Patent Publication Number: US-2009221350-A1

Title: Gaming Machine Using Special Symbol To Be Variably Displayed And Playing Method Thereof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from provisional application No. 61/033,091, which was filed on Mar. 3, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing method thereof. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The gaming machine includes a slot machine, for example. In a conventional slot machine, when a player inserts a game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the gaming machine and presses a start button, symbols are scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and the symbols are then stopped automatically. 
     In such gaming machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 B2 or U.S. Patent No. 2002065124A1, for example, when the symbols stopped on a winning line constitute a predetermined combination, the predetermined numbers of game media are paid out as a win. In addition, when a certain symbol referred to as scatter symbol is displayed on the display, a predetermined number of game media are paid out in accordance with the number of scatter symbols displayed, irrespective of the winning line. 
     In the conventional slot machines, a bonus game may be executed when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, separately from a base game in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out in accordance with a combination of symbols or the number of scatter symbols. A player should understand a rule so as to determine a situation of whether a payout is awarded in the bonus game. 
     Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a slot machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is not provided to the above prior arts and is easy to a player, and a playing method thereof. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a slot machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is easy to a player, and a playing method thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a gaming machine having the following structures and including: a display area in which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged; and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (a1) to (a5). Specifically, the controller operates: (a1) to execute a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols on the display area, based on a predetermined timing; (a2) to determine whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol; (a3) when it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, to start a variable display in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged; (a4) to execute a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols except the special symbol, as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; and (a5) to award a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     According to the above structure, a first rearrangement of rearranging symbols in a display area based on a predetermined timing is executed. It is determined whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, a variable display is started in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged. As a stop mode of the variable display in the area, any one of the symbols except the special symbol is rearranged. As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     The invention provides a gaming machine having the following structures and including: a display area of a matrix type having a plurality of grids in which a plurality of symbols are respectively arranged; a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged; and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (b1) to (b5). Specifically, the controller operates: (b1) to execute a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols on the display area, based on a predetermined timing; (b2) to determine whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol; (b3) when it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, to emphasizingly display an area of the grid in which the special symbol is rearranged and to start a variable display in the area of the grid; (b4) to execute a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols except the special symbol, as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; and (b5) to award a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     According to the above structure, a first rearrangement is executed in which symbols are respectively rearranged in grids of a display area of a matrix type, based on a predetermined timing. It is determined whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, an area of the grid in which the special symbol is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed and a variable display is started in the area. As a stop mode of the variable display in the area, any one of the symbols except the special symbol is rearranged. As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when a special symbol is rearranged, the grid of the area in which the special symbol is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed. Accordingly, a player can easily fix the eyes on the grid related to a result of the second rearrangement, so that an entertainment characteristic can be increased. 
     The invention provides a gaming machine having the following structures and including: a display area in which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged; and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (c1) to (c5). Specifically, the controller operates: (c1) to execute a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols on the display area, based on a predetermined timing; (c2) to determine whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol; (c3) when it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, to determine whether there is a possibility that the payout is awarded; (c4) when there is a possibility that the payout is awarded, to start a variable display in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged; (c5) to execute a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols except the special symbol, as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; (c6) when there is no possibility that the payout is awarded, to prohibit the variable display in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged; and (c7) to award a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     According to the above structure, a first rearrangement of rearranging symbols in a display area based on a predetermined timing is executed. It is determined whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, a variable display is started in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged. As a stop mode of the variable display in the area, any one of the symbols except the special symbol is rearranged. As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when there is no possibility of a payout even though the second rearrangement has been performed, the second rearrangement is not executed. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a player to see the variable display that is not related to a payout, so that a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     The invention provides a gaming machine having the following structures and including: a display area of a matrix type having a plurality of grids in which a plurality of symbols are respectively arranged; a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged; and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (d1) to (d7). Specifically, the controller operates: (d1) to execute a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols on the display area, based on a predetermined timing; (d2) to determine whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol; (d3) when it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, to determine whether there is a possibility that the payout is awarded; (d4) when there is a possibility that the payout is awarded, to emphasizingly display an area of the grid in which the special symbol is rearranged and to start a variable display in the area of the grid; (d5) to execute a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols except the special symbol, as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; (d6) when there is no possibility that the payout is awarded, to prohibit the variable display in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged; and (d7) to award a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     According to the above structure, a first rearrangement of rearranging symbols based on a predetermined timing is executed. It is determined whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, a variable display is started in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged. As a stop mode of the variable display in the area, any one of the symbols except the special symbol is rearranged. As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when a special symbol is rearranged, the grid of the area in which the special symbol is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed. Accordingly, a player can easily fix the eyes on the grid related to a result of the second rearrangement, so that an entertainment characteristic can be increased. 
     In addition, when there is no possibility of a payout even though the second rearrangement has been performed, the second rearrangement is not executed. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a player to see the variable display that is not related to a payout, so that a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine using a display area in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged and a controller that is programmed to operate as described in the following steps. The method includes the steps of: executing a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols on the display area, based on a predetermined timing; determining whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol; when it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, starting a variable display in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged; executing a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols except the special symbol, as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; and awarding a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     According to the above structure, a first rearrangement of rearranging symbols in a display area based on a predetermined timing is executed. It is determined whether the symbols rearranged on the display area include a special symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a special symbol, a variable display is started in the area in which the special symbol is rearranged. As a stop mode of the variable display in the area, any one of the symbols except the special symbol is rearranged. As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a playing method of a gaming machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a gaming machine; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a display state of a central liquid crystal panel; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a display state of a central liquid crystal panel; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a display state of a central liquid crystal panel; 
         FIG. 6  shows symbols and code numbers thereof; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates paylines of a central liquid crystal panel; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a slot machine according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of a slot machine; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of a graphic board of a slot machine; 
         FIG. 11  shows a payout management table; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart of a starting process that is executed in a slot machine; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart of an initial process that is executed in a slot machine; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart of a game executing process that is executed in a slot machine; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a slot machine according to a second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention and a playing method thereof will be described. 
     A gaming machine  101  (slot machine  1 ) includes a display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ) in which symbols  180  are arranged, a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols arranged and a controller  100  that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (a1) to (a5). 
