Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the difficulty in a video game are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a role playing video game is allowed to progress by clearing a plurality of stages for which individual difficulties are set. A control method for such a video game includes selecting one stage from said plurality of stages in response to a command provided by a game player. The difficulty of the selected stage is adjusted substantially each time an event that is voluntarily challengeable on the selected stage is cleared by the game player during execution of the game, and the difficulties of at least one of the plurality of stages is adjusted in accordance with the difficulty of the selected stage at a clearing time when the selected stage is cleared by the game player's operation during execution of the game.

Abstract: Provides a game processing apparatus capable of getting players more excited about playing games. For that reason, the game processing apparatus of the present invention processes games on the basis of players' operating signals, and is equipped with processing circuits (10), which process the above-mentioned games on the basis of operating signals supplied from input devices (2b) operated by the players, and which generate the image data for these games. When an operating signal equivalent to a player's victory declaration is input from an input device (2b), the processing circuits (10) process subsequent operating signals input by the player as invalid signals until a prescribed condition is achieved.

Abstract: A player makes a wager and a starting five card video poker hand is displayed to the player. The computer controls of the gaming machine calculate the highest expected value (highest TEVi) for the five card hand displayed. The player selects which cards, if any, the player wishes to hold. The computer controls then calculate the expected value of the hand as played by the player (player TEVi). The difference between the highest TEVi and the player TEVi is also calculated (highest TEVi—player TEVi). This difference is multiplied by the amount of the player's wager and the resultant amount is the error made by the player. The error is accumulated over one or more rounds of play and the accumulated error amount may be returned to the player in a variety of ways, either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A video game device has the following components: a character information storing unit for storing character information including multiple role information assigned to each play character; an action contents storing unit for storing one or a plurality of action contents; and a schedule creating unit for creating an action schedule for play characters by setting action contents selected from the action contents in at least one of a time period space and a role space. A video game play control method has the steps of: storing, in the character information storing unit, character information including a plurality of pieces of role information assigned to each play character; storing, in the action contents storing unit, one or a plurality of action contents; and creating an action schedule for play characters by setting action contents selected from said action contents in at least one of a time period space and a role space.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a game machine and information storage medium that make it possible to encourage players who have selected multi-player mode to continue playing. The maximum number of game stages that can be cleared by players in multi-player mode is set to be greater than the maximum number of game stages that can be cleared by a player in single-player mode. In single-player mode, the game is over at the point at which each course is cleared. In multi-player mode, a continuation privilege in the next course (a course that is more difficult) is granted when the current course is cleared. The privilege to continue playing the next course is granted to the player with the higher score, and is also given at a certain probability to the player with the lower score.

Abstract: An arcade game accepts player selection of a specific prize before the game is started. Preferably, the difficulty level of the game is proportional to the value of the selected prize. In addition, the difficulty level of the game is preferably proportional to the number of monetary units inserted into the machine by the player, such that the game becomes less difficult as the player inserts additional monetary units into the machine. The machine preferably dispenses the selected prize to the player when the player inserts monetary units into the machine equivalent to the value of the prize.

Abstract: A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming device which allows individual play, head to head play and tournament play and involves the utilization of at least three chance means, including a plurality of reels, a video display configured as a matrix upon which scores can accumulate and icons located upon the grid itself provided for additional scoring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game timer for restricting turn times and for timing turns of multiple players of a game. A number of players is entered into the game timer by a user. For each player, a game time and a turn time are entered by the user. For each player in sequence, the game timer executes a turn by decreasing the game time and turn time by one second increments starting when a start/stop button is pressed and ending when the game time or turn time for the player is decreased to zero or when the start/stop button is pressed again. Turns for each player are repeated until each players' game time is depleted. A global game time and a global turn time may be entered and stored for all players' game and turn times for easy setup of the game timer. The global game time and the global turn time may be modified, as necessary, for each player after the global times are entered.

Abstract: In a computer role-playing game, the level of an enemy character is set to a proper value in various story developments. When a player character first encounters an enemy character, the level of the enemy character is calculated on the basis of the current level of the player character, and the thus-set level of the enemy character is maintained during the game.

Abstract: A toy with developing skills, the toy including a fanciful figure having a capacity to perform an action, and action control circuitry operative to control the fanciful figure to perform the action at different levels of skill at different times.

