JP2011139885A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which correctly determines whether or not the same random number values are obtained due to abnormality of a random number generator when the same random number values are obtained during random number monitoring. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: the random number generator 12 including a random number clock generating circuit B51, a plurality of random number tables B53a and a part B52 for determining change of the random number tables for changing the random number tables B53a; a reference clock generating circuit for generating a reference clock; and an abnormality determinator B100 for detecting the abnormality of the random number generator 12. The abnormality determinator B100 includes: a part B101 for obtaining random numbers for determining abnormality and a storage B102 of random numbers for determining abnormality, in which the random numbers are obtained three times for determining the abnormality; a part B103 for comparing the random numbers of determining abnormality and a part B104 for determining abnormality, in which it is determined whether or not the abnormality occurs in the random number generator 12. An interval between obtaining the random numbers for determining abnormality is shorter than a cycle for changing the random number tables B53a and longer than a clock cycle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine equipped with a random number generator for generating random numbers used in game lottery, symbol lottery, production pattern lottery, and the like.

  In such a gaming machine equipped with a random number generation device, for example, a random number value of a predetermined number of digits by a clock count circuit based on a random number clock generated by a random number clock generation circuit composed of an oscillator at a predetermined period A game machine that is used as a random number for random determination, random number for symbol lottery, and random number for effect pattern lottery is known by the CPU that controls the game extracting and reading the counted random number value. Yes. In such a gaming machine, by counting random numbers with hardware, the burden of software controlled by the CPU is reduced, and random numbers are generated at high speed according to the clock generation period by the random number clock generation circuit. A random number generator that can be updated is used.

  By the way, as described above, when a random number is generated by hardware, if any operation abnormality occurs in the random number generator, the random number value is not periodically counted by the clock count circuit and the count is stopped. was there. In this state, the CPU may continuously read the same random value. Thus, a gaming machine is disclosed that can detect an abnormal operation of the random number generation device by using a random number monitoring device that can monitor whether the random number generation device is operating normally (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-192919 A

  The random number monitoring device as described above is not a problem if the random number generator is a simple structure such as a counter. However, when a random number generator having a complicated structure is used, it is difficult to construct a monitoring program. is there. Therefore, in such a case, a method is adopted in which it is determined whether or not the same random number value is continuously acquired by using software or the like, and the case where it is continuously acquired is regarded as abnormal. However, with this type of method, although the accuracy of monitoring itself can be increased by increasing the number of random values to be acquired, there is a concern about an increase in the capacity of the program. In addition, this type of method cannot exclude the case where the same random number value is accidentally acquired. That is, when the same random number value is acquired, there is a problem that it cannot be accurately determined whether the same random number value is acquired due to an abnormality in the random number generation device or whether the same random number value is accidentally acquired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when the same random number value is acquired during random number monitoring, it is accurately determined whether or not it is due to an abnormality in the random number generator. An object is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a clock generation means for generating a clock at a predetermined frequency (for example, random number clock generation circuits B51 and B151 in the embodiment) and a clock generation means. Based on the generated clock, a random number generator that updates a random value within a predetermined range from an initial value to a final value in a predetermined cycle, and a first signal (for example, the operation signal of the start lever ST in the embodiment, the first First latch signal output means (for example, first latch signal output circuits B71 and B171 in the embodiment) that outputs a first latch signal in accordance with a winning signal by winning to the first and second starting prizes 124a and 124b) , Random value acquisition means for acquiring a random value from the random number generator based on the first latch signal (for example, a random number acquisition unit for lottery in the embodiment) 34a, determination random number acquisition unit B134a, B135a), and determination unit for determining whether or not the winning is based on the random value acquired by the random number acquisition unit (for example, lottery determination unit B34b in the embodiment, hit determination unit) B134b, a probability variation determination unit B135b), the second signal according to the second signal (for example, the second trigger signal output for obtaining the abnormality determination random number by the CPU 14 in the embodiment). Second latch signal output means for outputting a latch signal (for example, second latch signal output circuits B72 and B172 in the embodiment), and for detecting abnormality of the random number generator from the random number generator based on the second latch signal An anomaly detection random value is acquired, and n times at a predetermined interval (where n is an integer of 3 or more) in order to determine an anomaly of the random number generator. ) Three or more of the abnormality detection random number values acquired by the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit (for example, the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 in the embodiment) that is repeatedly acquired and the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit are the same. Abnormality determination means (for example, the abnormality determination unit B104 in the embodiment) for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the random number generator, and the abnormality detection random value acquisition means acquires the abnormality detection random value. The interval to be performed is shorter than a predetermined time of the random number generator and longer than a clock cycle. The predetermined period of the random number generator is a time required to generate a uniform random value (for example, 0 to 65535) from the initial value to the final value.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the invention is based on clock generation means for generating a clock at a predetermined frequency (for example, random number clock generation circuits B51 and B151 in the embodiment) and the clock generated by the clock generation means. A random number generator that updates a random number value within a predetermined range from an initial value to a final value at a predetermined cycle, and a first signal (for example, an operation signal of the start lever ST, first and second start prizes in the embodiment) First latch signal output means (for example, first latch signal output circuits B71 and B171 in the embodiment) that outputs a first latch signal in accordance with a winning signal by winning to the tools 124a and 124b, and the first latch signal Random value acquisition means for acquiring a random value from the random number generator based on the random number generator (for example, a random number for lottery acquisition B34a in the embodiment, a random number for determination) Acquisition unit B134a, B135a) and a determination unit for determining whether or not the winning is based on the random value acquired by the random value acquisition unit (for example, lottery determining unit B34b, winning determination unit B134b, probability variation determination in the embodiment) Part B135b), the second latch signal is output in response to the second signal (for example, the second trigger signal output for obtaining the abnormality determination random number by the CPU 14 in the embodiment). The second latch signal output means (for example, the second latch signal output circuits B72 and B172 in the embodiment) and the abnormality detection random number value for detecting the abnormality of the random number generator based on the second latch signal are acquired. Anomaly detection random value that is repeatedly acquired n times (where n is an integer of 3 or more) at predetermined intervals in order to determine abnormality of the random number generator When it is determined that three or more of the abnormality detection random number values acquired by the acquisition means (for example, the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 in the embodiment) and the abnormality detection random value acquisition means are the same, the random number generator An abnormality determination unit (for example, the abnormality determination unit B104 in the embodiment) that determines that an abnormality has occurred, and the period required for the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit to acquire the abnormality detection random value three times, The predetermined period of the random number generator is shorter than a period required until two times elapses, and the interval for acquiring the abnormality detection random value is longer than the period of the clock. The predetermined cycle of the random number generator is the time required to generate a uniform random number value (for example, 0 to 65535) from the initial value to the final value, as in the first invention. is there.

  Further, the abnormality determination means determines whether or not the acquired abnormality detection random value is the same as the previously acquired abnormality detection random value when the abnormality detection random value acquisition means acquires the abnormality detection random value. It is preferable to determine that no abnormality has occurred in the random number generation device when it is determined and determined that the acquired abnormality detection random value is not the same as the previously acquired abnormality detection random value.

  Then, the abnormality detection random value acquisition means preferably acquires the abnormality detection random value at a timing at which the acquisition of the random number value used for the determination of the validity determination means is not performed. A random number value for abnormality detection is acquired when a timing at which acquisition of a random number value used for determination has not been performed occurs, and the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the random number generator. Is preferred.

  The abnormality detection random value acquisition means may acquire the first abnormality detection random value simultaneously with the acquisition of the random number value used for the determination of the success / failure determination means. It is preferable to acquire the first abnormality detection random value when the random number value to be used is acquired and to determine whether the abnormality determination unit has an abnormality in the random number generation device.

  In addition, the random number generator includes a plurality of random number tables arranged so that random values that may be acquired by the random value acquisition unit are updated in a predetermined order different from the initial value to the final value, and a plurality of random number tables It is preferable to include a table selection unit (for example, the random number table determination unit B52 in the embodiment) that selects one random number table among the random number tables at a predetermined cycle. Then, the table selection means obtains a table selection random value used for selecting one random number table among a plurality of random number tables, and determines a random number table to be selected based on the table selection random value. Preferably, the table selection means preferably selects one random number table in a predetermined order.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the first invention, the interval at which the abnormality detection random value acquisition means acquires the abnormality detection random value is shorter than the predetermined cycle of the random number generator and longer than the clock cycle. It is possible to reliably determine that there is an abnormality on condition that the acquired three abnormality detection random number values are the same. In this way, abnormalities can be detected just by acquiring random number values three times, so that the capacity of programs and the like can be reduced, and random number generation is reliably performed while eliminating the case where the same random number value is accidentally acquired. It is possible to detect abnormality of the device.

  Further, according to the gaming machine according to the second invention, the period required to acquire the abnormality detection random value three times is shorter than the time required until the predetermined period of the random number generation device passes twice, and Since the interval for detecting the anomaly detection random number value is longer than the clock cycle, the anomaly detection random value can be acquired at least three times while the predetermined cycle of the random number generator has passed twice. It is possible to reliably determine that there is an abnormality on condition that the three random number values for abnormality detection are the same. As described above, since the abnormality can be detected only by acquiring the random number value three times, the capacity of the program or the like can be reduced as in the gaming machine according to the first invention, and the same random number value can be accidentally set. It is possible to reliably detect an abnormality in the random number generation device while eliminating the acquired case.

  Further, the abnormality determination means determines that no abnormality has occurred in the random number generator when it is confirmed that the acquired abnormality detection random value is not the same as the previously acquired abnormality detection random value. Thus, the abnormality determination process can be simplified, and the normal process can be performed at a higher speed.

  Then, the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit acquires the abnormality detection random value at a timing when the acquisition of the random number value used for the determination by the success / failure determination unit is not performed (hereinafter referred to as a random number non-acquisition gaming state). Thus, the abnormality determination process can be performed without affecting the acquisition process of random numbers used in the lottery such as the success / failure lottery, the symbol lottery, or the production pattern. Furthermore, when a random number non-acquisition gaming state occurs, an abnormality detection random number value is acquired, and the abnormality determination means determines whether or not there is an abnormality, whereby a random number acquisition process such as a success / failure lottery, a symbol lottery, or an effect pattern lottery As a subroutine, abnormality determination processing can be constructed, the capacity used by the program or the like can be reduced, and abnormality in the random number generator can be detected at an early stage.

  In addition, the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit can efficiently perform the abnormality determination process by acquiring the first abnormality detection random value simultaneously with the acquisition of the random number value used in the determination of the success / failure determination unit. In addition, when the random number value used for the determination of the determination unit is acquired, the determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the random number generator by acquiring the first abnormality detection random value and determining whether there is an abnormality in the random number generator, Abnormality determination processing can be constructed as a subroutine for random number acquisition processing such as symbol lottery or production pattern lottery, and the capacity used by programs and the like can be reduced, and abnormalities in the random number generator can be detected early. .