     To be more specific, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gaming machine includes a display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ) in which symbols  180  are arranged, a game executing unit  110  that executes a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  arranged, a symbol memory  109  that stores all the symbols  180 , a first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105  that determines the symbols  180  to be rearranged on the display area  150 , a first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  that stores the symbols  180  determined, a display control unit  111  that rearranges the determined symbols  180  on the display area  150  based on a predetermined timing, a special symbol determining unit  103  that determines whether the symbols  180  stored in the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  include a special symbol  190 , a second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107  that determines the symbols  180  to be rearranged in a second rearrangement when the symbols  180  stored in the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  include a special symbol  190 , a second rearrangement display symbol memory  108  that stores the determined symbols  180 , a combination payout determining unit  112  that determines a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, and a payout award unit  113  that awards the determined payout. 
     The controller  100  is structured to execute a program to operate as described in the steps of (a1) to (a5). Specifically, in the step of (a1), the controller executes a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ), based on a predetermined timing. In the step of (a2), the controller determines whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 . In the step of (a3), when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , the controller starts a variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (a4), the controller executes a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (a5), the controller awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine  101  (slot machine  1 ) can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area  150  as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     Here, the “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols  180  are allowed to be visible with naked eyes of an exterior player. In other words, in  FIG. 1 , it means a state that the symbols  180  are displayed on display windows  151  to  153 . In the meantime, the “rearrangement” means arranging the symbols  180  again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols. 
     In the meantime, the “gaming machine  101 ” may be a one player-type or a multiplayer-type. The examples of the multiplayer-type may include a gaming machine that executes a roulette game, a horse race game, a motorboat race game, a bicycle race game and the like, on condition that many players take part in the game. Furthermore, the gaming machines such as slot machine in which one player executes a game are connected to each other in data communication manner, thereby constituting a multiplayer player-type gaming machine. 
     The gaming machine  101  structured as described above executes a playing method including the steps of: executing a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150 , based on a predetermined timing; determining whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 ; when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , starting a variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged; executing a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area; and awarding a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine  101  can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, the gaming machine  101  may be structured to emphasizingly display the special symbol  190  when the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the gaming machine  101  includes a display area  150  of a matrix type having grids in which symbols  180  are respectively arranged; and a controller  100  that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (b1) to (b5). 
     In the step of (b1), the controller executes a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ), based on a predetermined timing. In the step of (b2), the controller determines whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 . In the step of (b3), when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , the controller emphasizingly displays an area of the grid in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged and starts a variable display in the area of the grid. In the step of (b4), the controller executes a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (b5), the controller awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine  101  can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area  150  as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when a special symbol  190  is rearranged, the grid of the area in which the special symbol is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed. Accordingly, a player can easily fix the eyes on the grid related to a result of the second rearrangement, so that an entertainment characteristic can be increased. 
     In addition, the gaming machine  101  may be structured not to execute the second rearrangement when there is no possibility of a payout even though the special symbol  190  has been rearranged. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  101  may include a payout award determining unit  114  that determines whether there is a possibility that a payout by a second rearrangement is awarded, a second rearrangement prohibition unit  115  that prohibits a variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged when there is no possibility that a payout by a second rearrangement is awarded, and a controller  100  that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (c1) to (c7). 
     In the step of (c1), the controller executes a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ), based on a predetermined timing. In the step of (c2), the controller determines whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 . In the step of (c3), when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , the controller determines whether there is a possibility that the payout is awarded. In the step of (c4), when there is a possibility that the payout is awarded, the controller starts a variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (c5), the controller executes a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (c6), when there is no possibility that the payout is awarded, the controller prohibits the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (c7), the controller awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine  101  can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area  150  as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when there is no possibility of a payout even though the second rearrangement has been performed, the second rearrangement is not executed. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a player to see the variable display that is not related to a payout, so that a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     In addition, the gaming machine  101  may be structured to emphasizingly display the special symbol  190  and not to execute the second rearrangement when there is no possibility of a payout even though the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In other words, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gaming machine may include a display area  150  of a matrix type having grids in which symbols  180  are respectively arranged, a payout award determining unit  114  that determines whether there is a possibility that a payout by a second rearrangement is awarded, a second rearrangement prohibition unit  115  that prohibits a variable display in the area in which a special symbol  190  is rearranged when there is possibility that a payout by a second rearrangement is awarded, and a controller  100  that is programmed to operate as described in the steps of (d1) to (d7). 
     In the step of (d1), the controller executes a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ), based on a predetermined timing. In the step of (d2), the controller determines whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 . In the step of (d3), when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , the controller determines whether there is a possibility that the payout is awarded. In the step of (d4), when there is a possibility that the payout is awarded, the controller emphasizingly displays an area of the grid in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged and starts a variable display in the area of the grid. In the step of (d5), the controller executes a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (d6), when there is no possibility that the payout is awarded, the controller prohibits the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In the step of (d7), the controller awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     Thereby, a player who plays a game with the gaming machine  101  can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display area as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     In addition, when a special symbol  190  is rearranged, the grid of the area in which the special symbol is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed. Accordingly, a player can easily fix the eyes on the grid related to a result of the second rearrangement, so that an entertainment characteristic can be increased. 
     In addition, when there is no possibility of a payout even though the second rearrangement has been performed, the second rearrangement is not executed. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a player to see the variable display that is not related to a payout, so that a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     (Display Area  150 ) 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  101  that executes the above playing method includes a display area  150 , a controller  100  and a game start unit  102  that starts a game by an operation from outside. The display area  150  is structured to arrange the symbols  180 . The symbols  180  include symbols  181  to  189  and a special symbol  190 . 
     The display area  150  may be a mechanical structure with a reel device for arranging the symbols  180  by rotation of a reel or electrical structure with a video reel on which an image is displayed for arranging the symbols  180 . Further, the display area  150  may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display device and the like. In addition, the display area  150  is a matrix type having grids in which the symbols are respectively arranged. However, the invention is not limited thereto. 
     (Structure of the Controller  100 ) 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the controller  100  includes a game executing unit  110 , a symbol memory  109 , a first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105 , a first rearrangement display symbol memory  106 , a display control unit  111 , a special symbol determining unit  103 , a second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107 , a second rearrangement display symbol memory  108 , a combination payout determining unit  112  and a payout award unit  113 . 
