Patent Publication Number: US-2009239640-A1

Title: Slot Machine Capable Of Displaying Special Picture Consisting Of A Plurality Of Picture Pieces And Control Method Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on US Provisional Patent Application No 61/038,981 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of displaying a special picture consisting of a plurality of picture pieces and a control method thereof. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     In conventional slot machines, when a player inserts game media such as medals, coins or bills into an insertion slot of the slot machine and presses a spin button, then a plurality of symbols are scroll-displayed to a display portion provided on the front surface of a casing and, thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,960,133, 6,012,983 and 6,093,102. In this case, when scroll-display of respective symbols starts by an input from the spin button, symbols are selected using random numbers, and the selected symbols are stop-displayed to the display portion. Then, when a combination of the stop-displayed symbols along a winning line is a predetermined winning combination (prize) a payout is conducted. 
     Further, among conventional slot machines, there are some slot machines which conduct two types of payouts which are a payout determined according to the combinations of symbols rearranged along winning lines and a payout determined according to the number of displayed scatter symbols, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and US 2002-0065124-A1. In such a slot machine which conducts payouts based on such scatter symbols, there is no relationship between payouts and T posit-ions at which the scatter symbols are displayed. 
     Further, in the conventional slot machines, there exists a slot machine executing a game different from a basic game (in the present description, referred to as feature game, e.g. bonus game comparatively advantageous for the player). Examples of the feature game include a free game. The free game is a game that can be played without consuming game media. For example, a slot machine executing a free game as a secondary game in the case of establishment of a predetermined condition (symbols being aligned in a specific arrangement) in the basic game is disclosed in AU1972901-A1. 
     Such a slot machine executing the feature game is generally configured to execute the feature game in the case that the symbols are aligned in a predetermined arrangement or in the case that specific symbols in a predetermined number are displayed. Here, the condition for generation of the feature game is comparatively similar to the condition for offering of a normal payout. Accordingly, there tends to be happened a case where it is visibly unclear to the player that a display of which symbols in which arrangement leads to a profit of the feature game to the player. Consequently, it becomes hard to make the player have an expectation for the feature game, so that there has been a problem that the slot machine fails to fully attract an interest of the player in the game. 
     In light of the aforementioned problem, the present invention has been devised, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of fully attracting an interest of a player in a feature game and a control method thereof. 
     The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999, U.S. 2002-0065124-A1, and AU1972901-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a slot machine having the following configuration. 
     That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and special symbols each showing a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) executing a normal game after stop-displaying the plurality of symbols subsequent to a variable display of the plurality of symbols to the symbol display, the normal game being a game offering a normal payout corresponding to the stop-displayed normal symbols or a combination of the stop-displayed normal symbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from the normal game, as well as stop-displaying a plurality of feature symbols different from the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of feature symbols in a predetermined display area in the symbol display, as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown by the special symbols stop-displayed in the predetermined display area, out of the special symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display in the normal game executed in the processing (A). 
     According to the slot machine, the special symbols may be stop-displayed to the symbol display. Each of the special symbols shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the case that the picture pieces shown in the special symbols stop-displayed in a predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns) in the symbol display (for example, display) form the predetermined picture, the feature game is generated. Namely, a condition for generation of the feature game is a display of a predetermined picture (in the present description, also referred to as “completion of a predetermined picture”), which is different from a mere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, and player&#39;s interest it the feature game can be fully attracted. 
     Further, according to the slot machine, as triggered by an establishment of such a condition for the generation of a feature game, the feature symbols are stop-displayed after variably displayed in the predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns). In the case that the predetermined picture is completed, it is highly possible that the player&#39;s attention is focused on the area displaying the picture therein. In such area, a variable display of the feature symbols is started. Further, the player usually does not experience another variable display of the symbols after the symbols are once stop-displayed and before the next game is started. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player visibly enjoy a state of the variable display of the feature symbols, as well as having the player surprised. Further, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be increased. As a result, the player&#39;s interest in the feature game is also increased. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the processing (A) includes processing of displaying variably the plurality of symbols in a predetermined direction. The processing (B) includes processing of displaying variably the plurality of feature symbols in a direction different from the predetermined direction. 
     According to the slot machine, the normal symbols and the special symbols are variably displayed in different directions. Accordingly, since the direction of the variable display of the feature symbols is different from the direction familiar to the player, it is possible to provide a novel element to the player watching the state of the variable display of the feature symbols. Accordingly, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be further increased. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and special symbols each showing a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) executing a normal game after stop-displaying the plurality of symbols subsequent to a variable display of the plurality of symbols to the symbol display; the normal game being a game offering a normal payout corresponding to the stop-displayed normal symbols or a combination of the stop-displayed normal symbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from the normal game, as well as stop-displaying feature symbols each showing a feature picture piece for forming a specific picture so as to form the specific picture, after variably displaying the feature symbols in a predetermined display area in the symbol display, as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown by the special symbols stop-displayed in the predetermined display area, out of the special symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display in the normal game executed in the processing (A). 
     According to the slat machine, the special symbols may be stop-displayed to the symbol display. Each of the special symbols shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the case that the picture pieces shown in the special symbols stop-displayed in a predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns) in the symbol display (for example, display) form the predetermined picture, the feature game is generated. Namely, a condition for generation of the feature game is a display of a predetermined picture, which is different from a mere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, and player&#39;s interest in the feature game can be fully attracted. 
