Patent Publication Number: US-2009239642-A1

Title: Slot Machine Offering Special Award And Control Method Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/038,979 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 offering a special award and a control method thereof. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     In conventional slot machines, when a player inserts game media such as medals, coins or bills into an insertion slot of the slot machine and presses a spin button, then a plurality of symbols are scroll-displayed to a display portion provided on the front surface of a casing and, thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,960,133, 6,012,983 and 6,093,102. In this case, when scroll-display of respective symbols starts by an input from the spin button, symbols are selected using random numbers, and the selected symbols are stop-displayed to the display portion. Then, when a combination of the stop-displayed symbols along a winning line is a predetermined winning combination (prize), an award is paid out. 
     Further, among conventional slot machines, there are some slot machines offering an award (special award) different from a normal award to a player. 
     For example, there exists a slot machine that reserves a part of a spent credit and pays out an award in such a large amount (so-called “jackpot”) as not to be paid out in the case of a normal winning when a predetermined condition (for example, an specific symbol being stop-displayed) is satisfied. 
     In this type of the slot machine offering the special award, generally, there is not adopted a configuration that the number of a game medium to be paid out as the special award is not increased even in a case where a condition (predetermined condition) as a trigger for offering the special award has been successively established in a plurality of games, as compared with the case where the predetermined condition is established only in a single game. 
     In the case that the predetermined condition has been established successively, the player is generally inclined to receive a larger profit compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the condition has not been established successively. The conventional slot machine is not configured to match the player&#39;s feeling and could make the player be frustrated. 
     In light of the aforementioned problem, the present invention has been devised, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of offering, in a case where a condition as a trigger for offering a special award has been established in successive games, a special award larger than the award to be offered in the case that the condition has not been established successively, and a control method thereof. 
     The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a slot machine having the following configuration. 
     That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and a specific symbol as a trigger for offering a first special award or a second special award larger than the first special award; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) stop-displaying the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of symbols, to the symbol display, (B) offering the first special award, when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the processing (A) in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, and (C) offering the second special award when the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the processing (A) in successive games. 
     According to the slot machine, the first special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, that is, in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. On the other hand, the second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games. The second special award is larger than the first special award. 
     As thus described, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, there is offered to the player the special award, which is larger than the special award to be offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. Accordingly, it is possible to match the player&#39;s feeling that he or she is inclined to receive the larger profit in the case that the predetermined condition has been successively established, compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the predetermined condition has not been successively established. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a satisfaction. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the processing (B) includes processing of offering the first special award, when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the game after having been stop-displayed in the processing (A) in the successive games, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed in the following game. 
     According to the slot machine, even in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, once the successive games are stopped, the award to be offered when the specific symbol is stop-displayed next is the first special award, not the second special award. Therefore, in order to acquire the comparatively large special award, the player is required not to stop the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play the game with a sense of tension. Then, in the case that the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed are continued, the player may be delighted. On the other hand, in the case that the successive games are stopped, the player may be greatly disappointed. As above described, the player can be taken through emotional ups and downs. Consequently, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the processing (C) is processing of offering the second special award corresponding to a number of the successive games, when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the game after having been stop-displayed in the processing (A) in the successive games. 
     According to the slot machine, the amount of the game media to be offered as the second special award is determined based on the number of successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. Accordingly, as the number of the successive games becomes bigger, the larger amount of game media can be offered. Generally, the player is inclined to receive the larger profit according to the increase in number of the successive games in which the condition as the trigger for offering the special award is established. The slot machine is configured to match the player&#39;s feeling and capable of providing the player with a great satisfaction. Further, the bigger the number of the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed becomes, the larger the special award that the player can acquire becomes. Therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the player&#39;s expectation for the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. As a result, it is possible to have the player absorbed more in the game. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and a specific symbol as a trigger for offering a first special award or a second special award larger than the first special award; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (A) stop-displaying the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of symbols, to the symbol display, following a BET of a game medium; (B) stop-displaying the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of symbols to the symbol display, even without the BET of the game medium, as triggered by a predetermined condition being satisfied by the normal symbols or by a combination of the normal symbols, the normal symbols having been stop-displayed in the processing (A), (C) offering the first special award when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the processing (B) in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the processing (B) in the following game, and (D) offering the second special award when the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the processing (B) in successive games. 
     According to the slot machine, the first special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, that is, in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. On the other hand, the second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games. The second special award is larger than the first special award. 
     As thus described, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, there is offered to the player the special award, which is larger than the special award to be offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. Accordingly, it is possible to match the player&#39;s feeling that he or she is inclined to receive the larger profit in the case that the predetermined condition has been successively established, compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the predetermined condition has not been successively established. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a satisfaction. 
     Further, according to the slot machine, as triggered by the predetermined condition being satisfied, the variable display and the stop-display of the plurality of symbols to the symbol display are conducted even without a BET of the game media. Namely, a free game is played. The second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the successive games in the free games. 
     Generally, in the case of spending all the game media, the player is compelled to terminate the game. In the case that, even though the specific symbol is stop-displayed in a certain game, the player has spent all the game media in hand at the same time, it is possible that the player misses a chance to acquire the second special award since the player cannot play the next game. In such a case, the player may be disappointed very much. 