     The game executing unit  110  is structured to execute a game that awards a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  arranged. To be more specific, the game executing unit  103  starts a variable display of the arranged symbols  180  on the display area  150  with an operating signal, as trigger, from the game start unit  102 , and then executes a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  at a timing that a predetermined time has elapsed since the variable display was started. In addition, when a special symbol  190  is rearranged in the first rearrangement, it executes a second rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. In addition, it transmits a control signal to each block of the controller  100 , thereby controlling each block. 
     The symbol memory  109  is structured to store all the symbols  180 . It is referred to when determining the symbols  180  to be rearranged in the first and second rearrangements. The first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105  is structured to determine the symbols  180  that are rearranged on the display area  150 . The symbols  180  that are determined by the first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105  includes the special symbol  190 . The first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  is structured to store therein the symbols  180  determined by the first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105 . 
     The special symbol determining unit  103  determines whether the symbols  180  stored in the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  include a special symbol  180 . The second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107  is structured to determine the symbols  180  that are rearranged in the second rearrangement, when the symbols  180  stored in the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  include a special symbol  180 . The symbols  180  determined by the second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107  do not include a special symbol  190 . The second rearrangement display symbol memory  108  is structured to store therein the symbols  180  determined by the second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107 . 
     The display control unit  111  is structured to rearrange the symbols  180 , which are respectively determined in the first and second rearrangement. The combination payout determining unit  112  is structured to determine a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180 , as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. The payout award unit  113  is structured to award a payout determined by the combination payout determining unit  112 . 
     In addition, the controller  100  includes a payout award determining unit  114  that determines whether there is a possibility that a payout by the second rearrangement is awarded, and a second rearrangement prohibition unit  115  that prohibits a variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged, when there is no possibility that a payout by the second rearrangement is awarded. However, the invention is not limited thereto. 
     Each block of the controller  105  may be embodied in hardware or software, as required. 
     (Operation of the Controller  100 ) 
     With the above structure, an operation of the controller  100  will be described. The operation of the controller  100  is such that each structure is executed on the basis of a control signal form the game executing unit  110 . When the game start unit  102  is operated, an operating signal is transmitted to the game executing unit  110 . The game executing unit  110  starts a game, based on the operating signal received. 
     Then, the first rearrangement symbol determining unit  105  determines the symbols  180  to be rearranged on the display area  150  in the first rearrangement. To be more specific, the symbols  180  to be respectively rearranged in the grids of the display area  150  are determined from the symbols  180  stored in the symbol memory  109 . The determined symbols  180  are transmitted as a signal to the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106 . The first rearrangement display symbol memory  106  stores therein the symbols  180  received. 
     Then, based on a control signal from the game executing unit  110 , the display control unit  111  refers to the symbols  180  to be rearranged in the first rearrangement from the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106 . The display control unit  111  rearranges the symbols  180  on the display area  150 , based on the information referred to. 
     Then, the game executing unit  110  acquires the symbols  180  rearranged in the first rearrangement, which are stored in the first rearrangement display symbol memory  106 , and transmits a control signal including the symbols  180  rearranged to the special symbol determining unit  103 . The special symbol determining unit  103  determines whether the symbols  180  rearranged include a special symbol, based on the control signal transmitted. 
     When the special symbol determining unit  103  determines that a special symbol  190  is included, the payout award determining unit  114  determines, based on the control signal transmitted from the game executing unit  110 , whether there is a possibility that a payout is awarded, as a result of the second rearrangement in the area of the special symbol  190 . 
     When there is a possibility that a payout is awarded, the display control unit  111  emphasizingly displays an area of the grid of the display area  150 , in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged and starts a variable display in the area of the corresponding grid. Then, based on the control signal from the game executing unit  110 , the second rearrangement symbol determining unit  107  determines the symbol  180 , as a stop mode of the variable display. As a stop symbol in the second rearrangement, any one except the special symbol  190  is determined. The determined symbol  190  is transmitted as a signal to the second rearrangement display symbol memory  108 . The second rearrangement display symbol memory  108  stores therein the symbol  180  received. 
     Then, based on a control signal from the game executing unit  110 , the display control unit  111  refers to the symbol  180  to be rearranged in the second rearrangement from the second rearrangement display symbol memory  108 . The display control unit  111  rearranges the symbol  180  on the area of the display area  150 , in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged, based on the information referred to. 
     In the meantime, when there is no possibility that a payout is awarded, the second rearrangement prohibition unit  115  prohibits a variable display in the area of the display area  150 , in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. 
     After that, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, a payout is awarded in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged. 
     First Embodiment 
     In the followings, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 15 . 
     (Display State) 
     An example will be described in which the gaming machine  101  is applied to a slot machine  1 .  FIGS. 3 to 5  illustrate an example of a display state on the display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153  on the central liquid crystal panel  5 B in the slot machine  1  and the playing method thereof. Meantime, in this embodiment, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B arranges the symbols  180  in a video reel manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the central liquid crystal panel  5 B has display windows  151  to  153  that arrange the symbols  180 . The display windows  151  to  153  are arranged in a center of the central liquid crystal panel  5 B. A game of the slot machine  1  according to this embodiment executes a first rearrangement and a second rearrangement in the display windows  151  to  153 . In the first rearrangement, a symbol column consisting of the symbols  180  is scrolled in the display windows  151  to  153  (see the top of  FIG. 3 ). In addition, the respective display windows  151  to  153  are divided into upper stages  151   a,    152   a,    153   a,  central stages  151   b,    152   b,    153   b  and lower stages  151   c,    152   c,    153   c,  as shown in the bottom of  FIG. 3 . The symbols  180  are respectively stopped (arranged) in the respective stages  151   a  to  153   a,    151   b  to  153   b,    151   c  to  153   c.  For example, in  FIG. 3 , a symbol of “SUN”  181  is stopped in the upper stage  151   a  of the display window  151 , a symbol of “SUN”  181  is stopped in the central stage  152   b  of the display window  152  and a symbol of “SUN”  181  is stopped in the lower stage  153   c  of the display window  153 . Thereby, the display windows  151  to  153  display a symbol matrix consisting of 3 columns/3 rows. In other words, the display windows  151  to  153  consist of a matrix type having nine grids. In the meantime, the symbol matrix is not limited to 3 columns/3 rows. 
     In addition, the second rearrangement is executed when a special symbol  190  is rearranged on the display windows  151  to  153  as a result of the first rearrangement. To be more specific, as shown in the top of  FIG. 4 , when the special symbols  190  are rearranged by the first rearrangement, the contour lines of the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged are emphasizingly displayed in a thicker line than those of the other grids. In other words, the areas in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged are emphasizingly displayed, so that a player can fix the eyes on the grids in which the second rearrangement is executed. 