     Further, according to the slot machine, as triggered by an establishment of such a condition for the generation of a feature game, the feature symbols are stop-displayed after variably displayed in the predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns). In the case that the predetermined picture is completed, it is highly possible that the player&#39;s attention is focused on the area displaying the picture there in. In such area, a variable display of the feature symbols is started. Further, the player usually does not experience another variable display of the symbols after the symbols are once stop-displayed and before the next game is started. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player visibly enjoy a state of the variable display of the feature symbols, as well as having the player surprised. Further, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be increased. As a result, the player&#39;s interest in the feature game is also increased. 
     Furthermore, according to the slot machine, each feature symbol shows a feature picture piece for forming a specific picture. The feature symbols are stop-displayed so as to form the specific picture. Namely, after the completion of the predetermined picture, the specific picture is displayed as a result of sorting of the symbols. Accordingly, the player can visibly enjoy sequential events including the completion of the predetermined picture, the variable display of the feature symbols, and the display of the specific picture. Consequently, the player&#39;s interest in the predetermined picture, specific picture and the feature symbols can be significantly increased so that the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, a plurality of types of the specific picture are provided. The controller is further programmed to execute processing of (C) determining a type of the specific picture. The processing (B) is processing of (B-1) stop-displaying the feature symbols so as to form the specific picture of the type determined in the processing (C) after variably displaying the feature symbols in a predetermined display area in the symbol display, as triggered by formation of L the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown by the special symbols stop-displayed in the predetermined display area, out of the special symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display in the normal game executed in the processing (A), and (B-2) executing a feature game corresponding to the type of the specific picture determined in the processing (C). 
     According to the slot machine, a plurality of the specific picture are provided and a single type of the specific picture is determined at a predetermined timing. After the completion of the predetermined picture, the feature symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed so as to form the specific picture of the determined type. Then, the feature case corresponding to the determined type of the specific picture is executed. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player recognize what type of the feature game is to be executed by watching the type of the specific picture formed by the stop-displayed feature symbols. Therefore, it is possible to have the player greatly interested in which specific picture to be displayed. Accordingly, in the case that the displayed specific picture is corresponding to the feature game desired by the player, the player may be delighted, and in the case that the displayed specific picture is corresponding to the feature game not desired by the player, the player may be disappointed. As a result, what type of the specific picture is displayed can take the player through emotional ups and downs. Consequently, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slot machine, the method having a following configuration. 
     That is, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A) executing a normal game after stop-displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and special symbols each showing a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture subsequent to a variable display of the plurality of symbols to a symbol display, the normal game being a game offering a normal payout corresponding to the stop-displayed normal symbols or a combination of the stop-displayed normal symbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from the normal game, as well as stop-displaying a plurality of feature symbols different from the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of feature symbols in a predetermined display area in the symbol display, as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown by the special symbols stop-displayed in the predetermined display area out of the special symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display in the normal game executed in the step (A). 
     According to the control method of the slot machine, the special symbols may be stop-displayed to the symbol display. Each of the special symbols shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the case that the respective picture pieces shown in the special symbols stop-displayed in a predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns) in the symbol display (for example, display) form the predetermined picture, the feature game is generated. Namely, a condition for generation of the feature game is a display of a predetermined picture, which is different from a mere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, and player&#39;s interest in the feature game can be fully attracted. 
     Further, according to the control method of the slot machine, as triggered by an establishment of such a condition for the generation of a feature game, the feature symbols are stop-displayed after variably displayed in the predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns). In the case that the predetermined picture is completed, it is highly possible that the player&#39;s attention is focused on the area displaying the picture therein In such area, a variable display of the feature symbols is started. Further, the player usually does not experience another variable display of the symbols after the symbols are once stop-displayed and before the next game is started. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player visibly enjoy a state of the variable display of the feature symbols, as well as having the player surprised. Further, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture an be increased. As a result, the player&#39;s interest in the feature game is also increased. 
     Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slot machine, the method having a following configuration. 
     That is the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A) executing a normal game, after stop-displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and special symbols each showing a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture subsequent to a variable display of the plurality of symbols to a symbol display, the normal game being a game offering a normal payout corresponding to the stop-displayed normal symbols or a combination of the stop-displayed normal symbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from the normal game, as well as stop-displaying feature symbols each showing a feature picture piece for forming a specific picture so as to form the specific picture, after variably displaying the feature symbols in a predetermined display area in the symbol display, as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown by the special symbols stop-displayed in the predetermined display area, out of the special symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display in the normal game executed in the step (A). 
     As thus described, according to the control method of the slot machine, the special symbols may be stop-displayed to the symbol display. Each of the special symbols shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the case that the picture pieces shown in the special symbols stop-displayed in a predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns) in the symbol display (for example, display) form the predetermined picture, the feature game is generated. Namely, a condition for generation of the feature game is a display of a predetermined picture, which is different from a mere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, and player&#39;s interest in the feature game can be fully attracted. 
     Further, according to the control method of the slot machine, as triggered by an establishment of such a condition for the generation of a feature game, the feature symbols are stop-displayed after variably displayed in the predetermined display area (for example, three columns excluding a leftmost column and a rightmost column in a symbol matrix including three rows and five columns). In the case that the predetermined picture is completed, it is highly possible that the player&#39;s attention is focused on the area displaying the picture therein. In such area, a variable display of the feature symbols is started. Further, the player usually does not experience another variable display of the symbols after the symbols are once stop-displayed and before the next game is started. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player visibly enjoy a state of the variable display of the feature symbols as well as having the player surprised. Further, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be increased. As a result, the player&#39;s interest in the feature game is also increased. 
