main CPU 110a. Is transmitted to a predetermined control unit (such as the effect control unit 120 or the payout control unit 130) so as to have an authentication function for the main control unit 110 using the error check value. Specifically, the transmission unit 500 operates according to its own algorithm independent of the program stored in the main ROM 110b when the power is turned on. When receiving the control command from the main CPU 110a, the transmission unit 500 checks the error of the received control command. A value is generated (hereinafter referred to as “inspection value generation processing”). Then, the transmission unit 500 adds the generated error check value to the control command (hereinafter referred to as “check value addition process”), and then transmits it to the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, and the like.

  The game information output terminal board 30 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated by the main control unit 110 to a hall computer or the like of a game store. The game information output terminal board 30 is connected to the main controller 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply unit 170 includes a backup power source composed of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An electric interruption detection signal is output to the main control unit 110. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level and a certain time elapses because the power supply voltage indicates a predetermined value or less, the reset signal becomes low level, and the main CPU 110a performs processing to stop the operation. Thereafter, when the power interruption detection signal becomes a high level because the power supply voltage indicates a predetermined value or more and a predetermined time elapses, the reset signal becomes a high level, and the main CPU 110a performs a process of starting an operation. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control unit 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control unit 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control unit 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the effect control unit 120. . The sub CPU 120a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 35a and the timer, performs arithmetic processing, and Based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control unit 140 or the image control unit 150. The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control unit 120 receives a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern of a special symbol, which is one of the control commands transmitted from the main control unit 110, the contents of the received variation pattern designation command are displayed. Analysis is performed to generate data for causing the liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect driving device 33, and the effect illumination device 34 to execute a predetermined effect, and the data is used for the image control unit 150 and the lamp control unit. 140.

  As will be described later, when the rear control unit 180 is connected to the effect control unit 120, when the sub CPU 120a receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110, the sub CPU 120a receives the control command received. A relay transmission process is performed in which the control command is transmitted to the succeeding post-control unit 180 while maintaining the specific processing contents and the reception order. When the latter control unit 180 is connected to the payout control unit 130, a payout CPU described later has a configuration related to the relay transmission process of the effect control unit 120.

The sub ROM 120b of the effect control unit 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
As an example of the table stored in the sub-ROM 120b, to determine a combination of an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control unit and an effect symbol 36 to be stopped and displayed. There is a production design determination table.

The sub RAM 120c of the effect control unit 120 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a, and has a plurality of storage areas.
As an example of the storage area that the sub-RAM 120c has, there are a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like.

  The latter control unit 180 is a control unit for mainly realizing an authentication function for the main control unit 110. The post-stage control unit 180 includes a CPU 180a, a ROM 180b, and a RAM 180c. On the other hand, it is provided to follow the main control unit 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rear stage control unit 180 is provided so as to follow the effect control unit 120, the rear stage control unit 180 is connected to the effect control unit 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Is done. Although not shown, when the rear stage control unit 180 is provided so as to follow the payout control unit 130, the rear stage control unit 180 is connected to the payout control unit 130 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Therefore, the post-stage control unit 180 does not transmit a control command directly from the main control unit 110, but transmits it via the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, and the like.

  The CPU 180a stores in the ROM 180b based on a control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 via the effect control unit 120 or the payout control unit 130 or an input signal from a timer (not shown) incorporated as an internal function. The read program is read to perform arithmetic processing, and corresponding data is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 and the payout control unit 130 based on the processing. The RAM 180c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 180a.

  For example, when the CPU 180a of the post-stage control unit 180 receives the control command relayed from the effect control unit 120 or the payout control unit 130 as described above, the CPU 180a checks the legitimacy of the control command and performs the control of the main control unit 110. While performing an error checking process for authenticating the validity, the information of the authentication result obtained by the process (hereinafter referred to as “authentication result data”) is transmitted to the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, etc., and the authentication result Perform processing based on data. In addition, the CPU 180a performs a relay transmission process in which the control command is relay-transmitted to the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, and the like while maintaining the specific processing contents and the reception order of the received control command.

In addition, the ROM 180b is an authentication that describes information corresponding to the unique information stored in the main ROM 110b of the main control unit 110, and details and procedures of an authentication process including an error check process for the received control command performed by the CPU 180a. A processing program is stored in advance.
As described above, the post-stage control unit 180 is obtained by the error checking process, the authentication function for the main control unit 110, the function of relaying the received control command again to the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, and the like. It has at least a function of transmitting the authentication result data to the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, and the like. In addition, the structure regarding these authentication processes is mentioned later.

  The payout control unit 130 controls payout of game balls. The payout control unit 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control unit 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM based on input signals from the payout ball count switch 132, the door opening switch 133, and the timer that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control unit 110 based on the processing.

  Further, a payout motor 131 of a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the game ball storage unit is connected to the output side of the payout control unit 130. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on a payout number designation command that is one of the control commands transmitted from the main control unit 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device. Then, a predetermined game ball is paid out. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

  The lamp control unit 140 controls lighting of the effect lighting device 34 provided on the game board 2 and controls driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect driving device 33. The lamp control unit 140 is connected to the effect control unit 120, and performs the above-described controls based on various commands transmitted from the effect control unit 120.

  The image control unit 150 stores a host CPU for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 31, a host RAM having a temporary storage area functioning as a work area for the host CPU 150a, a control processing program for the host CPU 150a, and the like. A host ROM, a CGROM storing image data, a VRAM having a frame buffer for drawing image data, a VDP (Video Display Processor) serving as an image processor, and a sound control circuit for controlling sound.

Based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control unit 120, the host CPU instructs the liquid crystal display device 31 to display the image data stored in the CGROM in the VDP.
The VDP draws image data stored in the CGROM in the frame buffer of the VRAM based on an instruction from the host CPU. Next, a video signal (RGB signal or the like) is generated based on the image data stored in the display frame buffer in the VRAM, and the generated video signal is output to the liquid crystal display device.

  The sound control circuit includes an audio ROM that stores a large number of audio data. The sound control circuit reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control unit 120 and also outputs the audio output device 32. Audio output control at.

  The launch control unit 160 performs launch control of the game ball. In the firing control unit 160, the touch sensor 3a and the firing volume 3b are connected to the input side, and the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feeding solenoid 4b are connected to the output side. The firing control unit 160 inputs a touch signal from the touch sensor 3a and performs control to energize the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 3b.

  The touch sensor 3a is provided in the inside of the operation handle 3, and is comprised from the electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch using the change of the electrostatic capacitance by the player touching the operation handle 3. When the touch sensor 3a detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a outputs a touch signal that permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a to the firing control unit 160 (see FIG. 4). The firing control unit 160 is configured so that the game ball 200 is not fired into the game area 6 unless a touch signal is input from the touch sensor 3a.

  The firing volume 3b is provided directly connected to a rotating portion around which the operation handle 3 rotates, and is composed of a variable resistor. The firing volume 3b divides a constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the firing volume 3b by a variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the firing control unit 160 (the voltage to be supplied to the firing control unit 160). Variable). The launch controller 160 energizes the launch solenoid 4a based on the voltage divided by the launch volume 3b, and rotates the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a, thereby playing the game ball 200 in the game. Fire into area 6.

  The firing solenoid 4a is composed of a rotary solenoid, and a launching member 4c is directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a, and the launching member 4c is rotated by rotating the launching solenoid 4a.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided in the firing control unit 160. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, one game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The ball feed solenoid 4b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls in the tray 40 one by one toward the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a.

  Here, based on the control command from the main control unit 110 such as the effect control unit 120, the payout control unit 130, the lamp control unit 140, the image control unit 150, and the launch control unit 160 having the above-described configuration, or based on the control command. A control unit that performs control processing of the gaming machine 1 in accordance with a command generated based on the command, and the control units other than the rear-stage control unit 180 are collectively referred to as “peripheral unit 300”. In addition, each control board on which each control unit of the peripheral unit 300 is mounted, such as an effect control board on which the effect control unit 120 is mounted and a payout control board on which the payout control unit 130 is mounted, is collectively referred to as a “peripheral board”. . Note that the rear stage control unit 180, the lamp control unit 140, and the image control unit 150 can be mounted on the same substrate as the effect control unit 120. Further, the payout control unit 130 and the firing control unit 160 can be mounted on the same substrate as the main control unit 110.

[Internal configuration related to authentication processing of gaming machines]
Hereinafter, control means for realizing the security function that the gaming machine 1 having the above configuration has for preventing fraud will be described.
The security function of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is realized by the post-stage control unit 180 checking the validity of the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 and authenticating the main control unit 110. Then, the authentication result obtained by the latter control unit 180 is transmitted to the peripheral unit 300, and processing according to the authentication result received by the peripheral unit 300 is performed. For this reason, the processing executed by the main control unit 110, the subsequent control unit 180, and the peripheral unit 300 is referred to as “authentication processing” in a sense that distinguishes it from processing related to normal game progression. In the present embodiment, the rear control unit 180 is connected subsequent to the effect control unit 120, and the authentication result obtained by the rear control unit 180 is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 in the peripheral unit 300. In the following description, the production control unit 120 performs processing according to the authentication result.

  Specifically, when the main control unit 110 generates a control command and transmits the control command to the subsequent control unit 180 via the effect control unit 120, the main control unit 110 checks the error of the control command generated before (in the past) the control command. A value is generated and added to the control command to be transmitted this time. The post-stage control unit 180 collates the error check value added to the control command received this time with the error check value generated in advance using the control command received before the control command. If the two match, the validity of the control command received this time is authenticated, and it is determined that the main control unit 110 has been successfully authenticated. The rear control unit 180 transmits the obtained authentication result for the main control unit 110 to the effect control unit 120. The effect control unit 120 confirms the authentication result transmitted from the subsequent control unit 180, and performs a process according to the authentication result.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration related to authentication processing of the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a memory map of (a) main ROM 110b and (b) boot ROM 110d according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for adding an error check value to a control command according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, areas other than the characteristic area of the present invention are omitted. The address notation such as “xxxFH” is provided for convenience in order to indicate the division of each region, and the positional relationship between the regions is not limited to the positional relationship shown in FIG. .

  In addition to the main CPU 110a, the main ROM 110b, and the boot ROM 110d as described above, the main control unit 110 performs transmission of control commands to the production control unit 120 and generation of error check values based on transmission instructions from the main CPU 110a. The transmitter 500 is provided at least. Each component of the main control unit 110 is connected by an internal bus 550 so that various data and signals output from the main control unit 110 can be exchanged. The internal bus 550 has at least functions of an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, assigns data passing through the internal bus 550 based on control signals output from each component of the main control unit 110, and causes data collision. It is controlled not to occur. In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, the internal bus 550 is not clearly shown, and is represented as a signal line that connects each component of the main control unit 110.

  The main CPU 110a executes an authentication process in the gaming machine 1 in addition to executing the process related to the game progress as described above. The main CPU 110a executes various arithmetic processes using a boot processing program stored in the boot ROM 110d and various initial values stored in the main ROM 110b, and outputs control signals and control commands according to the results of the various arithmetic processes. Output.

For example, the main CPU 110a, based on the game processing program, causes the transmission controller 500 to transmit a control command for causing the effect control unit 120 to execute an effect process corresponding to the progress of the game (hereinafter referred to as “command transmission process”). ”), A control signal for writing the control command (hereinafter referred to as“ write signal ”) is output to the transmission unit 500, and the control unit 500 transmits the control command.
Further, the main CPU 110a, when performing initial value setting processing during boot processing based on the boot processing program, reads control signals (hereinafter referred to as “read signals”) for reading various initial values stored in the main ROM 110b. To obtain various initial values, and outputs the obtained initial values to the configuration circuit corresponding to each of the obtained various initial values.

  In the main ROM 110b, in addition to the game processing program and data as described above, the gaming machine 1 is used as an error check value to be added to a control command output for the first time after the boot processing of the main control unit 110 at the time of resetting. Unique information is stored (regions “xyz0H” to “xzzFH” in FIG. 6A). In addition, the main ROM 110b outputs game processing program codes, unique information, and the like in accordance with read signals from the main CPU 110a and the transmission unit 500.

  When the control command output by the main control unit 110 is transmitted to the effect control unit 120, as shown in FIG. 7, the error check value of the control command generated before (past) the control command to be transmitted this time. Is added. The error check value to be added is stored in a predetermined storage area (a storage circuit 522 of the transmission unit 500 described later). However, when the main control unit 110 is initialized at the time of resetting the gaming machine 1 such as immediately after the power is turned on, the error check value to be added stored in the storage area is also cleared. At this time, after the error check value to be added is cleared, specific information stored in advance in the main ROM 110b is used as an error check value to be added to the first generated control command or the like (hereinafter referred to as “initial check value”). Use. Depending on the content of the error check value adding method described later, a plurality of initial check values (N; N is a natural number) is required, so that the specific information is prepared in advance for at least the required number of initial check values. Yes.

  Here, immediately after the error check value is cleared as described above, the control command generated first is referred to as “control command (1)”, and the error check value generated using the control command (1) is referred to as “control command (1)”. This is referred to as “error check value (1)”. Similarly, the control command generated Mth (M is a natural number) after the error check value is cleared as described above is referred to as “control command (M)”, and is generated using the control command (M). The error check value is referred to as “error check value (M)”. M indicates the number of generations of the control command and may be counted by a known counter circuit or the like. In addition, if the main control unit 110 generates a control command (M) and transmits it to the effect control unit 120 each time, M can be considered as the number of transmissions. Is also included.