     Then, as shown in the center of  FIG. 4 , a variable display is started in the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged. Here, the special symbol  190  is a design showing a cylinder having a horizontal axis and a letter of “S” depicted on a side thereof. The variable display in the girds in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged is such shown that the cylinders are scrolled. In the meantime, the design of the special symbol  190 , the emphasizing display of the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged and the variable display in the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged are not limited to the above. 
     Then, as shown in the bottom of  FIG. 4 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged, a second rearrangement is executed in which any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190  is rearranged. For example, in the bottom of  FIG. 4 , a symbol of “7”  188  is stopped on the lower stage  151   c  of the display window  151 , a symbol of “7”  188  is stopped on the central stage  152   b  of the display window  152 , a symbol of “WILD”  189  is stopped on the upper stage  153   a  of the display window  153  and a symbol of “WILD”  189  is stopped on the lower stage  153   c  of the display window  153 . In addition, in this embodiment, although the symbols of “7”  188  and “WILD”  189  are rearranged by the second rearrangement, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, any one of all the symbols except the special symbol  190  of the symbols  180  may be rearranged. 
     As a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement, it is determined whether a winning combination is made in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, and a payout is awarded to a player. Meantime, the winning combination will be described later. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 5 , when there is no possibility that a payout is awarded to a player because a winning combination is not made even though the special symbols  190  are rearranged, a variable display in the grids in which the special symbols  190  are rearranged is not started. Like this, when there is no possibility that a payout is awarded, a second rearrangement is not executed, so that it is not necessary for a player to see a variable display that is not related to a payout. Accordingly, a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     (Symbol, Winning Combination and the Like) 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the symbols  180  to be displayed on the display windows  151  to  153  of the central liquid crystal panel  5 B by the first rearrangement constitute the symbol columns by 22 symbols. The symbols constituting the respective symbol columns are given with one code number of 0˜21, respectively. Each of the symbol columns is constituted with a combination of picture symbols of “SUN”  181 , “HEART”  182  and “MOON”  183  and letter symbols of “A”  184 , “J”  185 , “K”  186 , “Q”  187  and “7”  188 . Meantime, a symbol of “7”  188  or a letter symbol of “WILD”  189  that is not included in the above symbol columns is rearranged by the second rearrangement. 
     In addition, for each symbol  180 , various winning combinations are determined in advance. The winning combination is such a combination that a combination of symbols  180  stopped on the payline  160  allows an advantageous state to a player. The advantageous state is a state in which a coin is paid out as a payout in accordance with the winning combination, a state in which the payout-number of coins is added to the credit, a state in which a bonus game is started, and the like. 
     In the meantime, the bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than a base game. In this embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a player to play a game for a predetermined number of times, without betting a coin. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, i.e., it is more advantageous than the base game. For example, the bonus game may include a state in which it is possible to obtain more game media than the base game, a state in which it is possible to obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the base game, a state in which a game medium is less consumed than in the base game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, a second game, a feature game and the like are examples of the bonus game. 
     A winning combination is made by the symbols  180  that are stopped on the payline  160  set on the display windows  151  to  153 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the payline  160  includes a horizontal top line  160   b,  a horizontal center line  160   c  and a horizontal bottom line  160   d,  each of which horizontally traverses the three symbols  180  arranged vertically, a cross down line  160   a  and a cross up line  160   e,  each of which diagonally traverses, and a vertical left line  160   f,  a vertical center line  160   g  and a vertical right line  160   h,  each of which vertically traverses the three symbols  180  arranged vertically. When the same symbols  180  are rearranged on the paylines  160   a  to  160   h,  a winning combination is made. 
     Here, a letter symbol of “WILD”  189  is a symbol that substitutes any symbol  180 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , when a symbol of “7”  188  is rearranged on the lower stage  151   c  of the display window  151 , a symbol of “7”  188  is rearranged on the central stage  151   b  of the display window  152  and a symbol of “WILD”  189  is rearranged on the upper stage  153   a  of the display window  153 , the symbol of “WILD”  189  becomes a substitute for the symbol of “7”  188 , so that a winning combination of “7” is made on the cross up line  160   e  of the payline  160 . In addition, in an example of the rearrangement of  FIG. 7 , a winning combination of “A” is made on the horizontal top line  160   b  and a winning combination of “MOON” is made on the vertical right line  160   h.    
     In the meantime, the invention is not to limited to the case where a winning combination is made based on the symbols  180  on the payline  160 . For example, each of the symbols  180  may be set as a scatter symbol. To be more specific, it may be possible that when a predetermined number or more of the scatter symbols are displayed on the display windows  151  to  153 , a winning combination is made and a gaming state becomes advantageous to a player. 
     (Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure) 
       FIG. 8  is an external perspective view showing an outlined structure of the slot machine  1  according to this embodiment. The slot machine  1  is an upright-type slot machine provided in a game arcade such as casino and the like. The slot machine  1  has a cabinet  3  for receiving electrical or mechanical parts so as to execute a game aspect. The cabinet  3  has a shape that is longitudinally long. As a display unit  4  for displaying the game information based on a game operation of a player, there are provided an upper variable display unit  4 A, a central variable display unit  4 B and a lower variable display unit  4 C, for example. Each of the display units  4 A,  4 B,  4 C is attached to a front of the cabinet  3  that is longitudinally long. 
     The upper variable display unit  4 A is a display unit on which a player fixes the eyes during the unit game and has a transparent upper liquid crystal panel  5 A that is fixed to a front door of the cabinet  3 . A variety of effect images are displayed in the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A during the unit game. For example, an effect of a moving picture is performed in the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A when a winning is made, for example. 
     The central variable display unit  4 B is a rotating symbol display panel on which a player always fixes the eyes and has a transparent central liquid crystal panel  5 B that is fixed to the front door of the cabinet  3 . To the central liquid crystal panel  5 B are provided three display windows  151  to  153  as a display area in which the symbols  180  are arranged. Moreover, a payout-number display unit  8  and a credit-number display unit  9  are displayed in an upper part of the central liquid crystal panel  5 B. In the meantime, a display state of the display windows  151  to  153  that are displayed on the central liquid crystal panel  5 B will be specifically described later. 
