Patent Publication Number: US-2009239614-A1

Title: Slot Machine Having Special Symbol And Control Method Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/038,985 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 having special symbols 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. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, and U.S. Pat. No. 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. As described above, in these slot machines, a payout is varied depending on the positions of displayed symbols. 
     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 positions at which the scatter symbols are displayed. 
     Particularly, a slot machine which employs symbols all of which are constituted by scatter symbols (hereinafter, referred to as an all-scatter type slot machine) employs no concept of winning lines. That is, such a slot machine determines payouts regardless of the positions of symbols displayed to the display portion. As described above, such an all-scatter type slot machine uniquely conducts a payout based on the number of displayed symbols, without determining the presence or absence of the payout or varying an amount of the payout depending on the positions of displayed symbols. This may make games monotonous, thereby causing a player to get easily bored with games. 
     The present invention has been devised in view of the aforementioned circumstances and an object thereof is to provide a slot machine configured to rearrange scatter symbols in which a player hardly gets bored, 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 and US 2002-0065124-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The first aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the slot machine comprises: a display for arranging thereto a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) rearranging the normal symbol and/or the special symbol to the display, (B) stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display in the processing (A), (C) determining an amount of normal payout based on a number of the normal symbol for each type, the normal symbol having been rearranged in the processing (A), and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing (B). 
     According to the slot machine, a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds, as well as a normal symbol, is rearranged to a display. In the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, the payout patterns having been variably displayed are stop-displayed, and an amount of special payout is determined based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed therein. Namely, even in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the display, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on the payout number and the odds number on the stop-displayed payout pattern, out of the plurality of payout patterns included in the special symbol. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored. 
     Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value. 
     Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value, but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that the amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Preferably, the slot machine further has the following configuration. 
     Namely, a plurality of types of the special symbols are provided, and at least a single type of the special symbol having at least one payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is provided. 
     According to the slot machine, since a plurality of types of the special symbols is provided, it is possible to increase an interesting aspect of the game. Further, since the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is surely provided, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectancy for stop-display of the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon, and also to make the player play the game for a long period of time. 
     Preferably, the slot machine further has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the processing (B) includes processing of (B-1) stop-displaying, in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the display in the processing (A), the payout pattern with the payout number drawn thereon in at least one special symbol, out of the special symbol stop-displayed in the processing (A). 
     According to the lot machine, the payout pattern with the payout number drawn thereon is stop-displayed in at least one special symbol. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the case that only the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed and the amount of special payout cannot be determined, and also to prevent losing the player&#39;s motivation. 
     The second aspect of the invention provides a slot machine having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the slot machine comprising: a display for arranging thereto a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) rearranging the normal symbol and/or the special symbol having the payout patterns stop-displayed therein to the display, (B) determining whether or not the special symbol in number equal to or more than a fixed number has been rearranged to the display in the processing (A), (C) stop-displaying the payout patterns after a variable display thereof, when determining in the processing (B) that the special symbol in number equal to or more than the fixed number has been rearranged, (D) determining an amount of normal payout based on a number of the normal symbol for each type, the normal symbol having been rearranged in the processing (A), and (E) determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing (C). 
     According to the slot machine, special symbols having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or an odds number indicative of payout odds, as well as normal symbols are rearranged to the display. Further, when the special symbols in number equal to or more than a fixed number are rearranged to the display, payout patterns are variably displayed and then stop-displayed therein. Furthermore, the amount of special payout is determined based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout patterns stop-displayed therein. Namely, even when the special symbol is rearranged to the display, in the case that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are not rearranged to the display, the payout patterns are not variably displayed therein and the amount of special payout is not determined. This can strongly impress the existence of special symbols on the player. 
     Further, even when the payout patterns in the special symbol are variably displayed, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on the payout number and the odds number on the payout patterns stop-displayed therein, out of the plurality of payout patterns included in the special symbols. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored. 
     Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, the player can recognize the payout value easily. 
     Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value, but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that the amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     The third aspect of the invention provides a control method of a slot machine, the method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A) rearranging to a display a normal symbol and/or a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or a odds number indicative of payout odds; (B) stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display in the step (A); (C) determining an amount of normal payout based on a number of the normal symbol for each type, the normal symbol having been rearranged in the step (A), and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the step (B). 
     According to the control method of the slot machine, a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds, as well as a normal symbol, is rearranged to a display. In the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, the payout patterns having been variably displayed are stop-displayed, and an amount of special payout is determined based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed therein. Namely, even in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the display, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on the payout number and the odds number on the stop-displayed payout pattern, out of the plurality of payout patterns included in the special symbol. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored. 
     Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value. 
     Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value, but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that the amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exemplary view of a symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1B  is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1C  is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 1D  is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a slot machine of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a view illustrating symbols displayed to respective display blocks and the code Nos. of the respective symbols. 
         FIG. 4A  is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in special symbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns. 
         FIG. 4B  is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in first special symbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an activation processing. 
         FIG. 7  is a view illustrating a peripheral-device initialization processing. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of symbol determination processing. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of symbol determination processing. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-display control processing. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processing. 
         FIG. 12  is a view illustrating a relationship between a plurality of types of prizes and the numbers of coin-outs. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-display control processing according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processing according to the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment  
       FIGS. 1A to 1D  are exemplary views each illustrating a symbol matrix. 
     The symbol matrix SM illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 1D  is displayed to a lower image display panel  16  (a display according to the present invention) included in a slot machine  10  (see  FIG. 2 ). Display blocks  28  are capable of rearranging 15 symbols therein in total, along three rows and five columns. In the display blocks  28 , a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or an odds number indicative of payout odds drawn thereon are rearranged. 
     In the following description, both the normal symbol and the special symbol will be simply referred to as symbols. 
     When a player presses a spin button  23  (see  FIG. 3 ) included in the slot machine  10 , scrolling of symbols is started in the symbol matrix SM, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
     Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , 15 symbols are rearranged. Normal symbols such as “BELL” and “CHERRY” are stop-displayed, while special symbols are displayed such that payout patterns are scroll-displayed in the special symbols. 
     Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the payout patterns having been scroll-displayed in the special symbol are stop-displayed. The payout number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in a payout display frame  201  indicates a payout value and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  indicates payout odds. Further, a value obtained by multiplying a total sum of the payout value by the payout odds is paid out as the special payout. On the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  of a first special symbol  202 , the odds number indicative of the payout odds of two to one is drawn. Further, on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  of a second special symbol  200 A, the payout number indicating that 50 coins are to be paid out is drawn. On the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  of a second special symbol  200 B, the payout number indicating that 100 coins are to be paid out is drawn. On the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  of a second special symbol  200 C, the payout number indicating that 50 coins are to be paid out is drawn. 
     In the case that the payout patterns are stop-displayed as shown in  FIG. 1C , 400 coins, that is a value obtained by multiplying the total sum of the payout numbers by the odds number, are paid out as the special payout. Further, as shown in  FIG. 1D , an amount-of-special-payout determination image  203  indicating that 400 coins are to be paid out as the special payout is displayed below the symbol matrix SM. 
     Here, in the case that numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201  are the payout numbers only, the total sum of the payout numbers are paid out as the special payout. 
     In the following, the first special symbol  202  and the second special symbol  200  are simply referred to as the special symbols. 
     There has been given a general description of the first embodiment, with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1D . Further, a normal payout based on the normal symbol will be specifically described in the following description. 
     Next, the configuration of the slot machine  10  will be described. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. 
     The slot machine  10  employs coins, bills or electronic valuable information corresponding thereto, as a game medium. However, in the present invention, a game medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. In addition, the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode, which will be described later, and the like. 
     The slot machine  10  includes a cabinet  11 , a top box  12  installed on the upper side of the cabinet  11 , and a main door  13  provided on a front surface of the cabinet  11 . 