It is a front view of the slot machine of the first embodiment shown as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a figure showing the internal structure of the said slot machine. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the control system of the said slot machine. It is a block diagram showing processing concerning generation of random numbers of the slot machine. It is a circuit diagram which shows the count circuit and memory circuit for random number generation in the gaming machine of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the outline of control of the role lottery, the random number generator, and the abnormality determination means in the slot machine. The correspondence table used for the determination of the random number table by the random number table determination unit is shown. (A) is an example of the correspondence table storing the random number table, and (b) is the order of selection of the random number table. It is an example of a defined table order table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the abnormality determination process in the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the acquisition period of the random number for abnormality determination in the gaming machine of this invention, the update period of an output random number value, and a clock period. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the relationship between the acquisition cycle of the random number for abnormality determination, and the update cycle of an output random number value, (c) is a figure which shows the relationship between the acquisition cycle of the random number for abnormality determination, and a clock cycle. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the random number random number acquisition process in the said slot machine. (A) is a flow chart showing a lottery random number acquisition process itself, and (b) is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the first acquisition of the abnormality determination random number is combined with the lottery random number acquisition process. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of 2nd Embodiment shown as an example of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a rear view which shows the internal structure of the said pachinko machine. It is the block diagram which showed the outline of control of the determination of whether or not to perform the probability change and the probability change, the random number generator, and the abnormality determination means in the pachinko machine. It is the block diagram which showed the process which concerns on the generation | occurrence | production of the random number of the said pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the random number acquisition process for games in the said pachinko machine. In the pachinko machine, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the hit ball continuously flows to the start winning sensor, and (b) is a time when the start winning sensor detects the hit of the hit ball and the first hit ball passes. The figure which shows the relationship with time until the 2nd hit ball passes after doing, (c) is a figure which shows the relationship between the time when a start winning sensor detects the winning of a hit ball, and the acquisition time of a game random number It is.

  Hereinafter, as a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied, a slot machine 1 (see FIG. 1) as a first embodiment and a pachinko machine PM (see FIG. 11) as a second embodiment will be described. First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the external structure of the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 1, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the control system in the slot machine 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 1 includes a front door 2 that faces a player, and a housing 3 (see FIG. 2) to which the front door 2 can be opened and closed. The front door 2 includes an upper panel part 4, a center panel part 5, and a lower panel part 6, and is formed of a metal frame (not shown) and a front panel formed of a hardened plastic as a whole. Thereby, the structure is strengthened.

  On the upper panel part 4, an effect lamp 4a called an upper lamp, sound emitting parts 4b and 4c to which a speaker is attached, a liquid crystal display for displaying a color image, and the like that are visible to the player A display device 4d is provided. The effect display device 4d displays various images when performing an effect during the game. The central panel portion 5 includes stage lamps 5a and 5b, and a rotating drum provided with a plurality of rotating reels R1, R2, and R3 (three in this embodiment) that are rotatably provided by motor drive. A reel device 7 is provided, and a substantially rectangular transparent window WD formed of a transparent cured plastic plate is provided in front of the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3. 7 is protected from the outside, and the player can visually recognize the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3 through the transparent window WD.

  Each of the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3 is configured in a ring shape, and a tape reel on which a plurality of winning symbols (designating a winning combination) are printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, 21 types of symbols are arranged at equal intervals on the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3, and a different symbol arrangement is provided for each reel R1, R2, and R3. The number of medals acquired by the player is displayed on the central panel 5 and below the spinning reel device 7, or an error code is displayed when an abnormality occurs in the game operation or the machine operation. An acquired number display section (error display section) 5c is provided. When the error code is displayed, the gaming machine is disabled.

  Furthermore, an operation unit 5d for a player to operate is provided at the lower end of the central panel unit 5. The operation unit 5d includes a medal insertion unit MD for inserting game medals and a game per game. Bet buttons B1, B2, B3 for presenting the number of medals, a start lever ST for instructing the start of one game, and 3 for individually stopping the spinning reels R1, R2, R3 in the spinning cylinder Stop buttons SP1, SP2 and SP3 are provided. On the lower panel 6, an image or the like (not shown) related to the game contents of the slot machine 1 is drawn, and a discharge port 6a and a tray 6b for paying out a medal acquired by the player and a speaker are attached. The sound emission part 6c provided is provided. During the game, various effects such as lighting / flashing of the effect lamps 4a, 5a, 5b, sound emission from the effect speakers SR, SL, SW, and image display by the effect display device 4d are performed. . Further, the presentation includes a notice presentation of the possibility of winning the role.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the back surface structure of the front door 2 and the internal structure of the housing | casing 3 are demonstrated roughly. FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 2 is unlocked and opened from the housing 3. In FIG. 2, an effect speaker SR, SL that constitutes the above-described sound emitting units 4 b, 4 c is provided on the upper rear surface of the front door 2, and an effect display device 4 d is provided between the effect speakers SR, SL. The sub control board 20 is attached to the back side of the effect display device 4d. Below the effect display device 4d and the sub-control board 20, a substantially rectangular frame 5e in which the above-described transparent window WD and the panel surface of the central panel portion 5 are formed is attached.

  Also, below the frame body 5e, a distribution mechanism G1 for determining whether an input inserted from the medal input unit MD is a regular game medal or a foreign object and a distribution mechanism distributed by the distribution mechanism G1 From the guide member G2 for guiding medals to the hopper device HP provided on the housing 3 side, the guide member G3 for guiding and discharging the foreign matter distributed by the distribution mechanism G1 to the discharge port 6a, and the hopper device HP. A guide member G4 that guides and outputs the payout medal to the discharge port 6a is provided, and an effect speaker SW is attached in the vicinity of the discharge port 6a so as to correspond to the sound emitting portion 6c. Further, a long central display board 30 is attached to a region between the frame 5e and the distribution mechanism G1, and a setting button CS and numerals 0 to 6 are provided at one end on the back side of the central display board 30. A setting display element CT composed of light emitting diodes for performing the segment display is provided.

  The housing 3 includes a power supply device PWU, an auxiliary storage unit SHP for storing game medals overflowing from the hopper device HP, and a spinning reel R1, R2, R3 facing the transparent window WD. In addition to the rotation reel device 7, a power supply substrate 40 is provided on the side of the power supply device PWU, the rotation device substrate 50 is provided on the upper end of the rotation reel device 7, the main substrate 10 is provided above the rotation reel device 7, and the housing. An external concentration terminal board 70 as an external concentration terminal device is attached to one end of the inner wall 3.

  Here, the main substrate 10, the sub-control substrate 20, the spinning device substrate 50, the central display substrate 30, the power supply device substrate 40, and the external concentration terminal substrate 70 are all insulatively formed with conductive wiring patterns. Formed as a so-called electric circuit board in which electronic components such as integrated circuit devices (ICs), transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc. are mounted on a resin substrate and are connected by wiring, in particular, main board 10, sub-control board 20, and external concentrated terminals Each of the substrates 70 has a unit structure that is individually housed in a cured plastic housing case.

  Hereinafter, an outline of the configuration of the control system will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The main board 10 includes a system unit for managing the entire operation of the slot machine 1 and a storage unit composed of a semiconductor memory or the like in which an execution program for the slot machine game is stored in advance, and a CPU 14 for executing these programs (details later). And a random number generator 12 for generating random values used for a lottery and the like to be described later, and an input port and an output port provided in the CPU and the remaining boards 20 and 50. , 30, 40, and 70 are connected by a wiring cable. In the present invention, the random number is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation is regular, the acquisition timing is random, so that the random number is substantially a random number. It also means a functional value.

  Further, the production speakers SR, SL, SW, the production lamps 4a, 5a, 5b and the production display device 4d are connected to the sub-control board 20 via a wiring cable and are supplied from the CPU 14 in the main board 10. In accordance with the control signal, the electric circuit provided on the sub-control board 20 drives the effect speakers SR, SL, SW, effect lamps 4a, 5a, 5b, and the effect display device 4d, so that the player's vision To produce an appealing hearing.

  The spinning device board 50 is connected to the spinning reel device 7 having the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3 that are rotationally driven by an electric motor, and the reel control signal supplied from the CPU 14 in the main board 10 is connected. Thus, by controlling the electric motor described above, the rotation, braking and stopping of the spinning reels R1, R2 and R3 are controlled. A distribution mechanism G1, bet buttons B1, B2, B3, a start lever ST, stop buttons SP1, SP2, SP3, a setting display element CT, and a setting button CS are connected to the central display board 30 by wiring. The medal detection signals output from the mechanism G1 and the on / off signals output from the bet buttons B1, B2, B3, the start lever ST, and the stop buttons SP1, SP2, SP3 are transferred to the CPU 14 in the main board 10. Based on the segment display signal supplied from the CPU 14, numbers from 0 to 6 are displayed on the setting display element CT.

  A setting switch BO, a power switch BQ, a hopper device HP, and a power supply device PWU are connected to the power supply substrate 40 by wiring, and an on / off signal output from each of the setting switch BO and the power switch BQ is sent to the CPU 14 in the main substrate 10. Forward to. Further, the power supply substrate 40 is formed with a power distribution circuit that distributes various power supply voltages generated by the power supply device PWU to the hopper device HP and other parts. The power supply necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1 is supplied from the power distribution circuit. Has been done.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 11 is provided with a CPU 14, a ROM 15, and a RAM 16, and a control program to be executed by the CPU 14 and data necessary for the control process are stored in the ROM 15. The main control unit 11 is provided with a reference clock generation circuit B21 and an input / output circuit unit B40. The reference clock generation circuit B21 is a circuit that generates a reference clock that is an operation reference of the CPU 14 that plays a central role in the slot machine 1, and generates a pulse (clock signal) at a predetermined interval using a crystal oscillator, a crystal resonator, or the like. It is something to be made. Further, the reference clock may be obtained by appropriately dividing this pulse in a frequency dividing unit (not shown). The input / output circuit unit B40 is provided for inputting input information from the outside of the main board 10 and a random number generated by the random number generator 12, and is configured by a buffer IC or the like. Specifically, the input / output circuit unit B40 includes a sensor input unit to which various signals are input and a random number of bits (for example, 4 bits, 8 bits, 16 bits, etc.) generated by the random number generator 12. A random number reading unit or the like for inputting numerical values is provided.

  The start lever ST is provided with a rotation / rotation starter sensor B11, and the rotation / rotation starter sensor B11 is configured to output an ON signal in accordance with the operation of the start lever ST. When the main board 10 detects an ON signal output from the rotation / rotation starter sensor B11 by operating the start lever ST, the main board 10 drives a motor (not shown) to rotate the spinning reels R1, R2, and R3, which will be described later. The role lottery means B34 acquires one random value (hereinafter referred to as a lottery random number) from the random number generator 12. As a result, a lottery of a combination is performed (detailed later).