Abstract: A game machine for providing a game, the regularity of which cannot be easily recognized be the player, by making use of a chaotic random number produced by a random number generating means.

Abstract: During a game, options to be responded by a player character are offered to a player. Personality point values in consideration of human personalities are assigned to the options, respectively. The personality point value corresponding to a response made by the player to every offer of the options is accumulated so as to obtain an accumulated personality point value for each of the human personalities. A personality of the player is classified based on the accumulated personality point values for the respective human personalities. The speech contents of a counterpart character, the fighting contents with the counterpart character or the behavioral environments of the player character are changed depending on the classified personality of the player.

Abstract: During a game, options are offered to a player per scene. Point values are assigned to the options for updating favorable impression point values each representing a player's degree of favorable impression toward corresponding one of counterpart characters subjected to personality compatibility analysis. Every time the player chooses one of the options, the corresponding favorable impression point value is updated by the assigned point value. In response to a given command input from the player, one of the counterpart characters having the highest favorable impression point value is selected and offered to the player.

Abstract: When a character (player character) moving in accordance with a player operation reaches a predetermined position on a map, battle processing between the player character and enemy characters is done. In such battle processing, a player can instruct the player character to escape from a battle against the enemy characters. In such a case where the player character is instructed to escape from the battle, it is determined that the instructed escape either succeeds or fails, in accordance with probabilities of success in escaping in which the probabilities are pre-stored in a manner corresponding to the number of times an instruction to escape has been given. The probability of success in escaping can vary depending on various factors, such as the difference in level values of the player character and the enemy characters or other predetermined parameter value regarding the player character.

Abstract: To evaluate a game playing performance from a new point of view, a control method for controlling a game machine allowing a player to enjoy stepping while listening to game music, comprises the steps of detecting whether or not the player puts their foot or feet on each of a plurality of step positions; judging, based on a detection result on the step position, according to which, of a plurality of pattern changes, a state of the player's feet relative to the plurality of step positions has changed to; calculating, based on the determined pattern change, an energy consumption amount due to a change of the state of the player's feet; calculating an accumulative energy consumption amount by accumulating an energy consumption amount calculated after a predetermined timing; and reporting the accumulative energy consumption amount calculated to the player.

Abstract: To realize a music-oriented game allowing the use of a commercially available music information storage medium, such as a commercially available music CD, or a network distribution as a means for obtaining original data of game music. In a game device of which controller is operated by a player in accordance with game music, game program code and game data are stored in a CD-ROM. The game data includes operation timing data, which is necessary when using the music recorded in a predetermined commercially available music CD, as game music. The recorded content of a commercially available music CD is read using a CD-ROM reader 24.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: A video game device is provided with a degree of difficulty setting unit 201h for setting a degree of difficulty of a technique to be performed by a play character by continuously hitting a C1-button 183h and a C2-button 183i provided in a controller 183, a command guiding unit for guiding the input of a command for causing the play character to perform a technique corresponding to the set degree of difficulty, a stick-shaped controller 183e provided in the controller 183 for inputting the command in accordance with the guide given by the command guiding unit, a landing setting unit 201j for setting landing finished upon completion of performance of the technique by the play character MA, and an evaluating unit 201k for evaluating the technique performed in accordance with a command inputting operation. Accordingly, a highly interesting and ingenuous game can be realized.

Abstract: A video game system including a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: Electronic gaming machines, such as slot machines or video poker machines are interconnected by a computer network. The behavior of each machine is controlled by configuring selected parameters such as game speed, payback percentage, or game appearance. As the machines are played, any of the selected parameters may be changed responsive to commands issued over the network. The commands are issued in response to predetermined changes in variables such as rate of play, player status, and the time of the day, week, or month. The payback percentage may be changed by implementing a new pay table at the selected machine or machines or by implementing a bonus period during which a percentage of all money played on the selected machines accrues in a bonus pool. During the bonus period, the selected machines are eligible for bonus awards that may be random or related to jackpots paid based on the pay tables in the selected machines.

Abstract: The game system comprises an image display device; an operation input device issuing a signal corresponding to an operation of a player; a mode select device for selecting one mode between a breeding mode in which a breeding game is prepared and a competition mode in which a competition game is prepared; a breeding game control device for controlling a progress of the breeding game, and a competition game control device.

Abstract: A method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament.