     The lower variable display unit  4 C has a lower liquid crystal panel  5 C that displays a point-number recorded in a card or a point-number of a game. A numerical value displayed in the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C is based on a display result of the central variable display unit  4 B. When a winning combination is made in the central variable display unit  4 B, a point-number of a game displayed in the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C is added on the basis of the winning combination made. A ticket printer  14  is provided to a left side of the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C and a card reader  15  is provided to a right side of the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C. 
     An operating table  10  that protrudes forward from the front face of the cabinet  3  is disposed below the lower variable display unit  4 C. On the operating table  10 , there are arranged operating buttons  11  as an operating unit enabling a player to operate a game. To be more specific, the operating buttons  11  include a start button  23 , a change button  24 , a cashout button  25 , a 1-BET button  26  and a MAX-BET button  27 . In addition, a coin insertion slot  12  and a bill insertion slot  13  are provided to the operating table  10 . 
     The start button  23  is a button for inputting an instruction to start a variable display (scroll) of symbols. The change button  24  is a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cashout button  25  is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total credit-number into a coin receiving portion  19 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin, among coins of the total credit-number, per one game. The MAX-BET button  27  is a button for inputting an instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among coins of the total credit-number, per one game. 
     A waist-position panel  17  is disposed below the operating table  10 . The waist-position panel  17  is a plastic panel having a game-related image printed thereto. The waist-position panel  17  is fixed to a lower front door  18  and illuminated by a cold cathode-ray tube. In addition, a coin receiving portion  19  that collects coins, which are paid out on the basis of a game result, is disposed below the waist-position panel  17 . 
     Furthermore, a light-emitting unit  56  is disposed to the cabinet  3  of the slot machine  1  so that it surrounds a game area including the upper variable display unit  4 A, the central variable display unit  4 B, the lower variable display unit  4 C and the operating table  10 . The light-emitting unit  56  comprises side lamps  46  that are provided to inclined parts  21 , which are protruded in a bow shape at front right and left ends of the cabinet  3  and at side parts over the upper variable display unit  4 A, the central variable display unit  4 B and the lower variable display unit  4 C, speaker lamps  47  that are provided to arc-shaped speaker  57 , which are sideways protruded at the right and left ends of the cabinet  3  adjacent to the operating table  10 , and are arranged along edges of the speakers  57 , under lamps  48  that are provided to a lower front door  18  and arranged along lower edges of the waist-position panel  17 , and top lamps  49  that are provided to an upper part of the upper variable display unit  4 A and have power lamps  26   a  disposed at both sides and central band-shaped lamps  49   b  arranged in a horizontal direction. 
     (Electrical Structure of the Slot Machine  1 ) 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an entire electrical structure of the slot machine  1 . A control unit having the game controller  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is mounted in the cabinet  3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the control unit comprises a motherboard  40 , a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60 , a gaming board  50 , a sub CPU  61 , a door PCB  80 , and various switches and sensors. 
     The gaming board  50  is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  51 , a ROM  55  and a boot ROM  52  which are connected to each other by 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  stores a game program and a game system program therein. The game program includes a stop symbol determining program. The stop symbol determining program is a program for determining a symbol (code number corresponding to the symbol) to be stopped on the payline. The stop symbol determining program includes symbol weight data corresponding to each of plural payout rate (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weight data is data representing a correspondence relation between the code number of each symbol and 1 or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0-256) for each of the display windows  151  to  153 . 
     In addition, the memory card  53  stores a program that samples a random number. When a game executing process, a bonus game process and the like are executed, the random number sampling program is read to the RAM  43  and is executed by the main CPU  41 . In this embodiment, a random number sampling is executed by a program. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be provided a random number generator that generates a random number within a predetermined range and a sampling circuit that samples any number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator  35 . 
     The payout rate is determined on the basis of data for setting a payout rate, which data is outputted from the GAL  54 , and a stop symbol is determined on the basis of the symbol weight data corresponding to the payout rate. 
     Further, the memory card  53  stores various data used for the game program and the game system program. For example, the data, which represents a relationship between the symbols  180  displayed on the display windows  151  to  153  of  FIG. 1  and the code numbers, is stored in a data table form. Further, these data are transmitted to a RAM  43  of the motherboard  40  when executing the game program. 
     In addition, the card slot  53 S is structured to insert and remove the memory card  53  and connected to the motherboard  40  through an IDE bus. Thereby, as a change process having the steps of removing the memory card  53  from the card slot  53 S, writing another game program and game system program into the memory card  53  and inserting the memory card  53  into the card slot  53 S is executed, the gaming board  50  can change the types or contents of a game that is executed in the slot machine  1 . 
     The game program includes a program relating to a game progress and a program for shifting a gaming state to a bonus game. 
     The GAL  54  is provided with plural input and output ports. When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL  54  outputs data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports. The data outputted from the output ports is the data for setting a payout rate that has been described above. 
     The IC socket  54 S is structured to attach and detach the GAL  54 . The IC socket  54 S is associated with the motherboard  40  through a PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting a payout rate that is outputted from the GAL  54 , by detaching the GAL  54  from the IC socket  54 S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL  54  and then attaching the GAL  54  to the IC socket  54 S. 
     The CPU  51 , the ROM  55  and the boot ROM  52 , which are associated with each other by the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard  40  through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a signal transfer between the motherboard  40  and the gaming board  50  and supplies power to the gaming board  50  from the motherboard  40 . The ROM  55  stores nation identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM  52  stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU  51  to execute the preliminary authentication program. 
     The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the authentication program. 
     The motherboard  40  is provided with a main CPU  41  (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43  and a communication interface  44 . 
     The main CPU  41  has functions of a controller for controlling the whole slot machine  10 . In particular, the main CPU  41  carries out a control for outputting a command signal enabling the graphic board  67  to start a variable display in the display windows  151  to  153  when the start button  23  is pushed after a credit is bet, a control for determining symbols to be stopped after the variable display is started and a control for stopping the determined symbols on the display windows  151  to  153 . 
     In other words, the main CPU  41  has functions of an arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed on the central liquid crystal panel  5 B, and executing an arrangement control of the first rearrangement which will be stopped at the determined symbols from the scroll state. 