     Furthermore, according to the control method of the slot machine, each feature symbol shows a feature picture piece for forming a specific picture. The feature symbols are stop-displayed so as to form the specific picture. Namely, after the completion of the predetermined picture, the specific picture is displayed as a result of sorting of the symbols. Accordingly, the player can visibly enjoy sequential events including the completion of the predetermined picture, the variable display of the feature symbols, and the display of the specific picture. Consequently, the player&#39;s interest in the predetermined picture, specific picture and the feature symbols can be significantly increased, so that the player can be absorbed in the game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1B  is a view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1C  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1D  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1E  is a view illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1F  is a view illustrating another exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1G  is a view illustrating another exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1H  is a view illustrating another exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1I  is a view illustrating another exemplary symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 2A  is a view illustrating a feature game determination table. 
         FIG. 2B  is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number of a feature game and a specific picture. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of a slot machine. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in a slot machine  10 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine game execution processing. 
         FIG. 7  is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and a number of coin-outs. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing. 
         FIG. 9  is a view illustrating peripheral device initialization processing. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of activation processing executed by a central controller. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a slot machine according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     A general description of a present embodiment will be given by using  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 1I , and  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
       FIG. 1A  is a view illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix. 
       FIGS. 1B to 1D  are views each illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
       FIGS. 1E to 1I  are views each illustrating another exemplary symbol matrix. 
       FIG. 2A  is a view illustrating a feature game determination table. 
       FIG. 2B  is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number of a feature game and a specific picture. 
     A symbol matrix SM illustrated in  FIG. 1A  is displayed to a lower image display panel  16  (a symbol display of the present invention) provided in a slot machine  10  (see  FIG. 3 ). The symbol matrix SM is capable of rearranging a total of 15 symbols in three rows and five columns therein. The symbol matrix SM includes a first display area  100 A, a second display area  100 B, a third display area  100 C, fourth display area  100 D, and a fifth display area  100 E. 
     Further, hereinafter, three rows included in the symbol matrix SM are also referred to simply as “upper row”, “middle row”, and “lower low”. 
     When a start button  23  (see  FIG. 3 ) provided in the slot machine  10  is pressed by a player, scrolling of symbols is started in the symbol matrix S as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Then, the symbols are rearranged in order of the first display area  100 A, the second display area  100 B, the third display area  100 C, the fourth display area  100 D, and the fifth display area  100 E. 
     An example illustrated in  FIG. 1B  shows a state that three normal symbols are rearranged in the first display area  100 A and six special symbols are rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the third display area  100 C. 
     There are eight types of the normal symbol, that is, “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “UMBRELLA”, “CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”. All the normal symbols comprise so-called scatter symbols, and a payout is offered based on a type and a number of the rearranged normal symbols (see  FIG. 7 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a number of coin-outs in the case of a BET of a single coin (hereinafter, also referred to as odds) is determined for each type and each number of the normal symbols. 
     The special symbol shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture (picture  110 , see  FIG. 1D ).  FIG. 15  illustrates a li-zhi state factor completion of the predetermined picture (one more symbol array is needed for completion of the predetermined picture). Namely, in the case that appropriate special symbols are rearranged in the fourth display area  100 D, the predetermined picture is displayed by the special symbols rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the Fourth display area  100 D. The display of the predetermined picture by the special symbols rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D is also referred to as “The predetermined picture is completed.” in the present description. 
     In  FIG. 1B , as triggered by the li-zhi state for completion of the predetermined picture, a li-zhi text image  120  showing a text of “Li-zhi!” is displayed to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Then, the symbols are rearranged in the fourth display area  100 D.  FIG. 1C  shows a state that the predetermined picture has not been completed. As triggered by this, a bad-luck image  121  showing a text of “Almost . . . . Bad luck . . . ” is displayed to the lower image display  16 . 
     On the other hand,  FIG. 1D  shows a state that the predetermined picture has been completed. As triggered by this, a picture-completion text image  122  showing a text of “You did it! FEATURE IN!!” is displayed to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     In the slot machine  10  according to the present embodiment, the feature game is executed as triggered by the completion of the predetermined picture. 
     Subsequently, the feature game will be described by using  FIGS. 1E to 1I , and  FIGS. 2A and 9B . 
     When the predetermined picture is completed, as illustrated in  FIG. 1E , a scroll, display of feature symbols is started in the display areas (the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D) in which the special symbols forming the predetermined picture have been displayed. The scrolling here is sideways scrolling. On the other hand, the scrolling on rearrangement of the normal symbols and the special symbols is downward scrolling (see  FIG. 1A ). 
     The feature symbol shows a picture piece for forming a specific picture (picture  111  to picture  114 , see  FIG. 1F  to  FIG. 1I ). 
     After the scrolling illustrated in  FIG. 1E , the feature symbols are rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  1000 . 
     In the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  1000 , any one of the picture  111  (see  FIG. 1F ), the picture  112  (see  FIG. 10 ), the picture  113  (see  FIG. 1H ), and the picture  114  (see  FIG. 1I ) is displayed by rearrangement of the feature symbols. 
     The specific pictures (picture  111  to picture  114 ) are respectively associated with the type and the number of the feature game executed as triggered by the completion of the predetermined picture (see  FIG. 2B ). The types of the feature game include a free game and a bonus game. 
     During a free game period, the slot machine game is executed even an game medium is not BET. During the bonus game period, the payout is offered based or, relatively big odds (special odds, see  FIG. 7B ). 
     In the case that the picture  111  shown in  FIG. 1F  is displayed, the free game is executed for 50 times. In the case that the picture  112  shown in  FIG. 1G  is displayed, the bonus game is executed for 50 times. In the case that the picture  113  shown in  FIG. 1H  is displayed, the free game is executed for 1.0 times. In the case that the picture  114  shown in  FIG. 1I  is displayed, the bonus game is executed for 10 times. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the type and the number of the feature game is determined based on the number of BET. “1 to 9”, “10 to 19”, “20 to 30” in the feature game determination table respectively show ranges in which the number of BET may be included. For each of the ranges, the type and the number of the feature game is set in association with a range of a random number. 
     In the snot machine  10  according to the present embodiment, the type and the number of the feature game is determined based on the number of BET and the feature game determination table, as triggered by the completion of the predetermined picture. Then, the feature symbols are rearranged so as to complete the specific picture corresponding to the type of the number of the determined feature game. 
     There has been described the outline of the present embodiment. 
     Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in more detail. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the slot machine. 
     In the slot machine  10 , a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding thereto is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, a game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money, or a ticket. It should be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a bar code, which will be described later. 
     Here, the slot machine  10  is a stand-alone type slot machine that is not connected to a network, but the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine connected to a network. 
     The slot machine  10  includes: a cabinet  11 ; a top box  12  placed on the upper side of the cabinet  11 ; and a main door  13  provided at the front face of the cabinet  11 . The lower image display panel  16  is provided in front of the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  includes a liquid crystal display panel and the symbol matrix SM (see  FIG. 1A ) is displayed thereto. In the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a number-of-credits display section  31  and a number of payouts display section  32  (not shown). 
     The number-of-credits display section  31  displays an image indicating the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display section  32  displays an image indicating the number of coins to be paid out as the payout. 
     Further, a touch panel  69 , which is not shown in the figure, is provided on the front face of the lower image display panel  16 , and the player can input various kinds of commands by operating the touch panel  69 . 
     Below the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a control panel  20  comprised of a plurality of buttons  23  to  27  with each of which a command according to the game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot  21  through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet  11 , and a bill validator  22 . 
     The control panel  20  is provided with a start button  93 , a change button  24 , a CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET button  26 , and a maximum BET button  27 . The start button  23  is used for inputting a command to start a game. The change button  24  is used for making a request of staff at a recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  25  is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray  18 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is used for inputting a command to BET one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  27  is used for inputting a command to BET the maximum number (30 coins in the present embodiment) of coins that can be bet on a single game out of credited coins. 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . It should be noted that the bill validator  22  may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket  39  with a barcode. At the lower front  15 , face of the main door  13 , namely below the control panel  20 , there is provided a belly glass  34  on which a character or the like of the slot machine  10  is drawn. 
     At the front face of the top box  12 , an upper image display panel  33  is provided. The upper image display panel  33  is provided with a liquid crystal panel to display, for example, an image representing an introduction of the contents of a game or a description of a rule of the game. 
     Further, the top box  12  is provided with a speaker  29 . Below the upper image display panel  33 , there are provided a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display  37 , and a keypad  38 . The ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, date and time, an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as a ticket  39  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  39  with a barcode to play a game thereon, or can exchange the ticket  39  with a barcode with bills or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  36  reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying a player and data on a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill, or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, in place of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted. The data display  37  is comprised of a fluorescent display or the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted by the player through the keypad  38 . The keypad  36  is used for inputting a command and data concerning the issue of a ticket and the like. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     A gaming board  50  includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  51 , a ROM  55 , and a boot ROM  52  which are interconnected to one another via an internal bus, a card slot  53 S corresponding to a memory card  53 , and an IC socket  54 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)  54 . 
     The memory card  53  is formed from a non-volatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores game programs and game system programs. The game programs include a symbol selection program. The aforementioned symbol selection program is a program for determining the symbols (normal symbol and special symbol) to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM and the multiplying-factor symbol to be stop-displayed by the multiplying-factor reel  106 , The aforementioned symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data in association with a plurality of types of payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data is data indicating the correspondence between the respective symbols, and one or more random numbers which fall in a predetermined numerical range (0 to 255). The payout ratios are determined based on payout-ratio setting data outputted from the GAL  54  and, based on the symbol weighing data associated with the payout ratios, the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix are determined. 
     Furthers the game programs include feature came determination table data (see  FIG. 2A ) indicative of the feature game determination table. Further, the game programs include data indicative of the correspondence relation among the type and the number of the feature game and the specific picture (see  FIG. 2B ). Further, the game programs include odds data (normal odds data and special odds data) indicative of the correspondence relation among the type and the number of the rearranged normal symbols and the number of coin-outs (see  FIGS. 7A and 7B ). 
     Further, the card slot  53 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  53  to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to a mother board  40  via an IDE bus. Thus, the memory card  53  can be ejected from the card slot  53 S, and then another game program is written onto the memory card  53 , and the memory card  53  can be inserted into the card slot  53 S, to change the type and contents or a game to be played on the slot machine  10 . The game program includes a program associated with the progress of a game. The game program also includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. The image data includes image data indicating a symbol matrix. 
     The GAL  54  is a type of PLD having a fixed OR array structure. The GAL  54  includes plural input ports and plural output ports and, when predetermined data is inputted to an input port, the GAL  54  outputs data corresponding to the aforementioned data from an output port. The data outputted from this output port is the aforementioned payout-ratio setting data. 
     Further, the IC socket  54 S is configured to allow the CAL  54  to be attached thereto and detached therefrom and is connected to the mother board  40  through a PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL  54  can be replaced with another GAL  54  to change the payout-ratio setting data. 
     A CPU  51 , a ROM  55  and a boot ROM  52  interconnected to one another via an internal bus are connected to the mother board  40  by PCI bus. The PCI bus supplies power to the gaming board  50  from the mother board  40 , as well as transmitting a signal between the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 . The ROM  55  stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM  52  stores an auxiliary authentication program and a program (boot code) to be used by the CPU  51  for activating the auxiliary authentication program, and the like. 
