JPH11309242A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a type of prize which makes a control for display of stop un-controlled for each kind of machine by dint of using a same prize possibility table by being interrupted the control for display of stop of design with a controlling means for display of stop by dint of being invalidated which is corresponding to a particular prize type. SOLUTION: In lottery management of probability, the playing state is Judged whether the state is in a CT term, or not (step 153) by being referred a playing state flag (step 152). If it is in a CT term, the playing state is judged whether a small hit is won, or not (step 154). If an election of small hit is judged, a blank number O is set instead of hit numbers 1-4 (step 155). Therefore, in the CT term, a result of lottery of a small hit becomes ineffective, lottery is conducted only to so-called a bonus hit (BB, RB hit) and a re-play. After that, a hit requesting flag is set which is corresponding to a hit number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function of drawing in a symbol corresponding to a winning mode and stopping and displaying the symbol, and a function of interrupting the stop display control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of gaming machine, for example, C
There is a slot machine called a T (challenge time) machine.

In a general slot machine, when a start lever is operated by a player, a plurality of reels rotate, and rotation of each reel is stopped by operating a stop button. At this time, when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the display window, a prize is generated, and the number of medals according to the prize mode is paid out to the player. The winning mode is determined by a lottery inside the machine. This determination is made according to which section of the winning probability table the random number selected by lottery belongs to. In other words, the winning mode of the table section to which the random number selected
The winning mode is determined by a lottery inside the machine, and a winning request flag is set according to the winning mode.

The stop position of the rotating reel is controlled so that a symbol corresponding to the type of the hit request flag is stopped and displayed on the display window. That is, when the stop button is operated, the symbol displayed in the display window is not the symbol corresponding to the winning mode, but the symbol corresponding to the winning mode exists in, for example, four frames of symbols displayed subsequent to the display window. In this case, the symbol corresponding to the winning mode is stopped and displayed in the display window,
Reel control for drawing the symbol is performed.

[0005] However, in the CT machine, when a certain condition is satisfied, for example, the stop display control of the symbol for the small winning combination is interrupted for some reels, and the stop position of the spinning reel is changed to a game position. Is determined only according to the timing of the user's operation of the stop button. Even in the CT period in which the stop display control is interrupted, the drawing control of the symbols for four frames is performed for the other reels. For this reason, for the other reels for which the stop display control is not interrupted, even if the player operates the stop button at a maximum of four frames earlier, the symbol of the winning combination is drawn in and displayed on the window.

According to such a CT machine, a game result according to the skill level of the player can be obtained while maintaining a certain level of game victory or loss for the game beginner and the expert. Such a CT machine is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-1-238888.

[0007]

As described above, the CT machine makes the reel control for a specific winning mode uncontrolled. However, the winning mode to be set to the uncontrolled mode differs depending on the type of gaming machine. May be. For example, there is a case where a winning mode developed as the same machine as the CT machine and uncontrolled is changed by each machine, and the game property of each machine is changed. Specifically, the reel control for the small win prize mode is uncontrolled for a certain machine, the reel control for replay is uncontrolled for another machine of the same type, and the single control is performed for another machine of the same type. This corresponds to a case where the reel control for the bonus winning mode is not controlled.

However, in order to change the prize mode in which control is not performed in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine by each machine, it is necessary to prepare a prize probability table for dividing the prize mode according to each machine. Therefore, it is necessary to create a winning probability table different for each model, and conventionally, labor has been required for developing the model of the gaming machine. In addition, when performing a test of a gaming machine to determine what kind of game characteristics will be obtained by changing a winning mode in which no control is performed, conventionally, if a different winning probability table is not set for each model, a game of each model is conventionally required. I could not feel the nature.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a prize mode in which a prize mode is determined based on a random number selected by lottery and a flag is set according to the determined prize mode. Determining means, a variable display device for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of columns, a stop display control device for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the flag on the variable display device,
A flag invalidating means for invalidating a specific flag set by the winning mode determining means when a specific condition is satisfied, and a specific invalidated according to a predetermined condition when the specific condition is satisfied And a stop control interrupting means for interrupting the stop display control of the symbol according to the flag.

In this manner, the specific configuration is adopted in which the specific flag is invalidated by the flag invalidating means, and the symbol stop display control by the stop display control means is interrupted for the specific winning mode corresponding to the flag. By doing so, it is possible to set a winning mode in which the stop display control is not controlled using the same winning probability table for each model.

That is, the prize mode is determined by the prize mode determination means using the same prize probability table in any machine, and the prize mode in which the stop display is uncontrolled, for example, the small win prize mode is also determined. A lottery process is performed. However, when a specific condition for suspending the stop display control is satisfied and this specific winning mode is selected by lottery, the flag is invalidated by the flag invalidating means, for example, the flag is lost. Is done. Therefore, the stop display control means for performing the stop display control of the symbol according to the flag, even if a winning mode in which the stop display is not controlled is randomly selected,
Since the flag is invalidated, control for stopping and displaying the symbol of the winning mode on the variable display device is not performed. That is,
Even if the same winning probability table is used, when a specific condition for suspending the stop display control is satisfied, the stop display control of the symbol for the particular winning mode can be interrupted by operating the flag. .

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to CT.
An embodiment applied to a slot machine called a slot machine will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.
FIG.

Behind the front panel 2 of the slot machine 1, three reels 3, 4, and 5 constituting a variable display device 71 (see FIG. 7) are rotatably provided. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a characteristic portion of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 6, 7, 8 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively. Also, on the lower right side of the display windows 6, 7, 8
An insertion slot 9 for a player to insert a medal is provided.