     To be more specific, the main CPU  41  functions as a controller  100  that executes a process of executing a first rearrangement of rearranging the symbols  180  on the display area  150  (display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 ), based on a predetermined timing; a process of determining whether the symbols  180  rearranged on the display area  150  include a special symbol  190 ; a process of when it is determined that the symbols  180  include a special symbol  190 , determining whether there is a possibility that a payout is awarded; a process of when there is a possibility that a payout is awarded, emphasizingly displaying an area of a grid in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged and starting a variable display in the area; a process of executing a second rearrangement of rearranging any one of the symbols  180  except the special symbol  190 , as a stop mode of the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged; a process of when there is no possibility that a payout is awarded, prohibiting the variable display in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged; and a process of awarding a payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols  180  rearranged, as a result of the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     The ROM  42  stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output System) to be executed by the main CPU  41 , and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the memory card  53  are read out through the gaming board  50 . The RAM  43  stores the data or program that is used when the main CPU  41  carries out a process. 
     The communication interface  44  is provided to communicate with a host computer and the like through a communication line, which are mounted in the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard  40  is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and the door PCB  80  through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard  40  is connected to a power unit  45 . When power is supplied to the motherboard  40  from the power unit  45 , the main CPU  41  of the motherboard  40  is operated and the power is supplied to the gaming board  50  through the PCI bus, so that the CPU  51  is also operated. 
     The main body PCB  60  and the door PCB  80  are associated with a device or apparatus for producing an input signal that is inputted to the main CPU  41 , and a device or apparatus that is controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The main CPU  41  executes the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM  43 , based on the input signal inputted to the main CPU  41 . Thereby, the main CPU  41  executes a process of carrying out an arithmetic process and storing a result thereof in the RAM  43 , a process of transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus as a process of controlling each device or apparatus, and the like. 
     The main body PCB  60  is associated with a light-emitting unit  56 , a hopper  64 , a coin detection unit  66 , a graphic board  67 , a speaker  57 , a bill validator  58 , a ticket printer  14  and a card reader  15 . The light-emitting unit  56  consists of the lamps including the side lamps  46 , the speaker lamps  47 , the under lamps  48  and the top lamps  49  or LEDs. 
     The turning on and off of the light-emitting unit  56  is controlled, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The hopper  64  is mounted in the cabinet  3  and pays out a predetermined number of coins to the coin receiving portion  19  from the coin payout slot  19 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The coin detection unit  66  is mounted in the coin payout slot  16 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when it detects that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout slot  16 . 
     The coin detection unit  66  measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper  64  and inputs data of the measured number to the main body PCB  60 . The main body PCB  60  outputs, based on the data of the measured number inputted, to the main CPU  41  a signal to notify the payout completion of the coins when it reaches a payout-number set. 
     The graphic board  67  controls an image display in the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the graphic board  67  has an interface circuit  81 , an image control CPU  82 , an image control work RAM  83 , an image control program ROM  84 , a VDP (Video Display Processor)  85 , an image ROM  86 , a video RAM  87  and a driving circuit  88 . 
     The image control CPU  82  receives a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41  through the interface circuit  81 . In addition, based on the control signal from the main CPU  41 , it determines an image that is displayed in the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the lower liquid crystal panel SC, in accordance with the image control program stored in the image control program ROM  84 . 
     The image control program ROM  84  stores an image control program that is related to a display in the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C, or various selection tables. The image control work RAM  83  is structured to serve as a temporary memory means when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU  82 . 
     The VDP  85  forms image data relating to the contents determined in the image control CPU  82 . The image ROM  86  stores dot data for forming an image such as the symbols  180  and the like. The video RAM  87  serves as a temporary memory means when an image is formed in the VDP  85 . The driving circuit  88  outputs the image data formed by the VDP  85  to the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C. Meantime, the image data that is used when generating the image data by the VDP is stored in the memory card  53  and is included in the game program that is read out from the memory card  53  and is temporarily stored in the RAM  43 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the speaker  57  outputs a variety of effect sounds when various effects are carried out on the basis of an output signal from the main body PCB  60 . The bill validator  58  reads an image of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot  13  and receives the normal bill in the cabinet  3 . In addition, when receiving the normal bill, the bill validator  58  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores a credit-number in the RAM  43 , which corresponds to the amount of bill transmitted by the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  14  prints a barcode on a ticket, in which data such as credit-number stored in the RAM  33 , the day and time and identification number of the slot machine  1  is coded, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , and then outputs a ticket having the barcode attached thereto. 
     The card reader  15  reads the data from a smart card to transmit it to the main CPU  41 , or writes the data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU  41 . 
     The door PCB  80  is associated with a control panel  20 , a reverter  12 S, a coin counter  12 C and a cold cathode tube  89 . 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 MAX-BET switch  27 S corresponding to the MAX-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 corresponding buttons  23  to  27  is operated by a player. 
     The coin counter  12 C is mounted in the coin insertion slot  12  and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin insertion slot  21  by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the genuine coin is discharged from the coin payout slot  16 . In addition, the coin counter  12 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when it detects a genuine coin. 
     The reverter  12 S is operated on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41  and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter  12 C, to a cash box (not shown) or hopper  64  mounted in the slot machine  10 . In other words, when the hopper  64  is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  12 S. In the mean time, when the hopper  64  is not fully filled with the coins, the genuine coin is distributed into the hopper  64 . The cold cathode tube  89  functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the upper liquid crystal panel  5 A, the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the lower liquid crystal panel  5 C and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     (Data Table) 
     Based on  FIG. 11 , a payout management table will be described. The payout management table is stored in the memory card  53  and is read out into the RAM  43  by the main CPU  41 . The payout management table is referred to when a winning combination is made and a payout is thus awarded to a player in the first rearrangement and/or the second rearrangement. 
     The payout management table has a column of winning combinations and a column of payouts. The column of winning combinations stores symbols that enable a payout to be awarded to a player when a winning combination is made. The column of payouts stores payouts per 1 BET, which correspond to the symbols that enable a payout to be awarded. 
     To be more specific, when a symbol of “J”  185  is stopped on the payline  160 , 5 coins (game media) per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “Q”  187  is stopped on the payline  160 , 8 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “K”  186  is stopped on the payline  160 , 10 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “A”  184  is stopped on the payline  160 , 15 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “MOON”  183  is stopped on the payline  160 , 20 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “HEART”  182  is stopped on the payline  160 , 30 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a symbol of “7”  188  is stopped on the payline  160 , 40 coins per 1 BET are paid out. In addition, when a combination of “SUN”  181  is stopped on the payline  160 , a bonus trigger is made, so that a gaming state is shifted to a bonus game from a basic game. Meantime, the payout contents such as the number of coins to be paid out are not limited to the above. 