  The unique information is not particularly limited as long as it is unique to the gaming machine 1 held by the main control unit 110. In FIG. 6A, the unique information is data (for example, control) in a specific address (area “xyz0H” to “xzzFH” in FIG. 6A) in the area where the fixed data of the main ROM 110b is stored. Command data), for example, the checksum value at a specific address in the area where the program code of the main ROM 110b is stored, the identification number (ID) uniquely assigned to the main CPU 110a, the manufacturer Product information such as codes and model codes can be considered. Further, dummy data of error check values determined in advance with the post-stage control unit 180 may be considered. The unique information may be stored in storage means (memory cell, ROM, etc.) separate from the main ROM 110b.

  The main ROM 110b stores in advance a “generation parameter” that is one of the initial values of the built-in circuit and peripheral circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 110m as described above and is an initial value set in the transmission unit 500. (Regions “yyy0H” to “yyzFH” in FIG. 6A). The generation parameter indicates which error among a plurality of types of processing functions (hereinafter referred to as “error check value generation function”) that the transmission unit 500 has to generate an error check value during the initial value setting process during the boot process. This is a parameter for determining whether to select the inspection value generation function.

  Specifically, the generation parameter of the present embodiment is associated with each of the generation circuits 521 (generation circuits A, B, and C in FIG. 5) that generate a plurality of types of error check values constituting the transmission unit 500. Value. For example, the generation parameter is an identification number assigned to each of the corresponding generation circuits 521, a value indicating address data, or the like. In the present embodiment, even in the initial value setting process during the boot process, a process for setting a generation parameter in the transmission unit 500 is particularly referred to as a “generation parameter setting process”. In addition, a process for effectively operating the specific generation circuit 521 included in the transmission unit 500 corresponding to the set generation parameter is referred to as a “generation circuit operation process”. The error check value generation function and the selection information thereof are determined in advance between the main control unit 110 and the subsequent control unit 180.

  The area for storing the initial value and the generation parameter is the area in the main ROM 110b in FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the area is stored in a memory cell separate from the main ROM 110b or the boot ROM 110d. It can also be configured to be stored in. That is, in the present invention, the storage area for the initial value and the generation parameter and the storage area for the game processing program, fixed data, etc. may be mounted on the same storage means (memory cell, ROM, etc.). It may be mounted on different storage means.

  The boot ROM 110d stores in advance boot processing programs and fixed data used when the boot processing programs are executed (regions “zxx0H” to “zyzFH” in FIG. 6B). The boot processing program is set in advance to be read from the boot ROM 110d into a boot processing dedicated RAM (not shown) immediately after the main CPU 110a is started, and to be executed by the main CPU 110a. It controls diagnosis processing, initialization of a built-in circuit of the one-chip microcomputer 110m on which the main CPU 110a is mounted, peripheral circuits including the transmission unit 500, and initial value setting processing (that is, initial value setting processing). In the present embodiment, a program other than the boot processing program such as a game processing program executed after the boot processing is referred to as a “user program”.

  The boot processing program is a program developed and implemented by a CPU manufacturer, and access to the boot ROM 110d in which these programs are stored is limited to access from the main CPU 110a during boot processing after the gaming machine 1 is shipped. . On the other hand, the user program is a program developed and implemented by a gaming machine manufacturer, and access to the main ROM 110b in which these are stored is accessed from the main CPU 110a every time a game process is executed. However, even in the address area of the main ROM 110b, user programs, fixed data, etc. (specific information) such as areas in which initial values (including generation parameters) of the built-in circuit of the one-chip microcomputer 110m and peripheral circuits including the transmission unit 500 are stored. Address areas (for example, the areas “xxx0H” to “yyzFH” in FIG. 6A) are areas defined only in the boot processing program. It is an area that never appears on the user program. That is, after the boot process is completed, the above-mentioned area ("xxx0H" to "yyzFH" in FIG. 6A) is an area that is substantially restricted so that it cannot be accessed from the user program. ing.

However, in consideration of the case where unauthorized access is attempted, the following additional restrictions can be applied to further improve the confidentiality of the generation parameter obtained only during the boot process.
To restrict access to the boot ROM 110d and the main ROM 110b, for example, an execution address monitoring unit (not shown) is provided in the main control unit 110, and the execution address monitoring unit is activated after the boot process is completed. When the process is executed beyond the area (for example, the area from “0000H” to “xzyFH” in FIG. 6A), a reset signal is output to the main CPU 110a to stop the operation of the main CPU 110a. Good. Further, a notification signal indicating that an abnormality has been detected may be output before the reset signal is output.

  The transmission unit 500 functions as an output port for transmitting a control command to the effect control unit 120 among the data output from the main CPU 110a, and includes a control unit 510, a test value generation unit 520, and a transmission buffer. 530 and a transmission circuit 540 at least. The check value generation unit 520 includes at least a generation circuit 521 that generates an error check value and a storage circuit 522 that stores the generated error check value.

  The control unit 510 implements security functions of the gaming machine 1 such as a generation circuit operation process during the boot process and a command transmission process including a test value generation process and a test value addition process after the boot process according to the algorithm held by itself. This is a circuit for controlling the overall processing of the main control unit 110.

  In the generation circuit operation process, the control unit 510 checks the generation parameter set from the main CPU 110a and sets the generation circuit 521 corresponding to the set generation parameter to operate effectively. For example, the control unit 510 includes a data table storing a plurality of types of generation circuits 521 provided in advance in the transmission unit 500 and a plurality of types of generation parameters prepared in advance. The generation circuit 521 to which the generation parameter set from the main CPU 110a corresponds can be confirmed. The control unit 510 is connected to each of a plurality of types of generation circuits 521, and a control signal (hereinafter referred to as an “operation permission signal”) for effectively operating the generation circuit 521 is set as a set generation parameter. Is output only to the generation circuit 521 corresponding to, and only the generation circuit 521 is operated. In addition, the control unit 510 outputs a control signal (hereinafter referred to as “connection switching signal”) for switching the connection between the test value storage area of the storage circuit 522 and the generation circuit 521 to the storage circuit 522 and is effective as described above. It is set so that only the connection with the generation circuit 521 operated in the above is effectively connected.

  Further, the control unit 510 performs a check value addition process for adding the error check value stored in the storage circuit 522 to the control command based on the output of the control command from the main CPU 110a. Specifically, the control unit 510 includes detection means (not shown) that detects a write signal of a control command output from the main CPU 110a to the transmission buffer 530 through the internal bus 550, and detects the write signal. Thus, the timing at which the main CPU 110a outputs the control command to the transmission buffer 530 can be known. Then, the control unit 510 outputs a write signal for writing the error check value stored in the check value storage area of the storage circuit 522 to the transmission buffer 530 in response to the detection of the write signal, and the error is transmitted to the transmission buffer 530. Write and set the inspection value.

  That is, the control unit 510 outputs an error check value write signal when a control command write signal output from the main CPU 110a is detected. However, when detecting the control command write signal, control unit 510 does not output an error check value write signal indefinitely, but outputs it according to a predetermined error check value adding method described later. Note that the timing at which the control unit 510 outputs a write signal for writing the error check value to the transmission buffer 530 will be described later. Then, the transmission buffer 530 adds an error check value to the control command.

  In the check value adding process, when the error check value to be added is not stored in the storage circuit 522 in the check value adding process, the control unit 510 performs the main control unit 110 during the initialization process after the boot process. The unique information stored in the ROM 110b is set in the storage circuit 522. Specifically, the control unit 510 outputs a read signal for reading out the unique information stored in the main ROM 110b, takes in the unique information, writes it in the initial test value storage area constituting the storage circuit 522, and writes the written unique information. Information is stored as an initial check value of an error check value. At this time, when a plurality of (N) pieces of unique information are prepared in advance due to the content of an error check value adding method described later, the control unit 510 sets a plurality (N) of initial check values. Will be stored. Then, control unit 510 outputs a write signal for writing the stored initial check value to transmission buffer 530, and writes and sets the initial check value in transmission buffer 530. Then, the transmission buffer 530 adds an initial inspection value to the control command.

  In the check value addition processing, the error check value added by the control unit 510 to the control command set in the transmission buffer 530 by the main CPU 110a to be transmitted this time is before (in the past) the control command set in the transmission buffer 530. There is no particular limitation as long as it is an error check value of the generated control command. Specifically, the method of adding the error check value is as follows.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when it is determined that an error check value of the control command generated immediately before this is added to the control command transmitted this time, the control command transmitted this time is controlled. When the command (M) is used, the control unit 510 adds the error check value (M-1) generated using the control command (M-1) to the control command (M) set in the transmission buffer 530. You just have to do it. In this case, the control unit 510 writes the error check value (M−1) generated in advance and stored in the storage circuit 522 into the transmission buffer 530 in which the control command (M) is set, and the control command (M ) Is added with an error check value (M-1).

Similarly, for example, when it is decided to add the error check value (MN) of the control command (MN) generated N times earlier to the control command (M) to be transmitted this time,
(I) If M> N, the control unit 510 writes the error check value (MN) generated in advance and stored in the check value storage area of the storage circuit 522 to the transmission buffer 530, and performs control. Add an error checking value to the command. In other words, N is a number that determines how many error check values of the previously generated control command are added to the control command to be transmitted this time (hereinafter, N is a “retroactive number”). Called).

  If the main control unit 110 generates a control command (M) and transmits it to the effect control unit 120 each time, N is transmitted before the control command transmitted this time. It can be considered that it is a predetermined number whether to add an error check value of the control command. The present invention includes such a concept. That is, in this case, the error check value (MN) is the error check value of the control command (MN) transmitted N times before the control command (M) transmitted this time.

  If (ii) M ≦ N, the control unit 510 stores the N pieces of unique information stored in the main ROM 110b in the initial inspection value storage area of the storage circuit 522 from the initial inspection value (1) to the initial inspection value. (N) is stored and associated with the control commands (1) to (N). Then, control unit 510 writes any one of initial test value (1) to initial test value (N) to transmission buffer 530 so as to correspond to the generation order of the control command, and adds the initial test value to the control command. Let FIG. 7B shows the case where N = 2. The error check value adding method is determined in advance between the main control unit 110 and the subsequent control unit 180.

  In the present embodiment, it is agreed to add the error check value (MN) of the control command (MN) generated N times before to the control command (M) to be transmitted this time. Will be described. By doing so, it becomes more difficult for an unauthorized person to analyze the relationship between the control command and the error check value added thereto, and it is possible to further prevent fraud. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the expression “error check value (MN)” includes an initial check value (initial check value (1) to initial check value (N) added when M ≦ N. Any one of these will be described.

  Control unit 510 outputs the data held in transmission buffer 530 to transmission circuit 540 and causes transmission circuit 540 to immediately transmit to effect control unit 120. Specifically, control unit 510 sends a control signal (hereinafter referred to as “transmission permission signal”) for transferring the control command and error check value held in transmission buffer 530 to transmission circuit 540 to transmission buffer 530. The control command with the error check value that is output and held in the transmission buffer 530 is transferred to the transmission circuit 540, and is immediately transmitted from the transmission circuit 540 to the effect control unit 120. The output timing of the transmission permission signal may be set so as to be synchronized with an execution period (α, for example, 4 milliseconds) of a timer interrupt process (described later) executed by the main CPU 110a.

  The generation circuit 521 is a circuit that generates and outputs an error check value by calculating the input data using a preset calculation method for error check value generation (hereinafter referred to as “generation method”). Specifically, the generation circuit 521 is connected to input a control command output from the main CPU 110a, and calculates the input control command by the generation method of the generation circuit 521 set in the generation circuit operation processing. Generate error checking values. The generation method is not particularly limited as long as it is determined in advance between the main control unit 110 and the subsequent control unit 180. As the generation method, for example, a known method such as a checksum method, a CRC method, an odd parity method, an even parity method, a group count check method, a vertical parity method, a horizontal parity method, or a Hamming code method can be used. Further, the generation circuit 521 can be configured to directly input and calculate the control command output from the main CPU 110a, or can be configured to input and calculate only a part of the control command output from the main CPU 110a. You can also For example, the control command is composed of 1-byte “MODE” information and 1-byte “DATA” information as will be described later, but only the “MODE” information of the output control command is input. It can be configured to operate.

  In addition, the generation circuit 521 includes a plurality of generation circuits (generation circuits A, B, and C in FIG. 5). Each of the plurality of generation circuits responsible for the generation circuit 521 can adopt a plurality of different generation methods. For example, if a desired generation method differs for each gaming machine manufacturer, the circuit formation process of the transmission unit 500 is performed. Thus, a generation circuit corresponding to a desired generation method can be formed. In addition, whether or not each generation circuit in the generation circuit 521 is effectively operated is controlled by an operation permission signal output from the control unit 510. That is, in the operating state, only one generation circuit is enabled, and this enabled generation circuit functions as the generation circuit 521. Then, the generation circuit 521 outputs the generated error check value to the storage circuit 522.