  Control programs executed by the main control unit 11 (executed by the CPU 14) include a role lottery means B34 and an abnormality determination means B100 according to the present invention (see FIG. 6). The random number generator 12 has a configuration shown in Examples 1 to 3 to be described later, and can generate random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). Although the configuration of the abnormality determination unit B100 according to the present invention will be described later, the abnormality determination unit B100 according to the present invention can be applied to any configuration of the random number generator 12 according to the first to third embodiments. It is like that. First, the configuration of the main control unit 11 and the random number generator 12 will be described below.

  The role lottery means B34 in the main control unit 11 is a program for lottery of special roles, small roles, replays and the like. Here, the special combination is a combination for shifting to a special game advantageous to the player, which is a game different from the normal game. The small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player, and a plurality of types are provided. The replay is a role that gives the player the right to replay the game while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.

  The combination lottery means B34 includes a lottery random number acquisition unit B34a and a lottery combination determination unit B34b (see FIG. 6). The lottery random number acquisition unit B34a generates a random number generated by the random number generator 12. Is obtained as a random number for lottery, and the lottery combination determining unit B34b determines a combination based on the value of the random number for lottery. The ROM 15 is provided with a role lottery table having an address value. The role lottery table includes a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, and a non-winning (missing) area corresponding to the address value. , An area set in advance at a predetermined ratio is provided. The lottery combination determination unit B34b refers to the area to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random number value of the lottery random number acquired by the lottery random number acquisition unit B34a with the address value of the combination lottery table, and the random value Determine the combination corresponding to the area to which the belongs. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination has been won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be out. In this way, at least one combination or one determination result is specified corresponding to the address value of the combination lottery table.

  As described above, an address value is given to the above-described combination lottery table, and the address value corresponds to the random value generated by the random number generation device 12 acquired by the random number generator B34a for lottery. Hereinafter, a circuit for generating random values in the main control unit 11 and the random number generator 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the random number generator 12 includes a random number clock generation circuit B51, a clock inversion circuit B61, and first and second latch signal output circuits B71 and B72. The random number generated by the random number generator 12 is acquired by the CPU 14 and then temporarily stored in the RAM 16 (or CPU register).

  The random number clock generation circuit B51 is provided for generating a random number generation clock, and the clock inversion circuit B61 is composed of an IC such as a NOT gate and inverts the clock output from the random number clock generation circuit B51. Is output to the first latch signal output circuit B71 related to the acquisition of the lottery random number and the second latch signal output circuit B72 related to the acquisition of the abnormality determination random number. The abnormality determination random number refers to a random number used by the abnormality determination unit B100 to determine whether or not the random number generation device 12 has an abnormality (detailed later).

  In addition, in the abnormality determination means B100, the abnormality determination random number acquisition timing and abnormality determination timing are determined by the CPU 14 that operates based on the reference clock instead of the clock of the random number clock generation circuit B51 used when generating the random numbers for lottery. As described above, the clock generated by the random number clock generation circuit B51 and the reference clock have different periods and are in an asynchronous relationship. Although it is theoretically possible to use clocks having the same period or synchronized with each other, as described above, it is preferable that the periods are different and asynchronous. This is because if these clocks are non-synchronized and asynchronous, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the clock cycle of the random number clock generation circuit B51 used for the lottery is not easily detected from the outside. Even when the same period or clocks synchronized with each other or a single clock is used, the same advantage as described above can be obtained by dividing one clock input to the CPU 14 or the random number generation circuit B86.

  The first latch signal output circuit B71 and the second latch signal output circuit B72 receive the inverted clock from the clock inverter circuit B61 described above. A trigger signal (high signal) output from the CPU 14 via the input / output circuit unit B40 is input. When the trigger signal is input, the first latch signal output circuit B71 and the second latch signal output circuit B72 synchronize the rising edge of this signal with the rising edge of the inverted clock input from the clock inverting circuit B61. Thus, the first latch signal output circuit B71 outputs the first latch signal and the second latch signal output circuit B72 outputs the second latch signal to the random number generation circuit B86 described later.

  In the above description, the example in which the clock inverting circuit B61, the first latch signal output circuit B71, and the second latch signal output circuit B72 are provided separately has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and as shown by the broken line in FIG. The signal output circuit B72 may be integrally provided as the second latch clock synchronization circuit B67.

  The random number generation circuit B86 outputs a random number value generated to the CPU 14 based on the first latch signal output from the first latch signal output circuit B71 or the second latch signal output from the second latch signal output circuit B72. . A method of generating a random number value by the random number generation circuit B86 will be described with reference to three examples (Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3). The first embodiment shows an example in the case where clock count circuits B81 to B84 and a count value storage circuit B91 (detailed later) that are conventionally known are used. In the first embodiment, an example in which a 16-bit random value is output is shown, but a random value such as 4 bits or 8 bits may be output, and there is no particular limitation by the number of bits. The random number generation circuit B86 according to the first embodiment is configured to output a random number (for example, 0 to 65535) over a predetermined time F.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the random number generation circuit B86 according to the first embodiment includes first to fourth clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, B84, and a count value storage circuit B91. As shown in FIG. 5, the first to fourth clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, and B84 include a random number clock input unit (CK) that inputs a clock and a count output unit (QA) that outputs the counted value. To QD). The first to fourth clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, and B84 are composed of a circuit in which four 4-bit increment counters (from IC1 to IC4) are cascade-connected, and the clock generated from the random number clock generation circuit B51. This is a circuit for performing addition at the rising edge and outputting the addition result. Various counters can be used as the first to fourth clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, and B84. In the following, an increment counter that adds one by one from “0000” to “1111” is used. An example will be described.

  With the input of the clock from the random number clock generation circuit B51, first, a value for four digits (for example, “0001” and “0011”) is counted in the first clock count circuit B81 (IC1). When the counting of values for four digits is completed, a carry signal is output from the CO terminal of IC1 to the ENT terminal of the second clock count circuit B82 (IC2) each time. In order for the second clock count circuit B82 to start counting, it is necessary to input the carry signal from the first clock count circuit B81. That is, in the IC2, after the carry signal and the clock input to the CK terminal are input at the same time, counting for the next four digits is started.

  Similarly, whenever a value for four digits is counted in IC2, a carry signal is output from the CO terminal of IC2 to the ENT terminal of third clock count circuit B83 (IC3). In order for the third clock count circuit B83 to start counting, it is necessary to input the carry signal from the second clock count circuit B82. That is, in the IC3, after the carry signal and the clock input to the CK terminal are input at the same time, the count of the next four digits is started. Similarly, the third clock count circuit B83 (IC3) and the fourth clock count circuit B84 (IC4) respectively count four digits.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the clock count circuits B81 to B84 generate, for example, a binary number of 16 bits (or other number of bits). That is, in the case of the 16-bit example described above, among the 16-digit binary numbers, the first clock count circuit B81 (IC1) is the least significant 4 digits, and the second clock count circuit B82 (IC2) is the upper 4 digits. The digit, the third clock count circuit B83 (IC3) is further responsible for the upper four digits, and the fourth clock count circuit B84 (IC4) is responsible for the uppermost four digits.

  The counts added by the four clock count circuits B81 to B84 are output and stored in the count value storage circuit B91 via the respective count output units (QA, QB, QC and QD terminals). In the above example, a 16-bit random number (4 bits × 4) is generated. However, the method of generating a random number is not limited to this. It may be generated, and the number of bits itself is not limited to 16 bits, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The count value storage circuit B91 uses the count value counted by the clock count circuits B81 to B84 as the first latch signal from the first latch signal output circuit B71 or the second latch signal from the second latch signal output circuit B72. It is memorized based on. As shown in FIG. 5, the count value storage circuit B91 includes a register unit (IC5 and IC6) including two 8-bit ICs and a buffer unit (IC7 and IC8) including two 8-bit ICs. Of the register section of the count value storage circuit B91, the IC5 receives the 4-digit count value from the first clock count circuit B81 (IC1) via the D0 terminal to the D3 terminal, and also receives the second clock count. The 4-digit count value from the circuit B82 (IC2) is input via the D4 terminal to the D7 terminal. That is, the D1 terminal to D8 terminal of the IC5 function as a count input unit, and the lower 8 digits of the 16-bit binary count value are input to the IC5 through them.

  Of the register unit of the count value storage circuit B91, the IC6 receives the 4-digit count value from the third clock count circuit B83 (IC3) via the D8 terminal to the D11 terminal, and the fourth clock count. A 4-digit count value from the circuit B84 (IC4) is input through the D12 terminal to the D15 terminal. That is, the D1 terminal to D8 terminal of the IC 6 function as a count input unit, and the upper 8 digits of the 16-bit binary count value are input to the IC 6 through them.

  The first latch signal from the first latch signal output circuit B71 or the second latch signal from the second latch signal output circuit B72 is input to the CLOCK terminal in the register unit (IC5 and IC6) of the count value storage circuit B91. . That is, these CLOCK terminals function as a latch signal input unit, and are input from the clock count circuits B81 to B84 at the rising edge when the latch signal input from the latch signal input unit becomes a high signal. The counted value is stored in the register unit.

  The G1 terminal in the buffer unit (IC7 and IC8) of the count value storage circuit B91 is in accordance with a read signal output from the input / output circuit unit B40 of the main control unit 11 based on a program executed for random number acquisition. One count value consisting of 16 digits stored in the count value storage circuit B91 is output to the CPU data bus of the CPU. That is, at the falling edge when the read signal input from the read signal input unit becomes a low signal, the random number values stored in the register units (IC5 and IC6) are respectively transmitted through the Y1 terminal to the Y8 terminal. The data is output to the CPU data bus. Of the random number values output from the count value storage circuit B91, those passing through the IC 7 are input to the CPU 14 and handled as the lower 8 digits of the 16-digit random number value. On the other hand, among the random number values output from the count value storage circuit B91, those passing through the IC 8 are input to the CPU 14 and handled as the upper 8 digits of the 16-digit random number values. In the first embodiment, the clock count circuits B81 to B84 and the count value storage circuit B91 output, for example, a value within a predetermined range (for example, a value of 0 to 65535) as described above, and the same after the output is completed. By repeating this operation, a value within a predetermined range (for example, a value of 0 to 65535) is repeatedly output.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the conventional random number generation device 12 including a well-known circuit has been described. A generation circuit B51, a random number table determination unit B52, a random number table group B53, a random value determination unit B54, and a random value output unit B55 are configured. The random number clock generation circuit B51 generates a clock for outputting random number values as in the first embodiment. In addition, the random number table group B53 includes a plurality of random number tables B53a (two are actually shown in FIG. 6 but actually two or more), and the random number table determination unit B52 has one random number in the random number table group B53. The table B53a is determined. The random value determining unit B54 determines a random value to be output based on the random number table B53a determined by the random number table determining unit B52, and the random value output unit B55 is based on the clock generated by the random number clock generating circuit B51. The random number value determined by the numerical value determination unit B54 is output.

  The second and third embodiments are different in the update method of the random number table B53a described above. First, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, for the sake of brevity, an example in which the number of bits of the random number value is 4 bits is shown. Even in this case, it is possible to generate a random value by the method shown in the second and third embodiments.