     In this regard, according to the slot machine, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, the second special award is offered in the free game. Accordingly, the player does not miss the chance to acquire the second special award because the player has spent all the game media in hand. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the player from being disappointed. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the processing (C) includes processing of offering the first special award when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the game after having been stop-displayed in the processing (B) in the successive games, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed in the processing (B) in the following game. 
     According to the slot machine, even in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, once the successive games are stopped, the award to be offered when the specific symbol is stop-displayed next is the first special award, not the second special award. Therefore, in order to acquire the comparatively large special award, the player is required not to stop the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play the game with a sense of tension. Then, in the case that the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed are continued, the player may be delighted. On the other hand, in the case that the successive games are stopped, the player may be greatly disappointed. As above described, the player can be taken through emotional ups and downs. Consequently, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. 
     That is, the processing (D) is processing of offering the second special award corresponding to a number of the successive games, when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the game after having been stop-displayed in the processing (B) in the successive games. 
     According to the slot machine, the amount of the game media to be offered as the second special award is determined based on the number of successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. Accordingly, as the number of the successive games becomes bigger, the larger amount of game media can be offered. Generally, the player is inclined to receive the larger profit according to the increase in number of the successive games in which the condition as the trigger for offering the special award is established. The slot machine is configured to match the player&#39;s feeling and capable of providing the player with a great satisfaction. Further, the bigger the number of the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed becomes, the larger the special award that the player can acquire becomes. Therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the player&#39;s expectation for the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed. As a result, it is possible to have the player absorbed more in the game. 
     Further, according to the slot machine, the player can get a chance to acquire a larger special award without a BET of the game media. Therefore, it is possible to increase the player&#39;s motivation for acquiring the special award. 
     Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slot machine, the control method having a following configuration. 
     That is, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A) stop-displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and a specific symbol as a trigger for offering a first special award or a second special award larger than the first special award, after variably displaying the plurality of symbols, to the symbol display, (B) offering the first special award when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the step (A) in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, and (C) offering the second special award when the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the step (A) in successive games. 
     According to the control method of the slot machine, the first special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, that is, in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. On the other hand, the second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games. The second special award is larger than the first special award. 
     As thus described, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, there is offered to the player the special award, which is larger than the special award to be offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. Accordingly, it is possible to match the player&#39;s feeling that he or she is inclined to receive the larger profit in the case that the predetermined condition has been successively established, compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the predetermined condition has not been successively established. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a satisfaction. 
     Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slot machine, the control method having a following configuration. 
     That is, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A) stop-displaying a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and a specific symbol as a trigger for offering a first special award or a second special award larger than the first special award, after variably displaying the plurality of symbols to the symbol display, following a BET of a game medium; (B) stop-displaying the plurality of symbols after variably displaying the plurality of symbols to the symbol display, even without the BET of the game medium, as triggered by a predetermined condition being satisfied by the normal symbols or by a combination of the normal symbols, the normal symbols having been stop-displayed in the step (A), (C) offering the first special award when the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the step (B) in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the step (B) in the following game, and (D) offering the second special award when the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the step (B) in successive games. 
     According to the control method of the slot machine, the first special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, that is, in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. On the other hand, the second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games. The second special award is larger than the first special award. 
     As thus described, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, there is offered to the player the special award, which is larger than the special award to be offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. Accordingly, it is possible to match the player&#39;s feeling that he or she is inclined to receive the larger profit in the case that the predetermined condition has been successively established, compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the predetermined condition has not been successively established. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a satisfaction. 
     Further, according to the control method of the slot machine, as triggered by the predetermined condition being satisfied, the variable display and the stop-display of the plurality of symbols to the symbol display are conducted even without a BET of the game media. Namely, a free game is played. The second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol has been stop-displayed in the successive games in the free games. 
     Generally, in the case of spending all the game media, the player is compelled to terminate the game. In the case that, even though the specific symbol is stop-displayed in a certain game, the player has spent all the game media in hand at the same time, it is possible that the player misses a chance to acquire the second special award since the player cannot play the next game. In such a case, the player may be disappointed very much. 
     In this regard, according to the slot machine, in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in the successive games, the second special award is offered in the free game. Accordingly, the player does not miss the chance to acquire the second special award because the player has spent all the game media in hand. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the player from being disappointed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1B  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1C  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1D  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 1E  is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of a slot machine. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in the slot machine  10 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine game execution processing. 
         FIG. 6  is a view illustrating a relation between a rearranged symbol and an award. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of free game execution processing. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of rank improvement processing. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of special award processing. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing. 
         FIG. 11  is a view illustrating peripheral device initialization processing. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of activation processing executed by a central controller. 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a special award table. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of rank improvement processing according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of special award processing according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a slot machine according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     A general description of a first embodiment will be given by using  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 1E . 
       FIGS. 1A to 1E  are views each illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to a lower image display panel. 
     In a slot machine  10  (see  FIG. 2 ) according to the first embodiment, a free-game-trigger symbol  100  (see  FIG. 1A ) may be rearranged in a symbol matrix SM. The symbol matrix SM is displayed to a lower image display panel  16  provided in the slot machine  10 . The lower image display panel  16  (see  FIG. 2 ) corresponds to the symbol display of the present invention. 