     A lower image display panel  16  is provided as a display on the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  includes a transparent liquid crystal display panel that displays  15  display blocks  28  in five columns and three rows. Each display block  28  has one symbol displayed therein. 
     Further, a number-of-credits display portion  31  and a number-of-payouts display portion  32  are set to the lower image display panel  16 . The number-of-credits display portion  31  displays an image indicative of the number of coins being credited. The number-of-payouts display portion  32  displays an image indicative of the number of coin-outs. 
     Further, a touch panel  69 , although not illustrated, is provided on a front surface of the lower image display panel  16 , and a player can input various types of commands by operating the touch panel  69 . 
     Below the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a control panel  20  comprising a plurality of buttons  23  to  27  which enable the player to input commands relating to the game progress, 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 spin button  23 , a change button  24 , a CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET button  26  and a maximum BET button  27 . The spin button  23  is for inputting a command for starting scrolling of symbols. The change button  24  is used for making a request to staff of the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  25  is for inputting a command for payout of credited coins into a coin tray  18 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is for inputting a command for betting a single coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  27  is for inputting a command for betting, on a game, a maximum number of coins (50 coins, in the present embodiment) which 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. On a front surface of the lower portion of the main door  13 , namely below the control panel  20 , there is provided a belly glass  34  on which a character of the slot machine  10  and the like is drawn. 
     On a front surface of the top box  12 , an upper image display panel  33  is provided. The upper image display panel  33  includes a liquid crystal panel which displays, for example, images indicative of introduction of the contents of a game and explanation of the rules of games. 
     Further, speakers  29  are provided in the top box  12 . 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, an identification number of the slot machine  10  and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  39  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  39  with a barcode to play a game on the slot machine, or can exchange the ticket  39  with a barcode to bills and the like at a predetermined location in the recreation facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  36  reads and writes data from and into a smart card. The smart card is a card owned by a player and stores, for example, data for identifying the player and data about the history of games having been played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit. Also, instead of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be used. The data display  37  is comprised of, for example, a fluorescent display and displays, for example, data read through the card reader  36  and data inputted through the key pad  38  by the player. The key pad  38  is used for inputting commands and data relating to issuing tickets. 
     Further, although, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where 15 symbols are displayed along five columns and three rows, the display of symbols according to the present invention is not limited to display along five columns and three rows. Further, although, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case symbols are scrolled along the respective columns, individual symbols may be independently scroll-displayed. 
     Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to effects, in addition to the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel  16 . 
       FIG. 3  is a view illustrating symbols displayed in the respective display blocks and the code Nos. of the respective symbols. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in each display block  28 , there is scrolled a symbol sequence consisting of 22 symbols in total, each of which has one of the code numbers “00” to “21”. Each of the symbol sequences consists of a combination of symbols of “FIRST SPECIAL SYMBOL  202 ”, “SECOND SPECIAL SYMBOL  200 ”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, and “ORANGE”. “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and “ORANGE” correspond to normal symbols according to the present invention. These symbols are all scatter symbols, and coins are paid out on the basis of the numbers of these symbols displayed in the display blocks  28  at the time of rearrangement. 
       FIG. 4A  is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in the special symbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns. 
     As illustrated in a payout-pattern determination table A in  FIG. 4A , total of six payout patterns each having one of code Nos. of “100” to “105” are scrolled in the respective special symbols. In the first special symbol  202 , the payout pattern with the odds number indicative of the payout odds drawn thereon is provided. In the second special symbol  200 , the payout pattern with the odds number indicative of the payout odds drawn thereon is not provided and only the payout patterns each with the payout number indicative of the payout value drawn thereon are included. 
     Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of payout patterns is six, the number of payout patterns according to the present invention is not particularly limited and may be 10, for example. 
       FIG. 4B  is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in the first special symbol and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns. 
     As illustrated in a payout-pattern determination table B in  FIG. 4B , total of three payout patterns each having one of code Nos. of “200” to “202” are scrolled in the first special symbol  202 . Not like the case of the payout-pattern determination table A, in the payout-pattern determination table B, the payout pattern with the odds number indicative of the payout odds drawn thereon is not provided and only the payout patterns each with the payout number indicative of the payout value are included in the first special symbol  202 . 
     Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of payout patterns is three, the number of payout patterns according to the present invention is not particularly limited and may be  10 , for example. 
     Furthermore, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of payout-pattern determination table is two, the number of payout-pattern determination table according to the present invention is not particularly limited and may by 5, for example. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     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  comprises a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol (code No. corresponding to a symbol) to be rearranged in each of the display blocks  28 . Further, the game program includes a payout-pattern determination program. The payout-pattern determination program is a program for determining the payout pattern (code No. associated with the payout pattern) to be rearranged in the special symbol. 
     Further, the card slot  53 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  53  to be inserted thereinto and ejected therefrom, and is connected to a mother board  40  via an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the type and the contents of a game to be executed by the slot machine  10  by ejecting the memory card  53  from the card slot  53 S, writing a different game program onto the memory card  53  and inserting the memory card  53  into the card slot  53 S. The game program includes a program relating to the progress of a game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be output during the game. 
     The CPU  51 , the ROM  55  and the boot ROM  52  which are interconnected to one another via the internal bus are connected to the mother board  40  via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transfers a signal between the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50  and also supplies electricity from the mother board  40  to the gaming board  50 . 
     The mother board  40  comprises a commercially-available general-purpose mother board (a printed wiring board with basic components of a personal computer mounted thereon), and includes the main CPU  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43  and a communication interface  44 . The mother board  40  corresponds to a controller according to the present invention. 
     The ROM  42  comprises a memory device such as a flash memory and stores programs of a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and the like to be executed by the main CPU  41  and also stores permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , processing for initializing predetermined peripheral devices is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading a game program stored in the memory card  53  through the gaming board  50 . Further, in the present invention, the ROM  42  may be or may not be a content rewritable one. 
     Further, the ROM  42  stores numerical data indicative of a fixed number. 
     Further, the ROM  42  stores a table indicative of a correspondence relationship between the symbol to be displayed in each of the display block and the code No. of each symbol, and the payout-pattern determination table A and the payout-pattern determination table B each indicative of a correspondence relationship between the payout pattern to be displayed in the special symbol and the code No. of each payout pattern. 
     The RAM  43  stores data to be used upon operating the main CPU  41 , and programs such as the symbol determination program and the payout-pattern determination program. Further, the RAM  43  can store a game program. 
     Further, the RAM  43  stores data about the code Nos. of the symbols, the code Nos. of the payout patterns, an amount of normal payout, an amount of special payout, a total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns, the number of credits, a number of coin-ins and a number of coin-outs per game, and the like. 
     Further, a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and a door PCB  80 , which will be described later, are connected to the mother board  40  through respective USBs. Further, a power-supply unit  45  is connected to the mother board  40 . 
     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  41  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 the 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. 
     A lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting portion  67 , a graphic board  68 , the speakers  29 , the touch panel  69 , the bill validator  22 , the ticket printer  35 , the card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S and the data display  37  are connected to the body PCB  60 . The lamp  30  lights up in a predetermined pattern on the basis of 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 to the coin tray  18  through a coin payout exit  19  on the basis of control signals outputted from the main CPU  41 . The coin detection portion  67  is provided inside the coin payout exit  19  and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  upon detecting a predetermined number of coins being paid out from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  controls an image display to the upper image display panel  33  and the lower image display panel  16 , on the basis of a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The lower image display panel  16  displays in each of the display blocks  28  a symbol that is scrolled or stopped. The number-of-credits display portion  31  of the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 . Further, the number-of-payouts display portion  32  of the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of coin-outs. 
     The graphic board  68  includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data on the basis of a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Further, such image data for use in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in a game program which is read from the memory card  53  and stored in the RAM  43 . 
     The bill validator  22  discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, and also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . The bill validator  22 , upon receiving a regular bill, outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  on the basis of the face amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores in the RAM  43  a number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , date, an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the 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 on the basis of a control signal from the main CPU  41 . The key switch  38 S is provided on the key pad  38  and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  41  when the player operates the key pad  38 . The data display  37  displays data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted through the key pad  38  by the player, on the basis of a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     The control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C and a cold cathode tube  81  are connected to the door PCB  80 . The control panel  20  is provided with a spin switch  23 S corresponding to a spin 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 . The respective switches  23 S to  27 S output input signals to the main CPU  41 , when the player operates the buttons  23  to  27  corresponding thereto. 
     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 . Further, the coin counter  21 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41 , upon detecting a regular coin. 
     The reverter  21 S operates on the basis of a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41  and distributes coins identified by the coin counter  21 C as regular coins into a cash box (not illustrated) or the hopper  66 , which are installed inside the slot machine  10 . Namely, 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, a 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 on the basis of a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     [Activation Processing] 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an activation processing. The activation processing is performed in the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 . It is to 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 on the IC socket  54 S. 
     First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) in the power unit  45 , the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50  are activated (steps S 1 - 1 , S 2 - 1 ). When the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50  are activated, separate processing are executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board  50 , the CPU  51  reads an 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 an 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 in step S 1 - 3  will be specifically described later with reference to drawings. 
     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  (steps 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 and 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 1 - 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 a game execution processing. 
       FIG. 7  is a view illustrating peripheral-device initialization processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes a display (step S 3 - 2 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  transmits a 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  26 S, 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. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game execution processing. 
     In the game execution processing, at first, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S 10 ). In this 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 10 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 10  that a coin has been BET, the main CPU  41  executes processing of making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43  according to the number of BET coins (step S 11 ). Further, when the number of BET coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , the main CPU returns the processing to step S 10 , without executing the processing of making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 . Further, when the number of BET coins exceeds an upper limit value of coins that can be BET on a single game (50 coins, in the present embodiment), the processing is carried forward to step S 12 , without executing the processing of making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, in step S 12 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the spin button  23  has been turned on. In this processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the spin switch  23 S when the spin button  23  is pressed. 
     When it is determined that the spin button  23  has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S 10 . Further, when the spin button  23  has not been turned on (for example, when a command for ending a game is inputted without turning on the spin button  23 ), the main CPU  41  cancels the result of the subtraction in step S 11 . 
     On the other hand, when it is determined in step S 12  that the spin button  23  has been turned on, the processing is shifted to step S 13 . 
     Next, in step S 13 , the main CPU  41  executes symbol determination processing. In the symbol determination processing, the main CPU  41  determines a code No. of the symbol on stopping by executing the symbol determination program stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Here, the processing in step S 13  will be specifically described later with reference to drawings. 
     In step S 14 , the main CPU  41  executes scroll-display control processing. 
     The processing is processing of display control for rearranging the symbol determined in step S 13  after scroll of symbols is started. 
     Here, the processing in step S 14  will be specifically described later with reference to drawings. 
     In step S 15 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a prize has been established. When determining that a prize has been established, in step S 16 , the main CPU  41  pays out coins on the basis of the number of coin-ins and the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in the display blocks  28 . Here, the case where a prize has been established is a case where three or more normal symbols of the same type have been displayed in the display blocks  28  or a case where one or more special symbols have been displayed in the display blocks  28 . 
     Further, the processing in step S 16  will be specifically described later with reference to the drawings. 
     When it is determined in step S 15  that a prize has not been established or when the processing in step S 16  has been executed, the present subroutine is terminated. 
     Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the special payout is provided in the case that one or more special symbols are displayed in the display blocks  28 , in the present invention, the special payout can be provided in the case that special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are displayed in the display blocks  28 . Further, in the case that special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are not displayed, payout patterns having been variably displayed in special symbols may be not stop-displayed. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the symbol determination processing which is called and executed in step S 13  of the subroutine illustrated in  FIG. 8 . This processing is processing executed by the main CPU  41  through executing the symbol determination program and the payout-pattern determination program stored in the RAM  43 . 
     At first, the main CPU  41  selects random numbers corresponding to respective columns of symbols, out of the numerical range of 0 to 255, by executing a random-number generation program included in the symbol determination program (step S 20 ). The present embodiment describes the case of generating random numbers on a program (the case of using so-called software random numbers). However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided, and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (so-called software random numbers may be used). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols (see  FIG. 3 ), on the basis of the selected five random numbers (step S 21 ). The code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols correspond to the code Nos. of symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks  28  in the second row, out of the display blocks  28  arranged in the three rows. The main CPU  41  determines a prize by determining code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols. Further, the main CPU  41  stores the determined code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a code No. corresponding to a special symbol has been determined in the processing in step S 21  (step S 22 ). When determining in step S 22  that a code No. corresponding to a special symbol has not been determined, the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. When determining in step S 22  that a code No. corresponding to a special symbol has been determined, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 23 . 
     Subsequently, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a code No. corresponding to the second special symbol has been determined in step S 21  (step S 23 ). When determining in step S 23  that a code No. corresponding to the second special symbol has been determined, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 24 . 
     The main CPU  41  selects a random number corresponding to each payout pattern in the special symbol, out of a numerical range from 0 to 255, by executing a random-number generation program included in the payout-pattern determination program, and then, determines the code No. (see  FIG. 4A ) of the payout pattern in the special symbol based on the selected random number, with reference to the payout-pattern determination table A (step S 24 ). The code No. of the payout pattern corresponds to the code No. of the payout pattern to be stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201 . Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined code No. of the payout pattern in the RAM  43 . Further, in the case that a plurality of code Nos. corresponding to the special symbols have been determined in the processing in step S 21 , the processing in step S 24  is executed for each of the special symbols. 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 23  that the code No. corresponding to the second special symbol has not been determined, the main CPU shifts the processing to step S 25 . The main CPU  41  selects a random number corresponding to each payout pattern in the first special symbol, out of a numerical range from 0 to 255, by executing a random-number generation program included in the payout-pattern determination program, and then, determines the code No. (see  FIG. 4B ) of the payout pattern in the first special symbol based on the selected random number, with reference to the payout-pattern determination table B (step S 25 ). The code No. of the payout pattern corresponds to the code No. of the payout pattern to be stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201 . Further, the main CPU  41  stores the determined code No. of the payout pattern in the RAM  43 . Here, in the case that a plurality of code Nos. corresponding to the first special symbols have been determined in step S 21 , the processing in step S 25  is conducted for each first special symbol. 
     In the case of executing processing in step S 24  or step S 25 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where code Nos. of the payout patterns in all the first special symbols are determined with reference to the payout pattern determination table B in the case that the code No. corresponding to the second special symbol has not been determined, in the present invention, in the case that the code No. corresponding to the second special symbol has not been determined and code Nos. corresponding to a plurality of the first special symbols have been determined, a code No. of the payout pattern in a single first special symbol may be determined with reference to the payout-pattern determination table B and the code Nos. of the payout patterns in the rest of the first special symbols may be determined with reference to the payout-pattern determination table A. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-display control processing which is called and executed in step S 14  of the subroutine illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     At first, the main CPU  41  starts scroll-display of all symbols included in the symbol matrix SM to the lower image display panel  16  (step S 30 ). Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges symbols based on the code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols determined in step S 13  (step S 31 ). 
     In the case that the special symbol is rearranged, payout patterns are scroll-displayed in the special symbol. 
     The main CPU  41  determines whether or not the special symbol has been rearranged in step S 31  (step S 32 ). When determining in step S 32  that the special symbol has not been rearranged, the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining in step S 32  that a special symbol has been rearranged, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 33 . 