Abstract: The object is the provision of an image generating device and information storage medium such that even a player of low strength or the like can smoothly move a moving body in an object space. Based on a pedaling force PF corresponding to kinetic energy input using pedals, and a course attractive force AF pulling in the direction of progress along a course in object space, a moving body is moved along the course in the object space. The kinetic energy is obtained, for example, by a player moving an operating means with a hand or foot. The course is given vertical relief, and moving body is moved based on PF, AF, and gravity. When the moving body is on a level ground, or when the pedals are not being turned the course attractive force AF is disabled. In the case of a multi-player game in which a plurality of moving bodies are moving, the magnitude of the course attractive force AF is varied according to the distance from the moving body in first position or the rank order of the moving bodies.

Abstract: A computer-based strategic game system for, e.g., playing chess includes a kingbrain that is characterized by a rating and a queen brain. The rating of the kingbrain is automatically adjusted to the skill of the player, as determined by the queen brain, such that the kingbrain generates opponent moves to counter the player's moves with an effectiveness that is marginally above the player's ability. When the player is losing, the kingbrain can assume an aggressive heroic style of play. On the other hand, when the player is winning, the kingbrain can assume a defensive craven style of play. As the game unfolds, the queen brain evaluates each of the player's moves, and audio-visual annotations and game commentary based on the queen brain's evaluations are spooled to disk. At the end of the game, the annotations and commentary are immediately available to the player for instruction.

Abstract: A game display method displays a driving game which permits characters to be present in a city and can prevent cruel images of collisions with characters. Characters in a dangerous area are intentionally moved away from a motorbike B. Those H1, H2 of the characters behind the motorbike B as viewed in a moving direction of the motorbike B are intentionally moved away from a current position 01 of the motorbike B, a position of the center of the motorbike B. Those H3, H4, H5 of the characters in front of the motorbike B as viewed in the moving direction of the motorbike B are intentionally moved toward the back of the motorbike B, i.e., directions normal to a straight line interconnecting the position 01 of the center of the motorbike B and the characters H3, H4, H5. The characters H3, H4, who are forward left of the motorbike B, are moved left, and the character Hr, who is forward right, is moved right.

Abstract: An arcade-type stamp dispensing machine includes a clock face and an arrow assembly having an arrow rotatably supported over the clock face. An adjustable brake selectively stops rotation of the arrow assembly, while a shaft encoder detects where the arrow has been stopped over the clock face. A stamp dispenser is in communication with the shaft encoder, via a central processing unit board, for dispensing a variety of stamps. The game unit optionally includes a modem interfacing with the central processing unit board. The stamps dispensed by the stamp machine are preferably serialized and bar-coded.

Abstract: In a race game comprising a preliminary round and a main race, a player can start the game without waiting for other players, the boredom of waiting time is eliminated, and skillful players can be satisfied with the game. An image processing device for generating game images, and a plurality of game units each provided respectively with communications control devices connected to this image processing device, which control communications with other devices, are provided, and the communications control devices are connected to each other. When any of the players inserts a coin, the corresponding communications control device immediately starts a preliminary round, and when this preliminary round is completed, it displays a demonstration screen during the waiting period before the start of the main race.

Abstract: A control system registers effective combat actions of competitive characters in a RAM and learns the effective combat actions of the competitive characters. The control system also selects one of the combat actions stored in the RAM depending on the combat situation, and controls a CPU character to perform the selected combat action on a display screen. The CPU character learns and uses combat action information at the manual control level of the game player. Since the combating level of the CPU character is made substantially the same as the manual control level of the game player, the game player finds it enjoyable to play a combat game without getting bored.

Abstract: Images of game characters of a competitive video game are displayed on a display unit under the control of a control unit based on image data stored in a memory. The displayed game characters are moved by keys on first and second manual controllers that are operated by game players of the competitive video game. Additive and subtractive elements representing at least the techniques, effectiveness and ineffectiveness decisions about the techniques, and movements of the game characters, and points assigned to the additive and subtractive elements are registered in a register unit. While a match is in progress, points of additive and subtractive elements gained by the game characters are accumulated by first and second calculators. When a predetermined period of time measured by a timer for the match elapses, the accumulated points are compared by a comparator, and one of the game characters with more accumulated points is determined as the winner of the match.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A method of adaptive computer game play based on profiling. A set of important characteistics are defined for a game. The data relating to the important characteristics is accumulated during game play based on a defined granularity to which each important characteristic should be kept. A player profile reflecting the important characteristics kept to the defined granularity is derived. The player profile may be used to affect subsequent game play as, for example, a proxy for the creating player.