     (Processing Operation of the Slot Machine  1 ) 
     In the followings, a process that is executed in the slot machine  1  will be described. After the main CPU  41  carries out a starting process, the main CPU  41  reads out the game program stored in the memory card  53 , so that a game is progressed. 
     (Processing Operation of the Gaming Machine  1 : Starting Process) 
     When power is supplied, the main CPU  41  of the slot machine  1  executes a starting process routine shown in  FIG. 12 . The starting process is a process that is executed by the motherboard  40  and the gaming board  50 . Meantime, it is assumed that the memory card  53  is inserted in the card slot  53 S and the GAL  54  is attached to the IC socket  54 S in the gaming board  50 . 
     First, when power is supplied in a power unit  45 , the motherboard  40  and the gaming board  50  are started. When the main control board  40  and the gaming board  50  are started, separate processes are carried out in parallel, respectively. In other words, in the gaming board  50 , the CPU  51  reads out the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM  52  and performs a preliminary authentication of confirming and verifying in advance that the authentication program is not falsified before it is loaded to the main control board  71  (S 1 ). In the meantime, in the motherboard  40 , the main CPU  41  executes the BIOS stored in the ROM  42  and develops the compressed data, which is incorporated in the BIOS, into the RAM  43  (S 2 ). Then, the main CPU  41  executes the BIOS developed into the RAM  33  to check and initialize the operations of the various peripheral devices (S 3 ). 
     The main CPU  41  is associated with the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  via the PCI bus. The main CPU  41  reads out the authentication program stored in the ROM  55  and stores the authentication program read in the RAM  43  (S 4 ). At this time, the main CPU  41  takes a check sum by an ADDSUM manner (standard check function) in accordance with a standard BIOS function of the BIOS, confirms whether the storing is positively carried out and stores the authentication program in the RAM  33 . 
     Then, the main CPU  41  confirms what is associated with the IDE bus, accesses the memory card  53  inserted in the card slot  53 S through the IDE bus and reads out the game program and the game system program from the memory card  53 . In this case, the main CPU  41  reads out the data constituting the game program and the game system program, by four bytes. Continuously, the main CPU  41  performs an authentication of confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program read are not falsified in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM  43  (S 5 ). 
     When the authentication process is normally ended, the main CPU  41  writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which are authentication objects (i.e., which are authenticated), in the RAM  43  (S 6 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  accesses the GAL  54  attached to the IC socket  54 S through the PCI bus, reads out the data for setting a payout rate and writes and stores it in the RAM  43  (S 7 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  reads out country identification information stored in the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  through the PCI bus and stores the country identification information read in the RAM  43  (S 8 ). 
     After executing the above processes, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads out and executes the game program and the game system program, thereby performing an initial process shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     (Processing Operation of the Gaming Machine  1 : Initial Process) 
     In the followings, an initial process that is executed in the gaming machine  1  will be described. When the starting process shown in  FIG. 12  is ended, the main CPU  41  reads out and executes an initial process routine shown in  FIG. 13  from the RAM  43 . 
     First, an operation check of each work memory of the RAM  43  and the like, an operation check of various sensors and an operation check of various electric spectaculars are performed (A 1 ). Then, it is determined whether all check results are normal or not (A 2 ). When it is determined that all check results are not normal (A 2 , NO), an abnormal signal is outputted (A 3 ) and the top lamps  49  and the like are turned on, so that an abnormal state is notified (A 4 ) and this routine is ended. 
     In the meantime, when it is determined that all check results are normal (A 2 , YES), a starting signal is outputted (A 5 ). Then, the game program and the game system program are read out from the RAM  43  (A 6 ). After that, based on the programs read, a demo screen is displayed on the central liquid crystal panel  5 B and the like (A 7 ), and this routine is ended. 
     (Processing Operation of the Gaming Machine  1 : Game Executing Process) 
     In the followings, a game executing process will be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . When the game executing process routine is carried out, the main CPU  41  determines whether a coin is bet or not (B 1 ). In this process, it is determined whether an input signal due to a push of the 1-BET button  26  or MAX-BET button  27  is received or not. When it is determined that a coin is not bet (B 1 , N 0 ), the step of B 1  is re-executed, so that the CPU waits until a coin is bet. 
     In the meantime, when it is determined that a coin is bet (B 1 , YES), the credit-number stored in the RAM  43  is subtracted in accordance with the coin-number (B 2 ). Meanwhile, when the number of coins bet is greater than the credit-number stored in the RAM  43 , the step of B 2  is re-executed without subtracting the credit-number. In addition, when the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit (in this embodiment, 50 pieces) allowing a player to bet a coin in a one game, a step of B 3  is executed without subtracting the credit-number. 
     Next, it is determined whether the start button is ON or not (B 3 ). When it is determined that the start button is not ON (B 3 , NO), the process is returned to the step of B 1 . Meanwhile, when it is determined that the start button is not ON (for example, the start button is not ON and an instruction to end the game is inputted), it is canceled the subtraction result in the step of B 2 . 
     In the meantime, when it is determined that the start button is ON (B 3 , YES), a symbol determining process is executed (B 4 ). In other words, nine symbols  190  are stopped which are stopped on the display windows  151  to  153 . Meantime, the information of the symbols determined is temporarily stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Then, the symbols  180  of the display windows  151  to  153  are scrolled (B 5 ). After the scroll of the symbols  180  is started and then a predetermined time (base time) has elapsed, the symbol matrix determined in the step of B 4  is stopped (first rearrangement) in the display windows  151  to  153  (B 6 ). 
     Then, it is determined whether a special symbol  190  is rearranged in the first rearrangement (B 7 ). In other words, based on the information of the symbols determined in the symbol determining process (B 4 ), which is stored in the RAM  43 , it is determined whether a special symbol  190  is rearranged. Meantime, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the determination may be carried out, based on the symbols that are actually stopped on the display windows  151  to  153 . When a special symbol  190  is rearranged (B 7 , YES), an area in which the special symbol  190  is arranged is emphasizingly displayed (B 8 ). In other words, as shown in the top of  FIG. 4 , the contour line of the grid of the area in which the special symbol  190  is arranged is emphasizingly displayed in a thicker line than those of the other grids. 
     Like this, the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed, so that a player can easily fix the eyes on the grids in which the second rearrangement is executed. 