     In the first embodiment, when three or more free-game-trigger symbols  100  are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM, a free game is played. In a free game period, a slot machine game is played even a game medium is not BET. 
       FIG. 1A  shows an example of a state that three free-game-trigger symbols  100  are rearranged. As triggered by this, a text image  120  for notifying the player of “Free-game trigger established!” is displayed. A rearrangement of three or more free-game-trigger symbols  100  is referred to as “a free-game trigger is established” in the present description. 
     In the first embodiment, a special symbol (specific symbol in the present invention) may be rearranged during the free game period. The special symbol is a symbol as a trigger for offering a special award. 
     In an example shown in  FIG. 1B , the special symbol  101  is rearranged and as triggered by this, a text image  121  showing “Special symbol appeared!” is displayed. The symbol matrix SM includes a display area  102 A and a display area  102 B and the special symbol  101  is rearranged in the display area  102 A. 
     Further, to the right of the symbol matrix SM, a rank display area  110  is provided. In the rank display area  110 , there are provided a “GRAND” display portion  110 A, a “MAJOR” display portion  110 B, a “MINOR” display portion  110 C, and a “MINI” display portion  110 D. “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” are each corresponding to an amount of coins to be paid out as a special award. “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” are listed in a decreasing order of a number of coin-outs. “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” are also referred to as “rank” in the following. 
     In an example shown in  FIG. 1B , the “MINI” display portion  110 D is displayed in a distinguishable state from the other display portions. The display in the distinguishable state from the other display portions is also referred to as “a display mode is changed” in the following. 
     The slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment is configured such that the rank is upgraded when the special symbol is rearranged in the successive games. This point will be described in the following. 
       FIG. 1C  shows an image to be displayed in the case that the special symbol is rearranged in the two successive games. As triggered by the second successive rearrangement of the special symbol in the game, a text image  122  showing “Special symbol appeared in 2 successive games!!” is displayed. Further, the change in the display mode of the “MINI” display portion  110 D is terminated and the display mode of the “MINOR” display portion  110 C is changed. 
       FIG. 1D  shows an image to be displayed in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged in the three successive games. As triggered by the third successive rearrangement of the special symbol in the game, a text image  123  showing “Great! The 3rd successive appearance!!” is displayed. Further, the change in the display mode of the “MINOR” display portion  110 C is terminated and the display mode of the “MAJOR” display portion  110 B is changed. 
       FIG. 1E  shows an image to be displayed in the case that, though the special symbol has been rearranged in the two successive games, the special symbol has not been rearranged in the subsequent game. A text image  124  showing “Bad luck . . . Fail in the 3rd successive appearance . . . Award of “MINOR” is paid out” is displayed. The change in the display mode of the “MINOR” display portion  110 C is terminated. 
     The slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment is configured such that the special award is offered based on a number of the successive games, when the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged are stopped. As thus described, according to the increase in the number of the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged, the rank relating to the special award is changed in the order of “MINI”, “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, and “GRAND”, which will be referred to as “Rank is upgraded” or “Rank is improved” in the present description. 
     Further, according to the first embodiment, when the special symbol is rearranged for the first time after the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged are stopped, the display mode of the “MINI” display portion  110 D is changed again. In this case, the rank is improved from “MINI” again. 
     There has been described the outline of the first embodiment. 
     Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in more detail. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the slot machine. 
     In the slot machine  10 , a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding thereto is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, a game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money, or a ticket. It should be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a bar code, which will be described later. 
     Here, the slot machine  10  is a stand-alone type slot machine that is not connected to a network, but the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine connected to a network. 
     The slot machine  10  includes: a cabinet  11 ; a top box  12  placed on the upper side of the cabinet  11 ; and a main door  13  provided at the front face of the cabinet  11 . The lower image display panel  16  is provided in front of the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  includes a liquid crystal display panel and the symbol matrix SM (see  FIG. 1A ) is displayed thereto. In the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a number-of-credits display section  31  and a number of payouts display section  32  (not shown). 
     The number-of-credits display section  31  displays an image indicating the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display section  32  displays an image indicating the number of coins to be paid out as the payout. 
     Further, a touch panel  69 , which is not shown in the figure, is provided on the front face of the lower image display panel  16 , and the player can input various kinds of commands by operating the touch panel  69 . 
     Below the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a control panel  20  comprised of a plurality of buttons  23  to  27  with each of which a command according to the game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot  21  through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet  11 , and a bill validator  22 . 
     The control panel  20  is provided with a start button  23 , a change button  24 , a CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET button  26 , and a maximum BET button  27 . The start button  23  is used for inputting a command to start a game. The change button  24  is used for making a request of staff at a recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  25  is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray  18 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is used for inputting a command to BET one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  27  is used for inputting a command to BET the maximum number (50 coins in the first embodiment) of coins that can be bet on a single game out of credited coins. 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . It should be noted that the bill validator  22  may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket  39  with a barcode. At the lower front face of the main door  13 , namely below the control panel  20 , there is provided a belly glass  34  on which a character or the like of the slot machine  10  is drawn. 