Abstract: In a system and method for tailoring information presented to a user and for tailoring the manner of information selection and presentation, an information station accepts user interchangeable information cards and system cards, the user having selected one information card from a series of information cards and having selected one system card from a series of system cards for determining the information presented to the user and for determining the manner of information selection and presentation.

Abstract: An incentive producing apparatus having a symbol displaying device, a player actuated device for changing the symbols on the displaying device, an accounting device for recording the changes in symbol displays caused by the operation of the player actuated device, and a processor responsive to the manner in which the player operates the device in such a way that the device responds to player input in the form of response time relative to the time of day or calendar time in order to adjust the operation of the apparatus to automatically, continually, proportionally, and subtly increase or decrease the difficulty of operation to maintain the incentive of the player to continue to operate the apparatus. The apparatus can be in the form of a slot machine game, an arcade game, a video action game or an education game. An embodiment of each type of such apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus applied to a psychological game machine which can evaluate the deep mental state of human, avoiding monotonous progress of a game. A plurality of image and audio information have previously been stored on a recording medium such that at least one of the plurality of image and audio information stored on the recording medium is selected for reproduction based on external operations and physiological changes in the body.

Abstract: An information storage device stores number-of-times-played information, total-playing-time information, and game-setting information, so that this information is retained after a games machine has been switched off. A game computation section performs game computations on the basis of manipulation information from the manipulation section, game-setting information that is stored in the information storage device, and a given program. An image synthesis section synthesizes a game image on the basis of results of these game computations. When a power detection section detects that power has been turned on, a read section reads information from the information storage device, then an information updating section updates the number-of-times-played information and total-playing-time information each time the game is played and also updates the game-setting information when the number of times played or the like exceeds a given number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a skill-based card game. A game apparatus displays cards on a display screen. The cards are provided from a deck to played by a player according to rules of the card game, where the player can make moves during the game with the drawn cards. A game score is based on the moves made by the player during the card game. The time duration in which the player makes the moves is recorded, and does not include time expired during the game in which moves cannot be made by the player. The game score is modified based on the time duration such that the less time expired during the moves, the greater the game score. The player can be penalized when the player fails to make a move when a move is possible. Also, equalized decks reduce the randomness of available moves during the card game. In one embodiment, the card game is similar to Solitaire, drawn cards are moved onto other cards in a display area as appropriate.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for teaching motor skills to a human subject, learning by a student is based upon imitation of a teacher's motion. The teacher's motion is sensed by a motion sensing device, is digitized by a computer, and is then recorded in memory. The computer generates a virtual image sequence of the teacher on the computer display of the teacher interacting in the computer-generated virtual environment for the student to view and imitate. The same motion sensing device used to record the teacher's movement tracks the student's movement and the computer creates a virtual image sequence on the display corresponding to the student's movement and its interaction with the virtual environment in real-time, simultaneously providing an image sequence of the teacher's movement. The student's task is to imitate the teacher's movement. This process is repeated until the teacher's and student's trajectories match well in space and time.

Abstract: A game of skill played simultaneously by several players (for example, a live television quiz game) whereby each participant player effectively competes only against players having a similar skill level in order to provide a strong motivation. The system includes a central computer system with each remote participant having a control unit. The control unit either stores and has supplied to it the particular skill level of the player and at the end of the game, only the relative scores at that particular skill level are indicated to that player. The system also provides for effective promotion or updating to a higher skill level of successful players of the game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing a derivative scenario in a game program operated on a home television game machine, has the steps of generating the plurality of derivative scenarios in the process of real time proceeded by a timer means with which a main body or an external storage device of the home television game machine is provided, and performing the plurality of derivative scenarios such that each of the plurality of derivative scenarios circulatively changes every a time period.

Abstract: The storyline of a dynamically generated entertainment program, such as a video game, is generated using a matrix of reusable storyline fragments called substories. A set of characters that participate in the storyline is established and a set of reusable substories is defined. Each substory represents a "fragment of a story", usually involving an action by a subject, where the subject is one of the characters. Most substories can be reused multiple times with different ones of the characters being the subject and different ones of the characters being the direct object of the substory. Each substory has a set of possible reaction substories, which are a subset of the defined substories. A plan list stores plan data indicating ones of the substories to be performed at specified times. An initial "seed story" in the form of an initial set of substories is stored in the plan list. The substories stored in the plan list are executed at times corresponding to their respective specified times.

Abstract: A game machine for preventing its game contents from becoming monotonous. A game machine has a display device 11 (e.g., a liquid crystal display) on which game contents are displayed. The machine creates a chaos attractor intrinsic to the human player by making use of information detected from a line-of-sight input device 16 that recognizes the line of sight of the player. The machine controls the game contents, utilizing this chaos attractor. In this way, the game contents can be made intrinsic to the player.

Abstract: A method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament.

Abstract: A game or play facilities which change contents of progress of the game or play based on physiological information of a player, thereby being capable of providing contents suitable for the player. The game or play facilities is controlled by physiological information and includes physiological signal measuring device for measuring a physiological signal of a player, mental state determination means for determining mental state of the player by comparing the physiological signal subsequently to appropriate conversion thereof with reference values, and control means with reference values, and a control device determination by the mental state determination device.

Abstract: An information storage device stores number-of-times-played information, total-playing-time information, and game-setting information, so that this information is retained after a games machine has been switched off. A game computation section performs game computations on the basis of manipulation information from the manipulation section, game-setting information that is stored in the information storage device, and a given program. An image synthesis section synthesizes a game image on the basis of results of these game computations. When a power detection section detects that power has been turned on, a read section reads information from the information storage device, then an information updating section updates the number-of-times-played information and total-playing-time information each time the game is played and also updates the game-setting information when the number of times played or the like exceeds a given number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring-swing skill game for play by one or more players. The basic structure of the game apparatus includes an upright game console, a target hook projecting from the front side of the console, a boom projecting from the upper portion of the console, an elongated flexible tether cord suspended from the outer end of the boom, and a ring affixed to the lower free end of the tether cord for swinging movement toward the game console by the one or more players during game play to attain hooking engagement of the ring with the hook. An electrically powered programmable computer board including game scoring circuitry is electrically interconnected to the ring and hook for detecting and recording ring contact with, and ring catches by, the hook as scoring events.

Abstract: In a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming machines according to the invention, to raise diversity, pleasure, convenience, etc., of game plays, each gaming machine is provided with a game memory which stores various game programs and a game controller for executing a program read from the game memory in response to a game selection command, and a centralized controller is provided with a degree-of-difficulty adjustment section responsive to a game condition signal from each game controller for adjusting the degree of difficulty in playing a game executed by the game controller and a gaming machine termination controller for determining whether or not each gaming machine is to be terminated.

Abstract: A videographics/video game fabricating system includes a multiprocessor based game processor console which includes a main central processing unit (CPU) which controls editing operations and operating system task execution and a game CPU for executing the model video game which is loaded into a pluggable RAM cartridge. The model video game provides a starting point from which a user can readily create an original video game including desired aspects of the model software. The system permits a user to modify any of the game's moving objects, background screens, music or sound effects. The main CPU and game CPU cooperate in the game execution and editorial process such that an editing screen generated by the main CPU is superimposed on a game screen generated by the program executing CPU.

Abstract: A videographics/video game fabricating system includes a multiprocessor based game processor console which includes a main central processing unit (CPU) which controls editing operations and operating system task execution and a game CPU for executing the model video game which is loaded into a pluggable RAM cartridge. The model video game provides a starting point from which a user can readily create an original video game including desired aspects of the model software. The system permits a user to modify any of the game's moving objects, background screens, music or sound effects. The main CPU and game CPU cooperate in the game execution and editorial process such that an editing screen generated by the main CPU is superimposed on a game screen generated by the program executing CPU.

Abstract: A player initially sets the degree of difficulty of a display type game, and if desired, more than one player may participate with each player selecting an associated level of difficulty. First and second objects having different shapes, e.g. capsules and viruses, and different characteristics, e.g. different colors or shadings, are displayed in a predefined display area. First objects are generated based on random number data stored in a ROM and displayed as "falling" in a vertical direction across the predefined display area. Coordinate positions of the first objects on the display are changed by a player operating a controller. Second objects are displayed at arbitrary positions in the display area based on random number data. If a prescribed number of at least a portion of first objects and/or second objects having the same type characteristics are detected as being continuously aligned in a vertical or lateral direction, those continuously aligned objects are erased.