     The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating a game program and a game system program. The authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for checking and proving that a game program and a game system program to be subject to authentication loading processing have not been falsified, namely authenticating the game program and the a game system program. The auxiliary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-mentioned authentication program. The auxiliary authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for proving that an authentication program to be subject to the authentication processing has not been falsified, namely, authenticating the authentication program. 
     The mother board  40  is constructed with a general-purpose mother board commercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts of a personal computer are mounted) and includes a main CPU  41 , ROM (Read Only Memory)  42  and RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 . The mother board  40  is the controller of the present invention. 
     ROM  42  is constituted or a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a pro gram such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  41  and permanent data. When BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , not only is initialization processing for predetermined peripheral devices conducted, but a capture processing for the game program and game system program stored on the memory card  53  is also started via the gaming board  50 . In the present invention, contents of ROM  42  may be rewritable or not rewritable. 
     RAM  43  stores data and a program used at the time of operation of the main CPU  41 , and various flags. RAM  43  can also store the authentication program read through the gaming board  50 , the game program, and the game system program. RAM  43  further stores data on the number of credits, the number of coins-in or coins-out for one game, and the like. 
     Further, in the RAM  43 , a number-of-free-game storage area and a number-of-bonus-game storage area are provided. The number-of-free-game storage area stores data indicating the remaining number of the free game. The number-of-bonus-game storage area stores data indicating the remaining number of the bonus game. 
     To the mother board  40 , a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and a door PCB  80 , which will be described later, are connected through respective USBs. Further, the mother board  40  is connected with a power supply unit  45 . When the power is supplied from the power unit  45  to the mother board  40 , the main CPU  41  of the mother board  40  is activated and the power is supplied to the gaming board  50  through the PCI bus so that the CPU  51  is activated. 
     The body PCB  60  and the door PCB  80  are connected with equipment and devices that generate input signals to be inputted to the main CPU  491 , and equipment and devices operations of which are controlled by control signals outputted from the main CPU  41 . The main CPU  41  executes a game program stored in the RAM  43  based on an input signal inputted to the main CPU  41 , thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing and stores a result thereof in the RAM  43 , or transmits a control signal to each of the equipment and devices as processing for controlling each of the equipment and devices. 
     To the body PCB  60 , there are connected a lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting portion  67 , a graphic board  68 , a speaker  99 , a touch panel  69 , a bill validator  22 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S, and a data display  37 . The lamp  30  lights up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     The hopper  66  is installed inside the cabinet  11  and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19  to the coin tray  18 , based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The coin detecting portion  67  is provided inside the coin payout exit  19 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when detecting a payout of a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  controls, based on a control signal-outputted from the main CPU  41 , an image display to the upper image display panel  33  and the lower image display panel  16 . The number of credits stored in RAN  43  is displayed to the number-of-credits display section  31  (not shown) of the lower image display panel  16 . The number of coins-out is displayed to the number-of-payouts display section  32  (not shown) of the lower image display panel  16 . The graphic board  68  is equipped with VDP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41  and a video RAM which temporarily stores image data generated by VDP, and of the like equipments. It should be noted that image data used in generating image data with VDP is contained in a game program read from the memory card  53  and stored in RAM  413 . 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . When accepting a regular bill, the bill validator  92  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41 , based on the face amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores, in the RAM  43 , the number of credits according to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  35  prints an a ticket, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits, date and timer an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and of the like data stored in the RAM  43 , and outputs the ticket as a ticket  39  with a barcode. 
     The card reader  36  reads data from a smart card and transmits the data to the main. CPU  41  or writes data into the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU  41 . The key switch  38 S is provided on the keypad  38 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  41  when the keypad  38  is operated by the player. The data display  37  displays, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted by the player through the keypad  38 . 
     To the door PCB  80 , there are connected a control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81 . The control panel  20  is provided with a start switch  23 S corresponding to the start button  23 , a change switch  24 S corresponding to the change button  24 , a CASHOUT switch  25 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET switch  26 S corresponding to the 1-BET button  26 , and a maximum BET switch  27 S corresponding to the maximum BET button  27 . Each of the switches  23 S to  27 S outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when each of the buttons  23  to  27  corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 
     The coin counter  21 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  21  and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  21  by the player. Coins other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit  19 . When the coin counter  21 C detects a regular coin, the coin counter  21 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41 . 
     The reverter  21 S operates based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , and distributes a coin identified by the coin counter  21 C as a regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper  66 , which are disposed in the slot machine  10 . Specifically, when the hopper  66  is filled with coins, a regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  21 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  66  is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper  66 . The cold cathode tube  81  functions as a backlight installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel  16  and the upper image display panel  33 , and lights up based on a control signal to be outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     Next, processing executed in the slot machine  10  will be described. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in the slot machine  10  according to a first embodiment. 
     First, in the slot machine  10 , activation processing is executed (step S 101 ). The activation processing will be specifically described later by using  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 10 . 
     After the activation processing, the main CPU  41  executes processing of addition of the number of credits stored in the RAM  43  as an interrupt processing, on receiving a detection signal outputted from the coin counter  21 C when the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  21  is detected by the coin counter  21 . 
     After the processing of step S 101 , the main CPU  41  executes slot machine game execution processing (step S 102 ). 
     Hereinafter, there will be described the slot machine game execution) processing performed in the slot machine  10 . 
     The main CPU  41  reads a game program and executes the game program to progress a slot machine game. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine game execution processing. 