     The main CPU  41  stop-displays a payout pattern in the special symbol based on the code No. of the payout pattern determined in step S 13  (step S 33 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processing which is called and executed in step S 16  of the subroutine illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     At first, the main CPU  41  determines an amount of normal payout based on the normal symbols (step S 40 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of normal payout in the RAM  43 . 
     Hereinafter, prizes based on the normal symbols according to the present embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 12  is a view illustrating a relationship between a plurality of types of prizes and the numbers of coin-outs. 
     When three or more normal symbols of any type are stop-displayed in the display blocks  28 , coins in number illustrated in  FIG. 12  are paid out. 
     For example, when three “CHERRYs” are stop-displayed in the display blocks  28 , two coins are paid out. When four “CHERRYs” are stop-displayed in the display blocks  28 , four coins are paid out. Further, when six or more “CHERRYs” are stop-displayed in the display blocks  28 , 2×(n−2) coins are paid out. Here, “n” represents the number of “CHERRYs” stop-displayed in the display blocks  28 . However, in the case that three or more symbols of any type have not been displayed in the display blocks  28 , the current game results in no-winning, and payout of coins is not conducted. 
     Returning to  FIG. 11 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the special symbol has been displayed in the display blocks  28  (step S 41 ). When determining in step S 41  that no special symbol has been displayed in the display blocks  28 , the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 47 . On the other hand, when determining in step S 41  that the special symbol has been displayed in the display blocks  28 , the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 42 . 
     The main CPU  41  determines whether or not there is the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon among the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display flames  201  (step S 42 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the code No. of the payout pattern corresponding to the odds number has been determined in step S 13 . When determining in step S 42  no payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 43 . 
     The main CPU  41  determines the total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201  as the amount of special payout (step S 43 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of special payout in the RAM  43 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 42  that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, the main CPU  41  calculates the total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201  (step S 44 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the calculated total sum in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines as the amount of special payout, the numerical value obtained by multiplying the total sum calculated in step S 44  by the odds number drawn on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  (step S 45 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of special payout in the RAM  43 . 
     The main CPU  41  displays the amount of special payout determined in step S 43  or step S 45  to the lower image display panel  16  (step S 46 ). In this processing, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , an amount-of-special-payout determination image  203  indicating that 400 coins will be paid out as the special payout is displayed below the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  pays out coins based on the amount of normal payout determined in step S 40  and/or the amount of special payout determined in step S 43  or step S 45  (step S 47 ). 
     As described above, according to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, the special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 , as well as the normal symbol. Then, in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 , payout patterns having been variably displayed therein are stop-displayed, and based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201 , the amount of special payout is determined. Namely, even when the special symbol is rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 , the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on the payout number or the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201 , out of the plurality of payout patterns included in the special symbol. This prevents games from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored. 
     Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, the player can recognize the payout value easily. 
     Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value, but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, and in the case that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that the amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Moreover, since a plurality of the special symbols are provided, it is possible to increase the interesting aspect of the game. Further, since the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is surely provided, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectancy for stop-display of the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon, and also to make the player play the game for a long period of time. 
     In addition, the payout pattern with the payout number drawn thereon is stop-displayed in at least one special symbol. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the case that only the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed and the amount of special payout cannot be determined, and also prevent losing the player&#39;s motivation. 
     Second Embodiment  
     In the first embodiment, there has been described a case where the special symbols are rearranged in the display blocks  28  in a state where payout patterns are scroll-displayed therein. In the second embodiment, when the special symbols are rearranged in the display blocks  28 , payout patterns are stop-displayed therein, and the payout patterns are scroll-displayed and then stop-displayed therein, in the case that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are rearranged in the display blocks  28 . Further, the amount of special payout is determined only when the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are rearranged in the display blocks  28 . The other configurations of the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, only scroll-display control processing and payout processing which are characteristic parts of the second embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the scroll-display control processing according to the second embodiment. 