Each of the reels 3 to 5 is configured as a rotating reel unit shown in FIG. 2, and is attached to a frame 51 via a bracket 52. Each of the reels 3 to 5 is configured by attaching a reel band 54 to an outer periphery of a reel drum 53. The above-mentioned symbol array is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 54. Further, each bracket 52 is provided with a stepping motor 55, and each of the reels 3 to 5 is driven by the motor 55 to rotate.

The structure of each of the reels 3 to 5 is shown in FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. A lamp case 56 is provided inside the reel drum 53 behind the reel band 54, and back lamps 57a, 57b, and 57c are attached to the three rooms of the lamp case 56, respectively. These back lamps 57a to 57c are shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), it is mounted on a board 58, and this board 58 is attached behind the lamp case 56. A photo sensor 59 is attached to the bracket 52. The photo sensor 59 is mounted on the reel drum 5
3 detects that the shielding plate 60 provided on the photosensor 3 passes through the photosensor 59 as the reel drum 53 rotates.

The lighting of each of the back lamps 57a to 57c is controlled by a lamp driving circuit 48 described later. By turning on each of the back lamps 57a to 57c, of the symbols drawn on the reel band 54, three symbols located at the front of each back lamp 57 are individually illuminated from behind, and each of the display windows 6 to 8 is displayed. 3 symbols are projected on each.

The display windows 6 to 8 shown in FIG.
Book (center L1, upper and lower L2A, L2B) and diagonal 2
The winning line of the book (obliquely lower right L3A, obliquely upward right L3B) is described. Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal into the medal insertion slot 9, only the central winning line L1 on each of the reels 3 to 5 is shown in FIG.
It is activated as shown in FIG. When two medals are inserted into the insertion slot 9, the upper and lower prize lines L
2A and L2B are added, and three horizontal winning lines L1 and L2
A and L2B are enabled as shown in FIG. When three medals are inserted into the insertion slot 9, all the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L
3B is activated as shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the circles in FIG.
Represents the symbol drawn above. Such activation of the pay line is displayed to the player by turning on an activated line display lamp 23 (see FIG. 1) arranged at an end of each pay line.

On the lower left side of the display windows 6 to 8, 1B
An ET switch 10, a 2BET switch 11, and a MAX BET switch 12 are provided. When a medal is credited in the credit amount display unit 13,
Instead of inserting medals into the medal slot 9, these 1 BET
Switch 10, 2BET switch 11 and Max B
By operating each push button of the ET switch 12, one, two, and three medals are bet in one game, respectively. The number-of-credits display section 13 is composed of 7-segment LEDs of a number corresponding to the number of digits of the numerical value to be displayed, and displays the number of medals currently credited.

Below these BET switches 10 to 12, a credit / payment changeover switch (C / P switch) 1
4 and a start lever 15 are provided, and a stop button 16,
17 and 18 are provided. The credit / payout (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OUT) of the medal can be switched by operating the push button of the C / P switch 14.

By operating the start lever 15,
The rotation of the reels 3, 4, and 5 starts simultaneously. The stop buttons 16, 17, and 18 are variable display stop means 72 (see FIG. 7) for stopping the rotation display of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5 for each row.
, And are arranged corresponding to the reels 3, 4, and 5. When the rotation speed of each of the reels 3 to 5 reaches a certain speed, the operation of each of the stop buttons 16 to 18 is enabled,
Each of the stop buttons 16 to 18 stops the rotation of each of the reels 3 to 5 in accordance with a push button operation of the player.

In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, the first stop reel to be stopped first and the second stop reel to be stopped next are controlled by the stop display control means 73 described later during the CT period. The stop display control is interrupted for a specific winning mode, for example, a small winning mode. That is, when a small hit prize occurs during the CT period, for example, the first stop reel and the second stop reel are immediately stopped only in accordance with the operation timing of the stop buttons 16 to 18 by the player. On the other hand, for the third stop reel that is stopped last, the stop display control unit 73 performs stop display control even during the CT period. That is, the third stop reel is controlled so as to stop and display, for example, a symbol corresponding to a small winning prize combination which can be generated by a combination of symbols stopped and displayed by the first stop reel and the second stop reel.

Further, a sound transmission hole 19 and a medal tray 20 are provided at the lower front part of the slot machine 1. The sound transmission hole 19 is for outputting sound generated from a speaker housed inside the device to the outside. The medal tray 20 stores medals paid out from a medal payout exit 21.
In addition, a payout display unit 22 is provided on the front upper portion of the slot machine 1 to indicate how many medals are paid out for each winning.

A liquid crystal display unit 24 is provided on the front panel 2 on the right of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5. The liquid crystal display unit 24 displays the rotation of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5,
It is a display device that displays a game history and performs effects during a bonus game.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the control unit.

The control section has a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 30 as a main component, and further includes a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 for performing a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 as storage means. The CPU 31 includes a clock pulse generating circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 37 for extracting an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers. Is connected.

The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include reels 3 and
Stepping motors 55 for rotating 4 and 5, hopper 38 for storing medals, liquid crystal display 24, speaker 3
9 and a back lamp 57. These are a motor drive circuit 40, a hopper drive circuit 41, a display drive circuit 42, a speaker drive circuit 43, and a lamp drive circuit 48, respectively.
Driven by These drive circuits 40 to 43, 48
Is connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port of the microcomputer 30. Each of the stepping motors 55 is excited in one or two phases by the motor drive circuit 40, and rotates once when a drive signal of 400 pulses is supplied.