     Then, it is determined, in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged, whether there is a possibility that a payout is awarded to a player, as a result of the second rearrangement (B 9 ). In other words, it is determined whether there is a payout possibility by verifying all the combinations in which any one of the symbol “7”  188  or symbol “WILD”  189  is applied to the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged. 
     When there is a payout possibility, a symbol is determined which will be rearranged in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged (B 10 ). Meantime, the information of the symbol determined is temporarily stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Then, a scroll display is started in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged (B 11 ). After a predetermined time (base time) has elapsed since the scroll display, the symbol determined in the process of B 10  is stopped (secondly rearranged) in the area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged (B 12 ). 
     When a special symbol  190  is not stopped in the process of B 7  (B 7 , NO), when there is no possibility of a payout by the second rearrangement (B 9 , NO) and after the process of B 12 , it is determined whether a combination is made or not, i.e., whether a combination of the symbols  180  stopped on the display windows  151  to  153  is a winning combination or not (B 13 ). 
     Like this, when there is no possibility of a payout by the second rearrangement in the process of B 9 , the processes of B 11  and B 12  are skipped, so that a second variable display is prohibited. Since it is not necessary for a player to see a variable display that is not related to a payout, a player&#39;s stress can be relieved. 
     In the process of B 13 , when it is determined that the combination is not a winning combination (B 1 , NO), this routine is ended. In the mean time, when it is determined that the combination is a winning combination (B 13 , YES), a payout process is executed (B 14 ). In other words, a payout-number of coins based on the winning combination made is calculated. When the coins to be paid out are stored, a predetermined number of credits are added to the credit-number stored in the RAM  43 . In the mean time, when the coins are paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper  64 , so that a predetermined number of coins are paid out through the coin receiving portion  19 . 
     Then, it is determined whether a bonus trigger is made as a winning combination (B 15 ). In other words, it is determined whether a combination of the symbol “SUN”  181  is arranged on the payline L in the display windows  151  to  153 . When it is determined that a bonus trigger is not made (B 15 , NO), this routine is ended. In the mean time, when it is determined that a bonus trigger is made (B 15 , YES), a bonus game process is executed (B 11 ). 
     During the bonus game process, a gaming state is shifted to a bonus game from a base game (basic game). To be more specific, a free game is awarded which allows a player to play a game for a predetermined number of times (10 times in this embodiment), without betting a coin. 
     Like this, a player who plays a game with the slot machine  1  can expect a payout by a result of the second rearrangement in the same display windows  151  to  153  as well as a payout by a result of the first rearrangement. Thus, an easy and new entertainment characteristic can be provided. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 . Meantime, the same members as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. 
     (Display State) 
     An example in which the gaming machine  101  is applied to a slot machine  201  will be described.  FIG. 14  is an external perspective  view showing an outlined structure of the slot machine  2   01 . The slot machine  201  of this embodiment is such structured that a central liquid crystal panel  205 B arranges the symbols  180  by a mechanical reel manner. Meantime, since the display state is same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. 
     (Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure) 
     Like the first embodiment, the central variable display unit  4 B is a rotating symbol display panel on which a player always fixes the eyes. The variable display unit  4 B has a transparent central liquid crystal panel  5 B that is fixed to the front door of the cabinet  3 . The central liquid crystal panel  205 B is provided with three display windows  151  to  153  to be transmissive, as a display area on which the symbols  180  are rearranged. In addition, reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R are disposed at a backside of the central liquid crystal panel  205 B. 
     Each of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R has an external shape of a cylinder provided to a same axis and includes the symbol columns depicted on an outer circumference surface thereon. The respective reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R are adapted to rotate in a constant rotation (for example, 80 revolutions per minute). The respective reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R are such structured that at least three symbols can be seen through the display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153 . In addition, an image can be displayed on the central liquid crystal panel  5 B corresponding to the display windows  151 ,  152 ,  153  and an image effect can be made by the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R. 
     (Electrical Structure) 
     The slot machine  201  has a reel driving circuit (not show) connected to the main body PCB  60 . The main body PCB controls the reel driving circuit in accordance with a control signal from the main CPU  41 . The reel driving circuit drives step motors connected to the reels  2 L, 2 C,  2 R, thereby executing a rotation control of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R. 
     To be more specific, the reel driving circuit includes a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a driver. The FPGA is a programmable electronic circuit such as LSI and serves as a control circuit of the step motor  152 . The driver serves as an amplifying circuit of a pulse to be inputted into the step motor  152 . The motor driving circuit is connected with the step motors to rotate the respective reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R. The step motors are step motors of a 1-2 phase exciting type. 
     In the invention, the exciting type of the step motor is not particularly limited. For example, a 2-phases exciting type, a 1-phase exciting type may be adopted. In addition, a DC motor may be adopted instead of the step motor. When a DC motor is adopted, the sub CPU  155  is connected with a D/A converter and a servo amplifier, sequentially. The servo amplifier is connected with the DC motor. In addition, a rotating position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder and a current rotating position of the DC motor is supplied, as data, to a deviation counter from the rotary encoder. 
     In addition, the main body PCB  60  is associated with an index detection circuit and a position change detection circuit. The index detection circuit is to detect positions of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R and can detect loss of synchronism of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R. 
     The position change detection circuit detects a change in stop positions of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R after the rotations of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R are stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit detects a change in the stop positions of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R, which is related to a case where the stop positions are changed to make a combination of the symbols which will forcibly be a winning combination by a player even though the combination of the symbols is actually not a winning combination. The position change detection circuit detects, for example pins (not shown) attached at a predetermined distance in the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R, thereby detecting a change in the stop positions of the reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R. 
     In the slot machine  201  as described above, the respective reels  2 L,  2 C,  2 R are rotated and three symbols  180  of the respective display windows  151  to  153  are stopped, respectively, so that the first rearrangement is executed. Further, in the first rearrangement, when a special symbol  190  is rearranged, an area in which the special symbol  190  is displayed is emphasizingly displayed and an image of the variable display of the second rearrangement is displayed on the central liquid crystal panel  205 B. Like this, also in this second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. 
     In the meantime, the slot machine  1  and the slot machine  201  of this embodiment are structured in such a manner that when a special symbol  190  is rearranged in the first rearrangement, an area in which the special symbol  190  is rearranged is emphasizingly displayed. However, the invention is not limited thereto. 
     In addition, the slot machine  1  and the slot machine  201  of this embodiment prohibit an execution of the variable display when there is no payout possibility in the second rearrangement. However, the invention is not limited thereto. 
     Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention. 
     The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions.