Abstract: A puzzle image to be solved, and a duplicating block for creating a duplicate character as a copy of a player character are displayed. The duplicate character is, on the basis of at least a fact that the player character is superposed on the duplicating block, generated in the superposed position. A time limit is set for displaying the duplicate character. Then, when a formation or an arrangement pattern formed by the generated duplicate character and the player character satisfies a predetermined condition indicated by the puzzle image, a change, such as displaying an image of movement of a block or opening of a door, for example, is applied to progress of the game.

Abstract: Data generated by certain peripheral devices, such as a coin or bill validator, within a gaming device is encrypted using a randomly generated key transmitted to the peripheral device by a main control unit in the gaming device. The peripheral device sends the encrypted data to the main control unit along with the clear text data. The control unit performs a reverse algorithm to recover the data from the encrypted number. The control unit compares the recovered data to the clear text data. If there is a match, the control unit acts on the data, such as by booking the coin value to a credit meter.