Abstract: A message string output system which can prevent users from feeling uncomfortable due to repeated input of a particular string by another user is provided. A judging unit (36) judges whether or not a message string which is input by an input unit (30) contains a specific string. An input status information updating unit (38) updates, based on a judgment result by the judging unit (36), input status information stored in an input status information storage (46) in corresponding to user identification information corresponding to the message string. An output form determining unit (43) determines an output form of a specific string part contained in the message string based on the input status information stored in correspondence with the user identification information corresponding to the message string.

Abstract: A message string output system which can prevent users from feeling uncomfortable due to repeated input of a particular string by another user is provided. A judging unit (36) judges whether or not a message string which is input by an input unit (30) contains a specific string. An input status information updating unit (38) updates, based on a judgment result by the judging unit (36), input status information stored in an input status information storage (46) in corresponding to user identification information corresponding to the message string. An output form determining unit (43) determines an output form of a specific string part contained in the message string based on the input status information stored in correspondence with the user identification information corresponding to the message string.

Abstract: There is provided a game system capable of appropriately evaluating whether or not a game advertisement has been recognized by a player. An advertisement evaluation information storage unit (80) stores advertisement evaluation information representing an evaluation about outputting an advertisement. An advertisement output unit (72) outputs the advertisement. An output status determining unit (74) determines whether or not an output status of the advertisement satisfies a predetermined output status criterion. A game item selection accepting unit (68) accepts selection of a game item. A selection content determining unit (76) determines whether or not the selection of the game item corresponding to the advertisement has been accepted.

Abstract: A signal input device allowing a user to input a coordinate command into a computer such as a game machine, without requiring a platform such as a desk, while the user holds the device with his hand, and to easily maintain an adequate positional relationship between his fingers and the pointing device. The device comprises a trackball (12), a grip (24), a trigger (16), and a trackball base (26). The user holds the grip (24) with his hand while placing the forefinger of that hand on the trigger (16) wherein a portion between the base and the second joint of the forefinger of the hand extends straight. The trackball base (26) having a track ball (12) mounted on its upper surface is mounted on the upper end of the grip (24) such that it abuts on the side of at least a portion between the base and the second joint of the user's forefinger of the hand holding the grip (24).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image from an image carrier to a sheet-like recording medium by way of an intermediate transfer body is disclosed. A position on the intermediate transfer body where image formation should start is determined in accordance with the frequency of use of each of a plurality of regions defined on the intermediate transfer body. Specifically, one of the regions minimizing the sum of the frequencies of use of the regions is selected as the above position. The intermediate transfer body can therefore be evenly used over its entire circumference. While the intermediate transfer body is in a stand-by state, it is intermittently driven so as to be free from deformation.

Abstract: An external memory controller for an image creating device comprises an image creation control section 105 for creating an image data in accordance with an image creation program on the basis of signals supplied from a tablet 101 and a switch 102. The created image data is displayed on the monitor 109. An internal memory section 106 stores the created image data together with its attribute information. An external memory medium 107, storing its own image creation program 701 together with its attribute information 702, is detachably connected to the main body 100 of the apparatus. A memory control unit 104 stores an image data together with the attribute information 702, when created in accordance with the program 701 applied from the external memory medium 107, into the internal memory section 106. The data transfer section 110 controls transmission of image data 703 and its attribute information 704 between the external memory medium 107 and the internal memory section 106.