     The processing is called and executed in step S 14  of the subroutine illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     At first, the main CPU  41  starts scroll-display of all symbols included in the symbol matrix SM to the lower image display panel  16  (step S 60 ). Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges symbols based on the code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols determined in step S 13  (step S 61 ). 
     In the case that the special symbol is rearranged, payout patterns are scroll-displayed in the special symbol. 
     The main CPU  41  determines whether or not the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have been rearranged in step S 61  (step S 62 ). When determining in step S 62  that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have not been rearranged, the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining in step S 62  that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have been rearranged, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 63 . 
     The main CPU  41  displays, in a scrolling manner, the payout patterns displayed in the special symbols (step S 63 ). Further, the main CPU  41  stop-displays the payout patterns based on the code Nos. of the payout patterns of the respective special symbols determined in step S 13  (step S 64 ). 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the payout processing according to the second embodiment. 
     This processing is processing which is called and executed in step S 16  of the subroutine illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     At first, the main CPU  41  determines the amount of normal payout based on the normal symbols (step S 70 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of normal payout in the RAM  43 . The processing in step S 70  is the same processing as that in the first embodiment and the description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     The main CPU  41  determines whether or not the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have been displayed in the display blocks  28  (step S 71 ). When determining in step S 71  that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have not been displayed in the display blocks  28 , the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 77 . On the other hand, when determining in step S 71  that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number have been displayed in the display blocks  28 , the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 72 . 
     The main CPU  41  determines whether or not there is a payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon among the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201  (step S 72 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the code No. of the payout pattern corresponding to the odds number has been determined. When determining that there is no payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon, the main CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 73 . 
     The main CPU  41  determines as the amount of special payout, the total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout frames  201  (step S 73 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of special payout in the RAM  43 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 72  that there is the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon, the main CPU  41  calculates the total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201  (step S 74 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the calculated total sum in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines as the amount of special payout, the numerical value obtained by multiplying the total sum calculated in step S 74  by the odds number drawn on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame  201  (step S 75 ). Then, the main CPU  41  stores the determined amount of special payout in the RAM  43 . 
     The main CPU  41  displays to the lower image display panel  16  the amount of special payout determined in step S 73  or step S 75  (step S 76 ). In the processing, as shown in  FIG. 1D , for example, the amount-of-special-payout determination image  203  indicating that 400 coins are to be paid out as the special payout is displayed below the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  pays out coins based on the amount of normal payout determined in step S 70 , and/or the amount of special payout determined in step S 73  or step S 75  (step S 77 ). 
     As described above, according to the slot machine  10  of the second embodiment, the special symbols having a plurality of the payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds, as well as normal symbols, are rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 . Further, in the case that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 , the payout patterns are variably displayed and then stop-displayed therein, and based on the payout number and the odds number drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201 , the amount of special payout is determined. Namely, even when the special symbols are rearranged to the lower image display panel  16 , in the case that the number of the special symbols rearranged to the lower image display panel  16  is not equal to or more than the fixed number, the payout patterns are not variably displayed therein, and the amount of special payout is not determined. This can strongly impress the existence of the special symbols on the player. 
     Further, even when the payout patterns are variably displayed in special symbols, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on the payout number and the odds number on the payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames  201 , out of the plurality of the payout patterns included in the special symbols. This prevents games from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored. 
     Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value. 
     Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value, but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payout pattern, and in the case that the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that the amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Further, while there has been described a case where the number of types of the special symbols is two in the present embodiment, there is no particular limitation on the number of types of the special symbols in the present invention, and for example, the number of types of the special symbols may be five. 
     Further, while there has been described a case where the fixed number is preliminarily determined in the present embodiment, a plurality of fixed numbers may be provided and a single fixed number may be selected out of the plurality of fixed numbers through a lottery in the present invention. 
     Further, although, in the present invention, there has been described the case where the slot machine  10  is a video slot machine, the gaming apparatus according to the present invention may be a mechanical slot machine including reels. 
     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 will 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.