  In the second embodiment, in order to update the random number table B53a, the random number table determination unit B52 acquires a table selection random number (for example, a soft random number), and the random table determination unit B52 acquires the value of the acquired table selection random number. To update the target random number table B53a. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, a correspondence table storing 24 4-bit random number tables B53a (such as “0123” and “1023” in FIG. 7) is provided. The random number table determination unit B52 acquires, for example, a random number “Ax” and a random number “By” (x is a natural number from 1 to 4, y is a natural number from 1 to 6) when updating the random number table B53a. When the acquired random numbers are “A1” and “B1”, the random number table B53a of “0123” is updated. Then, the values of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” are determined by the random value determination unit B54 for every input of one clock, and are output by the random value output unit B55 in this order.

  In the above example, the time from the start of the output of “0” to the end of the output of “3” is F, and after the time F has elapsed, the random number table determination unit B52 again performs the table selection random number. To get. When the obtained table selection random numbers are “A3” and “B5”, the random number table determination unit B52 updates the random number table B53a of “2301”, and the random number output unit B55 sets “2” and “3”. Values are output in the order of “0” and “1”. When the acquired random numbers are “A4” and “B1”, the random number table determination unit B52 updates the random number table B53a of “3012”, and “3” “0” “1” “2” as described above. The values are output by the random number output unit B55 in the order of "." In this way, the random number table determination unit B52 updates the random number table B53a based on the correspondence table shown in FIG. 7A every time F, and the random number value is input to the clock based on the updated random number table B53a. Are output sequentially.

  In the third embodiment, the random number table determination unit B52 does not acquire a random number for table selection every time the random number table B53a is updated as in the second embodiment, and the order of updating the random number table B53a is defined in advance. After the random number table determination unit B52 once acquires the table selection random number, the random number table B53a is updated based on the prescribed order, and based on the order of the random number values arranged in the updated random number table B53a. Output a random value. Then, after the output of the random number value based on the random number table B53a is completed and the time F elapses, the random number table B53a is sequentially updated based on the prescribed order.

  In the third embodiment, a correspondence table as shown in FIG. 7A and a table order table as shown in FIG. 7B are provided. The random number table determination unit B52 acquires a table selection random number (for example, values of 1, 2,... Z in FIG. 7B). For example, if the acquired table selection random number is “1”, the table Based on “A1B1” in the order table, the random number table B53a of “0123” in the correspondence table is updated, and the values in the order of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” are based on the random number table B53a. Output by the output unit B55. Then, after the output of all the values “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” is completed and the time F has elapsed, the correspondence table based on “A2B1” of the cell adjacent to “A1B1” in the table order table Is updated to the random number table B53a of “1023”, values are output in the order of “1”, “0”, “2”, and “3” based on the random number table B53a, and after the time F has passed again, based on “A3B1” The random number output unit B55 updates the random number table B53a of “2013” in the correspondence table in the order of “2” “0” “1” “3”. If the first table selection random number acquired is “Z”, the random number table is based on “A1B1” in the table order table, thereafter “A4B6”, and then based on “A1B4”. The determination unit B52 updates the random number table B53a, and the random value output unit B55 outputs a random value based on the random number table B53a.

  The random number for table selection acquired by the random number table determination unit B52 is “1”, the output of the random number value and the update of the random number table B53a are repeated as described above, and finally the “1” in FIG. After updating the random number table B53a of “3210” in the correspondence table based on “A4B6” shown at the right end of the row and completing the output of values in the order of “3” “2” “1” “0”, the random number table The determination unit B52 again acquires the table selection random numbers (values 1, 2,... Z in FIG. 7B), and on the basis of the acquired table selection random numbers and the table order table, the random number table similarly to the above. The update of B53a and the output of the random number value by the random value output unit B55 are performed.

  In addition, after the update of the last random number table B53a in the table order table (for example, the table of “A4B6” when the acquired random number is “1”) and the output of the random number value by the random value output unit B55 are completed, Instead of acquiring the value of the table selection random number (1, 2,... Z in FIG. 7B) again, the table selection random number first acquired by the random number table determination unit B52 is “1”, for example. In this case, after the update of the random number table B53a of “A4B6” and the output of the random number value are completed, the random number table B53a in the order of the random number for table selection “2”, that is, the order of “A1B1” “A1B2” “A1B3”. Update and random number output may be performed. In this manner, the number of times the random number table determination unit B52 acquires the table selection random number is reduced (or, for example, without acquiring the table selection random number), and a predetermined order (for example, the table order in FIG. 7B) is obtained. The update of the random number table B53a and the output of random number values may be repeated based on the table or the like.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the random number table determination unit B52 performs a process of repeatedly outputting the random number value and updating the random number table B53a based on the correspondence table as illustrated in FIG. The random number table determining unit B52 updates the random number table B53a and outputs random number values in a predetermined order after obtaining the table selection random number. Unlike the second embodiment, the third embodiment needs to provide a table order table. However, unlike the second embodiment, it is not necessary to acquire a table selection random number every time the table is updated. There is an advantage that you can.

  For the output of random values based on the random number table B53a described above, an address number is assigned to each value storage area in the random number table B53a, the address number is shifted each time a clock is input, and the address number is supported. The value of the storage area to be output may be output.

  As described above, in the second and third embodiments, the example in which the random number values are generated based on the order defined in the random number table B53a has been described. However, the random number table B53a and the random number table determination unit B52 as described above are not used. Thus, for example, it is naturally possible to generate a random value by performing a predetermined calculation process based on a predetermined clock. Further, when generating random numbers according to the second or third embodiment, the clock count circuits B81 to B84 are not necessary. Further, the configuration for generating the random value is not limited to any one of the first to third embodiments. For example, a random number value is generated by a method of combining the first embodiment with the second or third embodiment and generating a value of the random number table B53a based on the count values output from the clock count circuits B81 to B84. May be generated.

  By the way, in the random number generation device 12, for example, an abnormality occurs in the clock count circuits B81 to B84, or a problem occurs in the update processing of the random number table B53a, so that a constant random number value is continuously output. Problems can occur. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, an abnormality determination unit B100 that detects this abnormality is provided. The abnormality determination unit B100 will be described below. The abnormality determination unit B100 includes an abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101, an abnormality determination random number storage unit B102, an abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103, and an abnormality determination unit B104 (see FIG. 6). The abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires a random number (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality determination random number) for determining whether or not there is an abnormality from the random number generator 12, and the acquired abnormality determination random number is stored in the RAM 16 or the CPU. It is stored in the abnormality determination random number storage B102 of the register. The abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 compares the values of the random numbers stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102, and the abnormality determination unit B104 is based on the comparison result by the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103. Whether or not is normal is determined.

  The process of the abnormality determination unit B100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in order to acquire the first abnormality determination random number (hereinafter referred to as a reference random number), the CPU 14 outputs a second trigger signal to the second latch signal output circuit B72, and the reference random number latch shown in step S301 is performed. Done. Thereafter, in step S302, the second latch signal is output from the second latch signal output circuit B72, so that the lower 8 digits of the random number are read and output to the CPU data bus, and then the abnormality determination random number memory is stored. It is stored in the part B102 (step S303). In step S304, the upper 8 digits are read, and in step S305, the upper 8 digits are output to the CPU data bus and stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102.

  Then, after the time Δt (which will be described in detail later) has elapsed, a second abnormality determination random number (hereinafter referred to as a first comparison random number) is acquired by the CPU 14 via the input / output circuit unit B40. The trigger signal is output to the second latch signal output circuit B72, and the comparison random number is latched in step S306. Thereafter, in step S307, the second latch signal is output from the second latch signal output circuit B72, and in step S308, the lower 8 digits of the random number are read. The data is stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102, and after the upper 8 digits are read in step S309, the upper 8 digits are output to the CPU data bus in step S310 and stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102. Is done.

  Thereafter, in step S311, the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 uses the reference random number stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 and the first comparison random number to compare whether or not these random number values are the same. Do. In step S312, if the comparison results of the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 are not the same, the abnormality determination unit B104 determines that it is normal and ends the process. In step S313, if the comparison result of the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 is the same, and the number of acquisitions of the abnormality determination random number has not reached three and the search is not completed, the process returns to step S306 again and the above-mentioned As described above, the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires the lower 8 bits in 16 bits of the third abnormality determination random number (hereinafter referred to as the second comparison random number), and then acquires the upper 8 bits. The second comparison random number is stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 (steps S307 to S310).

  Then, the process proceeds to step S311, and the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 uses the reference random number (may be the first comparison random number) stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 and the second comparison random number, A comparison is made as to whether the random number values are the same. If the comparison result of the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 is not the same in step S312, the abnormality determination unit B104 determines that it is normal and ends the process. In addition, when the comparison result of the abnormality determination random number comparison unit B103 is the same, the number of random number acquisition times reaches three times, and the search is completed (that is, the reference random number, the first comparison random number, and the second comparison random number are all If it is determined that the values are the same), it is determined that there is an abnormality and the process is terminated.

  As for the processing time of the program, when the clock frequency of the CPU 14 is 8 MHz, the process from the latch to the reading of the random number (steps S301 to S302, S306 to S307) is 0.875 μs, and the random number is stored (steps S303, S305, S308 and S310) are each 1.5 μs, high-order random number reading (steps S304 and S309) is 0.5 μs, and random number comparison and determination of whether or not they match (steps S311 and S312) are 5.875 μs, The determination of whether or not to end the search (step S313) takes 1.625 μs, and when other processes are added, the total is approximately 28.375 μs.

  When the abnormality determination unit B100 determines that there is an abnormality and ends the process, the error determination unit B100 can display an error code on the error display unit 5c to make the gaming machine in a state incapable of gaming. The means for displaying the error is not limited to the error display unit 5c, and may be displayed with a lamp, sound, image, or the like. In addition, the above-mentioned display is not performed by a single gaming machine, but a gaming machine outputs a signal via an external concentration terminal board 70 (see FIG. 3), as in a pachinko machine PM according to a second embodiment to be described later. The management computer that manages the gaming machines in the whole hall provided in connection with the above may be made to receive the signal so as to notify the management computer that an abnormality has occurred.

  As described above, the abnormality determination unit B100 acquires random numbers twice or three times to determine whether the random number generator 12 is normal or abnormal. However, the abnormality determination random number is acquired twice or three times. The reason why it is the time and the time Δt during which the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires a random number will be described below with reference to FIG. First, a predetermined time F for outputting a random number of random values, such as a period for updating the random number table B53a (hereinafter referred to as an output random value update time F), a period of a clock generated from the random number clock generation circuit B51, f, Assuming that the interval at which the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires random numbers is Δt as described above, the interval Δt is shorter than the output random value update time F as shown in FIGS. By doing so, there is a high possibility that the abnormality determination random number can be acquired at least twice during the output random value update time F.

  Here, when the random number generator 12 is operating normally during the output random number update time F during which a random number is output, the random number to be acquired is always different. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the abnormality determination random number can be acquired twice during the output random value update time F, if these abnormality determination random numbers are the same, it can be immediately determined that there is an abnormality. As shown in FIG. 9B, the output random value update time F elapses between the acquisition of the first abnormality determination random number and the acquisition of the second abnormality determination random number. For example, the random number table B53a In such a case, even if the acquired abnormality determination random number values are the same, it cannot always be determined that there is an abnormality, and the same random number value may be acquired by chance. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality (whether the same random number value was accidentally acquired) or not by only acquiring the abnormality determination random number twice.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the output random number update time F elapses between the time when the first abnormality determination random number is acquired and the time when the second abnormality determination random number is acquired (accidentally the same) The abnormality determination means B100 acquires the abnormality determination random number one more time (three times in total). In this way, even when the output random number update time F elapses between the acquisition of the first abnormality determination random number and the acquisition of the second abnormality determination random number as shown in FIG. If the third abnormality determination random number is acquired before the output random number update time F elapses again after the second abnormality determination random number is acquired, the abnormality acquired in the second time when the random number generator 12 is normal Since the random number for determination and the abnormality determination random number acquired in the third time cannot be the same, if the random number values are the same, it can be reliably determined that the abnormality is present. In this way, the abnormality determination means B100 makes the interval Δt for acquiring the abnormality determination random number shorter than the output random value update time F, and three times during the two cycles of the output random value update time F at this interval Δt. By acquiring the abnormality determination random number, it is possible to reliably determine whether there is an abnormality.

  Further, the interval Δt at which the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires random numbers is input to the random number generation circuit B86 as shown in FIG. 9C in which a part of FIGS. 9A and 9B is enlarged. Longer than the period f of the clock to be generated. If the interval Δt is shorter than the period f, the abnormality determination random number is acquired twice while the random number value is changed based on the clock. In this case, it is obvious that the same random number value is obtained. It is because it is necessary to exclude such a case.

  As described above, the process of the abnormality determination unit B100 is performed, but the number of bits for acquisition and determination of the random number for abnormality determination may be any number. For example, when the clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, and B84 are used as in the first embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired and determined every 4 bits, and this is repeated four times. Also good. In this way, by determining whether or not there is an abnormality every 4 bits, the accuracy of the determination becomes higher and, for example, any of the clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, and B84 may fail. It is also possible to detect a so-called bit failure.

  In the above description, the example in which the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires the random number as Δt has been described. However, the abnormality determination random number may be acquired periodically with Δt as a period. On the contrary, Δt does not necessarily have to be a fixed value and may be variable. That is, the same effect can be obtained regardless of whether the abnormality determination random number acquisition unit B101 acquires the abnormality determination random number periodically or not.

  In the above description, an example has been described in which the abnormality determination unit B100 acquires a random number three times and determines whether or not there is an abnormality. However, the number of acquisitions of the random number is not limited to three, but four times and five times. The same effect can be obtained by acquiring more or more. However, since the effect is the same even if the number of acquisitions is increased, three is optimal when considering the capacity of the program.

  Next, the flow for acquiring the random numbers for lottery in the actual game and operating the abnormality determination means B100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, an example using a 16-bit random number will be described. First, the flow of a program executed to acquire and use lottery random numbers in an actual game will be described. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, necessary parameters are initialized, and then in step S100, the turning / rotation starter sensor B11 detects an ON signal (for example, a high signal) due to the operation of the start lever ST. To do. Then, the first trigger signal is output to the first latch signal output circuit B71 via the input / output circuit unit B40.

  In the subsequent step S110, the first latch signal for reading the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit random value from the first latch signal output circuit B71 is output and input to the random number generation circuit B86. Then, the random number value stored in the random number generation circuit B86 is output, and the process proceeds to step S120. In step S120, the random number value output in step S110 is sent from the input / output circuit unit B40 to the CPU 14 via the CPU data bus. Then, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, the random number value output in step S120 is stored in the lottery random number acquisition unit B34a as the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit random value. Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In the subsequent step S140, the first latch signal for reading the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit random value from the first latch signal output circuit B71 is output and input to the random number generation circuit B86. Then, the random number value stored in the random number generation circuit B86 is output, and the process proceeds to step S150. In step S150, the random number value output in step S140 is sent from the input / output circuit unit B40 to the CPU 14 via the CPU data bus. Then, the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, the random number value output in step S150 is stored in the lottery random number acquisition unit B34a as the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit random value. Then, together with the lower 8 bits stored in the previous step S130, it will be handled as a 16-bit random value for determining the lottery result.

  Acquisition of lottery random numbers in the slot machine 1 is performed according to the above flow, but it is preferable that the abnormality determination processing by the abnormality determination unit B100 is performed at the timing when the start lever ST is operated and the lottery random numbers are acquired. Absent. The reason will be described below. First, as described above, when the start lever ST is operated and the on signal of the start lever ST is output, the first latch signal is output from the first latch signal output circuit B71, but at substantially the same timing as this output, When the second latch signal is output from the second latch signal output circuit B72, whether the output random number value is based on the first latch signal or the second latch signal, that is, whether the random number for lottery is acquired An event occurs in which it becomes impossible to determine whether the abnormality determination random number is acquired. When this event occurs, for example, even if the random value by the first latch signal output by the operation of the start lever ST is win, the random value is switched by the second latch signal, and the acquired random value is changed to the start lever ST. There is an unfavorable problem that the lottery result changes such that it is not due to the operation of, and the original hit is lost. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the abnormality determination unit B100 is operated at the timings shown in Examples 4 and 5 below.

  As described above, the abnormality determination unit B100 acquires the abnormality determination random number at least three times (two times when the first random number value is different from the second random number value). The determination random number acquisition timing is acquired so as not to completely overlap the lottery random number acquisition timing. For example, in the fourth embodiment, a lottery random number acquisition process execution flag is used. Then, immediately after the start of the lottery random number acquisition process shown in FIG. 10A (before execution of step S100), the lottery random number acquisition process execution flag is turned on, immediately before the end of the lottery random number acquisition process (execution of step S160). After), a process of turning off the lottery random number acquisition process execution flag is added.

  Then, in the abnormality determination process, before starting the latching of the reference random number (step S301), a process for confirming whether or not the lottery random number acquisition process execution flag is on is added. When the flag is on The confirmation process may be looped, and the abnormality determination process may be started from step S301 for the first time when the flag is turned off. As described above, the time required for the abnormality determination process is about 28.375 μs when the clock frequency of the CPU 14 is 8 MHz. Therefore, the abnormality determination process can be performed immediately after the lottery random number acquisition process execution flag is turned off. The abnormality determination process can be performed at a timing at which the start lever ST is operated again and does not overlap the next lottery random number acquisition process. In addition to the above method, in the fourth embodiment, it is detected that the start lever ST is operated, the lottery random number acquisition process is performed and the process is completed up to step S160, and then the abnormality determination process is started. It may be.

  In the fourth embodiment, not limited to the above, it is only necessary to acquire a random number for abnormality determination and start the abnormality determination process on the condition that the random number for lottery is not acquired. The abnormality determination process may be started at a timing other than the time from when the bet is received until the start lever ST is operated and the ON signal is output. For example, from the time when the start lever ST is operated and the ON signal is output until the reel starts rotating and the rotation speed becomes constant, during the medal payout process, the jackpot start demonstration period, or the jackpot end demonstration period , Etc. are illustrated as preferred timings.

  The fifth embodiment is a method of trying to acquire the first abnormality determination random number (reference random number) together with the acquisition of the lottery random number among the three acquisitions of abnormality determination random numbers. That is, in the abnormality determination process (steps S301 to S313), the acquisition of the reference random number (from step S301 to S305) is performed together with the lottery random number acquisition process. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10B, the same process as the lottery random number acquisition flow shown in FIG. 10A is performed, but after the lower 8-bit output (step S220). In the random number storage process (step S230) and the random number storage process (step S260) after the upper 8 bits are output (step S250), the acquired random number value is not only stored in the lottery random number acquisition unit B34a, The abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 stores the first abnormality determination random number (reference random number).

  After the reference random number is stored in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 as described above, the process of steps S306 to S313 is performed on the condition that the lottery random number acquisition process is not executed as in the fourth embodiment. If acquisition and comparison of abnormality determination random numbers and determination of normality or abnormality are performed, acquisition of abnormality determination random numbers and determination of normality can be performed without affecting acquisition of random numbers for lottery.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired three times in the abnormality determination process at a timing that does not overlap with the lottery random number acquisition. In the fifth embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired three times. An example is shown in which the first time is performed simultaneously with the acquisition of the lottery random number, and the remaining two abnormality determination random numbers are acquired at a timing that does not overlap with the acquisition of the lottery random number. As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the first abnormality determination random number acquisition can be performed together with the lottery random number acquisition. Therefore, the capacity of the abnormality determination processing program can be reduced as compared with the fourth embodiment. This is advantageous in this respect.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the example in which one random number generator 12 is provided corresponding to the role lottery means B34 has been described, but not only the role lottery means B34 but also a symbol or effect pattern is lottery. The abnormality determination processing according to the present invention can also be applied when a plurality of random number generators such as a random number generator used in a program to be used are provided. Specifically, the abnormality determination process may be preferentially applied to a random number generator having a high priority for performing abnormality determination, or the abnormality determination process may be applied to all random number generators. .

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the abnormality determination process is applied to the slot machine has been described. However, the gaming machine to which the abnormality determination process according to the present invention is applied is not limited to the slot machine. Hereinafter, an example in which the abnormality determination process is applied to the pachinko machine PM will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15 with emphasis on portions different from the first embodiment.

  First, a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine PM described as an example of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko machine PM is configured to have a rectangular frame size and a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 101 that forms a vertically-oriented fixed holding frame. The front frame 102 is attached to the front left and upper hinges 103a and 103b so that it can be opened and closed sideways and attached and detached. Kept in a combined closed state.

  On the front side of the front frame 102, a glass door 105 that can be seen through the game board 120 through a transparent plate material such as a polycarbonate plate or a glass plate that has a rectangular shape matched to the front area of the front frame 102 and is attached to the center portion; The upper ball tray 106 that aligns the game balls stored in the ball tray and guides them one by one to the ball hitting device 109 (see FIG. 12) can be opened / closed and detached sideways by a hinge mechanism built in the left edge. It is assembled in such a manner that it is normally held in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 102 using the locking device 104 and a lock mechanism (not shown). A prize ball payout outlet 106b for paying out a prize ball is provided on the upper left side of a contact plate 106a which is a horizontal rectangle in the upper ball tray 106 and can be opened and closed with respect to the front frame 102. On the lower left side of the upper ball tray 106, there is provided a sound emitting unit 106c for emitting sound from a speaker (not shown) that generates sound effects according to the game development status. In addition, a lower ball tray 107 for storing game balls is provided below the front frame 102, and an operation handle 108 for performing a game ball launch operation is attached along with the lower ball tray 107.