A main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a start switch 15 S for detecting operation of the start lever 15, and a medal insertion slot 9. The inserted medal sensor 9S for detecting the inserted medal, and the C /
There is a P switch 14. There is also a photo sensor 59, and a reel position detection circuit 44 that receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 59 and detects the rotational position of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5.

The photo sensor 59 detects the shielding plate 60 each time the reels 3, 4, and 5 make one rotation, and generates a reset pulse. This reset pulse is applied to the reel position detection circuit 44.
Is given to the CPU 31 via the. In the RAM 33,
For each of the reels 3 to 5, a count value corresponding to a rotation position within the range of one rotation is stored, and upon receiving a reset pulse, the CPU 31 clears the count value formed in the RAM 33 to "0". . By this clear processing, the movement display of each symbol and each stepping motor 5 are displayed.
The deviation that occurs between the rotations of rotation No. 5 and rotation No. 5 is eliminated for each rotation.

Further, as the input signal generating means,
Reel stop signal circuit 45 and payout completion signal generation circuit 4
There are six. The reel stop signal circuit 45 includes a stop button 1
When 6, 17, 18 are pressed, the corresponding reel 3,
Generate a signal to stop 4,5. Further, the medal detection unit 47 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 38, and the payout completion signal generation circuit 46 converts the medal count value actually paid out inputted from the medal detection unit 47 into predetermined payout number data. When it has reached, a signal notifying the completion of the medal payout is output to the CPU 31.

The ROM 32 stores, as a sequence program, a procedure of a game process executed by the slot machine 1, and stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like, separately. I have.

The winning probability table is stored in the sampling circuit 3
7 is used to divide the random numbers extracted in 7 into the respective winning modes, and stores data for partitioning a certain range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 36 into the respective winning modes. Such a winning probability table is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. A1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c in FIG.
3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3, g1 to g3
Is preset numerical data, and is used when dividing the random number extracted by the sampling circuit 37 into each winning mode. This data is “a1 to g1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to g2” when the number is two, and 3
In the case of sheets, a combination of the numerical values of “a3 to g3” is used.

These numerical values are usually expressed as “a <b <c <d <e <
f <g ”and the extracted random number is d
If less than a, a small hit prize (small hit) is set. In this case, if less than a, a request flag per “two cherries” is set. When the value is b or more and less than c, a request flag for “plum” is set, and when the value is c or more and less than d, a request flag for “bell” is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than d and less than e, a "re-game" request flag is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than e and less than f, a medium hit prize (medium hit) is set and a request flag is set for “RB”. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than f and less than g, a big hit prize ( A big hit) and a request flag for “BB” is set. If the value is equal to or larger than g, a request flag for "losing" without winning is set.

That is, the winning mode is determined by which numerical range one sampled random number value belongs to, and is represented by a hit request flag. here,
The random number generator 36, the sampling circuit 37, the winning probability table, and the microcomputer 30 constitute a winning mode determination unit 74 (see FIG. 7). This winning mode determination means 74
Determines the winning mode of the game based on the random number 75 selected as described above, and sets a hit request flag according to the determined winning mode. The symbol table is conceptually shown in FIG. The symbol table is for associating the rotation positions of the reels 3 to 5 with the symbols, and represents a symbol row by symbols. In this symbol table, symbol codes corresponding to the code numbers are stored for each of the reels 3 to 5. The code numbers are sequentially assigned at a constant rotation pitch of each of the reels 3 to 5 based on the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated. The symbol code indicates a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

In the winning symbol combination table,
The symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout display unit 22, the symbol code of the symbol combination forming the “reach eye” that suggests to the player that the flag of the occurrence of the specific game is established, and each winning is shown. A winning determination code, a winning medal payout number, and the like are stored. This winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 3, the second reel 4, and the third reel 5, and when performing a winning confirmation after stopping all the reels.

Reel position detection circuit 44, reel stop signal circuit 45, motor drive circuit 40, stepping motor 5
5 and the microcomputer 30 are provided with a stop display control unit 73 for causing the variable display device 71 to stop display a symbol corresponding to the winning request flag set by the winning mode determination unit 74.
(See FIG. 7). That is, the stop display control means 73 detects the operation timing of the variable display stop means 72 by the reel stop signal circuit 45, and a symbol displayed on the activation line at this operation timing is indicated by the winning request flag. If there is a symbol corresponding to the winning mode among the symbols for four frames displayed subsequently on the activation line instead of the symbol corresponding to the activation line, this symbol is displayed on the activation line of the display windows 6 to 8. Control to draw in. At this time, the reel position detection circuit 44
The microcomputer 30 controls the motor drive circuit 40 and the stepping motor 55 while the types of the symbols displayed on the display windows 6 to 8 are grasped by the
5 are performed.

The microcomputer 30 also comprises a flag invalidating means 76 and a stop control suspending means 77 shown in FIG. When a specific condition is satisfied, that is, when a CT period is reached after winning a random number lottery described later, the flag invalidating means 76 sets a specific hit request flag set by the winning mode determination means 74. Then, the winning request flag of the small winning prize mode is invalidated. This invalidation is performed in steps 154 and 15 in the flowchart of FIG.
By the processing of No. 5, the winning request flag of the small winning prize mode is set as a loss flag. Therefore, during the CT period, even if the small winning prize is determined by the prize mode determining means 74, the winning request flag of the small winning prize is invalidated, which is equivalent to that the lottery of the small winning prize is not performed. That is, the lottery is performed only for the bonus winning (BB, RB winning) and the replay.