     At the front face of the top box  12 , an upper image display panel  33  is provided. The upper image display panel  33  is provided with a liquid crystal panel to display, for example, an image representing an introduction of the contents of a game or a description of a rule of the game. 
     Further, the top box  12  is provided with a speaker  29 . Below the upper image display panel  33 , there are provided a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display  37 , and a keypad  38 . The ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, date and time, an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as a ticket  39  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  39  with a barcode to play a game thereon, or can exchange the ticket  39  with a barcode with bills or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  36  reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying a player and data on a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill, or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, in place of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted. The data display  37  is comprised of a fluorescent display or the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted by the player through the keypad  38 . The keypad  38  is used for inputting a command and data concerning the issue of a ticket and the like. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown 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  is formed from a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores game programs and game system programs. The game programs include a symbol selection program. The aforementioned symbol selection program is a program for determining the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. The aforementioned symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data in association with a plurality of types of payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data is data indicating the correspondence between the respective symbols, and one or more random numbers which fall in a predetermined numerical range (0 to 255). The payout ratios are determined based on payout-ratio setting data outputted from the GAL  54  and, based on the symbol weighing data associated with the payout ratios, the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix are determined. 
     Further, the symbol selection program includes a symbol selection program for the free game. Symbols determined by the symbol selection program for the free game include the special symbol. 
     Here, as the symbol to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM, there are eight types of the symbols including “RIBBON”, “HEART”, “STAR”, “MOON”, “SUN”, “JEWEL”, “CROWN” and “SMILE”. Further, all the symbols are constituted by so-called scatter symbols. 
     Further, the game program includes data (Hereinafter, also referred to as odds data. See  FIG. 6 ) showing a relation between the rearranged symbol and the amount of the award. 
     Further, the card slot  53 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  53  to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to a mother board  40  via an IDE bus. Thus, the memory card  53  can be ejected from the card slot  53 S, and then another game program is written onto the memory card  53 , and the memory card  53  can be inserted into the card slot  53 S, to change the type and contents of a game to be played on the slot machine  10 . The game program includes a program associated with the progress of a game. The game program also includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. The image data includes image data indicating a symbol matrix. 
     The GAL  54  is a type of PLD having a fixed OR array structure. The GAL  54  includes plural input ports and plural output ports and, when predetermined data is inputted to an input port, the GAL  54  outputs data corresponding to the aforementioned data from an output port. The data outputted from this output port is the aforementioned payout-ratio setting data. 
     Further, the IC socket  54 S is configured to allow the GAL  54  to be attached thereto and detached therefrom and is connected to the mother board  40  through a PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL  54  can be replaced with another GAL  54  to change the payout-ratio setting data. 
     A CPU  51 , a ROM  55  and a boot ROM  52  interconnected to one another via an internal bus are connected to the mother board  40  by PCI bus. The PCI bus supplies power to the gaming board  50  from the mother board  40 , as well as transmitting a signal between the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 . The ROM  55  stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot Rom  52  stores an auxiliary authentication program and a program (boot code) to be used by the CPU  51  for activating the auxiliary authentication program, and the like. 
     The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating a game program and a game system program. The authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for checking and proving that a game program and a game system program to be subject to authentication loading processing have not been falsified, namely authenticating the game program and the game system program. The auxiliary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-mentioned authentication program. The auxiliary authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for proving that an authentication program to be subject to the authentication processing has not been falsified, namely, authenticating the authentication program. 
     The mother board  40  is constructed with a general-purpose mother board commercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts of a personal computer are mounted) and includes a main CPU  41 , ROM (Read Only Memory)  42  and RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 . The mother board  40  is the controller of the present invention. 
     ROM  42  is constituted of a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  41  and permanent data. When BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , not only is initialization processing for predetermined peripheral devices conducted, but a capture processing for the game program and game system program stored on the memory card  53  is also started via the gaming board  50 . In the present invention, contents of ROM  42  may be rewritable or not rewritable. 
     RAM  43  stores data and a program used at the time of operation of the main CPU  41 , and various flags. RAM  43  can also store the authentication program read through the gaming board  50 , the game program, and the game system program. RAM  43  further stores data on the number of credits, the number of coins-in or coins-out for one game, and the like. 
     Further, in the RAM  43 , a number-of-free-game storage area is provided. The number-of-free-game storage area stores data indicating the remaining number of the free game. 
     To the mother board  40 , a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and a door PCB  80 , which will be described later, are connected through respective USBs. Further, the mother board  40  is connected with a power supply unit  45 . When the power is supplied from the power unit  45  to the mother board  40 , the main CPU  41  of the mother board  40  is activated and the power is supplied to the gaming board  50  through the PCI bus so that the CPU  51  is activated. 
     The body PCB  60  and the door PCB  80  are connected with equipment and devices that generate input signals to be inputted to the main CPU  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 an input signal inputted to the main CPU  41 , thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing and stores a result thereof in the RAM  43 , or transmits a control signal to each of the equipment and devices as processing for controlling each of the equipment and devices. 
     To the body PCB  60 , there are connected a lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting portion  67 , a graphic board  68 , a speaker  29 , a touch panel  69 , a bill validator  22 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S, and a data display  37 . The lamp  30  lights up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     The hopper  66  is installed inside the cabinet  11  and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19  to the coin tray  18 , based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The coin detecting portion  67  is provided inside the coin payout exit  19 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when detecting a payout of a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  controls, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , an image display to the upper image display panel  33  and the lower image display panel  16 . The number of credits stored in RAM  43  is displayed to the number-of-credits display section  31  (not shown) of the lower image display panel  16 . The number of coins-out is displayed to the number-of-payouts display section  32  (not shown) of the lower image display panel  16 . The graphic board  68  is equipped with VDP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41  and a video RAM which temporarily stores image data generated by VDP, and of the like equipments. It should be noted that image data used in generating image data with VDP is contained in a game program read from the memory card  53  and stored in RAM  43 . 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . When accepting a regular bill, the bill validator  22  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41 , based on the face amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores, in the RAM  43 , the number of credits according to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits, date and time, an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and of the like data stored in the RAM  43 , and outputs the ticket as a ticket  39  with a barcode. 
     The card reader  36  reads data from a smart card and transmits the data to the main CPU  41  or writes data into the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU  41 . The key switch  38 S is provided on the keypad  38 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  41  when the keypad  38  is operated by the player. The data display  37  displays, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted by the player through the keypad  38 . 
     To the door PCB  80 , there are connected a control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81 . The control panel  20  is provided with a start switch  23 S corresponding to the start button  23 , a change switch  24 S corresponding to the change button  24 , a CASHOUT switch  25 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET switch  26 S corresponding to the 1-BET button  26 , and a maximum BET switch  27 S corresponding to the maximum BET button  27 . Each of the switches  23 S to  27 S outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when each of the buttons  23  to  27  corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 
     The coin counter  21 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  21  and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  21  by the player. Coins other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit  19 . When the coin counter  21 C detects a regular coin, the coin counter  21 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41 . 
     The reverter  21 S operates based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , and distributes a coin identified by the coin counter  21 C as a regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper  66 , which are disposed in the slot machine  10 . Specifically, when the hopper  66  is filled with coins, a regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  21 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  66  is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper  66 . The cold cathode tube  81  functions as a backlight installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel  16  and the upper image display panel  33 , and lights up based on a control signal to be outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     Next, processing executed in the slot machine  10  will be described. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in the slot machine  10  according to a first embodiment. 
     First, in the slot machine  10 , activation processing is executed (step S 101 ). The activation processing will be specifically described later by using  FIG. 10  to  FIG. 12 . 
     After the activation processing, the main CPU  41  executes processing of addition of the number of credits stored in the RAM  43  as an interrupt processing, on receiving a detection signal outputted from the coin counter  21 C when the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  21  is detected by the coin counter  21 . 
     After the processing of step S 101 , the main CPU  41  executes slot machine game execution processing (step S 102 ). The slot machine game execution processing will be specifically described later by using  FIG. 5 . 
     Hereinafter, slot machine game execution processing executed in the slot machine  10  will be described. 
     The main CPU  41  reads a game program and executes the game program to progress a slot machine game. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine game execution processing. 
       FIG. 6  is a view illustrating a relation between a rearranged symbol and an award. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S 11 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch  26 S when the 1-BET button  26  is operated or an input signal outputted from the maximum BET switch  27 S when the maximum BET button  27  is operated. When determining that a coin has not been BET, the main CPU  41  returns the processing to step S 11 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that a coin has been BET in step S 11 , the main CPU  41  executes processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , according to the number of BET coins (step S 12 ). It should be noted that, when the number of BET coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , the main CPU  41  does not execute the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and returns the processing to step S 11 . When the number of BET coins exceeds an upper limit of the number of coins that can be BET on a single game (50 coins in the first embodiment), the main CPU  41  does not execute the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and the processing is proceeded to step S 13 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the start button  23  has been turned on (step S 13 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pressed. 
     When determining that the start button  23  has not been turned ON, the main CPU  41  returns the processing to step S 11 . It should be noted that, when the start button  23  is not turned ON (for example, when a command to end the game is inputted without pressing the start button  23 ), the main CPU  41  cancels a result of the subtraction obtained in step S 12 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 13  that the start button  23  has been turned ON, the main CPU  41  executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S 14 ). 
     In the processing, at first, the main CPU  41  starts scroll-display of the symbols in the symbol matrix SM. Then, the main CPU  41  executes the above-mentioned symbol selection program, determines symbols to be rearranged, and rearranges the symbols in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a prize is established (step S 15 ). Here, the establishment of the prize refers to the rearrangement of three or more normal symbols of at least one type, out of “RIBBON”, “HEART”, “STAR”, “MOON”, “SUN”, “JEWEL”, “CROWN”, and “SMILE”, in the symbol matrix SM (see  FIG. 6 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  counts the number of the symbol for each type, with regard to the rearranged symbols in step S 14 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the counted number is equal to or more than three. 
     When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU  41  executes processing according to payout of the coin (step S 16 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines the amount of payout based on the number of rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data (see  FIG. 6 ) stored in the RAM  43 . The odds data indicates the number of coin-outs in the case of a BET of a single coin, which is determined for each type and each number of the rearranged normal symbols. 
     In the case of accumulating the coin, the main CPU  41  executes processing for adding an amount of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU  41  transmits a control signal to the hopper  66  in order to pay out the coin in amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 
     When determining that the prize has not been established in step S 15  or after executing the processing of step S 16 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the free-game trigger is established (step S 17 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not three or more free-game-trigger symbols are rearranged. 
     When determining that the free-game trigger is established, the main CPU  41  executes free game execution processing (step S 18 ). 
     When determining that the free-game trigger is not established, or after executing the processing of step S 18 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, there will be described the free game execution processing by using  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of free game execution processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  sets the remaining number F of the free game to F=C (C=20 in the first embodiment) in the number-of-free-game storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 20 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  executes processing of step S 21  to step S 24 . The processing is virtually the same processing as the processing of step S 13  to step S 16  in  FIG. 5 , and the description thereof will be omitted here. 
     When determining that the prize has not been established in step S 23 , or after executing the processing of step S 24 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the special symbol is rearranged (step S 25 ). 
     When determining that the special symbol is rearranged, the main CPU  41  executes rank improvement processing (step S 26 ). The rank improvement processing will be specifically described later by using  FIG. 8 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the special symbol is not rearranged, the main CPU  41  executes special award processing (step S 27 ). The special award processing will be specifically described later by using  FIG. 9 . 
     After executing the processing of step S 26  or step S 27 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the free-game trigger is established (step S 28 ). 
     When determining that the free-game trigger is established, the main CPU  41  sets the remaining number F of the free game to F=F+C (C=20 in the first embodiment) in the number-of-free-game storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 29 ). 
     When determining that the free-game trigger is not established in step S 28 , or after executing the processing of step S 29 , the main CPU  41  sets the remaining number F of the free game to F=F−1 in the number-of-free-game storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 30 ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not F is zero (F=0) (step S 31 ). 
     When determining that F is not zero, the main CPU  41  returns the processing to step S 21 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that F is zero, the main CPU  41  clears a “MINI” flag, a “MINOR” flag, or a “MAJOR” flag (step S 32 ). 
     The “MINI” flag is a flag set in the case that the special symbol is rearranged for the first time after the free game is generated, or in the case that the special symbol is rearranged for the first time after the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged are stopped (see step S 49  in  FIG. 8 ). The “MINOR” flag is a flag set in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged in the two successive games (see step S 42  in  FIG. 8 ). The “MAJOR” flag is a flag set in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged in the three successive games (see step S 45  in  FIG. 8 ). 
     After executing the processing of step S 32 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of rank improvement processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MINI” flag is set (step S 40 ). 
     When determining that the “MINI” flag is set, the main CPU  41  clears the “MINI” flag (step S 41 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  sets the “MINOR” flag (step S 42 ) In the processing, the main CPU  41  terminates the change in the display mode of the “MINI” display portion  110 D and changes the display mode of the “MINOR” display portion  120 C (see  FIG. 1C ). Further, the main CPU  41  displays the text image  122  (see  FIG. 1C ) to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the “MINI” flag is not set, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MINOR” flag is set (step S 43 ). 
     When determining that the “MINOR” flag is set, the main CPU  41  clears the “MINOR” flag (step S 44 ). 
     Further, the main CPU  41  sets the “MAJOR” flag (step S 45 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  terminates the change in the display mode of the “MINOR” display portion  110 C and changes the display mode of the “MAJOR” display portion  110 B (see FIG.  1 D). Furthermore, the main CPU  41  displays the text image  123  (see  FIG. 1D ) to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the “MINOR” flag is not set, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MAJOR” flag is set (step S 46 ). 
     When determining that the “MAJOR” flag is set, the main CPU  41  clears the “MAJOR” flag (step S 47 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to “GRAND” (step S 48 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  pays out coins in number corresponding to “GRAND”. The payout is conducted as a hand pay. Examples of the processing executed by the main CPU  41  in step S 48  include output of a notification sound from the speaker  29 , lighting of the lamp  30 , print of the ticket  39  with a barcode indicative of the number of coin-outs, and the like. 
     When determining that the “MAJOR” flag is not set in step S 46 , the main CPU  41  sets the “MINI” flag (step S 49 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  changes the display mode of the “MINI” display portion  110 D (see  FIG. 1B ). Further, the main CPU  41  displays the text image  121  (see  FIG. 1B ) to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     After executing the processing of step S 42 , step S 45 , step S 48  and step S 49 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of special award processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MINI” flag is set (step S 50 ). 
     When determining that the “MINI” flag is set, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to “MINI” (step S 48 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  pays out coins in number corresponding to “MINI”. The payout is conducted as a hand pay. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  clears the “MINI” flag (step S 52 ) Further, the main CPU  41  terminates the change in the display mode of the “MINI” display portion  110 D. 
     When determining that the “MINI” flag is not set in step S 50 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MINOR” flag is set (step S 53 ). 
     When determining that the “MINOR” flag is set, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to “MINOR” (step S 54 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  pays out coins in number corresponding to “MINOR”. The payout is conducted as a hand pay. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  clears the “MINOR” flag (step S 55 ). Further, the main CPU  41  terminates the change in the display mode in the “MINOR” display portion  110 C. 
     When determining that the “MINOR” flag is not set in step S 53 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the “MAJOR” flag is set (step S 56 ). 
     When determining that the “MAJOR” flag is set, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to “MAJOR” (step S 57 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  pays out coins in number corresponding to “MAJOR”. The payout is conducted as a hand pay. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  clears the “MAJOR” flag (step S 58 ). Further, the main CPU  41  terminates the change in the display mode of the “MAJOR” display portion  110 B. 
     When determining that the “MAJOR” flag is not set in step S 56 , or after executing the processing of step S 52 , step S 55 , or step S 58 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, there will be described activation processing (see step S 101  in  FIG. 4 ) by using  FIG. 10  to  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing. This activation processing is the processing conducted by the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 . It should be noted that the memory card  53  is inserted into the card slot  53 S in the gaming board  50 , and the GAL  54  is mounted onto the IC socket  54 S. 
     First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit  45 , the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50  are activated (steps S 1 - 1 , S 2 - 1 ). Inactivation of the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 , individual processing is respectively executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board  50 , the CPU  51  reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the boot ROM  52 , and conducts auxiliary authentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and prove that the authentication program is not falsified before loading the program to the mother board  40  (step S 2 - 2 ). Meanwhile, in the mother board  40 , the main CPU  41  executes the BIOS stored in the ROM  42 , and expands compressed data which is incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 2 ). The main CPU  41  then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM  43  to diagnose and initialize a variety of peripheral devices (step S 1 - 3 ). The processing of step S 1 - 3  will be specifically described later with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
     Since the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  is connected to the main CPU  41  via the PCI bus, the main CPU  41  reads the authentication program stored in the ROM  55 , and stores the read authentication program into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 4 ). At this time, according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU  41  takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM  43 , while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage is certainly conducted. 
     Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU  41  accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card  53  inserted in the card slot  53 S, to read a game program or a game system program from the memory card  53 . In this case, the main CPU  41  reads data constituting the game program and the game system program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU  41  conducts authentication to check and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified, following the authentication program stored in the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 5 ). When this authentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU  41  writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which have been the authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 6 ). Next, the main CPU  41  accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL  54  mounted on the IC socket  54 S, reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL  54 , and writes and stores the data into the RAM  43  (step S 1 - 7 ). Subsequently, the main CPU  41  conducts processing for reading country identification information stored in the ROM  55  of the gaming board  50  via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identification information into the RAM  43  (step S 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 insurance setting processing and game execution processing. 
       FIG. 11  is a chart illustrating a procedure of peripheral-device initialization processing. 
     First, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes a reel-related device (step S 3 - 1 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  sequentially transmits request signals to the index detecting circuit  65 , the position-change detecting circuit  71 , and the motor driving circuit  62 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received predetermined response signals and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes a display (step S 3 - 2 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  transmits the request signal to the graphic board  68 . Then, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes various types of input devices (step S 3 - 3 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  transmits request signals to the input devices such as the spin switch  23 S, the change switch  24 S, the CASHOUT switch  25 S, the 1-BET switch  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. 
     In the first embodiment, there has been described the case where the slot machine  10  is a stand-alone type slot machine. However, in the present invention, a plurality of slot machines may be connected to a central controller via a network and controlled by the central controller. 
       FIG. 12  is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation processing executed by the central controller. 
     First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) in the power unit, a mother board is activated (step S 4 - 1 ). 
     In the mother board, a CPU executes a BIOS stored in a ROM so as to expand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into a RAM (step S 4 - 2 ). Then, the CPU executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM, and then, diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral devices such as a display (step S 4 - 3 ). 
     Next, the CPU executes initialization processing of each slot machine. In this processing, the CPU establishes a network connection between the central controller and each slot machine, and diagnoses if the network functions properly. 
     After the above-described processing, the CPU controls proceeding of the game executed in a plurality of the slot machines by reading and executing a game control program. 
     There has been described the first embodiment. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where coins are paid out as the special award. However, the first special award and the second special award in the present invention are not limited to the payouts of coins. In the present invention, for example, a game (feature game) different from the normal game may be generated. For example, according to the number of the successive games in which the specific symbol has been stop-displayed, the number of the feature game to be generated may be varied. Further, according to the number of the successive games, a predetermined premium or a ticket such as a discount coupon may be offered. 
     According to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, the special award according to “MINI” is offered in the case that the special symbol is not rearranged in the successive games. On the other hand, the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” is offered in the case that the special symbol is rearranged in the successive games. The special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” is larger in number of coins to be paid out, compared to the special award according to “MINI”. 
     As thus described, in the case that the special symbol is rearranged in the successive games, there is offered to the player the special award, which is larger than the special award to be offered in the case that the special symbol is not rearranged in the successive games. Accordingly, it is possible to match the player&#39;s feeling that he or she is inclined to receive the larger profit in the case that the special symbol has been successively appeared, compared to the profit to be offered in the case that the special symbol has not been successively appeared. As a result, it is possible to provide the player with a satisfaction. 