  The game board 120 includes a decorative board (also referred to as a veneer) 121 having a predetermined design cell attached to a surface of a laminated plywood having a thickness of about 19 mm cut into a predetermined shape. On the front side of the decorative plate 121, a belt-like outer rail 123a and an inner rail 123b are fixed in an arc shape, and a game area PA is defined on the inner side surrounded by the outer rail 123a and the inner rail 123b. In the game area PA, a first start winning tool 124a, a second start winning tool 124b, a general winning tool 125, a winning tool such as an attacker having a large winning tool 126, and a predetermined pattern according to the progress of the game. A symbol display device 128 or the like that is displayed so that the player can see is attached, and a game ball that has fallen without winning the prize-winning tools 124 a, 124 b, 125, 126 is placed on the back side of the game board 120 at the lower end of the game area PA. An outlet 127 for discharging is provided. In addition, four special symbol holding lamps 190, 190, 190, 190 are provided above the symbol display device 128. The symbol display device 128 is located almost in the center of the game board 120 and displays a “special symbol” consisting of a combination of three-digit symbols on a liquid crystal screen. In any case, a combination of the same type of pattern is referred to as a “hit pattern”.

  In addition to a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, five balls) being paid out to the player from the prize ball outlet 106b of the upper ball tray 106 when there is a prize for the first start prize 124a or the second start prize 124b. Then, the symbol display device 128 is operated, and the variation of the symbol is started. As a result of this change, when the symbol to be stopped and displayed is a winning symbol, a “hit game” advantageous to the player is generated.

  In this jackpot game, the big prize tool 126 that is normally closed is opened. When there is a prize for the big prize tool 126, a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of prize balls are paid out to the player from the prize ball payout exit 106b. The big prize tool 126 is temporarily closed when either a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed after being opened or a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) has been won. If there is a prize in a V zone (not shown) provided inside the big prize tool 126 while the big prize tool 126 is opened, the big prize tool 126 is once closed and then opened again. It is supposed to be. Thereby, the opening of the big prize tool 126 can be continued up to 16 times. In addition, when the big winning tool 126 has been released 16 times, or when there is no winning in the V zone while the big winning tool 126 is being opened, the big hit game is ended.

  If the hit ball wins the first start winning tool 124a or the second start winning tool 124b during the variable display on the symbol display device 128 or the like, the special symbol holding lamps 190, 190, 190, 190 have a maximum of four. It is supposed to light up to pieces. That is, the subsequent operation of the symbol display device 128 is assured for the number of times corresponding to the number of the special symbol holding lamps 190, 190, 190, 190 being lit.

  In the first start winning tool 124a, a hitting ball flow path to the first start winning tool 124a is detected and a detection signal is output to start a symbol variation display on the symbol display device 128. A first start winning sensor 151 is provided. The first start winning sensor 151 uses a magnetic sensor and outputs a first winning signal that takes two states of a high signal and a low signal as a detection signal. The first winning signal is output as a high signal when no hit ball is detected, and is output as a low signal only while a hit ball is detected. An optical or mechanical sensor may be used as the first start winning sensor 151.

  In addition, the hitting flow path in the second start winning tool 124b is detected by the same magnetic sensor as the first start winning sensor 151, and the detection signal is output by detecting the hit of the second starting winning tool 124b. A second start winning sensor 152 is provided for starting display of symbol fluctuations on the display device 128. The second start winning sensor 152 outputs a second winning signal that takes two states of a high signal and a low signal as a detection signal. The second winning signal outputs a high signal when no hit ball is detected, but outputs a low signal only while the hit ball is passing. An optical or mechanical sensor may be used as the second start winning sensor 152. Hereinafter, the first winning signal and the second winning signal are collectively referred to simply as “winning signal”.

  As shown in FIG. 12, at the lower part of the back surface of the front frame 102, the ball hitting device 109 that launches a game ball toward the outer rail 123a and the operation of the ball hitting device 109 in response to the turning operation of the operation handle 108 are operated. A launcher control board 200 to be controlled is attached. Further, behind the upper ball tray 106, an auxiliary mechanism portion called a game assisting board is formed, whose front side is normally covered with an upper ball tray 106 which is normally held closed, and a ball hitting device is provided on the front side. A shooting rail that guides the game ball launched by 109 toward the outer rail 123a, or a foul ball recovery that discharges the foul ball that has not reached the game area PA and returned to the ball hitting device 109 to the lower ball tray 107 A route member, a speaker (not shown) and the like for generating sound effects according to the game development status are attached.

  A back set board 130 is attached behind the front frame 102. This back set board 130 has a rectangular shape somewhat smaller than the inner size of the outer frame 101, and is configured based on a base frame body 131 integrally formed with a window 131w penetrating the front and back at the center. . Back set board swing hinge members 132 and 133 are fixed to the side edge portion of the base frame body 131 at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, and the upper and lower back set board swing hinge members 132 and 133 are fixed to the front frame 102. By engaging with the upper and lower fixed hinge members 112, 113 and swinging or disengaging, the back set board 130 is provided behind the front frame 102 so that it can be opened and closed laterally and detachable. The closing lever 134 is used to close and hold the back surface of the front frame 102.

  The back set board 130 is provided with a prize ball path for paying out prize balls so as to surround the window 131w. That is, on the back side of the base frame 131, a tank member 135 for storing and supplying game balls, an alignment rod member 136 for aligning and flowing down game balls supplied from the tank member 135, and supply from the alignment rod member 136 A prize ball standby passage 137 for receiving and holding a predetermined number of game balls in a waiting state, a ball payout device 138 for paying out the game balls waiting in the prize ball standby passage 137 based on predetermined winning conditions, etc. A prize ball path such as a prize ball payout path 139 for guiding game balls paid out from the payout device 138 to the upper and lower ball trays 106 and 107 is provided. In addition, on the front side of the base frame 131, an out ball and a safe ball that are positioned below the window 131w and are discharged to the back side of the game board 120, and a punch that is discharged from the middle of the prize ball path by the ball punching mechanism. A collecting path (not shown) for collecting balls or the like is formed, and a ball discharging path (not shown) is formed on the back side of the base frame 131 to discharge the game balls assembled to the collecting path to the collection bucket on the gaming facility side. ing.

  In each part of the back surface of the back set board 130, there are a main board 700 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine PM, a ball payout board 300 that controls the operation of the ball payout device 138 based on a command signal from the main board 700, A lamp / voice control board 400 that controls the operation of effect lighting and sound effects, a power supply board 500 that supplies power to these control boards and various electronic devices, and a gaming machine management device (management computer) installed in the game hall On the other hand, a circuit board such as an external terminal board 600 as an external connection device that outputs various game information is detachably attached, and each circuit board and electronic equipment are connected by a wire harness (not shown) to constitute a pachinko machine PM. Is done. Also, below the ball payout board 300, an error display device 161 (error LED) is used to notify when an abnormal operation or the like occurs in these circuit boards including the main board 700 on a screen using a light emitting diode. Is provided.

  The pachinko machine PM is used for a game in a state where the glass door 105, the upper ball tray 106, the back set board 130, etc. are closed, and the front frame 102 is closed and locked to the outer frame 101. The game is started by storing the game balls in the upper ball tray 106 and rotating the operation handle 108, and the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 106 are sent to the hitting ball launching device 109 one by one. The pachinko game is developed by being struck into the game area PA with the strength corresponding to the rotation operation angle.

  Next, an outline of a control system for controlling the pachinko machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. This control system includes a main board 700, a first start prize sensor 151, a second start prize sensor 152, a symbol display device 128, an external terminal board 600, and an error display device 161, which are electrically connected by a cable or the like. Connected. The main board 700 has a storage unit formed by a semiconductor memory or the like in which a system program for managing the entire operation of the pachinko machine PM and a game execution program are stored in advance, and a main control unit 730 for executing these programs. And a random number generator 750 for generating random numbers (65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65535) used for determining whether or not to be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the main board 700 is electrically connected to the outside of the pachinko machine PM via an external terminal board 600, and various game information output from the main board 700 is managed outside the pachinko machine PM. It can be transmitted to a computer. The game information includes a notification signal output from the main board 700 that has detected some abnormality, and can notify the management computer of the abnormality of the pachinko machine PM. It is possible to recognize immediately. Further, since each error display device 161 is connected to the main board 700 via a wiring cable, an error display device is generated by a notification signal output from the main board 700 that detects an abnormality in each circuit board such as the main board 700. 161 can be turned on.

  The main control unit 730 includes a reference clock generation circuit 731, a CPU 732, a ROM 733, and a RAM 734, and a control program to be executed by the main control unit 730 and data necessary for the control process are described in the ROM 733 ( (See FIG. 14). The reference clock generation circuit 731 is a circuit that generates a reference clock that is an operation reference of the CPU 732 that plays a central role in the control of the pachinko machine PM. Signal). Further, the reference clock can be obtained by appropriately dividing this pulse in a frequency dividing unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 13, a control program executed by the main control unit 730 (executed by the CPU 732) performs hit determination means B134 for determining whether or not to hit, and probability variation for changing the probability of hitting. Probability variation determination means B135 for determining whether or not and abnormality determination means B200 are provided. The random number generation device 750 includes a hit determination random number generation device 750a and a probability variation determination random number generation device 750b corresponding to the hit determination means B134 and the probability variation determination means B135. Each of the random number generation devices 750a and 750b is provided to generate a random number, and is configured to include a random number clock generation circuit B151 and the like, similar to the random number clock generation circuit B51 of the random number generation device 12 of the first embodiment. (Details later).

  The hit determination means B134 includes a determination random number acquisition unit B134a and a hit determination unit B134b, and the determination random number acquisition unit B134a uses the determination random number ( The hit determination unit B134b determines whether or not it is a hit based on the value of the determination random number. The probability variation determination means B135 includes a determination random number acquisition unit B135a and a probability variation determination unit B135b, and the determination random number acquisition unit B135a determines a random number generated by the probability variation determination random number generator 750b. The probability variation determination unit B135b determines whether or not to change the probability based on the value of the determination random number.

  The ROM 733 stores a hit determination table used to determine whether or not to win and a probability variation determination table used to determine whether or not to perform probability variation. For the entire range of random number values (hereinafter referred to as “decision random numbers”) acquired by the determination random number acquisition units B134a and B135a, for example, “unique random numbers” or “extra random numbers” are unique to one random number value. Data that can determine the correct result is recorded. The hit determination unit B134b and the probability variation determination unit B135b compare and refer to the determination random number values acquired by the determination random number acquisition units B134a and B135a and the address values in the table, and acquire a result corresponding to the random number value. To do. That is, one result is specified corresponding to the address values in these tables.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the random number generator 750 includes a random number clock generation circuit B151, a clock inversion circuit B161, and first and second latch signal output circuits B171 and B172. These have the same configuration and the same role as the random number clock generation circuit B51, first and B61, and first and second latch signal output circuits B71 and B72 of the first embodiment, respectively. The signal input / output to / from the input / output circuit unit B140 is not the operation signal output in response to the operation of the start lever ST, but the first start prize 124a or the first start prize 124b associated with the second start prize winning tool 124b. The difference is that it is a winning signal output from the start winning sensor 151 or the second starting winning sensor 152. The input / output circuit unit B140 sends a first trigger signal to the first latch signal output circuit B171 on the basis of a winning signal from the first starting winning sensor 151 or the second starting winning sensor 152. Random numbers (random numbers for determining hits, random numbers for determining probability variation) can be acquired. As in the first embodiment, the clock inverting circuit B161 and the first latch signal output circuit B171 are synchronized with the first latch clock synchronization circuit B166, or the clock inverting circuit B161 and the second latch signal output circuit B172 are synchronized with the second latch clock. Each of the circuits B167 may be integrally provided.

  As means for outputting the determination random numbers described above, clock count circuits B181, B182, B183, B184 corresponding to the clock count circuits B81, B82, B83, B84 and the count value storage circuit B91, as in the first embodiment, A count value storage circuit B191 (Example 1) or a random number table (Examples 2 and 3) can be used. When the first embodiment is employed, the count value is output as a random number value using the clock count circuits B181, B182, B183, B184 and the count value storage circuit B191. Further, when the second embodiment and the third embodiment (see FIG. 7) are adopted, the random number table is updated every time F, and random number values are output based on the updated random number table, and the random number table is updated and corrupted. Repeat numeric output.

  The random number generator 750 generates and generates a random value using any of the above-described Examples 1 to 3, or a combination of the same, like the random number generator 12 of the first embodiment. A random number is generated by outputting the random number to the CPU data bus. However, as in the first embodiment, there may be a problem that a constant random value is continuously output. The pachinko machine PM of the second embodiment is provided with an abnormality determination means B200 that is a program for detecting this abnormality. This abnormality determination unit B200 has the same configuration as the abnormality determination unit B100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and includes an abnormality determination random number acquisition unit, an abnormality determination random number storage unit, an abnormality determination random number comparison unit, And a determination unit. That is, the abnormality determination unit B200 acquires the reference random number and the first comparison random number as the abnormality determination random number at every interval Δt, and only for the second comparison when the reference random number and the first comparison random number are the same. Random numbers are acquired, and a process of determining an abnormality only when it is determined that the reference random number, the first comparison random number, and the second comparison random number are all the same value (see steps S301 to S313 in FIG. 8). ).

  When the abnormality determination unit B200 determines that an abnormality has occurred and ends the process, the abnormality determination unit B200 performs a process of outputting the notification signal described above, that is, a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the main board 700. Specifically, the signal is output to the error display device 161 and the error display device 161 is turned on, or the signal is transmitted to a management computer outside the pachinko machine PM and displayed to that effect on the management computer. be able to.

  Also, the interval for acquiring the abnormality determination random number by the abnormality determination unit B200 is Δt as in the first embodiment, and Δt is shorter than the output random number value update time F (such as the update time F of the random number table) and It is longer than the clock period f (see FIG. 9). Then, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination and detect a bit defect by performing the abnormality determination in finer bit number units. Furthermore, the number of times the random number is acquired is not limited to three, and the same effect can be obtained even if acquired four times, five times or more, and even if Δt is a fixed value (periodic), a variable value ( The point that may be aperiodic is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Next, procedures for acquiring and using random numbers for determining winning and probability fluctuations in actual games (hereinafter referred to as game random numbers) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The control program is executed by the CPU 732 according to the flowchart shown below. The control program to be executed by the CPU 732 and data necessary for the control process are stored in the ROM 733.

  First, when the power of the pachinko machine PM is turned on, necessary parameters are initialized and then a program relating to game processing is executed according to a predetermined main routine. As a subroutine called by the main routine, the above-described game random number acquisition processing is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S600, the winning of the hit ball to the first start winning tool 124a and the second start winning tool 124b is checked.

  Here, the detection cycle of the winning signals from the start winning sensors 151 and 152 by the CPU 732 is set to a predetermined cycle. The winning signal is valid only when it is detected that the winning signal is a low signal in a certain detection cycle, and the high signal is detected twice in succession to the next detection cycle and further to the next detection cycle. Determined. In the subsequent step S610, it is determined whether or not there is a winning for the first start winning tool 124a. Here, if it is determined that there is no winning, or if there is a winning but the number of reserved balls has already reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, four), the process proceeds to step S700. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls is less than the upper limit number and there is a winning, the number of reserved balls is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the first latch signal for reading the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit random number value is output from the first latch signal output circuit B171 and input to the random number generation circuit B186. Then, the random number value stored in the random number generation circuit B186 is output (step S630). In step S640, the random number value output in the above stage is stored in the determination random number acquisition units B134a and 135a of the RAM 734 as the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit random value. Then, the process proceeds to step S650. In step S650, the first latch signal for reading the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit random value from the first latch signal output circuit B171 is output and input to the random number generation circuit B186. Then, the random number value stored in the random number generation circuit B186 is output (step S660), and the process proceeds to step S670. In step S670, the random number value output in the above stage is stored in the determination random number acquisition units B134a and B135a as the upper 8 bits of the 16-bit random value. Then, together with the lower 8 bits stored in the previous step S640, it is handled as a 16-bit random value.

  In steps S700 to S760 of FIG. 15, it is determined in step S700 whether or not the second start winning tool 124b has been won. If it is determined that there has been no win, or there has been a win, the number of balls already held. If the maximum number has been reached, the process is terminated and the process returns to the main routine. If there is a winning and the number of reserved balls is less than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S710, and the same processing as in steps S620 to S670 described above is performed to obtain a 16-bit game random number.

  The acquisition of the game random number in the pachinko machine PM is performed according to the flow as described above. In the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination unit B200, a winning to the first start winning tool 124a or the second starting winning tool 124b is detected, It is not preferable to perform at the timing when the game random number is acquired. The reason will be described below. First, the first latch signal output circuit B171 outputs the first latch signal when winning the first start winning tool 124a or the second start winning tool 124b, and the second latch signal output circuit is almost at the same timing as this output. When the second latch signal is output from B172, an event occurs in which the stored random number value cannot be determined from the first latch signal or the second latch signal. And even if the random value by the first latch signal by winning to the first start winning tool 124a or the second start winning tool 124b is win, the random value is switched by the second latch signal, and what was originally hit The problem of falling off occurs. Therefore, in the pachinko machine PM according to the second embodiment, the abnormality determination unit B200 is operated at the timing shown in the following sixth and seventh examples.

  The abnormality determination unit B200 acquires the abnormality determination random number at least three times (two times when the first random number value is different from the second random number value). In the sixth embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired. The timing is acquired in such a way that it does not completely overlap with the timing for acquiring the game random number. For example, in the above game random number acquisition process, a first start winning flag and a second starting winning flag are provided, and whether or not there is a winning for the first starting winning tool 124a in step S610 and the number of held balls is set to the upper limit number. After determining whether or not it has been reached, when it is determined that there is a winning and the number of held balls has not reached the upper limit (before proceeding to step S620), the first start winning flag is turned on to win When there is no ball or when the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit (before proceeding to step S700), processing is added to turn off the first start winning flag. Similarly, after determining whether or not the second start winning tool 124b has been won in step S700 and whether or not the number of retained balls has reached the upper limit number, there is a winning and the number of retained balls reaches the upper limit number. When it is determined that it has not reached (before proceeding to Step S710), the second start winning flag is turned on, and when there is no winning or when the number of reserved balls reaches the upper limit (before returning to the main routine) A) A process of turning off the second start winning flag is added.

  Then, in the abnormality determination unit B200, before starting the latching of the reference random number (step S301), a process for confirming whether or not both the first start winning flag and the second starting winning flag are off is added, When both are not turned off, the confirmation process is looped, and when both are turned off, the process may be started from step S301 for the first time.

  Further, in the sixth embodiment, not limited to the above, it is only necessary to acquire a random number for abnormality determination on the condition that a random number for gaming is not acquired. For example, it is detected that the operation handle 108 is not operated. Sometimes the abnormality determination process may be started, or when the RAM is cleared or immediately after the power of the pachinko machine PM is turned on, the abnormality determination process is performed during the initial operation or when there is no backup data related to the game. You may start.

  The seventh embodiment is a method in which the first abnormality determination random number (reference random number) is acquired together with the acquisition of the game random number among three acquisitions of abnormality determination random numbers. That is, out of the abnormality determination processing (steps S301 to S314) performed by the abnormality determination means B200, the acquisition of the reference random number value (from step S301 to S305) is performed together with the determination random number acquisition processing. Specifically, the processing is almost the same as the game random number acquisition flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, but the lower 8 bits random number storage processing (step S640) and the upper 8 bits random number storage processing (step S670). The stored random number value is not only stored in the determination random number acquisition units B134a and 135b of the determination random number acquisition units B134a and 135b of the RAM 734, but is also stored as a reference random number in the abnormality determination random number storage unit of the abnormality determination unit B200. Let Note that the abnormality determination random number storage unit may be stored at the timing of lower bit storage (step S730) and upper bit storage (step S760) after detecting the winning of the second start winning tool 124b (step S700).

  After storing the reference random number in the abnormality determination random number storage unit B102 as described above, the abnormality determination unit B200 performs steps S306 to S313 on the condition that the game random number acquisition process is not executed as in the sixth embodiment. If the above process is performed to obtain and compare abnormality determination random numbers and determine whether the random number generation device 750 is normal or abnormal, the acquisition and determination of abnormality determination random numbers can be performed without affecting the acquisition of gaming random numbers. Can do.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired three times in the abnormality determination process at a timing that does not overlap with the lottery random number acquisition. In the seventh embodiment, the abnormality determination random number is acquired three times. An example is shown in which the first time is performed simultaneously with the acquisition of the game random number, and the remaining two abnormality determination random numbers are acquired at a timing that does not overlap with the acquisition of the game random number. As described above, in the seventh embodiment, since the first abnormality determination random number can be acquired together with the acquisition of the game random number, the capacity of the abnormality determination processing program can be reduced as compared with the sixth embodiment. This is advantageous in this respect. However, in the case of the pachinko machine PM, as long as the game is executed, the random number for game is acquired at random, so that it is necessary to acquire the random number for abnormality determination at the interval Δt. As described above, whether the random number value is based on the first latch signal or the second latch signal is more reliable when the abnormality determination process is performed after the timing at which the game random number is not acquired is detected. It is possible to reliably eliminate the occurrence of an event of unawareness.

However, in the case of the seventh embodiment, for example, even when two consecutive hit balls win the first start winning tool 124a or the second start winning tool 124b, the abnormality determination process can be performed. As shown in FIG. 16 (a), when two consecutive hit balls enter the first or second start winning tool 124a, 124b, the diameter of the hit ball (distance between two consecutive hit balls) is α, The passing distance of the hit ball in the first or second start winning sensor 151, 152 is β, the time for the hit ball to pass the distance α is Δt ₄ , and the time for the hit ball to pass the first or second start winning sensor 151, 152 is Δt _2. And In this case, the time from when the first hit ball is detected until the second hit ball is detected is Δt ₄ , which passes through the sensor as shown in FIG. Is longer than Δt ₂ during Further, when the acquisition interval of the game random numbers is Δt ₃ , the game random numbers are detected after the winning of the hit ball is detected, that is, Δt ₂ is started. Here, since Δt ₂ is about 40 ms and Δt ₃ is about 1/10 of 4 ms, the random numbers for lottery during Δt ₂ are acquired at the timing shown in FIG. That is, the acquisition of the game random number is completed within 8 ms at the maximum from the start of Δt ₂ , and the acquisition of the abnormality determination random number is thereafter performed during Δt ₂ -2Δt ₃ (at least 32 ms). You can do it. Therefore, as described above, the time required for the abnormality determination process is about 28.375 μs. Therefore, even in the case of the seventh embodiment, it is between Δt _{2 and} 2Δt ₃ in FIG. 16C (at least 32 ms). It is sufficiently possible to acquire abnormality determination random numbers and perform abnormality determination processing.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine PM according to the second embodiment, the random number generator 750 includes the hit determination random number generator 750a and the probability variation determination random number generator 750b, and the hit determination random number generator 750a and the probability variation determination. The example in which the random number generator 750b is provided corresponding to each of the hit determination unit B134b and the probability variation determination unit B135b has been described. For example, a symbol lottery program (for example, whether there is a probability variation at the time of jackpot or the number of rounds, etc. , A program that uniquely determines the type of gain to be generated, etc.), an effect pattern lottery program (for example, a program that uniquely determines the type of variation time associated with the effect or the type of reach associated with the effect), and these programs, respectively Random number generator to be used (for example, random number generator for design lottery and production pattern) Even for emissions lottery number generator) is provided, it is possible to apply the abnormality determination processing performed by the abnormality determining means B200 according to the present invention. Specifically, the abnormality determination process may be preferentially executed for a random number generator having a high priority for performing abnormality determination, or the abnormality determination process may be executed for all random number generators. Also good.

  Further, when there are a plurality of programs using random numbers as described above, for example, when there are a first program and a second program that require random numbers, the random number generator corresponding to the first program generates them. The random number value may be combined with a predetermined uniform value or another soft random number by addition or the like, and a value obtained as a result of this combination may be used as a random value used in the second program. Specifically, for example, the random number generated by the winning determination random number generator 750a is combined with another random number such as a soft random number by calculation or the like, and used in the symbol lottery program or the effect pattern lottery program. It may be used as a numerical value.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment and the pachinko machine PM of the second embodiment, the abnormality determination unit B100 (B200) is shorter than the output random value update time F (for example, the random table update time F) and While acquiring the random number for abnormality determination three times (two times if the first and second values are different) at an interval Δt longer than the clock cycle f, the case of accidentally acquiring the same random number value is eliminated, It is possible to reliably determine whether the random number generator is normal. Further, since the abnormality determination means can perform the above determination only by acquiring the abnormality determination random number three times, the capacity of the program can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.

  In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment and the pachinko machine PM of the second embodiment, as shown in the above-described Example 4 and Example 6, at the timing when the random numbers for lottery or games are not acquired, The abnormality determination process is activated. Thereby, abnormality determination can be performed without affecting the acquisition of random numbers in a normal game. In the above description, an example in which abnormality determination processing is performed when a state in which a lottery or game random number is not acquired has been detected has been described. However, a state in which this lottery or game random number has not been acquired is detected. It is also possible to make an abnormality determination every time. In this case, since the abnormality determination processing program can be made into a subroutine, abnormality determination and detection are performed early while reducing the capacity of the program. be able to.

  And in the slot machine 1 of 1st Embodiment and the pachinko machine PM of 2nd Embodiment, as shown in the said Example 5 and Example 7, with the acquisition of the random numbers for lottery or a game, by the said abnormality determination process, It is also possible to obtain the first abnormality determination random number to be used. Accordingly, the capacity of the abnormality determination process program can be reduced, and the abnormality determination process can be performed efficiently. In the above, an example in which the first abnormality determination random number is acquired and the abnormality determination process is performed in accordance with the acquisition of the lottery or game random number is shown. However, each time the lottery or game random number is acquired, It is also possible to make a determination, and also in this case, the abnormality determination processing program can be made into a subroutine, so that the determination and detection of the abnormality can be performed early while reducing the capacity. In addition, when another abnormality detection process, for example, an abnormality in the payout process or when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the abnormality determination process can be executed in accordance with the detection. The abnormality determination process is not limited to the slot machine 1 and the pachinko machine PM, and can be incorporated into various processes executed in other gaming machines or can be diverted.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 in the first embodiment and the pachinko machine PM in the second embodiment, display means (the error display unit 5c and the error display) that displays the fact when it is determined as abnormal as a result of the abnormality determination processing. A device 161) is provided. By providing this display means, it is possible for the manager of the hall to easily grasp the abnormal state, and it is possible to quickly take appropriate measures such as stopping the gaming machine in which the abnormality has occurred. Become. Further, in addition to the display means, a gaming machine abnormality control means for stopping or restricting the operation of the gaming machine is provided, and when the abnormality is judged to be abnormal as a result of the abnormality judgment processing, the operation of the gaming machine is automatically performed. You may make it stop or regulate. Specifically, in the pachinko machine PM in the second embodiment, the launch of the game ball may be stopped, and in the slot machine 1 and the pachinko machine PM, a payout ball and medal payout process, a lottery process, a winning process, and the like are performed. You may control so that it may not be performed. In this way, by providing the gaming machine abnormality control means for stopping or regulating the operation of the gaming machine, it is possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of the disadvantage suffered by the player or the gaming store due to the abnormality.

  Note that the application target of the abnormality determination unit B100 (B200) according to the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine such as the slot machine 1 or the pachinko machine PM. That is, the present invention can be applied to any device provided with a random number generation device, and the abnormal operation of the random number generation device can be detected by using this abnormality determination means.

1 slot machine (the gaming machine of the first embodiment)
PM Pachinko machine (game machine of the second embodiment)
12,750 random number generator B34a random number acquisition unit for lottery (random value acquisition means of the first embodiment)
B34b Lottery determining unit (winning determination unit of the first embodiment)
B51 Random number clock generation circuit (clock generation means of the first embodiment)
B52 Random number table determination unit (table selection means)
B53a random number table B71 first latch signal output circuit (first latch signal output means of the first embodiment)
B72 Second latch signal output circuit (second latch signal output means of the first embodiment)
B101 abnormality determination random number acquisition unit (anomaly detection random value acquisition means)
B104 Abnormality determination unit (abnormality determination means)
B134a determination random number acquisition unit (random value acquisition means of the second embodiment)
B134b hit determination unit (win / fail determination means of the second embodiment)
B135a determination random number acquisition unit (random value acquisition means of the second embodiment)
B135b Probability variation determination unit (win / fail determination means of the second embodiment)
B151 Random number clock generation circuit (clock generation means of the second embodiment)
B171 First latch signal output circuit (first latch signal output means of the second embodiment)
B172 Second latch signal output circuit (second latch signal output means of the second embodiment)

Claims (10)

Clock generating means for generating a clock at a predetermined frequency;
Based on the clock generated by the clock generation means, a random number generator that updates a random value within a predetermined range from an initial value to a final value at a predetermined period;
First latch signal output means for outputting a first latch signal in response to the first signal;
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value from the random number generator based on the first latch signal;
In the gaming machine provided with the success / failure determination means for determining whether or not the winning is based on the random number value acquired by the random number value acquisition means,
Second latch signal output means for outputting a second latch signal in response to the second signal;
Based on the second latch signal, an abnormality detection random value for detecting an abnormality of the random number generator is acquired from the random number generator, and n times at a predetermined interval (where n is an integer of 3 or more) Anomaly detection random number acquisition means for repeatedly acquiring,
An abnormality determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the random number generation device when it is determined that three or more of the abnormality detection random number values acquired by the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit are the same;
The gaming machine characterized in that an interval for acquiring the abnormality detection random value by the abnormality detection random value acquisition means is shorter than the predetermined period of the random number generator and longer than the period of the clock. Clock generating means for generating a clock at a predetermined frequency;
Based on the clock generated by the clock generation means, a random number generator that updates a random value within a predetermined range from an initial value to a final value at a predetermined period;
First latch signal output means for outputting a first latch signal in response to the first signal;
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value from the random number generator based on the first latch signal;
In the gaming machine provided with the success / failure determination means for determining whether or not the winning is based on the random number value acquired by the random number value acquisition means,
Second latch signal output means for outputting a second latch signal in response to the second signal;
Abnormality detection for acquiring an abnormality detection random number value for detecting an abnormality of the random number generation device based on the second latch signal and repeatedly acquiring n times (where n is an integer of 3 or more) at a predetermined interval Random number acquisition means for
An abnormality determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the random number generation device when it is determined that three or more of the abnormality detection random number values acquired by the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit are the same;
The period required for the abnormality detection random value acquisition means to acquire the abnormality detection random value three times is shorter than the period required for the predetermined period to elapse twice, and the abnormality detection random value is acquired. A gaming machine characterized in that the interval is longer than the period of the clock.   The abnormality determination unit determines whether the acquired abnormality detection random value is the same as the previously acquired abnormality detection random value when the abnormality detection random value acquisition unit acquires the abnormality detection random value. And when it is determined that the acquired abnormality detection random value is not the same as the previously acquired abnormality detection random value, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the random number generator. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.   The abnormality detection random value acquisition unit acquires the abnormality detection random value at a timing when the acquisition of the random number value used for the determination of the success / failure determination unit is not performed. The gaming machine described.   The abnormality detection random value acquisition unit acquires an abnormality detection random value when a timing at which acquisition of a random number value used for determination of the success / failure determination unit is not performed occurs, and the abnormality determination unit The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the random number generator.   The said abnormality detection random value acquisition means acquires the 1st abnormality detection random value simultaneously with acquisition of the random value used for determination of the said success / failure determination means. Game machines.   The abnormality detection random value acquisition unit acquires a first abnormality detection random value when acquisition of a random number value used for the determination of the success / failure determination unit is performed, and the abnormality determination unit acquires the random number The game machine according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the generation device.   The random number generator includes a plurality of random number tables arranged so that random values that may be acquired by the random number acquisition unit are updated in a predetermined order different from an initial value to a final value; 8. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising table selection means for selecting one of the random number tables at a predetermined cycle.   The table selection means obtains a table selection random value used for selecting one random number table among a plurality of random number tables, and determines a random table to be selected based on the table selection random value. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein:   10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the table selection unit selects the one random number table in a predetermined order.

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