  A plurality of methods are conceivable for mounting the generated parameters in the main ROM 110b. For example, a plurality of generation parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of generation circuits in the generation circuit 521 are prepared in advance and mounted on the main ROM 110b. In the generation parameter setting process, a program for determining which generation parameter to select is mounted in the boot ROM 110d, and any generation circuit is operated as the generation circuit 521 every time the boot process is performed. It can be configured to be selectable. When implemented in this manner, the error check value generation method is changed every time the boot process is performed, the confidentiality of the error check value generation function can be improved, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  On the other hand, although a plurality of generation circuits and generation parameters in the generation circuit 521 are prepared in advance, only a specific generation parameter is mounted on the main ROM 110b, and only a specific generation circuit corresponding thereto is operated as the generation circuit 521. You can also When implemented in this way, it is not necessary to newly provide a program associated with the generation parameter selection process in the boot process, and the code size of the program is not increased. In addition, when implemented in this way, even if the gaming machine manufacturer wants to adopt only a specific generation method, only the generation parameter corresponding to the generation circuit indicating the desired generation method in the program implementation process performed by the gaming machine manufacturer. Can be mounted on the main ROM 110b, and it is possible to flexibly deal with the usage and preference of the gaming machine manufacturer. Even in this case, since the generation parameter is stored in a storage area that is not accessed except when the initial value is set during the boot process of the main control unit 110, the contents of the generation method can be known from the outside. Therefore, the confidentiality of the error check value is ensured. In addition, by changing the generation parameters used for design and verification work during the development stage of the gaming machine 1 and the generation parameters that are actually mounted thereafter, it is possible to know which generation parameters are finally mounted. The person who obtains it is limited, and the confidentiality of the error check value generation function is further improved.

  In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that only the generation parameter corresponding to the specific generation circuit 521 (the generation circuit A in FIG. 5) is mounted in the main ROM 110b. That is, in the generation circuit operation process, only the generation circuit A is set to operate effectively, and the generation circuit B and the generation circuit C are set not to operate. A generation parameter corresponding to the generation circuit A is a generation parameter A, and a generation method represented by the generation circuit A is a generation method A.

  The storage circuit 522 is a storage circuit that stores data output from the control unit 510 and the generation circuit 521, and includes an initial test value storage area in which unique information output from the control unit 510 is stored, and a generation circuit 521. At least a check value storage area in which the error check value output from is stored. The check value storage area is a storage area for storing error check values generated and output by the generation circuit 521, and is provided so that at least N + 1 or more error check values can be stored. The initial check value storage area is a storage area for storing unique information used in place of the error check value stored in the check value storage area, and is provided so that N or more pieces of unique information can be stored. It has been. In these storage areas, the correspondence between the error check value and the initial check value to be stored and the control command that is the generation source of the error check value is stored.

  The storage circuit 522 outputs the stored error check value to the transmission buffer 530 when a write signal for writing the error check value stored in the control unit 510 to the transmission buffer 530 is input. However, in the case of M ≦ N, that is, when the error check value to be added at the time of reset or the like is counted and the control command generation count M is less than the retroactive number N, the initial check value storage area The stored unique information is output as an initial inspection value.

  In addition, a plurality of generation circuits responsible for the generation circuit 521 are arranged between the inspection value storage area and the control unit 510, and the inspection value storage area and the control unit 510 are connected to each of the plurality of generation circuits. Has been. Further, the inspection value storage area has a connection switching function that allows a specific generation circuit of the plurality of generation circuits to be selectively connected as the generation circuit 521. Accordingly, the connection to the generation circuit 521 can be switched so that only the connection with the generation circuit set to be valid in the generation circuit operation processing is effectively connected.

  Data input to the generation circuit 521 is transferred to each of the plurality of generation circuits that bear the generation circuit 521. Further, if data is output from each of the plurality of generation circuits, each data is transferred to the inspection value storage area. However, in the generation circuit operation processing, only a specific generation circuit among the plurality of generation circuits is set to operate as the generation circuit 521 so that only the connection with the generation circuit 521 in the inspection value storage area is valid. Since it is set, the data transferred to the inspection value storage area is only the data output from the generation circuit 521 corresponding to the generation parameter.

  The transmission buffer 530 is a buffer circuit for temporarily holding data to be transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, when a write signal output from the main CPU 110a for writing a control command to be transmitted this time is input to the transmission buffer 530, the transmission buffer 530 sends the control command corresponding to the write signal to the internal bus. Capture via 550. In addition, when a write signal for writing an error check value to be added to the control command output from the control unit 510 is input to the transmission buffer 530, the transmission buffer 530 outputs an error check value corresponding to the write signal. , Via the internal bus 550. The transmission buffer 530 temporarily holds the control command and the error check value acquired until the transmission permission signal from the control unit 510 is input. When the transmission permission signal is input, the transmission buffer 530 stores the stored data. Deliver immediately.

  The transmission circuit 540 is a data format corresponding to a data transmission format (serial transmission format or parallel transmission format) between the main control unit 110 and the production control unit 120 or the subsequent control unit 180. The function to convert to. Then, the transmission circuit 540 performs the conversion process or the like on the data delivered from the transmission buffer 530 to obtain transmission data, and immediately transmits it to the effect control unit 120.

Next, an operation related to authentication processing of each component of the main controller 110 will be described.
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, a system reset occurs in the main control unit 110, and the main CPU 110a performs a boot process of the main control unit 110 based on a boot processing program stored in advance in the boot ROM 110d. . During the boot process, the main CPU 110 a sets an initial value for the transmission unit 500 stored in advance in the main ROM 110 b in the transmission unit 500 as one of the hardware setting items of the main control unit 110. At that time, the main CPU 110a performs a generation parameter setting process for setting a generation parameter, which is one of initial values related to the transmission unit 500, in the transmission unit 500.

  Specifically, the main CPU 110a executes a boot processing program that is set to start up immediately after the main CPU 110a starts up, and performs a generation parameter setting process. First, the main CPU 110a outputs a read signal for reading the generation parameter of the transmission unit 500 to the main ROM 110b. In the main ROM 110b, when a read signal is input from the main CPU 110a, among various initial values (regions “yxz0H” to “yyzFH” in FIG. 6) stored in a predetermined specific address of the main ROM 110b. Are generated (regions “yyy0H” to “yyzFH” in FIG. 6). Then, the main CPU 110a takes in the generated parameters output from the main ROM 110b by the read signal via the internal bus 550.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 110 a sets the acquired generation parameter in the transmission unit 500. Specifically, the main CPU 110 a outputs a write signal for writing the acquired generation parameter to the control unit 510 of the transmission unit 500. Then, the main CPU 110 a sets the generation parameter output from the main CPU 110 a by the write signal to the generation parameter storage area of the control unit 510 via the internal bus 550.

  Next, the transmission unit 500 performs generation circuit operation processing. Specifically, the control unit 510 included in the transmission unit 500 generates a generation parameter set in the generation parameter storage area from among a plurality of generation circuits that bear the generation circuit 521 according to an algorithm held by itself. Check if the value corresponds to the circuit. Then, the control unit 510 outputs an operation permission signal that validates the generation circuit (generation circuit A) as the generation circuit 521 to the generation circuit (generation circuit A) indicated by the generation parameter, and checks the storage circuit 522. A connection switching signal for enabling only the connection with the generation circuit 521 (generation circuit A) in the value storage area is output. Therefore, valid data is output only from the generation circuit A.

  Thereafter, when the boot process of the main control unit 110 is completed, the main CPU 110a performs a process related to the game progress based on the game process program stored in the main ROM 110b. Then, the main CPU 110a performs control command transmission processing when it is time to transmit a control command.

  Specifically, first, the main CPU 110a outputs a read signal for reading data necessary for configuring a control command from the main ROM 110b. In the main ROM 110b, in response to the read signal, data necessary for configuring a control command acquired from a preset storage area is output to the internal bus 550. Then, the main CPU 110a takes in the data output from the main ROM 110b by the read signal via the internal bus 550. Then, the main CPU 110a configures a control command (M) to be transmitted this time using the captured data, and sets it in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  Next, the main CPU 110a causes the transmission unit 500 to transmit the control command (M) set in the transmission data storage area to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, the main CPU 110a outputs a write signal for writing the control command (M) set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the transmission unit 520. Then, the main CPU 110a writes and sets the control command (M) output from the transmission data storage area by the write signal to the transmission buffer 530 constituting the transmission unit 500. At this time, the write signal is input to the control unit 510 included in the transmission unit 500 and the control command (M) is input to the generation circuit 521. In response to the detection of these inputs, the transmission unit 500 executes a test value generation process and a test value addition process according to an algorithm held by itself.

  First, the transmission unit 500 performs a check value generation process for generating an error check value (M) using the control command (M) set in the transmission buffer 530. Specifically, a control command (M) output by the main CPU 110 a for setting in the transmission buffer 530 is input to the generation circuit 521 constituting the transmission unit 500. The generation circuit 521 generates an error check value (M) by a generation method set in advance from the control unit 510 with respect to the input control command (M). More specifically, only the generation circuit A of the generation circuit 521 is operated, and the input control command (M) is operated by the generation method A represented by the generation circuit A, and the error check value M is calculated. Generate. The generated error check value (M) is directly transferred to the storage circuit 522 and stored in the check value storage area of the storage circuit 522.

  Then, control unit 510 performs an inspection value addition process based on a predetermined addition method. The control unit 510 sets the error check value (M−N) stored in the storage circuit 522 in the transmission buffer 530. Specifically, when its detection means detects a control command write signal from the main CPU 110a, the control unit 510 stores the control command 510 in the test value storage area of the storage circuit 522, triggered by the detection of the write signal. A write signal for writing the error check value (MN) to the transmission buffer 530 is output. Then, the control unit 510 writes the error check value (MN) output from the check value storage area by the write signal into the transmission buffer 530 and sets it.

  When the gaming machine 1 is reset or the like, the above-described inspection value addition processing is performed after setting the unique information of the gaming machine 1 in the initial inspection value storage area configuring the storage circuit 522. Specifically, control unit 510 outputs a read signal for reading unique information to main ROM 110b. In the main ROM 110b, when a read signal is input from the control unit 510, unique information (regions “yyy0H” to “yyzFH” in FIG. 6) stored in a predetermined specific address of the main ROM 110b is output. Is done. Then, the control unit 510 captures and stores the unique information output from the main ROM 110b by the read signal in the initial test value storage area of the storage circuit 522 via the internal bus 550. Thereafter, control unit 510 sets the unique information stored in storage circuit 522 in transmission buffer 530 as an initial check value.

  Subsequently, control unit 510 passes the control command (M) and error check value (MN) set in transmission buffer 530 to transmission circuit 540, and transmits these to transmission control unit 120 as transmission data. Specifically, control unit 510 outputs a transmission permission signal to transmission buffer 530 at a predetermined control command transmission timing triggered by detection by the detection unit. When a transmission permission signal is input from the control unit 510, the transmission buffer 530 immediately transfers the set control command (M) and error check value (MN) to the transmission circuit 540. The transmission circuit 540 performs the conversion process on the control command (M) and the error check value (MN) passed from the transmission buffer 530 to obtain transmission data, and immediately transmits it to the effect control unit 120. In this way, a control command with an error check value is transmitted from the transmission unit 500 constituting the main control unit 110 to the effect control unit 120.

Thereafter, the control command (M) transmitted from the transmission unit 500 constituting the main control unit 110 is received by a reception unit 700 (not shown) constituting the effect control unit 120.
The receiving unit 700 performs a process corresponding to the conversion process on the transmission data from the main control unit 110 to generate a control command (M), and stores it in its own reception buffer. The receiving unit 700 outputs a signal indicating that a control command (M) reception interrupt request has been issued, or sets a flag indicating that reception of the control command (M) is completed, The CPU 120a can detect that the reception of the control command (M) transmitted from the main control unit 110 is completed.

Then, the sub CPU 120a relays and transmits the control command (M) to the succeeding subsequent stage control unit 180 while maintaining the processing content and the reception order of the received control command (M).
Specifically, the sub CPU 120a writes and sets the control command (M) stored in the reception buffer of the receiving unit 700 as it is in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Then, the sub CPU 120a sets the control command (M) set in the transmission data storage area to a relay transmission unit 740 (not shown) that constitutes the effect control unit 120, and the relay transmission unit 740 performs subsequent control. To the unit 180.

  Here, the receiving unit 700 of the effect control unit 120 receives the transmission data from the main control unit 110 and the transmission data from the subsequent control unit 180. When it is necessary to distinguish between the two, the main control unit 110 The receiving unit 700 that receives the transmission data from the receiver is referred to as a “first receiving unit 700a”, and the receiving unit 700 that receives the transmission data from the subsequent control unit 180 is referred to as a “second receiving unit 700b”. In addition, the storage area for received data that stores the data acquired from the first receiving unit 700a is referred to as a “first storage area for received data”, and the storage area for received data that stores the data acquired from the second receiving unit 700b is “ The second received data storage area ”.

Thereafter, the control command (M) transmitted from the relay transmission unit 740 configuring the effect control unit 120 is received by the reception unit 600 configuring the subsequent stage control unit 180.
FIG. 8 shows functional blocks related to authentication processing of the post-stage control unit 180 according to this embodiment.
The post-stage control unit 180 includes at least a reception unit 600, an inspection unit 610, an inspection value generation unit 620, an addition unit 630, and a relay transmission unit 640 as functions related to authentication processing. Furthermore, the check value generation unit 620 has at least functions of a generation unit 621 that generates an error check value and a storage unit 622 that stores the generated error check value.

  The receiving unit 600 performs processing corresponding to the above conversion processing on the transmission data, and stores the control command (M) with the error check value transmitted from the main control unit 110 in the receiving buffer that configures the receiving unit 600. It is what has. In addition, the receiving unit 600 outputs a signal indicating that there is a reception interrupt request for transmission data of the main control unit 110, or sets a flag indicating that reception of transmission data of the main control unit 110 is completed. Thus, the CPU 180a of the post-stage control unit 180 has a function that can detect that the transmission of the transmission data of the main control unit 110 is completed.

  The receiving unit 600 extracts the added error check value (MN) from the received control command (M) with the error check value and outputs the extracted error check value (MN) to the check unit 610. The control command (M) after extracting N) is output to the inspection value generation unit 620 and the addition unit 630. Note that specific means for realizing the function of the receiving unit 600 includes a part of the CPU 180a, a part of the ROM 180b, a part of the RAM 180c, and a command receiving input port (not shown) shown in FIG. be able to.

  The check value generation unit 620 has a function of generating an error check value (M) using the control command (M) output from the reception unit 600 by the generation unit 621, and the error check generated by this function The value is used to verify the validity of the received control command (M). The check value generation unit 620 has a function of storing the error check value (M) generated by the generation unit 621 in the storage unit 622. In addition, the check value generation unit 620 uses the error check value stored in the storage unit 622 in the past based on the error check value addition method determined in advance with the main control unit 110. It has a function to output to 610. That is, the check value generation unit 620 generates the error check value generated by the generation unit 621 using the control command (MN) before the control command (M) received this time and stored in the storage unit 622. (MN) is output to the inspection unit 610.

  The error check value generation function of the generation unit 621 is the same as the error check value generation function of the main control unit 110. In this embodiment, the generation shown by the generation circuit 521 of the main control unit 110 is performed. System. The selection information for the error check value generation function is the same as the generation parameter of the main control unit 110. The error check value generation function and the selection information thereof of the subsequent control unit 180 are negotiated between the main control unit 110 and the subsequent control unit 180 in advance. Similarly to the storage circuit 522 of the main control unit 110, the storage unit 622 has a test value storage area and an initial test value storage area, and N pieces of unique information are stored in the initial test value storage area. Stored in advance. If M ≦ N, any one of the initial inspection value (1) to the initial inspection value (N) corresponding to the received control command (1) to control command (N) is output to the inspection unit 610. At this time, when the main control unit 110 or the subsequent control unit 180 is initialized, such as when the gaming machine 1 is reset, and the past error check value stored in the storage unit 622 is cleared, the unique information is read from the ROM 180b. Are stored in the initial inspection value storage area. Note that specific means for realizing the functions of the generation unit 621 and the storage unit 622 can be configured from a part of the CPU 180a, a part of the ROM 180b, a part of the RAM 180c, and the like shown in FIG.

  The checking unit 610 has a function of performing an error checking process for collating the error check value output from the receiving unit 600 with the error check value output from the storage unit 622 of the check value generating unit 620. In the error check process, the error check value output from the receiving unit 600 is compared with the error check value output from the storage unit 622. If both match with the error check value (MN), the check result is If it is determined to be normal and does not match, it is determined that the test result is not normal.

  When the inspection result is determined to be normal, the inspection unit 610 generates the control command (M) to which the currently received error check value (MN) is added and the current error check value (MN) generation source. It is determined that the validity of the N previous control command (MN) is authenticated and the validity of the main control unit 110 can be authenticated. Then, the inspection unit 610 generates authentication result data indicating successful authentication and outputs the generated authentication result data to the adding unit 630. On the other hand, when the inspection result is not determined to be normal, the inspection unit 610 determines that the legitimacy of the main control unit 110 could not be authenticated due to an illegal act or a communication error. Then, the inspection unit 610 generates authentication result data indicating unsuccessful authentication and outputs it to the adding unit 630. The data format of the authentication result data is not particularly limited, but may be a data format having the same data length as the error check value added to the received control command. Further, specific means for realizing the function of the inspection unit 610 can be configured from a part of the CPU 180a, a part of the ROM 180b, a part of the RAM 180c, and the like shown in FIG.

  The adding unit 630 adds the authentication result data output from the checking unit 610 to the control command (M) output from the receiving unit 600 after extracting the error check value (MN), and includes the authentication result data. It has a function of generating a control command (M). The adding unit 630 has a function of outputting the generated control command (M) with authentication result data to the relay transmitting unit 640. Note that specific means for realizing the function of the adding unit 630 can be configured from a part of the CPU 180a, a part of the ROM 180b, a part of the RAM 180c, and the like shown in FIG.

  The relay transmission unit 640 has a function of transmitting the control command (M) with authentication result data output from the adding unit 630 to the effect control unit 120. The control command (M) with authentication result data transmitted from the relay transmission unit 640 to the effect control unit 120 indicates an effect process having the same content as the control command (M) received by the receiving unit 600. That is, the control command (M) received by the receiving unit 600 is output to the relay transmitting unit 640 in a state where the specific processing content and the receiving order are maintained, and the relay transmitting unit 640 sends the control command (M) to the effect control unit 120. Will be sent. Note that specific means for realizing the function of the relay transmission unit 640 can be configured from a part of the CPU 180a, a part of the ROM 180b, a part of the RAM 180c, and the like shown in FIG.

  When transmitting the generated authentication result data to the effect control unit 120, the latter-stage control unit 180 adds the received authentication command data to the effect control unit 120 and transmits it. That is, the authentication result data is not transmitted by the authentication result data alone, but is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 integrally with the control command which is other transmission data. If the authentication result data and the error check value are in a data format having the same data length, the transmission data transmitted from the main control unit 110 to the subsequent control unit 180 via the effect control unit 120 and the subsequent control unit 180 The transmission data transmitted to the effect control unit 120 can be in a data format having the same data length. By doing so, it is difficult for an unauthorized person to steal transmission data between the post-stage control unit 180 and the production control unit 120 and to illegally analyze the transmission timing of the authentication result data to the production control unit 120. Thus, the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

[Explanation of control commands]
Hereinafter, the types of control commands transmitted from the main control unit 110 to the effect control unit 120 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the types of control commands transmitted from the main control unit 110 to the effect control unit 120 constituting the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The control command shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the control command according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  The control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 to the production control unit 120 is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte “MODE” information for identifying the control command classification, It consists of 1-byte “DATA” information indicating the detailed control contents of the control command. The “MODE” information and the “DATA” information are stored in advance in the main ROM 110b as described above. In this embodiment, an error check value is added to the control command and transmitted to the effect control unit 120 as a control command with an error check value. In the following description, “transmit a control command” The expression includes transmitting the control command with an error check value.

The “designation designating command” indicates the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. The “MODE” information is set as “E0H”, and the “DATA” information is set according to the special symbol type. ing. Since the special symbol type eventually determines the jackpot type and gaming state, the effect symbol designation command can also be said to indicate the jackpot type and gaming state.
In the effect symbol designation command, when various special symbols are determined and the variation display of the special symbol is started, an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, when the lottery result of the jackpot is determined, various special symbols are determined, and the variation display of the special symbols is started, an effect designating command corresponding to the determined special symbol is transmitted to the main RAM 110c. Set in the data storage area. Thereafter, the effect designating command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.
The process related to the jackpot lottery related to the production symbol designation command will be described later.

The “first special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area, and the information of “MODE” is set to “E1H”, “DATA” information is set according to the number of memories.
This first special symbol memory designation command is effect-controlled by the first special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is switched. Is transmitted to the unit 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is increased or decreased when determining the result of entering the first start port 14 or the big win lottery result, the reserved memory after the increase or decrease is stored. The first special symbol storage designation command corresponding to the number is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol storage designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “second special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area, and the information of “MODE” is set to “E2H”, “DATA” information is set according to the number of memories.
This second special symbol memory designation command is directed by the second special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is switched. Is transmitted to the unit 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area is increased or decreased in determining the result of entering the second starting port 15 or the jackpot lottery result, the holding storage after the increase / decrease is performed. The second special symbol storage designation command corresponding to the number is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol storage designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol memory designation command” and the “second special symbol memory designation command” are collectively referred to as “special symbol memory designation command”.

The “symbol confirmation command” indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and “MODE” information is set to “E3H” and “DATA” information is set to “00H”.
This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed. Specifically, after determining the jackpot lottery result and the special symbol change time has elapsed, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, the symbol confirmation command Is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the symbol confirmation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “power-on designation command” indicates that the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the “MODE” information is set to “E4H”, and the “DATA” information is set to “00H”. ing.
The power-on designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on and the initialization process of the main control unit 110 is performed, if the backup information of the main RAM 110c generated when the power is turned off (hereinafter referred to as “power interruption”) is not valid, The work area in the RAM 110c is cleared and a new work area is set. Thereafter, a power-on designation command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the power-on designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.
The initialization process related to the power-on designation command and the like will be described later.

The “RAM clear designation command” indicates that the information stored in the main RAM 110c has been cleared. The “MODE” information is set to “E4H” and the “DATA” information is set to “01H”. Has been.
A RAM clear button (not shown) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. When the gaming machine 1 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button, a system reset occurs in the main control unit 110 and initialization processing is performed. . After the work area of the main RAM 110c is cleared and a new work area is set and a power-on designation command is transmitted, the RAM clear designation command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the RAM clear designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “power recovery designation command” indicates that the gaming machine 1 has been powered on and has been restored normally. The “MODE” information is set to “E4H” and is matched according to the gaming state at the time of power interruption. "DATA" information is set.
This power supply restoration designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and normally restored. Specifically, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and the initialization process is performed, if the backup information of the main RAM 110c generated at the time of power interruption is valid, the power is restored according to the gaming state indicated by the backup information. A designated command is generated, and the generated power supply restoration designation command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the power restoration designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “demonstration designation command” indicates that the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is not operating, the information of “MODE” is set to “E5H”, and “DATA” Is set to “00H”.
This demonstration designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 when there is no special symbol holding storage of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Specifically, when the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state are controlled, either the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area When one or more data is not set, the demo designation command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the demonstration designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “variable pattern designation command for the first special symbol” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, the information of “MODE” is set as “E6H”, and various “DATA” information is set in accordance with the fluctuation pattern.
The first special symbol variation pattern designation command is a first special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the first special symbol display device 20 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, the variation pattern for the first special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined and the variation display of the special symbol is started by judging the lottery result of the jackpot The designated command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “variable pattern designation command for the second special symbol” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21, and the information of “MODE” is set to “E7H”. “DATA” information is set in accordance with the fluctuation pattern.
The second special symbol variation pattern designation command is a second special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the second special symbol display device 21 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, the variation pattern for the second special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined and the variation display of the special symbol is started by judging the lottery lottery result The designated command is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol variation pattern designation command” and the “second special symbol variation pattern designation command” are collectively referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”.

The “big prize opening opening designation command” indicates the number of rounds of jackpots according to various types of jackpots, the “MODE” information is set as “EAH”, and “DATA” is set according to the number of rounds of jackpots. Information is set.
With respect to the special winning opening opening designation command, when the big hit round is started, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the started round number is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, when the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b) is opened in the big hit game process, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the number of rounds to be opened is It is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the special winning opening opening designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “opening designation command” indicates that various jackpots start, “MODE” information is set as “EBH”, and “DATA” information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for this opening designation command, when various jackpots start, an opening designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game process, an opening designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the opening designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

“Ending designation command” indicates that various jackpots have ended, “MODE” information is set as “ECH”, and “DATA” information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for the ending designation command, when various jackpots are completed, the ending designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game end process, an ending designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the ending designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

The “gaming state designation command” indicates the contents of the gaming state, the information of “MODE” is set as “EDH”, and the information of “DATA” is set according to the contents of the gaming state.
As for the gaming state designation command, the gaming state designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 at the start and end of the variation of the special symbol. Specifically, when the value of various storage areas storing data indicating the current gaming state, such as the gaming state storage area and the high probability game number counter, changes due to the start and end of the change of the special symbol A gaming state designation command corresponding to the current gaming state is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the gaming state designation command set in the transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

[Control processing of main control unit]
Hereinafter, the control process of the main control unit 110 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, main processing of the main control unit 110 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.

  When the gaming machine 1 is powered on and powered by the power supply unit 170, a system reset occurs in the main control unit 110, and the main CPU 110a performs initialization processing (processing from step S1 to step S17 in FIG. 10). ) And random number value update processing (step S20 and step S30 in FIG. 10).

In step S1, the main CPU 110a performs a boot process as a premise of the initialization process of the main control unit 110. In this boot process, the main CPU 110a performs its own self-diagnosis process, initialization of built-in circuits and peripheral circuits, and setting of initial values. Details of the boot process will be described later.
In step S2, the main CPU 110a sets permission to access the main RAM 110c.
In step S3, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is on. If it is determined that the RAM clear switch is on, the main CPU 110a moves the process to step S10 to perform RAM clear. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is not determined to be on, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the main CPU 110a generates a checksum in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 110c when the power is turned on.
In step S5, the main CPU 110a compares the generated checksum with the checksum in the predetermined storage area of the main RAM 110c generated at the time of power interruption. If they match, it is determined to be normal, and the process proceeds to step S6. If they do not match, it is determined to be an error, and the process proceeds to step S10.
In step S <b> 6, the main CPU 110 a adjusts the start timing of the operation after activation with the peripheral unit 300 including the effect control unit 120. Specifically, after all the peripheral parts 300 are activated and become stable, the apparatus waits for a certain period of time so that the rendering process can be started at almost the same timing.

In step S7, the main CPU 110a sets an initial value in the work area of the main RAM 110c that requires an initial value upon recovery from power interruption, and performs a RAM setting process when backup is valid.
In step S8, the main CPU 110a reads the backup information of the main RAM 110c generated at the time of power interruption in order to restore the gaming state at the time of power interruption. Specifically, the game state information is read from the game state storage area of the main RAM 110c that is backed up.
In step S9, the main CPU 110a determines a power restoration designation command based on the read gaming state information, and sets the decided power restoration designation command in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

In step S10, the main CPU 110a performs timing adjustment with the peripheral portion 300 in the same manner as in step S6.
In step S11, the main CPU 110a clears the used area of the main RAM 110c.
In step S12, the main CPU 110a sets initial values in the work area of the main RAM 110c that requires initial values when initializing the gaming machine 1, including setting initial values of various random numbers, and backup is not valid. In this case, the main RAM 110c is set.

In step S13, the main CPU 110a generates a power-on designation command, and sets the generated power-on designation command in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.
In step S14, the main CPU 110a performs a command transmission process for transmitting the control command set in the transmission data storage area to the effect control unit 120. That is, a power-on designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120. Note that the command transmission processing in steps S14 and S16 involves the inspection value generation processing and the inspection value addition processing. Further, this inspection value addition processing involves setting processing of the specific information in the initial inspection value storage area of the storage circuit 522. Details of the command transmission process will be described later.

In step S15, the main CPU 110a generates a RAM clear designation command, and sets the generated RAM clear designation command in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.
In step S16, the main CPU 110a performs a command transmission process for transmitting the control command set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control unit 120. That is, the control command of either the power supply restoration designation command or the RAM clear designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 120.
In step S <b> 17, the main CPU 110 a sets the interrupt permission and sets the execution period (α, for example, 4 milliseconds) of the timer interrupt program.

  Note that the command transmission processing in step S14 and step S16 may be performed in the timer interrupt processing performed after interrupt permission in step 17. At this time, it is determined in advance that the transmission order of each control command is not changed.

In step S20, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random number value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol.
In step S30, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random value updating process for updating the special symbol determining initial random number value, the big hit symbol initial random number value, the small hit symbol initial random number value, and the normal symbol determining initial random number value. Thereafter, the processes in steps S20 and S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

Next, interrupt processing of the main control unit 110 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing interrupt processing by the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.
The main CPU 110a performs timer interruption processing of the main control unit 110 at predetermined intervals (α) based on a clock signal output from a clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) provided in the main control unit 110. Run.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 110a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 110a updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal power release time counter. A time control process for updating various timer counters is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, and a general electricity open time counter is performed.

In step S120, the main CPU 110a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value.
Specifically, 1 is added to each random number value and random number counter to be updated. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (when the random number counter makes one round), the random number counter is returned to 0, and each random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. .

  In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small hit symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Perform numerical value update processing.

  In step S200, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing. In this process, the main CPU 110a includes a general winning opening detection switch 12a, a first large winning opening detection switch 16a, a second large winning opening detection switch 17a, a first starting opening detection switch 14a, a second starting opening detection switch 15a, a gate. An input process for determining whether or not there is an input to each switch of the detection switch 13a is performed.

  Specifically, various detection signals from the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first big winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Is inputted, predetermined data is added to the prize ball counter used for the prize ball provided for each prize opening and updated.

  Furthermore, when a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, if the data set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is less than 4, the first special symbol hold number ( U1) Add 1 to the storage area to obtain special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit symbol random number value, reach determination random value, and special symbol variation random value The random number value is stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the first special symbol random value storage area.

  Similarly, when a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a, if the data set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area is less than 4, the second special symbol hold number (U2) 1 is added to the storage area, and a special symbol determination random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, a small hit symbol random number value, a reach determination random number value, and a special symbol variation random value are acquired. Various random numbers are stored in a predetermined storage unit (0th storage unit to 4th storage unit) in the second special symbol random number value storage area.

  When a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, if the data set in the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is less than 4, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is set to 1. It adds, acquires the random number value for normal symbol determination, and memorize | stores the acquired random number value for normal symbol determination in the predetermined memory | storage part (0th memory | storage part-4th memory | storage part) in a normal symbol holding | maintenance storage area.

  Further, when a detection signal is input from the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, the number of game balls won in the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is counted. 1 is added to the number of entries (C) storage area for the big winning opening to update.

  In step S300, the main CPU 110a, based on the input control process in step S200, performs a special symbol / special electric accessory control process (hereinafter referred to as “a special jackpot lottery, a special electric accessory, and a gaming state control”). Special figure special electricity control process ”). Details of the special figure special electric control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a normal symbol / ordinary electric accessory control process (hereinafter referred to as a “general-purpose electric power control process”) for performing the normal symbol lottery and the control of the ordinary electric accessory.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not one or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and one or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power transmission control process is terminated.

If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random number value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.
Then, referring to the hit determination table, a process is performed to determine whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win”. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.

  In step S500, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process. In this payout control process, the main CPU 110 a refers to each prize ball counter, generates payout number designation commands corresponding to various winning ports, and transmits the generated payout number designation commands to the payout control unit 130. To do.

  In step S600, the main CPU 110a, external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, number of stored Performs data creation for the specified command.

In step S700, the main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, port output processing is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, the first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in step S600.
Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed.

  Further, command transmission processing for transmitting the control command set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control unit 120 is also performed. Note that the command transmission process in step S700 also involves the test value generation process and the test value addition process, details of which will be described later.

  In step S800, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 110a.

Next, the special figure special electric control process of the main control unit 110 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a special figure special power control process by the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.

  In step S301, the main CPU 110a reads the value of the special figure special electricity processing data. This “Special Figure Special Electric Processing Data” is a value assigned to the address of the storage area in which each subroutine of the special figure special electric control process is stored, and which subroutine is processed by referring to the special figure special electric processing data. You can identify what to do. The special figure special electricity processing data is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing as will be described later, and the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed.

  In step S302, the main CPU 110a refers to the branch address from the read special figure special processing data, and if special figure special electric treatment data = 0, the main CPU 110a moves the processing to the special symbol storage determination process (step S310). If data = 1, the process moves to the special symbol variation process (step S320), and if the special figure special electricity process data = 2, the process moves to the special symbol stop process (step S330), and the special figure special electricity process data = 3. If there is, the process moves to the jackpot game process (step S340). If the special figure special electric processing data = 4, the process moves to the big hit game end process (step S350), and if the special figure special electric process data = 5, the small hit game. The process moves to an end process (step S360).

  In the special symbol memory determination process in step S310, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process, a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed, a variation time determination process for determining a variation time of the special symbol, and the like. Here, the specific content of the special symbol memory determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart in the special symbol memory determination process by the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.

In step S311, the main CPU 110a determines whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area.
If one or more data is not set in any storage area of the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the special figure special electricity processing data = 0. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while holding.
On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the process proceeds to step S312.

In step S312, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process.
Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After subtraction, various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, referring to the jackpot determination table, whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random value storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or “small hit” It is determined whether it is a random value corresponding to.

  In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, referring to the jackpot determination table, whether the special symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number storage area is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or “small hit” It is determined whether it is a random value corresponding to.

  In the present embodiment, the random number value stored in the second special symbol random value storage area is shifted (digested) with priority over the first special symbol random value storage area. However, the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area may be shifted in the order of winning in the starting opening, and the first special symbol storage area is given priority over the second special symbol storage area. You may let them.

In step S313, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed.
In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (step S312), the symbol determination table is referred to and stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area. The jackpot symbol (special symbol 1 to special symbol 6) is determined based on the random number value for the jackpot symbol. In addition, when it is determined as “small hit” in the big hit determination process (step S312), the small hit stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area with reference to the symbol determination table. Based on the symbol random number value, the small hit symbol (special symbol A, special symbol B) is determined. If it is determined that the game has been “lost” in the jackpot determination process (step S312), the lost symbol (special symbol 0) is determined with reference to the symbol determination table.
Then, stop symbol data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage area.

In step S314, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing.
Specifically, referring to the variation pattern determination table, based on the reach determination random value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area, the special symbol Determine the variation pattern. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed.

In step S315, the main CPU 110a sets, in a predetermined processing area, variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform special symbol variation display (LED blinking). . As a result, when the variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, the LED lighting / extinguishing data is appropriately created in step S600, and the created data is output in step S700. Variation display of the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.
Further, the main CPU 110a, when the special symbol variation display is started, the special symbol variation pattern designation command (the first special symbol variation pattern designation command) corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in step S314. Alternatively, the second special symbol variation pattern designation command) is set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c.

  In step S316, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special electricity processing data = 0 to the special symbol special electric treatment data = 1, prepares to move to the special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.

Again, the description of the special figure special electric control process shown in FIG. 12 will be returned.
In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S314 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0), and if it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed The special symbol variation process is terminated while the special symbol special electricity processing data = 1 is held. Note that the special symbol variation time counter set in step S314 is subtracted in step S110.

If it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the special symbol determined in step S313 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Thereby, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.
When the number of high probability games (X)> 0, 1 is subtracted from the high probability game number (X) counter and updated. When the number of high probability games (X) = 0, the high probability game flag is cleared. .
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2, preparation is made to move to a special symbol stop processing subroutine, and the special symbol variation processing is terminated.

In the special symbol stop process in step S330, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a “big hit symbol”, a “small bonus symbol”, or a “losing symbol”. Do.
When it is determined that the game is a jackpot symbol, the data stored in the gaming state storage area is referred to and data indicating the current gaming state is set in the gaming state buffer. Thereafter, the data (high probability game flag) and high probability game count (X) counter stored in the game state storage area (high probability game flag storage area or the like) are cleared. Further, the special figure special power processing data = 2 is set to the special figure special electric processing data = 3, preparation is made to move to the jackpot game processing subroutine, and the special symbol stop processing is ended.

In addition, when it is determined that the small winning symbol, the data stored in the game state storage area is not cleared, and the special figure special electric processing data = 2 to the special figure special electric treatment data = 5 is set. The special symbol stop process is completed by making preparations for transferring to a winning game process subroutine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is a lost symbol, the special symbol special electric processing data = 2 is set to special special electric symbol processing data = 0, and the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is prepared for the special symbol stop processing. finish.

In the jackpot game process of step S340, the main CPU 110a determines which jackpot of the long hit or short hit is executed, and performs a process of controlling the determined jackpot.
Specifically, first, with reference to the special electric accessory operating mode determination table, the jackpot release mode is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313.

Next, in order to execute the determined jackpot opening mode, the bonus game opening mode table is referred to, the opening time corresponding to the type of jackpot is set in the special game timer counter, and the first jackpot opening / closing solenoid The drive data of 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is output to open the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b). At this time, 1 is added to the round game count (R) storage area.
When a predetermined number of game balls enter during the opening or when the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed (the number of the big prize opening (C) = 9 or the special game timer counter = 0), The output of the drive data of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is stopped, and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.

  When the 15 round games are completed (round game count (R) = 15), the data stored in the round game count (R) storage area and the number of winning prize entrance (C) storage areas are cleared, The special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, preparation is made to move to the big hit game end processing subroutine, and the big hit game processing is ended.

In the big hit game ending process in step S350, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining a probability game state of either a high probability game state or a low probability game state.
Specifically, with reference to the jackpot game end setting data table, based on the data stored in the game state buffer and the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313, the high probability game Set a flag and set the number of high probability games (X). For example, in the case of the special symbol 1, the high probability game flag is set in the high probability game flag storage area, and the high probability game number (X) counter is set to 10,000 times.
After that, the special symbol special power processing data = 4 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, and preparation for moving to the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is made, and the big hit game end processing is ended.

In the small hit game process of step S360, the main CPU 110a first refers to the special electric accessory operation mode determination table, and based on the type of small hit symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313 above, Determine the opening mode.
Next, in order to execute the determined small winning opening mode, the large winning opening opening mode table is referred to, and the small winning opening time is set in the special game timer counter, and the second large winning port opening / closing solenoid 17c is set. The drive data is output to open the second big prize opening / closing door 17b. At this time, 1 is added to the number-of-releases (K) storage area.
When the small winning opening time elapses (special game timer counter = 0), the drive data output of the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped and the second big prize opening / closing door 17b is closed. The opening / closing control of the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is repeated 15 times.

  Then, the opening / closing control of the second grand prize opening / closing door 17b is performed 15 times, or a predetermined number of game balls enter the second big prize opening 17 (the number of times of opening (K) = 15 or the grand prize opening entrance) Number (C) = 9), in order to end the small hit game, the output of the drive data of the second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped, the number of times of opening (K) storage area and the number of winning winning holes (C) Clear the data stored in the storage area, set special figure special electricity processing data = 5 to special figure special electricity treatment data = 0, and prepare to move to a special symbol memory judgment processing subroutine. The winning game process is terminated.

[Control processing related to authentication processing of the main control unit]
Hereinafter, the control process regarding the authentication process of the main control unit 110 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the boot process of the main control unit 110 will be described.
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, a system reset occurs in the main control unit 110, and the main CPU 110a performs a boot process of the main control unit 110 based on a boot processing program stored in advance in the boot ROM 110d. .
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a boot process by the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.

In step S51, the main CPU 110a sets the internal state to interrupt prohibition.
In step S52, the main CPU 110a performs a self-diagnosis process for checking whether or not the main CPU 110a itself can operate normally after initialization. As a result of the self-diagnosis process, if it can operate normally, the process proceeds to step S53, and if it cannot operate normally, the subsequent process is not performed.

  In step S53, the main CPU 110a performs an initial value setting process for a built-in circuit or the like. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the stack point designation address in the stack pointer, initializes the internal register, initializes the internal circuit and peripheral circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 110m, and initializes the input / output ports. I do. Then, the main CPU 110a sets various initial values to these built-in circuits that require initial values. At this time, the main CPU 110a performs the same process on each component of the transmission unit 500 to perform an initial value setting process on the transmission unit 500.

  In step S54, the main CPU 110a performs a generation parameter setting process on the transmission unit 500. Specifically, the main CPU 110a outputs a read signal for reading a generation parameter for the transmission unit 500 to the main ROM 110b. Then, the main CPU 110a takes in the generated parameters output from the main ROM 110b by the read signal via the internal bus 550. Subsequently, the main CPU 110 a outputs a write signal for writing the acquired generation parameter to the control unit 510 of the transmission unit 500. Then, the main CPU 110 a sets the generation parameter output from the main CPU 110 a by the write signal to the generation parameter storage area of the control unit 510 via the internal bus 550. The generation parameter setting process in step S54 is a special feature of the process for setting the generation parameter in the transmission unit 500 among the initial value setting processes performed by the main CPU 110a. It is also possible to configure to perform in S53.

  In step S55, the transmission unit 500 performs a generation circuit operation process. Specifically, the control unit 510 included in the transmission unit 500 generates a generation parameter set in the generation parameter storage area from among a plurality of generation circuits that bear the generation circuit 521 according to an algorithm held by itself. Check if the value corresponds to the circuit. Then, the control unit 510 outputs an operation permission signal for enabling the generation circuit as the generation circuit 521 to the generation circuit indicated by the generation parameter, and enables only the connection of the storage circuit 522 with the generation circuit 521. A connection switching signal is output. In the present embodiment, the control unit 510 outputs an operation permission signal that enables only the generation circuit A among the plurality of generation circuits, so that only the generation circuit A operates effectively as the generation circuit 521. Is set. In addition, the control unit 510 outputs a connection switching signal that enables only the connection between the storage circuit 522 and the generation circuit A. Therefore, valid data is output only from the generation circuit A. When this process ends, the boot process ends.

Next, a command transmission process of the main control unit 110 including the test value generation process and the test value addition process will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing command transmission processing in the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.
After the initialization process including the boot process of the main control unit 110 is performed, when the command transmission process is executed, the main CPU 110a transmits the control command (M) set in the transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the transmission unit. The data is output to 500, and an error check value is added and transmitted to the effect control unit 120.

In step S71, the main CPU 110a outputs a write signal for writing the control command (M) to the transmission buffer 530 constituting the transmission unit 500, and transmits the control command (M) set in the transmission data storage area. Write to buffer 530 and set.
In step S72, when the control command (M) output from the main CPU 110a is input to the generation circuit 521 constituting the transmission unit 500, the error check value (M) is generated using the generation method set in the generation circuit operation setting. Is output to the inspection value storage area of the storage circuit 522.

In step S73, when the error check value (M) output from the generation circuit 521 is input, the storage circuit 522 stores the error check value (M) generated in step S72 in the check value storage area.
In step S74, the control unit 510 constituting the transmission unit 500 determines whether or not the value of M of the control command (M) set in the transmission buffer 530 in step S71 is greater than a predetermined retroactive number N. judge. Control unit 510 moves the process to step S76 if M> N, that is, if M ≦ N, moves the process to step S75 if M> N.

In step S75, based on the predetermined addition method, the control unit 510 is generated N times before the control command (M) set in the transmission buffer 530 in step S71, and the test value storage area of the storage circuit 522 is stored. The error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) stored in the memory is output to the transmission buffer 530, and the error check value (MN) (initial check value stored in the past) is output. (Not included) is written into the transmission buffer 530 and set.
The timing for outputting the write signal of the error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) to the transmission buffer 530 is predetermined after the main CPU 110a sets the control command (M) to the transmission buffer 530. After the elapse of time (β), an error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) is set to be written to the transmission buffer 530. This timing is such that the error check value is written in the transmission buffer 530 immediately after each control command written for each execution cycle (α) of the timer interrupt processing program of the main CPU 110a.

  Specifically, the control unit 510 detects a write signal output when the main CPU 110a writes the control command (M) to the transmission buffer 530 in step S71, and inputs the detected write signal. The control unit 510 then takes a time (= β <<) from when the detected write signal is input until the control command (M) is set after the writing of the control command (M) to the transmission buffer 530 is completed. After the elapse of (α), the error check value (MN) (initial check) is started at a timing at which writing of the error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) to the transmission buffer 530 is started. Set the output timing of the write signal. Note that the output timing of the write signal of the error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) is set in advance by an algorithm held by the transmission unit 500 regardless of an instruction from the main CPU 110a.

In step S76, the control unit 510 reads the unique information stored in the main ROM 110b and stores it as an initial inspection value in the initial inspection value recording area of the storage circuit 522. At this time, when there are N pieces of unique information and initial test value storage areas according to a predetermined addition method, N pieces of unique information may be read at a time, or one piece at a time. Information may be read out. Note that this step S76 is a process performed when the past error check value stored in the storage circuit 522 is cleared, such as when the gaming machine 1 is reset, and if all N pieces of unique information are read at a time. Then do not run.
In step S77, control unit 510 outputs a write signal for writing the initial test value stored in the initial test value storage area of storage circuit 522 to transmission buffer 530, and writes the initial test value to transmission buffer 530. set. The output timing of the write signal is also the same as the output timing of the write signal to the transmission buffer 530 for the error check value (MN) (not including the initial check value) in step S75.

  Note that the processing (inspection value addition processing) in steps S74 to S77 may be performed before the processing (inspection value generation processing) in steps S72 to S73. In this case, the check value storage area of the storage circuit 522 may be provided so that N or more error check values can be stored, and the storage area of the storage circuit 522 can be reduced.

  In step S78, control unit 510 sets the transmission timing of the control command (M) set in transmission buffer 530. Specifically, control unit 510 sets a timing for outputting a transmission permission signal for the control command (M) to transmission buffer 530. Generally speaking, the timing for outputting the transmission permission signal is from the output of the write signal of the control command (M) in step S71 to the output of the write signal to the transmission buffer 530 of the next control command (M + 1). Done during. In this embodiment, it is performed from the output of the write signal of the control command (M) in step S71 to before the execution period (α) of the timer interrupt processing program of the main CPU 110a elapses.

  In step S79, when the transmission permission signal output from control unit 510 is input, transmission buffer 530 immediately outputs the set control command (M) and error check value (MN) to transmission circuit 540. The transmission circuit 540 immediately transmits the control command (M) and the error check value (MN) output from the transmission buffer 530 to the effect control unit 120 as a series of transmission data. Therefore, the control command (M) is transmitted to the effect control unit 120 as a control command to which the error check value (MN) is added.

  By setting the write timing of the error check value as described above, the write timing of the error check value (MN) to be added this time to the transmission buffer 530 may be overwritten with another data write timing. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of overflow because there is no free space in the storage area of the transmission buffer 530 at the timing of writing the error check value (MN). This suppresses the possibility that the inspection result of the error checking process may not be determined to be normal due to inconsistency with a predetermined error checking value adding method during the error checking process in the subsequent control unit 180. This leads to an improvement in the accuracy of the inspection process.

  Also, by setting the error check value write timing as described above, the error check value (MN) to be added this time is written to the transmission buffer 530 and the control command (M) is sent to the transmission buffer 530. The positional relationship of the write timing on the time axis is clarified, and the error check value (MN) is always added immediately after the control command (M) and is transmitted as one transmission data. As a result, the error check value (MN) is not transmitted to the effect control unit 120 as a single error check value (MN). Therefore, it becomes difficult for an unauthorized person to steal transmission data between the main control unit 110 and the intermediate control unit 180, illegally analyze and reuse the error check value (MN), and the gaming machine 1 Security strength can be improved.

[Control processing of production control unit]
Hereinafter, the control processing of the effect control unit 120 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the main process of the production control unit 120 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing main processing by the effect control unit 120 according to the present embodiment.

  In step S1000, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a reads the program code related to the main process from the sub ROM 120b in response to power-on. At the same time, the sub CPU 120a initializes a flag and the like stored in the sub RAM 120c and performs a process of setting a predetermined value. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1100.

  In step S1100, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of updating the effect random number value, effect design determining random number, effect mode determining random number and the like stored in the sub RAM 120c. Thereafter, the process of step S1100 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

Next, the interruption process of the production control unit 120 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing interrupt processing by the effect control unit 120 according to the present embodiment.
Based on a clock signal output from a clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) provided in the effect control unit 120, the sub CPU 120a performs timer allocation of the effect control unit 120 at predetermined intervals (for example, 2 milliseconds). Execute the included process.

In step S1200, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a to the stack area.
In step S1300, the sub CPU 120a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control unit 120.

  In step S1350, the sub CPU 120a performs relay transmission processing. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a relay transmission process in which the control command stored in the first received data storage area of the sub RAM 120c is transmitted to the subsequent control unit 180 as it is.

When receiving the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 and storing it in the reception buffer, the first receiving unit 700a constituting the effect control unit 120 indicates that there has been a control command reception interrupt request from the main control unit 110. A control command reception interrupt process is generated.
Then, the sub CPU 120a takes in from the reception buffer to the first reception data storage area of the sub RAM 120c and stores it. Then, the sub CPU 120a writes and sets the control command stored in the first reception data storage area as it is in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.

  Subsequently, the sub CPU 120a immediately transmits the control command set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c as transmission data to the subsequent control unit 180 in the relay transmission unit 740 constituting the effect control unit 120. When the control command written in the first received data storage area of the sub-RAM 120c is written in the transmission data storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, the order in which these control areas are written and these storage areas are read out. Arrange in advance so that the order matches. This also applies to the case where the control command is relay-transmitted again from the subsequent control unit 180 to the effect control unit 120.

  In step S1500, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of analyzing the type of the control command stored in the second received data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.

  The control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 is relay-transmitted from the effect control unit 120 to the subsequent control unit 180 in step S1350. In addition, although mentioned later, the said control command is relay-transmitted again from the latter control part 180 to the effect control part 120 in the same transmission order as what was relay-transmitted from the effect control part 120 to the latter-stage control part 180.

When receiving the control command transmitted from the latter-stage control unit 180 and storing it in the reception buffer, the second reception unit 700b constituting the effect control unit 120 indicates that there has been a control command reception interrupt request from the latter-stage control unit 180. A control command reception interrupt process is generated.
The sub CPU 120a takes the received control command from the reception buffer and stores it in the second reception data storage area of the sub RAM 120c. Then, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the type of the control command stored in the second received data storage area, and performs processing according to the type of the control command. Details of the command analysis process will be described later.

In step S <b> 1700, the sub CPU 120 a checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 35 a, and performs effect input control processing related to input from the effect button 35.
In step S1800, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect output control process that is a process for transmitting the control command and various data set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c to the lamp control unit 140 and the image control unit 150. Do.
In step S1900, the sub CPU 120a restores the information saved in step S1200 to the register of the sub CPU 120a.

Next, command analysis processing of the effect control unit 120 will be described.
18 and 19 are flowcharts showing command analysis processing by the effect control unit 120 according to the present embodiment. Note that the command analysis process 2 in FIG. 19 is performed subsequent to the command analysis process 1 in FIG.

In step S1501, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command is stored in the reception buffer of the second reception unit 700b, and determines whether or not the control command has been received.
If the control command is not stored in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process, and if the control command is stored in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1650.

  In step S1650, the sub CPU 120a performs an authentication result data analysis process for confirming the content of the authentication result data added to the control command stored in the reception buffer. When the authentication success is confirmed, the sub CPU 120a displays the received control command. Processing is transferred to step S1510 in order to import into the second received data storage area and analyze the type of control command. The details of the authentication result data analysis process will be described later.

In step S1510, the sub CPU 120a confirms whether or not the control command stored in the second reception data storage area is a demonstration designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a demo designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1511, and if not, moves the process to step S1520.

In step S1511, the sub CPU 120a performs a demonstration effect pattern determination process for determining a demonstration effect pattern.
Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control unit 150 and the lamp control unit 140. An effect pattern designation command based on the demo effect pattern is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub-RAM 120c.

In step S1520, sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a special symbol storage designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a special symbol storage designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1521, and moves to step S1530 if it is not a special symbol storage designation command.

  In step S1521, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the special symbol storage designation command to determine the number of display images of special symbols to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram reserved images”). The special symbol display number designation command corresponding to the display number of the special figure reserved images is transmitted to the image control unit 150 and the lamp control unit 140, and a special symbol storage number determination process is performed.

In step S1530, the sub CPU 120a confirms whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an effect designating command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an effect designating command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1531, and moves to step S1540 if it is not an effect designating command.

In step S1531, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 36 to be stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command.
Specifically, the effect designating command is analyzed, the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 36 is determined according to the presence / absence of jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect symbol data is stored in the effect symbol storage area In addition, in order to transmit the effect symbol data to the image control unit 150 and the lamp control unit 140, a stop symbol designation command indicating the effect symbol data is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.

  In step S1532, the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the effect mode determination random value updated in step 1100, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command, An effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed. Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

In step S1540, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a variation pattern designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1541 and moves the process to step S1550 if it is not the variation pattern designation command.

In step S1541, the sub CPU 120a acquires one random number value from the effect random number value updated in step 1100, and sets the acquired effect random number value, the received variation pattern designation command, and the effect mode storage area. Based on the effect mode being performed, a variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns is performed.
Specifically, in the normal effect mode, the variation effect pattern determination table is referred to, one change effect pattern is determined based on the acquired effect random number value, and the determined change effect pattern is stored in the effect pattern storage area. At the same time, in order to transmit the determined variation effect pattern information to the image control unit 150 and the lamp control unit 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.
Thereafter, based on the effect pattern, the liquid crystal display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive device 33, and the effect illumination device 34 are controlled. Note that the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

In step S1550, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a symbol determination command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is the symbol confirmation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1551, and moves to step S1560 if it is not the symbol confirmation command.

  In step S1551, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect symbol stop display process for setting a stop designation command for stopping the effect symbol in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c in order to stop the effect symbol 36.

In step S1560, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the control command stored in the second reception data storage area is a gaming state designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a gaming state designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1561, and if not the gaming command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1570.

  In step S1561, the sub CPU 120a sets data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1570, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an opening designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an opening designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1571, and moves to step S1580 if it is not the opening designation command.

In step S1571, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern.
Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening designation command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is transmitted to the image controller 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control unit 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1580, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a special winning opening opening designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is a big winning opening release designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1581, and if not, moves the processing to step S1590. .

In step S1581, the sub CPU 120a performs a jackpot effect pattern determination process for determining a jackpot effect pattern.
Specifically, the jackpot effect pattern is determined based on the big prize opening opening designation command, the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined jackpot effect pattern is transmitted to the image controller 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control unit 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1590, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an ending designation command.
If the control command stored in the second received data storage area is an ending designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1591, and ends the command analysis process if it is not an ending designation command.

In step S1591, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern.
Specifically, the winning end effect pattern is determined based on the ending designation command, the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is stored in the image control unit 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control unit 140, an effect pattern designation command based on the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the transmission data storage area of the sub RAM 120c. When this process ends, the command analysis process ends.

Next, the authentication result data analysis process of the production control unit 120 will be described.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing authentication result data analysis processing by the effect control unit 120 according to the present embodiment.

In step S1651, the sub CPU 120a determines whether authentication result data is added to the control command stored in the reception buffer of the second reception unit 700b. If the authentication result data is not added to the control command, the sub CPU 120a ends the authentication result data analysis process, and if the authentication result data is added, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1652.
In step S1652, the sub CPU 120a extracts authentication result data from the control command stored in the reception buffer, and the process proceeds to step S1653.

In step S1653, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the extracted authentication result data indicates that the inspection result of the error inspection process performed by the post-control unit 180 is normal and the main control unit 110 can be authenticated. Determine. Then, if the authentication result data is a result indicating the authentication success, the sub CPU 120a outputs the received control command to the second received data storage area of the sub RAM 120c, and performs processing according to the control command. The authentication result data analysis process ends. On the other hand, if the authentication result data is a result indicating that the authentication is unsuccessful, the sub CPU 120a determines that there is a possibility that an illegal act or the like has occurred in the gaming machine 1, and moves the process to step S1654.
If it is determined in step S1654 that there is a possibility that an illegal act or the like has occurred in the gaming machine 1, the sub CPU 120a outputs a notification signal in order to notify that fact.

  The sub CPU 120a transmits the generated notification signal to, for example, the lamp control unit 140, the image control unit 150, or a hall computer that manages the gaming machine 1. Based on the received notification signal, the lamp control unit 140, the image control unit 150, and the like perform an effect that notifies that there is a possibility that an illegal act has occurred in the gaming machine 1. This effect is, for example, causing a character that does not normally appear on the liquid crystal display device 31 to appear, or causing a character that normally appears to appear by a method different from normal. In addition, the brightness of the liquid crystal display device 31 may be changed, the color may be changed, or the lamp controller 140 may be controlled to display a predetermined lamp. In any case, when the employee of the game shop passes in front of the gaming machine 1, it is only necessary to notice the state. This effect may be an effect that the customer does not notice the state or an effect that the customer can easily notice. If the production is easily noticed by the customer, fraud can be efficiently suppressed.

  Moreover, you may include the information regarding the gaming state or jackpot type of the gaming machine 1 in the notification signal. Based on these pieces of information, it may be determined whether a fraudulent act is being performed by a hall computer or the like that manages the gaming machine 1. For example, the “high probability gaming state” may be normal even if prize balls are concentrated. Therefore, during the high-probability gaming state, it is preferable to determine whether or not there is a risk of cheating under different conditions from the other states. Moreover, you may make it output the information regarding a gaming state or jackpot type as a separate signal without including it in a notification signal. In this case, the employee determines whether or not there is a risk of fraud based on both the notification signal and the information regarding the gaming state and the jackpot type.

[Control processing of rear-stage control unit]
Hereinafter, the control process of the rear stage control unit 180 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing main processing by the post-stage control unit 180 according to the present embodiment.

  In step S4010, the CPU 180a performs initialization processing. In this process, the CPU 180a reads a program code related to the main process from the ROM 180b in response to power-on. At the same time, the CPU 180a performs processing for initializing a flag stored in the RAM 180c and setting it to a predetermined value. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S4020. In step S4010, a process for setting an error check value generation function similar to that of the main control unit 110 is performed.

In step S4020, CPU 180a determines whether a control command transmitted from main control unit 110 has been received or not.
In the receiving unit 600 constituting the latter control unit 180, when the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 is received and stored in the reception buffer, a signal indicating that there is a control command reception interrupt request from the main control unit 110 To generate a control command reception interrupt process.
In step S4020, the CPU 180a waits until the reception interrupt request signal from the reception unit 600 is input. When the signal from the reception unit 600 is input, the CPU 180a stores the control stored in the reception buffer. Perform error checking for the command. Specifically, it is the process of the next step S4030 to step S4130.

In step S4030, the CPU 180a extracts the error check value (MN) added to the control command (M) from the control command (M) stored in the reception buffer of the reception unit 600. Then, the CPU 180a outputs the extracted error check value (MN) to the check unit 610, and outputs the control command (M) after extracting the error check value (MN) to the check value generation unit 620 and the addition unit 630. Output to.
In step S <b> 4040, the CPU 180 a generates the error check value (M) of the control command (M) output from the check value generation unit 620 in the generation unit 621 constituting the check value generation unit 620.
In step S4050, the CPU 180a stores the error check value (M) generated by the generation unit 621 in the storage unit 622 constituting the check value generation unit 620.

In step S4060, the CPU 180a determines whether or not the value of M of the control command (M) received this time is larger than a predetermined retroactive number N. If M> N is not satisfied, that is, if M ≦ N, the process proceeds to step S4080, and if M> N, the process proceeds to step S4070.
In step S4070, the CPU 180a generates an error check value generated N times before the control command (M) stored in the reception buffer and stored in the check value storage area of the storage unit 622 based on a predetermined addition method. (MN) (not including the initial inspection value) is output to the inspection unit 610.

In step S4080, the CPU 180a reads the unique information stored in the ROM 180b and stores it as an initial inspection value in the initial inspection value recording area of the storage unit 622. At this time, when there are N pieces of unique information and initial test value storage areas according to a predetermined addition method, N pieces of unique information may be read at a time, or one piece at a time. Information may be read out. Note that this step S4080 is a process performed when the past error check value stored in the storage unit 622 is cleared, such as when the gaming machine 1 is reset, and if all N pieces of unique information are read at a time. Then do not run.
In step S 4090, CPU 180 a outputs the initial inspection value stored in the initial inspection value storage area of storage unit 622 to inspection unit 610.

  Note that the processing from step S4060 to step S4090 may be performed before the processing from step S4040 to step S4050. In this case, the check value storage area of the storage unit 622 may be provided so as to store N or more error check values, and the storage area of the storage unit 622 can be reduced.

  In step S4100, the CPU 180a checks the error check value (MN) output from the receiving unit 600 and the error check value (MN) output from the storage unit 620 in the past from step S4030. Compare with. If both match with the error check value (MN), it is determined that the test result of the error check is normal, and if they do not match, it is determined that the test result is not normal.

  In step S4110, the CPU 180a determines in the inspection unit 610 whether or not it is determined that the inspection result is normal. When it is determined that the inspection result is normal, the CPU 180a generates the control command (M) to which the currently received error check value (MN) is added and the current error check value (MN). Since the validity of the original N control commands (MN) can be authenticated, it is determined that the validity of the main control unit 110 has been authenticated, and the process proceeds to step S4120. If it is determined that the inspection result is not normal, it is determined that the validity of the main control unit 110 could not be authenticated, and the process proceeds to step S4130.

In step S4120, the CPU 180a generates authentication result data indicating successful authentication in the inspection unit 610, outputs the generated authentication result data to the adding unit 630, and moves the process to step S4140.
In step S4130, the CPU 180a generates authentication result data indicating unsuccessful authentication in the inspection unit 610, outputs the generated authentication result data to the adding unit 630, and shifts the processing to step S4140.

In step S4140, the CPU 180a adds the authentication result data output in step S4120 or step S4130 to the control command (M) output in step S4030 by the adding unit 630, and the authentication result data. The attached control command (M) is output to the relay transmission unit 640, and the process proceeds to step S4150.
In step S4150, CPU 180a causes relay transmission unit 640 to immediately transmit control command (M) with authentication result data as transmission data to effect control unit 120. Thereafter, the processes after step S4020 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

  The authentication process when the latter control unit 180 is connected to the payout control unit 130 is substantially the same procedure as the authentication process when the latter control unit 180 is connected to the effect control unit 120. Since it is performed, the description is omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as a security function, the validity of the main control unit 110 is authenticated by checking the validity of the control command output from the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 generates and stores an error check value for the control command. The main control unit 110 adds the error check value of the control command generated before (past) to the control command to be transmitted this time, and transmits the control command to the subsequent control unit 180 via the effect control unit 120. On the other hand, the post-stage control unit 180 generates and stores an error check value for the received control command. Then, the post-stage control unit 180 performs error checking by comparing the error check value added to the control command received this time with the error check value of the control command generated before (past) the control command received this time. .

  Normally, an error check value such as a checksum is added to the control command of the generation source and used for a communication error check. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the error check value of the control command generated in the past is added to the control command to be transmitted this time. By using such a new and simple method that has not been used in the past, even if an unauthorized person steals a control command and an error check value, the relationship between the control command and the error check value cannot be easily known. it can. Therefore, according to this embodiment, fraud can be prevented and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  In addition, the error check value of the control command generated in the past by the main control unit 110 is added to the control command to be transmitted this time and transmitted, and the subsequent control unit 180 performs the error check process of the control command to receive this time In addition to authenticating the validity of the control command, it is also possible to authenticate the validity of the control command generated in the past, that is, the control command from which the error check value added this time is generated. That is, it is possible to authenticate the continuity of the control command, and it becomes easier to detect fraud, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the error check value is set to a value unique to the gaming machine 1 by adding unique information unique to the gaming machine 1 to the control command transmitted when M ≦ N. Can do. As a result, even if an unauthorized person who does not know the specific information steals a part of the control command, the error check value cannot be analyzed, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be further improved.

  In this embodiment, an error check value that is normally used for communication error check is used as a check value for detecting fraud. In this way, by using an error check value conventionally used for communication error check, it is possible to detect fraud without separately providing test value generation means for detecting fraud. Can be improved. That is, in a situation where the resources of the main control unit of the gaming machine are limited, an increase in processing load on the main control unit 110 can be suppressed while improving the security strength.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the error check value generation function of the main control unit 110 is configured by hardware, and error check value generation and addition processing is performed regardless of an instruction from the main CPU 110a described in the program. This is executed according to an algorithm that is uniquely stored in the transmission unit 500, and a control command with an error check value is automatically transmitted to the subsequent control unit 180 via the effect control unit 120. Then, in the error checking process in the post-stage control unit 180, the validity (identity) of the main control unit 110 as an individual is authenticated by authenticating the validity of the control commands generated now and in the past. Therefore, although the gaming machine 1 has the security function, the processing load and code size of the CPU of the main control unit 110 that increase by having the security function can be suppressed to the maximum, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 It is possible to achieve both improvement of the processing speed and improvement of the processing speed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of error check value generation functions of the transmission unit 500 are prepared in advance by providing the transmission unit 500 with a plurality of generation circuits responsible for the generation circuit 521. Which error check value generation function generates the error check value depends on the generation parameter stored in a specific storage area of the main ROM 110b that is not accessed except when the initial value is set during the boot process of the main control unit 110. It is determined based on the value. Therefore, even if an unauthorized person steals transmission data between the main control unit 110 and the effect control unit 120, it is difficult to analyze which generation function generates the error check value. Therefore, the confidentiality of the error check value generation function of the gaming machine 1 can be ensured, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  In this embodiment, although a plurality of types of error check value generation functions and generation parameters as selection information thereof are prepared in advance, only specific generation parameters are implemented. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a program associated with the generation parameter selection process in the boot process, and the code size of the program is not increased. Also, even if a gaming machine manufacturer wants to adopt only a specific error check value generation function, it is only necessary to implement the generation parameters corresponding to the desired error check value generation function. Can respond flexibly. Therefore, even diverse security functions can be added relatively easily, and a highly versatile security function can be provided. In addition, by changing the generation parameters used for design and verification work during the development stage of the gaming machine 1 and the generation parameters that are actually mounted before the gaming machine 1 is shipped, which generation parameters are finally adopted It is possible to limit the persons who can know whether it has been done, and to further improve the confidentiality of the error check value generation function.

  In the present embodiment, the authentication function for the main control unit 110 is provided in the rear stage control unit 180 that is independent from the peripheral unit 300 that performs processing related to normal game progression. Therefore, for example, when the rear stage control unit 180 is provided subsequent to the production control unit 120, the production control unit 120 executes the authentication process only when authentication result data is received from the rear stage control unit 180. It is. That is, the processing load of the CPU of the effect control unit 120 increases only when the authentication result data is received by performing the authentication process, and thus the rate of increase in the processing load of the effect control unit 120 can be suppressed. it can. Further, it is only necessary to add a program code related to the authentication result data analysis process to the program executed by the effect control unit 120. Therefore, since it is not necessary to perform new timing design over the entire program executed by the effect control unit 120, the mounting and verification work when adding the authentication function can be performed more easily and with less work man-hours.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the post-stage control unit 180 is provided subsequent to the effect control unit 120, processing between the main CPU 110a configuring the main control unit 110 and the sub CPU 120a configuring the effect control unit 120 is performed. Differences in capacity and differences in storage capacity between the main ROM 110b and main RAM 110c constituting the main control unit 110 and the sub ROM 120b and sub RAM 120c constituting the effect control unit 120 can be absorbed by the subsequent control unit 180. . Thereby, even when there is a difference in processing capacity and storage capacity between the main control unit 110 and the effect control unit 120, the security strength between the main control unit 110 and the effect control unit 120 can be maintained. This also applies to the case where the latter control unit 180 is provided subsequent to the payout control unit 130.

  In the present embodiment, the storage circuit 522 is provided on the output side of the generation circuit 521 and the error check value generated by the storage control 522 is generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage circuit 522 is generated. An object provided on the input side of the circuit 521 and stored in the storage circuit 522 may be a control command. At this time, also in the post-stage control unit 180, the target stored in the storage unit 622 may be a control command, and the target stored in the storage unit 622 may be an error check value as in the present embodiment. That is, the storage target in the main control unit 110 and the storage target in the subsequent control unit 180 may be different.

  In this embodiment, the error check value (MN) generated from only one control command (MN) is added to the control command (M) transmitted this time. However, the error check value added to the control command (M) may be an error check value generated from a plurality of control commands. In this case, the inspection value generation unit 520 may be configured to newly provide a storage area for storing a plurality of control commands and to input the control commands from the storage area to the generation circuit 521. Thereby, the relationship between the control command and the error check value added thereto becomes more difficult to analyze, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  The error check value added to the control command (M) is not only a control command generated in the past, but also an error check value generated from a plurality of control commands including the currently generated control command. Good. In this way, the communication error check of the control command received this time by the subsequent control unit 180 can be performed in real time using the error check value added to the control command received this time.

  In the present embodiment, when M ≦ N, the main control unit 110 adds an initial inspection value to the control command (M) and transmits the control command (M), and the subsequent control unit 180 transmits a corresponding initial inspection value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the post-stage control unit 180 does not perform error check processing when M ≦ N, and does not perform error check until M> N. Processing may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the initial inspection value used when M ≦ N is the unique information stored in advance in the main ROM 110b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main control unit 110 may be provided with time measuring means, or time information may be acquired at the transmission timing of the control command from the time measuring means provided in the main control unit 110 in advance, and the acquired time information may be used as the initial inspection value. Good. Since the value of the acquired timing information is a variable value having randomness, it is difficult to reuse the initial inspection value generated using this, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 is further improved. Can do. At this time, the post-stage control unit 180 may not perform the error check process when M ≦ N as described above.

  At this time, if it is determined that N ≧ 2 in advance, the subsequent control unit 180 determines whether or not the timing information continuously transmitted as the initial inspection value has continuity in time series, that is, continuously. The error check process may be performed by confirming whether or not the value of the timing information transmitted in this way increases according to the transmission order. The time measurement information may be an absolute time acquired by using the time measuring means as a real time clock circuit or the like, or may be a relative time counted from the time of reset. In any case, the timing information changes to various values as the acquisition timing becomes irregular, so that it can be regarded as information inherent to the gaming machine 1 substantially. Further, when N ≧ 2, the timekeeping information may use timekeeping information obtained from the timekeeping means for each transmission timing of the control command, or a plurality of pieces of timekeeping information obtained at the transmission timing of the first generated control command may be used. It may be used as an initial check value for a control command. In addition, for example, the initial inspection value added to the control command generated first uses the identification number (ID) of the main CPU 110a which is a fixed value, and the subsequent initial inspection value uses timekeeping information which is a variable value. It is also possible to combine fixed values and variable values.

  Further, as an initial check value used when M ≦ N, for example, a generation parameter that is selection information of an error check value generation function of the main control unit 110 may be used. That is, the control unit 510 constituting the transmission unit 500 of the main control unit 110 stores the generation parameter set in its own generation parameter storage area during the boot process even after the generation parameter setting process. Then, when M ≦ N, the control unit 510 reads the generation parameter stored in its own generation parameter storage area instead of reading the unique information stored in the main ROM 110b, and the initial value of the storage circuit 522 is read. A generation parameter may be used as an initial inspection value stored in the inspection value storage area. The generated parameter can be determined as the information unique to the gaming machine 1 because the content and the mounting method can be determined by the independent judgment of the gaming machine manufacturer, and thus the confidentiality is high. Note that the post-stage control unit 180 may not perform the error check process when M ≦ N as described above. By doing so, the post-control unit 180 is set by the main control unit 110 even if the selection information of the error check value generation function corresponding to the generation parameter has not been negotiated with the main control unit 110 in advance. An error check value generation function similar to the above can be selected. Therefore, even if an unauthorized person analyzes the latter-stage control unit 180 itself, it cannot specify which generation function of the plurality of error check value generation functions generates the error check value. Confidentiality can be ensured, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be further improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to provide a plurality of types of error check value generation functions, a plurality of generation circuits having different generation methods are provided in the transmission unit 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the generation circuit is replaced. A plurality of types of unique information as initial inspection values can be provided. For example, the main ROM 110b is provided with an identification number (ID) of the main CPU 110a, a checksum value of a program code at a specific address, and timekeeping information as unique information. A plurality of types of generation parameters corresponding to these may be prepared. In this case, since there is no need to provide a plurality of generation circuits, a relatively simple circuit configuration can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the target detected by the control unit 510 as the reference for adding the error check value is the output of the write signal when the main CPU 110a writes the control command to the transmission buffer 530. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to output the control command itself or to set a write flag in the transmission buffer 530. The detection of the output of the control command itself and the setting of the write flag means that the main CPU 110a detects the timing when the output of the control command to the transmission buffer 530 is started and the timing when the output is completed. This control command can be regarded as information bearing a transmission instruction to the transmission unit 500 for causing the production control unit 120 to transmit the control command. In this case, the control unit 510 detects the output of the control command itself by the main CPU 110a or the fact that the write flag is set, and stores the storage circuit 522 after a predetermined time (β) with reference to the input of the detection signal. The stored error check value is written into the transmission buffer 530.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control unit 120 relays the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 to the subsequent control unit 180, and analyzes the command for the control command relayed again from the subsequent control unit 180. Although processing is performed and processing according to the control command is performed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the effect control unit 120 performs command analysis processing on the control command transmitted from the main control unit 110 and relays the control command to the subsequent control unit 180 while performing processing according to the control command. Also good. The post-stage control unit 180 performs error check processing on the received control command to generate authentication result data, adds it to the received control command, and transmits it to the production control unit 120. At this time, the production control unit 120 The control command transmitted from the post-stage control unit 180 may be discarded after extracting the authentication result data. By configuring in this way, the production control unit 120 considers that at least the gaming machine 1 has not detected an illegal act or the like until the authentication result data is transmitted from the post-stage control unit 180, and the main control unit 110 A normal game process is executed based on the transmitted control command, and even if an unexpected situation such as a failure occurs in the subsequent control unit 180, the game process is not directly affected.

  In the present embodiment, the post-control unit 180 adds the authentication result data to the control command and transmits the result to the effect control unit 120 as a control command with authentication result data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control command and the authentication result data may be transmitted separately. In this case, the effect control unit 120 may determine whether or not the authentication result data has been received, and perform authentication result data analysis processing when the authentication result data is received. Note that dummy data may be added to each of the control command and the authentication result data so that the data length is the same. By doing so, it becomes difficult for an unauthorized person to distinguish between the control command and the authentication result data, and the security strength of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the post-stage control unit 180 generates authentication result data, adds it to the received control command, and transmits it to the effect control unit 120 regardless of whether authentication is successful or unsuccessful. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the post-stage control unit 180 generates authentication result data only when authentication is unsuccessful, or outputs a signal indicating unsuccessful authentication and transmits it to the effect control unit 120. You may make it do. The effect control unit 120 may determine whether or not a signal indicating authentication result data or authentication failure has been received and output a notification signal when received.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 510, the inspection value generation unit 520, the transmission buffer 530, and the transmission circuit 540 are configured as a transmission unit 500, and the circuit configuration is separate from the one-chip microcomputer 110m. Without limitation, the transmission unit 500 may be integrated with the one-chip microcomputer 110m. In this case, only the control functions of the transmission buffer 530, the transmission circuit 540, and the control unit 510 that controls the transmission unit 500 are integrated with the one-chip microcomputer 110m, and the test value generation unit 520, The control function of the control unit 510 for controlling this may be a circuit configuration separate from the one-chip microcomputer 110m. By doing in this way, the transmission part of the existing one-chip microcomputer can be diverted, and the circuit added in order to implement | achieve a security function can be made into a comparatively simple circuit structure.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the post-stage control unit 180 is configured to include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, but may be configured to realize the same function as an integrated circuit such as an LSI. Good.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the example which applies this invention to a pachinko game machine was shown, it is not limited to this, This invention is a ball game machine other than pachinko game machines, such as a sparrow ball game machine and an arrangement ball. It can also be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines such as slot machines. Even in these gaming machines, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained by configuring in the same manner as in the present embodiment. Moreover, this embodiment can divert each other's technology as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in its purpose and configuration.

1 gaming machine 110 main control unit 110a main CPU
110b Main ROM
110c Main RAM
110d Boot ROM
110m One-chip microcomputer 120 Production control unit 120a Sub CPU
120b Sub ROM
120c sub RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Discharge control part 140 Lamp control part 150 Image control part 160 Launch control part 170 Power supply part 180 Back | latter stage control part 500 Transmission part 510 Control part 520 Inspection value generation part 521 Generation circuit 522 Storage circuit 530 Transmission buffer 540 Transmission circuit 550 Internal bus 600 Reception unit 610 Inspection unit 620 Inspection value generation unit 621 Generation unit 622 Storage unit 630 Addition unit 640 Relay transmission unit 700 Reception unit 740 Relay transmission unit

Claims (3)

A gaming machine comprising: a main control unit that outputs control information; a first sub-control unit that performs processing based on the control information; and a second sub-control unit provided subsequent to the first sub-control unit. There,
The main control unit
Together with the information storage area you storing predetermined game information and a control program, the information storage unit with an initial setting information storage area for storing initial setting information accessible to a by gaming machine upon activation of the gaming machine When,
In accordance with the control program stored in the information storage area, a predetermined calculation with generates and outputs the control information by performing in accordance with game information, a calculation processing unit for outputting a transmission instruction for allowing transmitting the control information ,
First generation means for generating and outputting an error check value corresponding to the control information generated in the past in accordance with an algorithm that is independently held without depending on an instruction of the arithmetic processing unit, and an instruction of the arithmetic processing unit Regardless of the algorithm, the control information corresponding to the transmission instruction includes an adding means for adding the error check value generated by the first generating means to the control information, and the control to which the error check value is added. An information transmission unit for transmitting information to the second sub-control unit via the first sub-control unit ;
Only including,
The second sub-control unit
A second generation unit for generating an error check value for verification corresponding to the control information generated in the predetermined past;
The error check value transmitted through the first sub control unit is compared with the verification error check value, and the validity of the control information transmitted through the first sub control unit is authenticated. An information inspection unit for performing the inspection and generating the result information of the inspection;
A transmission unit for transmitting the result information to the first sub-control unit;
Only including,
The first sub-control unit
An information processing unit that performs predetermined processing based on the control information transmitted by the information transmission unit and performs processing according to the result information transmitted by the transmission unit;
Only including,
The first generation means includes a plurality of different generation circuits that generate error check values,
The initial setting information includes selection information corresponding to each of the plurality of generation circuits ,
The arithmetic processing unit sets specific selection information of the selection information in the first generation unit when the gaming machine is activated.
The first generation means generates the error check value by a specific generation circuit corresponding to the set specific selection information. The information storage unit, before a first memory means responsible for Kijo report storage area, unlike the first storage means, and having a second storage unit responsible for the initial setting information storage area The gaming machine according to claim 1 . The selection information included in the initial setting information, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit is the specific selection information to be set to the first generator upon activation of said gaming machine The gaming machine described in 1.

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