The stop control suspending means 77 operates according to a predetermined condition when the above specific condition is satisfied.
The stop display control of the symbol corresponding to the invalidated specific hit request flag is interrupted for the first stop reel and the second stop reel. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is that until a predetermined number of games are played or a predetermined number of medals are paid out, whichever comes first, whichever comes first. And the stop display control means 7 until the condition is satisfied.
3 is stopped. Specifically, the CT game is continuously performed for only 150 games after the end of the BB game, but the CT game ends when 200 medals are paid out to the player even within the 150 games.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine controlled by the microcomputer 30 in this embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the outline of this game processing.

First, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a replay (replay) has occurred as a result of the previous game and there is automatic medal insertion.
1 (see FIG. 9, step 101).
If there is this automatic insertion, the game medals corresponding to the insertion request are then automatically inserted (step 102). On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion, the player next inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 9 and waits for a detection signal to be input from the medal sensor 9S (step 103). Alternatively, the player waits for the BET switches 10, 11, and 12 to be operated by the player and signals from these switches to be input. Up to three medals can be inserted during a general game, and one medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a BB game or an RB game.

Next, by operating the start lever 15,
It is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 15S (step 104). If this determination is "YES", it is next determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 105). 4.
If one second has not elapsed, the waiting time for starting the game is consumed until 4.1 seconds have elapsed (step 106).
After 4.1 seconds, a winning determination is made by the winning mode determining means. That is, a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 36 is extracted by the sampling circuit 37 (step 107), and a probability lottery process is performed (step 108).

This probability lottery process is described in FIG. 11 and FIG.
Is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and the determination is made by determining which one of the winning groups belongs to the one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 37 in the winning probability table (see FIG. 6). That is, first, the accumulation area of the probability lottery values secured in the RAM 33 is cleared (FIG. 11, step 131). Next, the winning number 1 is set in the winning number storage area in the RAM 33 (step 132). This winning number is shown in FIG.
The winning number 1 corresponds to the winning of two cherries.

In the table, the number of lotteries, the lottery combinations, and the order are shown for each game state of normal game, inside BB, RB, normal game during BB, and CT period. In the game state of the general game, the number of lotteries is represented as seven, and two lottery, four cherry, plum, bell, replay, RB, BB without CT and BB with CT and their order 1 to 8 Is represented. The above winning numbers correspond to this order, and order 1 is the winning number 1. In addition, in each of the game states of the BB and RB internal hits and the general game during the BB, the number of lotteries is expressed as 5 times, respectively.
The lottery combinations and the order excluding B and BB are shown. Further, since the CT period belongs to the general game state category, the same lottery times, lottery combinations, and orders as those of the general game in the leftmost column are shown. However, since the small winning prize during the CT period is invalidated, it is deleted from the lottery combinations of the order 1 to 4.

Next, the number of lotteries during the BB regular game (5
Is set in the lottery number storage area of the RAM 33 (step 133). Next, a game state flag described later is referred to to determine whether the current game state is the BB operation, that is, whether the current game state is just the BB game state (step 134). If the BB operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step 138 described below. If the BB operation is not being performed, it is next determined whether or not the BB or RB is hitting inside (step 135). If the inside of the BB or RB is being hit, the number of lotteries per BB or RB inside hit (5 times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 136). If the inside of the BB or RB is not hit, The number of lotteries during the normal game (seven times) is set in the lottery number storage area (step 137). At the time of the normal game here, a CT period is included.

Next, the number of medals inserted into the machine is checked (step 138), and then the probability lottery data for one medal is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 139). That is, the probability lottery data a1 to g1 when the number of inserted medals is one, which are shown at the top of the winning probability table of FIG. 6, are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is one (step 140). If the number is one, the process proceeds to step 144 described later. The lottery data is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 141). That is,
Probability lottery data a2 to g2 when the number of inserted medals is two shown in the middle row of the winning probability table of FIG. 6 are set. Next, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is two (step 142). If the number is two, the process proceeds to step 144 described below. If the number is not two, the probability lottery data for three medals is set in the probability lottery data storage area of the RAM 33 (step 143).
That is, shown at the bottom of the winning probability table of FIG.
Probability lottery data a3 to g when the number of inserted medals is three
3 is set.

Next, each size of the set probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area secured in the RAM 33 (FIG. 12, step 144). This addition is first performed with the size of the probability lottery data as aw, and the process returns from step 148 to be described later and returns to step 1
Each time 44 is performed, the size of the probability lottery data bw, c
w, dw, ew, fw, and gw are sequentially added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Here, the sizes aw, bw, cw, dw, ew, fw, and gw of the probability lottery data are the sizes of each section of the winning mode in the winning probability table.
aw = a, bw = ba, cw = cb, dw = d-
c, ew = ed, fw = fe, gw = gf. By the first addition performed with the size of the probability lottery data as aw, the probability lottery value accumulated value D becomes aw.

Next, the random number specified by the sampling circuit 37 is set to X in the expression XD (step 145). By calculating this formula, it is determined whether or not a winning mode defined by the probability lottery data has been won (step 146). That is, X-D
It is determined whether the calculation result is positive or negative. If the calculation result is negative, that is, if the value of the random number value X is smaller than the value of the cumulative value D, the specified random number is used as the probability lottery data. It belongs to the prize mode divided by. The accumulated value D at the beginning of the process is aw, and in this case, when the calculation result is negative, the lottery result is a winning mode divided by a, that is, a small winning of two cherries, and the process will be described later. Proceed to 150.

On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, 1 is added to the winning number stored in the winning number storage area (step 147). Initially, 1 is set in this winning number storage area in step 132, so that the winning number becomes 2 by this initial addition processing in step 147. It is understood from the table of FIG. 13 that the winning number 2 corresponds to four cherries. Thereafter, every time this process is performed, the winning numbers are counted up to 3, 4, 5,.... Next, it is determined whether or not the number of lotteries has reached the specified number stored in the lottery number storage area (step 148).