     Further, according to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, as triggered by the free-game trigger being established, a free game is played. Further, the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” is offered in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged in the successive games in the free games. 
     Generally, in the case of spending all the game media, the player is compelled to terminate the game. In the case that, even though the specific symbol is stop-displayed in a certain game, the player has spent all the game media in hand at the same time, it is possible that the player misses a chance to acquire the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND”, since the player cannot play the next game. In such a case, the player may be disappointed very much. 
     In this regard, according to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, in the case that the special symbol is rearranged in the successive games, the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” is offered in the free game. Accordingly, the player does not miss the chance to acquire the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” because the player has spent all the game media in hand. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the player from being disappointed. 
     Furthermore, according to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, even in the case that the special symbol is rearranged in the successive games, once the successive games are stopped, the award to be offered when the special symbol is rearranged next is the special award according to “MINI”, not the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND”. Therefore, in order to acquire the comparatively large special award, the player is required not to stop the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play the game with a sense of tension. Then, in the case that the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged are continued, the player may be delighted. On the other hand, in the case that the successive games are stopped, the player may be greatly disappointed. As above described, the player can be taken through emotional ups and downs. Consequently, the player can be absorbed in the game. 
     According to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, the number of the coins to be paid out as the special award according to “MINOR”, “MAJOR”, or “GRAND” is determined based on the number of successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged. Accordingly, as the number of the successive games becomes bigger, the larger number of the coins can be offered. Generally, the player is inclined to receive the larger profit according to the increase in number of the successive games in which the condition as the trigger for offering the special award is established. The slot machine  10  of the first embodiment is configured to match the player&#39;s feeling and capable of providing the player with a great satisfaction. Further, the bigger the number of the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged becomes, the higher the rank of the special award that the player can acquire becomes. Therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the player&#39;s expectation for the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged. As a result, it is possible to have the player absorbed more in the game. 
     Further, according to the slot machine  10  of the first embodiment, the player can get a chance to acquire a larger special award without a BET of the coin. Therefore, it is possible to increase the player&#39;s motivation for acquiring the special award. 
     Second Embodiment 
     It is to be noted that in the following, the same constituents as those of the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment are described while provided with the same numerals. 
     Further, a description will be omitted as for a part in the second embodiment to which the description in the first embodiment is applicable. 
       FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a special award table. 
     The special award table is a table in which the number of the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged is associated with the rank of the special award. 
     In the slot machine according to the second embodiment, the special award table data indicative of the special award table is stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Further, the number-of-successive-games storage area is provided in the RAM  43 . In the number-of-successive-games storage area, data indicative of the number of the successive games in which the special symbol has been rearranged (also referred to simply as the number of the successive games) is stored. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of rank improvement processing according to a second embodiment. 
     First, the main CPU  41  sets the number T of the successive games to T=T+1 in the number-of-successive-games storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 60 ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not T is 4 (T=4) (step S 61 ). 
     When determining that T is 4, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to the rank (“GRAND”) corresponding to the value of T, with reference to the special award table data stored in the RAM  43  (step S 62 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  sets the number T of the successive games to zero (T=0) in the number-of-successive-games storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 63 ). 
     When determining that T is not 4 in step S 61 , or after executing the processing of step S 63 , the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of special award processing according to a second embodiment. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the number T of the successive games is zero (T=0) (step S 70 ). 
     When determining that T is zero, the main CPU  41  terminates the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining that T is not zero, the main CPU  41  executes the payout processing according to the rank corresponding to the value of T, with reference to the special award table data stored in the RAM  43  (step S 71 ). 
     Then, the main CPU  41  sets the successive games T to zero (T=0) in the number-of-successive-games storage area in the RAM  43  (step S 72 ) and terminates the present subroutine. 
     In the embodiments described above, there have been described the cases where symbols are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM of the lower image display panel  16  (the slot machine  10  is a so-called a video slot machine). However, the slot machine according to the present invention may be configured to stop-display symbols using so-called mechanical reels. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the general appearance of a slot machine according to another embodiment. 
     In the following description, the components corresponding to those of the slot machine  10  will be designated by the same reference numerals. 
     Further, the slot machine  310  has substantially the same external appearance, the same circuit structure and the like as those of the slot machine  10  and also executes substantially the same flowcharts as those executed by the slot machine  10 , except that it employs mechanical reels, and, therefore, only the mechanical reels will be described herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , five reels  314  ( 314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E) are rotatably provided within a cabinet  11 . On the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels  314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E, there are drawn symbol sequences constituted by symbols such as “RIBBON”, “HEART”, “STAR”, “MOON”, “SUN”, “JEWEL”, “CROWN”, and “SMILE”, and the odds-change symbol. 
     At the center portion of the lower image display panel  16 , there is provided a display area  328  for displaying the symbols. Within the display area  328 , there are formed five display windows  315  ( 315 A,  315 B,  315 C,  315 D and  315 E) visible through their back surfaces. Further, the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels  314 A,  314 B,  314 C,  314 D and  314 E are displayed on a three-by-three basis, through the display windows  315 A,  315 B,  315 C,  315 D and  315 E. 
     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.