       FIG. 7  is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and a number of coin-outs. First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S 11 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch  26 S when the 1-BET button  26  is operated or an input signal outputted from the maximum BET switch  27 S when the maximum BET button  27  is operated. When determining that a coin has not been BET, the main CPU  41  returns the processing to step S 11 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that a coin has been BET in step S 11 , the main CPU  41  executes processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , according to the number of BET coins (step S 12 ). It should be noted that, when the number of BET coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAN  43 , the main CPU  41  does not execute the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and returns the processing to step S 11 . When the number of BET coins exceeds an upper limit of the number of coins (that can be BET on a single game (30 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU  41  does not execute the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and the processing is proceeded to step S 13 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the start button  23  has been turned on (step S 13 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pressed. 
     When determining that the start button  23  has not been turned ON, the main CPU  41  returns the processing to step Sit. It should be noted that, when the start button  23  is not turned ON for example, when a command to end the game is inputted without pressing the start button  23 ), the main CPU  41  cancels a result of the subtraction obtained in step S 12 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 13  that the start button  293  has been turned ON, the main CPU  41  executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S 14 ). 
     In the processing, at first, the main CPU  41  starts scroll-display of the symbols (normal symbol and special symbol) in the symbol matrix SM in the downward direction. The processing executed here by the main CPU  41  includes the following processing. 
     For example, the main CPU  41  respectively displays three symbols (for example “Q”, “K” and “SUN”) in three areas (the upper row, the middle row, and the lower row) included in the first display area  100 A for a predetermined time T (for example, 0.1 seconds), and then terminates the display. Thereafter, out of the three symbols, the main CPU  41  displays the symbol having been displayed in the upper low (“Q”) in the middle row of the first display area  100 A, the symbol having been displayed in the middle low (“K”) in the lower row of the first display area  100 A, and a symbol other than those symbols (for example, “10”) in the upper row of the first display area  100 A. After performing the display for a predetermined time T′ (for example, T′≦T), the main CPU  41  terminates the display. The main CPU  41  executes the processing repeatedly. Further, the main CPU  41  executes virtually the same processing also in the second display area  101 E to the fifth display area  100 E. 
     The main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged by executing the above-described symbol selection program, and rearranges the symbols based on the result of the symbol determination in the first display area  100 A to the third display area  100 C. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the rearrangement is in the li-zhi state for the completion of the predetermined picture. Namely, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the six symbols rearranged in the second display area  100 B and the third display area  1000  are the special symbols for forming the predetermined picture. When determining that the rearrangement is not in the li-zhi state for completion of the predetermined picture, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols based on the result of the above-described symbol determination in the fourth display area  110 D to the fifth display area  100 E. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the rearrangement is in the li-zhi state for the completion of the predetermined picture, the main CPU  41  displays the li-zhi text image  120  (see  FIG. 1B ) to the lower image display panel  16 . Then, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols based on the result of the above-described symbol determination in the fourth display area  1000 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the predetermined picture is completed Namely, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the nine symbols rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D are the special symbols for forming the predetermined picture. 
     When determining that the predetermined picture is not completed, the main CPU  41  displays the bad-luck i-mage  121  (see  FIG. 1C ) to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the predetermined picture is completed, the main CPU  41  displays the picture-completion text image  122  (see  FIG. 10 ) to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Thereafter, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols based on the result of the above-described symbol determination in the fifth display area. 
     After executing the processing of step S 14 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a prize is established (step S 17 ). Here, the establishment of the prize refers to the rearrangement of two or more normal symbols of at least one type, out of “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “UMBRELLA”, “CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”, in the symbol matrix SM (see  FIG. 7 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  counts the number of normal symbol for each type, with regard to the rearranged symbols in step S 14 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the counted number is equal to or more than two. 
     When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU  41  executes processing according to payout of the coin (step S 16 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines the number of coin-outs based on the number of rearranged symbols with reference to the normal odds data (see  FIG. 7A ) stored in the RAM  43 . 
     For example, in the case that two “SUN” are rearranged when 2 coins are BET, the number of coin-outs is 50 (=25×2). 
     In the case of accumulating the coin, the main CPU  41  executes processing for adding a number of credits corresponding to the determined number of coin-outs. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU  41  transmits a control signal to the hopper  66  in order to pay out the coin in number corresponding to the determined number of coin-outs. 
     When determining that the prize has not been established in step S 15  or after executing the processing of step S 16 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the predetermined picture is completed by the special symbols rearranged in the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D (step S 17 ). When determining that the predetermined picture is not completed, the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the predetermined picture is completed, the main CPU  41  determines the type and the number of the feature game based on the number of coin BET in step S 11  (number of BET) (step S 18 ). At this time, the main CPU  41  refers to the feature game determination table data (see  FIG. 2 ) stored in the RAM  43 . 
     In the processing, the main CPU  41  generates a random number to select a single random number. Then, the main CPU  41  determines the type and the number of the feature game based on the value of the selected random number and the number of BET. 
     For example, in the case that the value of the selected random number is 46 and the number of BET is 8, the main CPU  41  determines the type of the feature game to the free game and the number of the feature game to 10 games. 
     Further, in the case that the value of the selected random number is 115 and the number of BET is 30, the main CPU  41  determines the type of the feature game to the free game and the number of the feature game to 50 games. 
     As thus described, according to the present embodiment, the number of the feature game is increased in comparison with the increase of the number of BET. 
     After executing the processing of step S 18 , the main CPU  41  executes feature symbol rearrangement processing (step S 19 ). 
     In the processing, the main CPU  41  scroll-displays the feature symbols rightward first. The processing executed by the main CPU  41  here includes the following processing. 
     For example, the main CPU  41  respectively displays five symbols (for example, “Q”, “K”, “SUN”, “10”, and “J”) in five areas (the first display area  100 A, the second display area  100 B, the third display area  100 C, the fourth display area  100 D, and the fifth display area  100 E) included in the upper row of the symbol matrix SM for the predetermined time T (for example, 0.1 seconds), and then terminates the display. Then, out of the five symbols, the main CPU  41  displays the symbol (“Q”) having been displayed in the first display area  100 A in the second display area  100 B of the upper row, the symbol (“K”) having been displayed in the second display area  100 B in the third display area  100 C of the upper row, the symbol (“SUN”) having been displayed in the third display area  100 D in the fourth display area  100 D of the upper row, the symbol (“10”) having been displayed in the fourth display area  100 D in the fifth display area  100 D of the upper row, and a symbol (for example, “THUNDER”) other than those symbols in the first display area  100 A of the upper row. After performing the display for the predetermined time T′ (for example, T′≦T, the main PCU  41  terminates the display. The main CPU  41  executes the processing repeatedly. Further, the main CPU  41  executes virtually the same processing also in the middle row and the lower row. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  determines the feature symbols for forming the specific picture corresponding to the type and the number of the feature game determined in step S 18 . The main CPU  41  rearranges the determined feature symbols in the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D. 
     As a result, the specific pictures shown in  FIGS. 1F to 1I  are displayed. 
     After executing the processing of step S 319 , the main CPU  41  executes the feature game (the free game or the bonus game) of the type determined in step S 18  for the determined times (step S 20 ). 
     In the processing, the main CPU  41  sets the remaining number of the free game or the bonus game to the number determined in step S 18  in the number-of-free-game storage area or the number-of-bonus-game storage area in the RAM  43 . 
     (I) In the case that the type of the feature game determined in step S 18  is the free game, the main CPU  41  executes virtually the same processing as the processing of step S 13  to step S 16  in  FIG. 6 , regarding that the coins are BET in the same number as the number of coins BET in the game (game in which the predetermined picture is completed) as a trigger for generating the free game without subtracting the number of credits. 
     (II) In the case that the type of the feature game determined in step S 16  the bonus game, the main CPU  41  executes virtually the same processing as the processing of step S 311  to step S 16  in  FIG. 6 . However, the main CPU  41  determines the number of coin-outs, in the payout processing, with reference to the special odds data, not to the normal odds data. 
     The main CPU  41  decreases the remaining number of the free game or the bonus game by 1 for each execution of a single game of the free game or the bonus game in the number-of-three-game storage area or the number-of-bonus-game storage area in the RAM  43 . 
     Then, the main CPU  41  executes the processing of (I) or (II) until the remaining number of the free game or the bonus game becomes zero. 
     After executing the processing of step S 20 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, there will be described activation processing (see step S 101  in  FIG. 5 ) by using  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing. This activation processing is the processing conducted by the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 . It should be noted that the memory card  53  is inserted into the card slot  53 S in the gaming board  50 , and the GAL  54  is mounted onto the IC socket  54 S. 
     First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit  45 , the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50  are activated (steps S 1 - 1 , S 2 - 1 ) In activation of the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 , individual processing is respectively executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board  50 , the CPU  51  reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the boot ROM  52 , and conducts auxiliary authentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and prove that the authentication program is not falsified before loading the program to the mother board  40  (step S 2 - 2 ). Meanwhile, in the mother board  40 , the main CPU  41  executes the BIOS stored in the ROM  42 , and expands compressed data which is incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 2 ). The main CPU  41  then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM  43  to diagnose and initialize a variety of peripheral devices (step S 1 - 3 ). The processing of step S 1 - 3  will be specifically described later with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
     Since the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  is connected to the main CPU  41  via the PCI bus, the main CPU  41  reads the authentication program stored in the ROM  55 , and stores the read authentication program into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 4 ). At this time, according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU  41  takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM  43 , while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage is certainly conducted. 
     Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU  41  accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card  53  inserted in the card slot  53 S, to read a game program or a game system program from the memory card  53 . In this case, the main CPU  41  reads data constituting the game program and the game system program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU  41  conducts authentication to check and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified, following the authentication program stored in the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 5 ). When this authentication processing is normally completed, the main. CPU  41  writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which have been the authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 6 ). Next, the main CPU  41  accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL  54  mounted on the IC, socket  54 S, reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL  54 , and writes and stores the data into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 7 ). Subsequently, the main CPU  41  conducts processing for reading country identification information stored in the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identification information into the RAM  43  (step S 3 - 8 ). 
     After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program, thereby execute insurance setting processing and game execution processing. 
       FIG. 9  is a chart illustrating a procedure of peripheral-device initialization processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes a reel-related device (step S 3 - 1 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  sequentially transmits request signals to the index detecting circuit  65 , the position-change detecting circuit  71 , and the motor driving circuit  62 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received predetermined response signals and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and Initializes a display (step S 3 - 2 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  transmits the request signal to the graphic board  68 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes various types of input devices (step S 3 - 3 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  transmits request signals to the input devices such as the spin switch  23 S, the change switch  24 S, the CASHOUT switch  25 S, the 1-BET switch  268 , the maximum BET switch  27 S, and the touch panel  11 , and then determines whether or not to have received predetermined response signals. 
     Subsequently, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes other peripheral devices connected to the main CPU  41  (step S 3 - 4 ). Then the present subroutine is terminated. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where the slot machine  10  is a stand-alone type slot machine. However, in the present invention, a plurality of slot machines may be connected to a central controller via a network and controlled by the central controller. 
       FIG. 10  is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation processing executed by the central controller. 
     First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) in the power unit, a mother board is activated (step S 4 - 1 ). 
     In the mother board, a CPU executes a BIOS stored in a ROM so as to expand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into a RAM (step S 4 - 2 ). Then, the CPU executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM, and then, diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral devices such as a display (step S 4 - 3 ). 
     Next, the CPU executes initialization processing of each slot machine. In this processing, the CPU establishes a network connection between the central controller and each slot machine, and diagnoses if the network functions properly. 
     After the above-described processing, the CPU controls proceeding of the game executed in a plurality of the slot machines by reading and executing a game control program. 
     According to the slot machine IC of the present embodiment, a condition for generation of the feature game (the free game or the bonus game) is a completion of a predetermined picture in the symbol matrix SM, and the condition is different from a mere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, and player&#39;s interest in the feature game can be fully attracted. 
     Further, according to the slot machine  10  of the present embodiment, as triggered by an establishment of such a condition for the generation of a feature game, the feature symbols are rearranged after scroll-displayed in the predetermined display area in which the predetermined picture have been displayed (the second display area  100 B to the fourth display area  100 D). In the case that the predetermined picture is completed, it is highly possible that the player&#39;s attention is focused on, the area displaying the picture therein. In such area, a scroll-display of the feature symbols is started. Further, the player usually does not experience another variable display of the symbols after the symbols are once stop-displayed and before the next game is started. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player visibly enjoy a state of the scroll-display of the feature symbols, as well as having the player surprised. Further, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be increased. As a result, the player&#39;s interest in the feature game is also increased. 
     According to the slot machine  10  of the present embodiment, the normal symbols and the special symbols are scroll-displayed in different directions. Accordingly, since the direction of the scroll-display of the feature symbols is different from the direction familiar to the player, it is possible to provide a novel element to the player watching the state of the scroll-display of the feature symbols. Accordingly, the player&#39;s expectation for the completion of the predetermined picture can be further increased. 
     Furthermore, according to the slot machine  10  of the present embodiment, after the completion of the predetermined picture, the specific picture is displayed as a result of sorting of the symbols. Accordingly, the player can visibly enjoy sequential events including the completion of the predetermined picture, the variable display of the feature symbols, and the display of the specific picture. Consequently, the player&#39;s interest in the predetermined picture, specific picture and the feature symbols can be significantly increased, so that the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     According to the slot machine  10  of the present embodiment, it is possible to have the player recognize what type of the feature game (the free game or the bonus game) for what number of times (10 times or 50 times) to be executed by watching the type of the specific picture formed by the stop-displayed feature symbols. Therefore, it is possible to have the player greatly interested in which specific picture to be displayed. Accordingly, in the case that the displayed specific picture is corresponding to the feature game desired by the player, the player may be delighted, and in the case that the displayed specific picture is corresponding to the feature game not desired by the player, the player may be disappointed. As a result, what type of the specific picture is displayed can take the player through emotional ups and downs. Consequently, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     In the above-described embodiment, there has been described the case where the symbols (the normal symbol and the special symbol) are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in the lower image display panel  16  (the case where the slot machine  10  is a so-called video slot machine). However, a slot machine of the present invention may be configured such that the symbols (the normal symbol and the special symbol) are stop-displayed by using a so-called mechanical reel. 
     In the following, a slot machine  310  having such a configuration will be described. 
     It is to be noted that in the following, the same constituents as those of the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment are described while provided with the same numerals. 
     Further, a description will be omitted as for a part to which the description of the slot machine  10  is applicable. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a s-lot machine according to another embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , five reels  314  ( 314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E) are rotatably provided within a cabinet  11 . On the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels  314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E, there are drawn symbol sequences constituted by normal symbols such as “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “UMBRELLA”, “CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”, and the special symbols each showing a picture piece for forming the predetermined picture (picture  110 , see  FIG. 1D ). 
     At the center portion of the lower image display panel  16 , there is provided a display area  328  for displaying the symbols. Within the display area  328 , there are formed five display windows  315  ( 315 A,  315 B,  315 C,  315 D and  315 E) visible through their backs surfaces. Further, the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels  314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E are displayed on a three-by-three basis, through the display windows  315 A,  315 B,  315 C,  315 D and  315 E. 
     As triggered by the display of the predetermined picture (the predetermined picture is completed) by the special symbols stop-displayed on the reel  314 B, the reel  314 C and the reel  314 D, the main CPU  41  executes the following processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines the type and the number of the feature came based on the number of BET (see step S 18  in  FIG. 6 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  executes the feature symbol rearrangement processing (see step S 19  in  FIG. 6 ) in a predetermined position of the display area  328 . The predetermined position refers to the position to which the symbols (nine special symbols for forming the predetermined picture) drawn on the peripheral faces of the reel  314 B, the reel  314 C and the reel  314 D are displayed. The main CPU  41  displays an opaque symbol matrix to the position. The symbol matrix is capable of rearranging a total of nine feature symbols in three rows and three columns therein. The main CPU  41  rearranges in the symbol matrix the feature symbols for forming the specific picture corresponding to the type and the number of the feature game determined based on the number of BET. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  executes the feature game of the type determined based on the number of BET for the number of times determined based on the number of SET (see step S 20  in  FIG. 6 ). 
     The processing according to the determination of the feature symbols to be rearranged, the feature symbol rearrangement processing, and the processing according to the execution of the feature game are virtually the same processing as the processing of step S 18  to step S 20  in  FIG. 6 , and therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. 
     As a result of the above processing executed by the main CPU  41 , after the scroll-display of the feature symbols are conducted in such a manner that the symbols drawn on the peripheral faces of the reels  314 B,  314 C, and  314 D (nine special symbols for forming the predetermined picture) are covered, the specific picture is displayed and the feature game of the type corresponding to the specific picture is executed for the number of 1 times corresponding to the specific picture. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof these embodiments merely illustrate concrete examples, not restrict the present invention. The concrete structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art wile easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention. 
     In the aforementioned detailed description, there have been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processing described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description.