If the lottery for the specified number of times has not been completed, the process returns to step 144, and bw which is the size of the next probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulation area. Then, according to the processing of steps 145 and 146, X
The calculation of −D is performed, and the sign of the calculation result is determined. When the size bw of the probability lottery data is added to the probability lottery value accumulated value D by this processing, the value of D becomes aw + bw
become. In this case, if the calculation result is negative, it is assumed that the random number specified by the sampling belongs to the prize mode divided by the probability lottery data b, the lottery result is a small winning of four cherries, and the processing is performed. The process proceeds to step 150 described later.

On the other hand, if the calculation result is positive, it is determined that the winning mode defined by the probability lottery data has not been won, and the winning number is counted up according to step 147, and the winning number is set to 3. Thereafter, it is determined in step 148 whether or not the number of lotteries has reached the specified number. If not, the process returns to step 144 and the same processing as described above is repeatedly performed.

When the number of lotteries reaches the specified number in step 148, the value X of the specified random number is determined to be equal to or greater than the maximum value of the probability lottery value cumulative value D, and the random number does not belong to any winning mode section. As a result, the lottery result is lost. Therefore, the lost number 0 is set as the winning number (step 149).

In the concrete processing of steps 144 to 148, the range of random numbers to be extracted is 0 to 16384, and the data at the time of betting three in the winning probability table shown in FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. Is performed as follows.

For example, assuming that a random number 4150 is extracted in the normal game state, X = 4150 and the initial D = 120
Since it is 0 (the size aw of the hit section data of two cherries), the calculation of X-D is as follows.

4150-1200 = 2950 (1) Since 2950 of this calculation result is a positive number, it is not elected, and 1 is added to the elected number set to 1 and the elected number is set to 2. . Since the specified number of lotteries in the general game state is seven, the specified number of lotteries is not completed, and the same processing is repeated again. In other words, the cumulative value D is equal to the size bw of the next four cherry hit section data.
Are added to make D = 1200 + 1100 = 2300, and the next X-D calculation is performed.

4150-2300 = 1850 (2) Since 1850 of this calculation result is also a positive number, it is not elected, and 1 is added to the election number set to 2 and the election number is set to 3. . Also here, since the specified number of lotteries has not been completed, the same processing is repeated again. That is, the size cw of the hit section data of the next plum is added to the accumulated value D, and D = 2300 + 1800 = 4
The value is set to 100 and the next calculation of X-D is performed.

4150-4100 = 50 (3) Since 50 of this calculation result is still a positive number, it is not elected. One is added to the election number set to 3 and the election number is set to 4. You. Also here, since the specified number of lotteries has not been completed, the same processing is repeated again. That is, the size dw of the next bell hit section data is added to the accumulated value D, and D = 4100 + 250 = 435.
The value is set to 0 and the next calculation of X-D is performed.

4150-4350 = -200 (4) Since the result of this calculation is a negative number, the winning is achieved, the winning number is 4, and the winning pattern divided by the probability lottery data d, that is, the small win winning pattern of the bell You have been elected.

Next, whether or not the winning number is 7, ie, CT
It is determined whether or not there is no BB prize (step 150). If there is a BB prize,
A lottery process for CT, that is, a lottery process for determining whether or not to perform a CT game is performed (step 151). In the lottery of the CT game, a random number newly generated by the random number generator 36 is extracted by the sampling circuit 37 as in the probability lottery process for determining the winning mode. Then, the sampled random value is compared with the specific value in magnitude relation. For example, if the sampled random value is smaller than the specific value, the winning is made, and the winning number is set to 8.
The fact that the result of the lottery has been won corresponds to the fact that the specific condition has been satisfied. On the other hand, when the lottery of the CT game is missed, the winning number is kept at 7.

Next, a game state flag described later is referred to (step 152), and it is determined whether or not the game state at that time is during the CT period (step 153). If it is during the CT period, it is further determined whether or not the winning numbers are 1 to 4, that is, whether or not the small hit prize is won (step 1).
54). If it is the winning of the small hit prize, a loss number 0 is set instead of the winning numbers 1 to 4 (step 155). Therefore, in the CT period, this step 15
By the processing of 4,155, the lottery result of the small hit prize is invalidated, and the lottery is performed only for the so-called bonus prize (BB, RB prize) and the replay as shown in the table of FIG. .

Thereafter, a hit request flag corresponding to the winning number is set (step 156). The types of the hit request flag include “two cherries”, “four cherries”,
"Plum", "Bell", "Replay", "RB", "CT"
There are eight types, "none BB" and "BB with CT", and one of the hit request flags is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. If none of the hit request flags are set, "losing" occurs. As described above, the “CT-less BB” is a hit request flag that is set when there is an internal hit of the BB and the BB falls off in a subsequent lottery of a CT game. “BB with CT” is a hit request flag that is set when there is an internal hit of the BB and the lottery of the CT game is also won later.

The probability lottery process in step 108 of FIG. 9 is performed as described above. Next, a predetermined area of the RAM 33 in which the rotational positions of the reels 3 to 5 are written is initialized at the start of reel rotation (FIG. 9, step 1).
09) Subsequently, each of the reels 3 to 5 is driven to rotate by the stepping motor 55. Next, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 16 to 18 has been turned on (step 110). If not turned on,
It is determined whether the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (step 111). When the stop buttons 16 to 18 are not operated for a predetermined time, each of the reels 3 is automatically stopped.
To stop automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed.

When any one of the stop buttons 16 to 18 is turned on or the automatic stop timer becomes 0, the number of frames of the symbol drawn on the activation line by the stop display control means, that is, the sliding frame A number is determined (step 112). This number of sliding pieces is
It is determined from the winning request, the number of control frames, the symbol position, and the like.

The game state is the RAM 3 shown in FIG.
3 is stored in a 1-byte area called a game status (game status flag), and the hexadecimal data of 01 to 06 indicates the game status at that time. The gaming state stored in this gaming state status includes:
"RB working", "BB working", "General game",
There are six types of “BB inside hit”, “RB inside hit” and “CT period”.

"RB operation" indicates a game state during the RB game. RB means a regular bonus game. In this RB game, a bonus game in which a plurality of high payout games are combined can be performed once. "BB
"In operation" indicates a gaming state during the BB game. BB
Means a big bonus game and this BB
In the game, a set of the general game and the bonus game can be performed a plurality of times. "General game" is BB,
This indicates a gaming state in which no winning of RB has occurred.

"BB inside hit" is a general game state in which the BB hit request flag is set, but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 3 to 5, and the BB game has not yet entered. Is represented. “RB inside hit” indicates that the RB hit request flag is set, but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 3 to 5 and the general gaming state in which the RB game has not yet been entered. I have.

“During the CT period” means that BB,
This represents a gaming state in which the lottery of the winning combination in the RB game and the replay is performed, but the lottery of the small winning combination is invalidated. In the small hit prize, the plum and the bell symbols, which are generated with all three plum symbols on the activation line, are stopped on the activation line of the first reel 3. There are two cherries that are generated at the same time, and four cherries that are generated together with three cherries on the validation line. Here, the number of medals paid out is 15 at the time of plum prize, 8 at the time of bell prize, 4 at the time of 4 cherry prize, and 2 at the time of 2 cherry prize.

The winning request also consists of one byte.
It is stored in the hit request flag storage area of the RAM 33 shown in FIG. For example, 1 is assigned to bit 7 of this storage area.
Is set, the hit request flag is set to "No CT B
B ”, and when 1 is set in bit 6, this means that the hit request flag is“ RB ”. Two types of hit request flags may be set at the same time. For example, the request flag per BB or R
When the B hit request flag is set, the hit request flag indicates that the symbol combination corresponding to “BB” or “RB” is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 3 to 5 in the current game, and the next game is executed. Is also carried over. Therefore, "B
At the time of the next game of "B inside win" or "RB inside hit", if the small hit prize mode is determined by the prize mode determining means, the small hit prize hit request flag is set. Therefore, the hit request flag of “BB” or “RB” and the hit request flag of the small hit prize are simultaneously set.

As shown in FIG. 16, the number of control frames depends on the order of symbols for which the pull-in control is prioritized.
3 is stored as a table. FIG. 7A is a pull-in priority table during a general game, and during a general game, the pull-in priority is determined in the order of replay, small hit, and BB / RB game. This priority is the priority of the winning combination that is preferentially drawn on the activation line. When two types of winning modes are simultaneously requested as described above, or when a winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, a winning mode having a higher priority is determined according to the predetermined priority. The pattern according to is preferentially drawn. The control frame number is a frame number within a range that can be controlled by the stop display control means, and during a general game, each winning combination is set to 4 frames.

FIG. 7B is a drawing-in priority table during the CT period.
The winning combination of small hits is controlled in order of four cherry and two cherry. The priority order is the order with the highest number of payout medals. The reel pull-in process by the stop display control means during the CT period is performed only in accordance with the pull-in priority data because the small hit winning request flag is invalidated during the CT period. That is, as in the general gaming state, the pull-in control of the symbol in the winning mode according to the winning request of the small winning is not performed. The number of control frames is set to 1 for plums and bells, 0 for 4 cherries, and 0 for 2 cherries. When the number of control frames is 0, it means that the pull-in control is not performed.

The symbol position is the position data of each of the reels 3 to 5 written in the area of the RAM 33 initialized in step 109. The symbol position is data of a symbol present at each activation line at that time, and is stored as a symbol code shown in FIG.

When determining the number of sliding frames, first, the current game state is referred to, and a priority order table according to the game state is selected. In other words, if it is a general game state, FIG.
6A is selected, and during the CT period, the table shown in FIG. 16B is selected. Next, the number of control frames of the winning combination according to the winning request is referred to from the selected table. Thereafter, the symbol position at that time is referred to, and the symbol at that time on the activation line of the first stop reel is grasped. If this symbol is not a symbol corresponding to the winning request, it is determined whether there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request within the range of the number of control frames referred to. If the symbol corresponding to the winning request is within the range of the number of control frames, the number of frames from the activated line to the symbol is determined as the number of sliding frames.

Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 so that the first stop reel (the spinning drum) rotates by the number of sliding frames determined in this way (FIG. 9, step 113). . However, during the CT period, the first
Since the stop display control is not performed on the stop reel and the second stop reel, step 112 and step 1 are executed.
13 is not executed. Thereafter, the stop request flag of the first stop reel is set (step 114). The stop display control means stops the rotation of one reel in response to the setting of the stop request flag.

Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped (step 115 in FIG. 10). If the second reel and the third reel have not been stopped, the process returns to step 110, and the above processes are repeated.

This step 11 by the stop display control means
The reel stop processing of 0 to 115 is performed as follows during a general game, for example.

For example, when the ON operation of the first reel stop button 16 is detected, the first reel stop button 16
Is operated by the player, the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor 55 of the first reel 3 becomes R
The information is read from the AM 33 and is associated with the rotation position of the first reel 3. When the rotation position of the first reel 3 is known, the observation window 6 is compared with the symbol table (see FIG. 7).
Are recognized as symbol codes.

In this case, when the big hit hit request flag is set, it is checked whether or not there is a symbol constituting a big hit on the activated pay line in the observation window 6. Similarly, when the hit request flag for medium hits and small hits is set, it is checked whether there is a symbol constituting a medium hit or small hit on the activated pay line in the observation window 6. When there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag on the activated pay line, the CPU 31 immediately stops the first reel 3.

As a result of the above check processing, if the symbol corresponding to the hit request flag does not appear on the activated pay line in the observation window 6, the first reel 3 is further rotated by the number of control frames (four symbols). Check what kind of symbols appear when you let them. If there is a symbol corresponding to the hit request flag, the number of sliding frames up to that frame position is reached, and the first reel 3 is rotated by the number of sliding frames and stopped there. This pull-in control process is performed in the same manner at the time of each stop control process of the second reel 4 and the third reel 5 described below.

Next, when the stop button 17 of the second reel 4 is turned on, a stop control process of the second reel 4 is performed. In this stop control process, first, in the state where the second reel 4 is rotating, first, the pay line L at the center of the observation window 7 is set.
Assuming that 21 symbols of each code number 0 to 20 stop at 1, a combination with the symbols of the first reel 3 already stopped on the activated pay line is read. In addition, a rotation code indicating that the third reel 5 is rotating is read. Although the second reel 4 is also rotating, it is assumed that the second reel 4 is stopped by the above-described processing, so that it is not read as a rotation code.

When the combination of symbol codes is read in this way, the winning symbol combination table described above is referred to and the second reel 4 rotates the 21 rotation positions with respect to the symbol determined by stopping the first reel 3. , It is sequentially determined what kind of winning may occur on the activated winning line. For example, FIG.
Assuming that the first reel 3 has stopped as shown in FIG. 7A, the symbol combination pattern at that time is checked assuming 21 stop positions of the second reel 4. For example, as shown in FIG.
At the center of the code number "5", the symbol combinations on the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B are as shown in FIG.

The arrow on the third reel 5 is a rotation code indicating that the reel is spinning, but depending on the stop position of the third reel, a "AAA" big hit prize line or a prize line may be displayed on the prize line L1. There is a possibility that a small hit prize of “EEE” may occur in L2B. Therefore, for the code number "5" of the second reel 4, a big hit prediction flag and a small hit prediction flag are set as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of such a prediction flag is checked for all code numbers on the second reel 4, and these data are written to the RAM 33.

The predicted flag data written in the RAM 33 in this manner is referred to when the second reel 4 is stopped. That is, when the stop button 17 of the second reel 4 is operated, the prediction flag corresponding to the code number of the second reel 4 is referred to. The stop control of the second reel 4 is executed such that the symbol of the big hit stops.

Next, when the ON operation of the stop button 18 of the third reel 5 is detected, the stop control processing of the third reel 5 is performed. In this stop control processing, the first reel 3 and the second reel 4 have already stopped and the combination of the symbols has been specified. Therefore, the combination of these symbols is provided for each code number of the third reel 5. The possibility of winning is determined, and a winning expectation flag is set in the same manner as in the table shown in FIG.

This prediction flag data is also referred to when the stop button 18 of the third reel 5 is operated, and when a big hit is predicted, the big hit symbol is stopped on the activated pay line. Stop control of the third reel 5 is executed. At the time of the stop control processing of the third reel 5, not only a winning according to the winning request flag but also a winning different from the winning request flag can be obtained by the combination with the symbols of the first reel 3 and the second reel 4 which have already stopped. The reel stop position is controlled so as to not obtain the following.

The reel stop processing by the stop display control means during the general game is performed during the CT period by the first reel stop processing.
This is not performed for the stop reel and the second stop reel. That is, similarly to the above example, the first stop reel is the first stop reel.
When the reel 3 and the second stop reel are the second reel 4, these reels 3 and 4 stop immediately at the timing when the on operation of the stop buttons 16 and 17 is detected. That is, the reels 3 and 4 are stopped only in accordance with the timing of pressing the stop buttons 16 and 17 by the player, and the pull-in control by the stop display control unit is not performed.

During the CT period, stop display control is performed on the third stop reel, and the number of control frames of the pull-in control performed at this time is 1 or 0 as shown in FIG. , The number of control frames during a general game is four. Therefore, for example, when the third stop reel is the third reel 5 as in the above example, there is no symbol corresponding to the winning combination on the activation winning line of the display window 8 at the timing when the stop button 18 is operated. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the range of one frame or zero frame from the activation line.

For example, the first reel 3 and the second reel 4
When the plums or bells are aligned, the plums or bells are pulled down to one frame and controlled. In other words, even if there is no plum or bell on the activation line at the operation timing of the stop button 18, if these symbols exist within the range of the number of control frames of one frame, the stop display control means controls the third reel 5. Is slid by one frame, and a plum or bell prize is generated. However, since the number of control frames of the two-cherry and the four-cherry is zero, such a pull-in stop display control is not performed.

When the reel stop control process is completed, a winning search process is performed (step 116 in FIG. 10). In the winning search process, the type of the winning flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line matches the type of the hit request flag determined by the probability lottery process. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 11).
7). If the result of this determination is not normal, for example, if the symbol combination of bells is aligned on the activated pay line, but the hit request flag is a plum flag, the medal payout number display lamp on the front panel 2 An illegal error is displayed (step 118).

If the winning flag is normal, it is next determined whether or not the winning number is 0 (step 119). If the winning number is not 0, then the game medals are stored or paid out according to the state at that time (step 1).
20). That is, in the state where the game is played with credits, the number of credits is increased by the number of medals obtained by winning, and in the state where the game is played by inserting medals into the slot 9, the number of medals obtained by winning is obtained. The number of medals is paid out to the tray 20.

Next, it is determined whether or not the winning mode is a replay winning (step 121). If the winning mode is a replay winning, an automatic insertion request is set (step 122). Then, initialization at the end of one game, for example, the area of the RAM 33 used in the game is initialized (step 123).
One game is over.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the stop request control according to the small hit prize mode is invalidated during the CT period, so that the stop display control by the stop display control means is interrupted. Is done. Therefore, the winning mode in which the stop display control is not controlled using the same winning probability table (FIG. 6) can be made different for each model of the slot machine.

That is, the prize mode is determined by the prize mode determination means using the same prize probability table in any type of slot machine, and the prize mode in which the stop display is not controlled. In this embodiment, the small win prize. The probability lottery process is also performed for the mode. However, if the particular winning mode is selected during the CT period, the hit request flag is set as a loss flag and invalidated by the flag invalidating means. Therefore, the stop display control means for performing the stop display control of the symbol according to the hit request flag, even if a winning mode in which the stop display is not controlled is randomly selected, the hit request flag is invalidated. Is not controlled to stop and display the symbols on the reels 3 to 5.
That is, even if the same winning probability table is used, the stop display control of the symbol for the specific winning mode can be interrupted during the CT period by operating the hit request flag.

For this reason, when the game machine is developed as the same machine as the CT machine and it is intended to change the game characteristics of each machine depending on which winning combination is not controlled, a winning probability table different for each machine is created. Work is no longer necessary. Also, at the development stage, with the same probability table,
When testing what kind of game will be achieved if you do not control which winning combination, if you invalidate the hit request flag without changing the probability table value each time, you can easily change the game characteristics Can be experienced.

In the description of the above embodiment, C
In the T period, the reels for which the stop control by the stop display control unit is interrupted have been described as the first stop reel and the second stop reel, and the reels for which the stop control is performed have been described as the third stop reels. The number and type of reels and the number and type of reels on which the stop control is performed are not limited thereto. For example, the reel on which the stop control is interrupted may be the third stop reel, and the reel on which the stop control is performed may be the first stop reel and the second stop reel. Further, the stop control may be interrupted for all reels during the CT period.

In the above embodiment, the variable display device is described as the rotating reels 3 to 5. However, the variable display device is not limited to this. For example, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, or the like. , A device such as a light emitting diode (LED) or electroluminescence may be used as the variable display device.

In each of these cases, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention, the flag corresponding to a specific winning mode is invalidated and the stop display control of the symbol by the stop display control means is interrupted, so that the same winning probability is obtained. A winning mode in which the stop display control is not controlled using the table can be set for each model.

Therefore, when the winning mode to be uncontrolled is changed by each machine, it is not necessary to prepare a winning probability table for dividing the winning mode according to each machine as in the related art. The effort previously required for development is reduced. Also, even when performing a test of a gaming machine such as what kind of game characteristics will be achieved by changing the winning mode to be uncontrolled, unlike the related art, without setting a different winning probability table for each model, one by one. You can experience the game characteristics of each model.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotating reel unit of the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure of a rotating reel constituting the rotating reel unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which a winning line described in a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a winning probability table used in a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a characteristic portion of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a symbol table used in a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a first flowchart showing a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a second flowchart showing a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a first flowchart showing details of a probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a second flowchart showing details of the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;

13 is a diagram showing a gaming state-based lottery data table used in the probability lottery process in the flowchart shown in FIG.

14 is a diagram showing specific data of a winning probability table shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the contents of a storage area secured in the RAM of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a draw-in priority table used in a game process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a relationship between symbol codes which are assigned to and read from the respective rotating reels in the game processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a hit prediction flag table used in the game processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2 ... Front panel 3, 4, 5 ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd reel 6, 7, 8 ... Window 9 ... Medal slot 10, 11, 12 ... BET switch 13 ... Credit number display part 14 ... Credit / payout changeover switch 15... Start lever 16, 17, 18. Stop button 19... Sound-transmitting hole 20. Medal receiving tray 21. Medal payout slot 22. Payout display 23. Validation line display lamp 24. , L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B ... winning line

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode based on a random number selected by lottery and setting a flag according to the determined winning mode; a variable display device for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of columns; Stop display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the symbol on the variable display device; flag disabling means for disabling a specific flag set by the winning mode determination means when a specific condition is satisfied; And a stop control suspending means for suspending the stop display control of a symbol corresponding to the invalidated specific flag according to a predetermined condition when the condition is satisfied. Gaming machine to do. 2. The prize mode determining means determines a prize mode of a game according to which section of a prize probability table a random number selected by lottery belongs to, and stops variable display of symbols by the variable display device for each column. A variable display stop means, wherein the stop display control means sets a symbol corresponding to a flag set by the winning mode determination means within a predetermined number of ranges in accordance with an operation timing of the variable display stop means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is drawn into the variable display device and is stopped and displayed. 3. The small-award winning mode, wherein the flag invalidating section invalidates a small-winning-prize mode flag as a loss flag, and suspends the symbol stop display control by the stop-display control section for the small-winning mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control suspending means suspends the stop display control of the symbol by the stop display control means only for a part of the display columns.
The gaming machine according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. The variable display device according to claim 1, wherein the variable display device includes three rotating reels arranged side by side, and the gaming machine is a slot machine. Gaming machine.