Patent Publication Number: US-2003232635-A1

Title: Crossword puzzle playing apparatus and crossword puzzle playing program storage medium

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in accordance with operations performed by a player. The present invention also relates to a crossword puzzle playing program storage medium storing a crossword puzzle playing program executed on the computer to cause the computer to function as such a crossword puzzle playing apparatus.  
       [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0004] When playing a crossword puzzle by using a personal computer (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated to PC), a player prints out the puzzle using a printer and then plays the puzzle or inputs answers in answer cells on a display screen through a keyboard with reference to a list of clues to vertical and horizontal answers, which is also displayed on the display screen.  
       [0005] If the PC is connected to an Internet and a link to a Web page on the Internet is provided on a vertical or horizontal clue, a player can access and refer to the Web page to find the answer to the clue (puzzle), which he or she would not be able to find by him/herself. However, players are apt to forget the information thus obtained over time. Some players store links to (the Internet address of) Web pages in case they forget information obtained from the Web pages.  
       [0006] In any case, the players have to search the answer entry matrix for cells in which an answer to a down or across clue is to be placed. Conversely, the players have to search the list of clues for a down or across clue corresponding to particular cells in the answer entry matrix.  
       [0007] A user who uses an on-line PC to obtain information in a Web page on the Internet that is associated with a clue has to store the link to (Internet address of) the Web page manually if he or she wants to save time and effort to search for the clue to refer to that page later.  
       [0008] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-3241 has proposed a method in which a plurality of display panels are related with one another in a multilevel hierarchy of directories and a display panel selected from among them in response to an instruction from a player is displayed in a color corresponding to a level to which that panel belongs. This method allows the player to know the level of the displayed panel. However, crossword puzzles typically have nothing to do with any hierarchical structure and it counts for nothing to apply the technology to crossword puzzles in order to improve their operability.  
       [0009] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-175628 has proposed a system that provides information corresponding to a clue in a dialog displayed on a cyberspace. However, the system also cannot be applied to crossword puzzles.  
       [0010] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-266712 has proposed a method in which a display panel consisting of diagrams and text is displayed. When a diagram is specified, identification data contained in the diagram is read out and the text is searched for the same identification data and the found data is highlighted. This method allows a user to find matching identification data in a diagram and text but cannot be used to improve the operability of crossword puzzles.  
       [0011] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-272772 has proposed a method in which information on links to answer alternatives is provided in a questionnaire. When the questionnaire is edited by copying or moving questions in it, the answer alternatives are dynamically edited in conjunction with the editing. This method again has nothing to do the operability of crossword puzzles.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a crossword puzzle playing apparatus and a crossword puzzle playing program storage medium on which a crossword puzzle playing program is stored, for providing improved operability in playing crossword puzzles.  
       [0013] A first crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention that attains the above object is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answerers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed; a point specifying section specifying a point on the display screen according to an operation performed by the player; and an answer entering section entering the answers in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to specification of a clue from among the clues in the clue list area by the point specifying section, highlights an answer entry range corresponding to the clue specified by the point specifying section.  
       [0014] The highlighting may be performed by any of various types of means such as those for drawing a box of a distinctive color (for example, red) around an answer entry range, changing the color of the answer entry range, changing periodically the color or shape of an answer entry range, or blinking the answer entry range. This applies to “highlighting” as used in any of the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described later.  
       [0015] The specifying a clue is not limited to the point specifying section described above. For example, a clue may be specified by placing the mouse cursor on the area in which the clue is displayed, or it may be specified by placing the mouse cursor and clicking on it, or by selecting it using the mouse or keyboard and depressing the enter key of the keyboard. This applies to cases where any of clues or other items on the display screen is specified in any of the embodiments of the present invention.  
       [0016] According to a first crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention, an answer entry range corresponding to a clue specified by the player is highlighted, thereby allowing the player to readily know where to enter an answer to that clue.  
       [0017] The display section of the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus preferably displays said answer entry matrix on said display screen in a scrollable manner and, if an answer entry range corresponding to a clue specified by said point specifying section from among the clues in said clue list area is not displayed on said display screen, scrolls said answer entry matrix to display and highlight said answer entry range on said display screen in response to specification of said clue.  
       [0018] If an answer entry range to which the player wants to enter an answer is not displayed on the display screen, the answer entry range is brought into the display screen and highlighted by indicating his or her intention to select a clue corresponding that answer entry range. Thus, the player can readily know the answer entry range corresponding to the clue.  
       [0019] A second crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention that attains the above-described object is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer matrix are displayed, the clue list area being scrollable; and an answer entering section entering the answers in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by a player; wherein the display section highlights in the answer entry matrix an answer entry range corresponding to a clue displayed at a predetermined position in the clue list area.  
       [0020] Because the clue list area in the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention is displayed in a scrollable manner and the answer entry range that corresponds to a clue brought to a predetermined position (the top of the list, for example) through scrolling is highlighted, the player can readily know the answer entry range corresponding to that particular clue.  
       [0021] In the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus, the display section displays on the display screen the clue list area and the answer entry matrix in a scrollable manner and, if an answer entry range corresponding to a clue which is brought to the predetermined position (the top of the list, for example) in the clue list area in response to scrolling of the clue list area is not displayed on the display screen, scrolls the answer entry matrix to display and highlight the answer entry range.  
       [0022] Even if an intended answer entry range is not displayed on the display screen, the answer entry range corresponding to the clue displayed in a predetermined position (the top of the list, for example) by scrolling is displayed and highlighted on the display screen. Thus, the player can readily know the answer entry range corresponding to the clue brought to that position through the scrolling.  
       [0023] A third crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention that attains the above-described object is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, the answer entry matrix being scrollable; a clue specifying section specifying a clue from among the clues in the clue list area in accordance with an operation performed by the player; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to specification of a clue in the clue list area by the clue specifying section, scrolls the answer entry matrix to display an answer entry range corresponding to the clue specified by the clue specifying section if the answer entry range is not displayed in the answer entry matrix on the display screen.  
       [0024] The clue specifying section is not limited to specific specifying means. For example, a pointing device such as a mouse that can specify a point on the display screen may be used to specify a desired clue. Alternatively, the clues in the clue list area may be scrollable and a desired clue may be specified by scrolling the list to bring the clue to a predetermined position (the top of the list, for example).  
       [0025] In the third crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention, if an answer entry range is not displayed on the display screen, the answer entry range can be brought into the display screen by specifying the clue corresponding to the answer entry range to scroll the display screen. Thus, the answer entry range corresponding to the clue can be displayed without manually scrolling the screen to find the answer entry range.  
       [0026] A fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention that attains the above-described object is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed; a point specifying section specifying a point on the display screen in accordance to an operation performed by the player; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to specification of an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix by the point specifying section, highlights a clue among the clues displayed in the clue list area that corresponds to the answer entry range specified by the point specifying section.  
       [0027] In the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention, when the player indicates his or her intention to select an answer entry range, the clue that corresponds to the selected answer entry range is highlighted. Thus, the player can readily know the clue to the answer to be entered in the answer entry range.  
       [0028] In the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, the display section preferably displays the clue list area on the display screen in a scrollable manner and, if a clue corresponding to an answer entry range specified by the point specifying section from among the answer entry ranges in the answer entry matrix is not displayed in the clue list area on the display screen, scrolls the clue list area to display and highlight the clue on the display screen in response to specification of the answer entry range.  
       [0029] Even if a clue to an answer to be entered in an answer range has not been displayed on the display screen, the player can readily know the clue to the answer entry range by indicating his or her intention to select the answer entry range to display and highlight the clue.  
       [0030] A fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention that attains the above-described object is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered, a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, and a keyword display field in which a keyword is displayed, the keyword being formed by arranging in a certain order the same characters that are entered in a number of certain entry cells of the cells making up the answer entry matrix; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to entry of a character in any of the certain entry cells in the answer entry matrix, displays the same character as the character at a place in the keyword display field, the place corresponding to the entry cell in which the character is entered.  
       [0031] In the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus described above, a keyword to be derived from answers entered in the answer entry matrix is displayed on the keyword display field simply by entering the answers in the matrix, saving the player from having to search for the keyword characters in the answer entry matrix.  
       [0032] In the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, the display section may display the answer entry matrix and the clue list area prior to displaying the keyword display field and display the keyword display field the first time a character is entered in any of the certain entry cells in the answer entry matrix.  
       [0033] The keyword display field is hidden when unnecessary and displayed when necessary, thereby attracting attention to the keyword display field and interest in the crossword puzzle.  
       [0034] A sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix, displays an indication that a clue in the clue list area that corresponds to the answer entry range in which the answer is entered is answered.  
       [0035] In the sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, when an answer to a clue is entered, an indication is displayed that the clue has been answered. Thus, the player can readily find the clue corresponding to the next answer entry range into which the player wants to enter an answer.  
       [0036] The indication of an answered clue is not limited to a specific form. For example, it may be a deletion line displayed over the clue or a checkmark appearing in a checkbox associated with the clue. It may be an “Answered” mark appearing in a field associated with the clue. It may be any changed display mode that shows the clue has been answered.  
       [0037] A seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are entered, a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, and a predetermined uncompleted answer entry range indication button; a button specifying section specifying the uncompleted answer entry range indication button in accordance with an operation performed by the player; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to specification of the uncompleted answer entry range indication button by the button specifying section, highlights an unanswered entry range in the answer entry matrix.  
       [0038] In the seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention, uncompleted answer entry ranges are highlighted when the uncompleted answer entry range indication button is depressed, so that the player can readily know how many answer entry ranges are uncompleted.  
       [0039] An eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, the order in which the clues are listed in the clue list area being changeable; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix, changes a display mode of the clue list area to a mode in which a clue corresponding to the answer entry range in which the answer is entered is moved to a predetermined position.  
       [0040] In the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, answered clues are moved to a predetermined position (for example the bottom of the clue list (clue array), not displayed in the clue list area) to reorganize the list so that clues are divided into answered and unanswered clues. Thus, the player can readily know the unanswered clues.  
       [0041] A ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, the clue list area being scrollable; and an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix, scrolls the clue list area to display at a predetermined position a clue corresponding to an unentered answer if a clue corresponding to the answer entry range in which the answer is entered is displayed at the predetermined position in the clue list area.  
       [0042] In the ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention, the clue list area is scrolled to bring unanswered clues to a predetermined position (for example the top of the list). Thus, the player can readily know the unanswered clues.  
       [0043] A tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention is a crossword puzzle playing apparatus connected to a network in which answers are entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player, comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed, the clues including a clue being linked to Web pages; a point specifying section specifying a point on the display screen in accordance with an operation performed by the player; an answer entering section entering an answer in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; and a Web accessing section responsive to specification by the point specifying section of a clue in the clue list area that is linked to a Web page for accessing the Web page to which the clue is linked; wherein the display section displays on the display screen the Web page accessed by the Web accessing section in addition to the answer entry matrix and the clue list area; and the crossword puzzle playing apparatus further comprises a reference link information recording section associating and recording information about the link to the Web page accessed by the Web accessing section with the clue linked to the Web page and/or an answer corresponding to the clue.  
       [0044] In the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, information obtained by referring to Web pages to which clues are linked is stored. Thus, the player can review the information later.  
       [0045] The reference link information recording section in the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus may associate and record said information about the link with said clue and/or said answer in a certain Web page.  
       [0046] The information may be stored in the crossword puzzle playing apparatus or may be recorded in a certain Web page.  
       [0047] A crossword puzzle playing program storage medium that attains the above-described object of the present invention stores a crossword puzzle playing program that is executed on a computer and causes the computer to operate as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in accordance with an operation performed by a player. The crossword puzzle playing program stored on the crossword puzzle playing program storage medium includes a first through tenth crossword puzzle playing programs that cause the computer to operate as the first through tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus, respectively.  
       [0048] For example, a first crossword puzzle playing program storage medium of the present invention is a crossword puzzle playing program storage medium storing a crossword puzzle playing program executed in a computer to cause the computer to operate as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are to be entered in accordance with an operation performed by the player, the program causing the computer to operate as the crossword puzzle playing apparatus comprising: a display section displaying on a display screen an answer entry matrix in which the answerers are to be entered and a clue list area in which clues to the answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix are displayed; and an answer entering section entering the answers in the answer entry matrix in accordance with an operation performed by the player; wherein the display section, in response to specification of a clue from among the clues in the clue list area, highlights an answer entry range corresponding to the specified clue.  
       [0049] Similar description is applied to the second through tenth crossword puzzle playing program storage media therefore description of them will be omitted here. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0050]FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of a server-client system including one embodiment of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention;  
     [0051]FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of a personal computer shown in FIG. 1;  
     [0052]FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a first crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0053]FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a first crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0054]FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a second crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0055]FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a second crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0056]FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a third crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0057]FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a third crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0058]FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a fourth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0059]FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0060]FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a fifth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0061]FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0062]FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a sixth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0063]FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0064]FIG. 15 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a seventh crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0065]FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0066]FIG. 17 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of an eighth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0067]FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0068]FIG. 19 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a ninth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0069]FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0070]FIG. 21 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a tenth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium;  
     [0071]FIG. 22 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a tenth crossword program playing apparatus;  
     [0072]FIG. 23 shows a display mode on a display screen of an embodiment of the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0073]FIG. 24 shows a display mode on the display screen of the embodiment of the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0074]FIG. 25 shows a module configuration diagram of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0075]FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a mouse cursor coordinates managing section;  
     [0076]FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section;  
     [0077]FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section;  
     [0078]FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an answer cell managing section;  
     [0079]FIG. 30 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0080]FIG. 31 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0081]FIG. 32 shows a partial flowchart replacing step d 6  in FIG. 29;  
     [0082]FIG. 33 shows a display mode of the display screen of an embodiment of the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0083]FIG. 34 shows a display mode of the display screen of the embodiment of the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0084]FIG. 35 shows a module configuration diagram of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0085]FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section;  
     [0086]FIG. 37 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section;  
     [0087]FIG. 38 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0088]FIG. 39 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0089]FIG. 40 shows a display mode of the display screen of an embodiment of the third crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0090]FIG. 41 shows a display mode of the display screen of the embodiment of the third crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0091]FIG. 42 shows a partial flowchart replacing the section in box (A) in FIG. 29;  
     [0092]FIG. 43 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0093]FIG. 44 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0094]FIG. 45 shows a display mode of the display screen of an embodiment of the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0095]FIG. 46 shows a display mode of the display screen of the embodiment of the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0096]FIG. 47 shows a module configuration diagram of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0097]FIG. 48 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a mouse cursor coordinates managing section;  
     [0098]FIG. 49 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an answer cell managing section;  
     [0099]FIG. 50 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section;  
     [0100]FIG. 51 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section;  
     [0101]FIG. 52 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0102]FIG. 53 shows a display mode of the display screen;  
     [0103]FIG. 54 shows a partial flowchart replacing the section in box (C) in the flowchart in FIG. 50;  
     [0104]FIG. 55 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0105]FIG. 56 shows a display implementation in the embodiment of the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0106]FIG. 57 shows a module configuration diagram of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0107]FIG. 58 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an answer cell managing section;  
     [0108]FIG. 59 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0109]FIG. 60 shows a display mode after an operation by a player in the embodiment of the sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0110]FIG. 61 shows a module configuration diagram of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0111]FIG. 62 shows an answer cell status management array;  
     [0112]FIG. 63 shows a clue number and answer cell management table;  
     [0113]FIG. 64 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an answer cell managing section on receiving a notice of the entry of a character in any of the cells in an answer entry range;  
     [0114]FIG. 65 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section on receiving a down clue number from a down clue managing section;  
     [0115]FIG. 66 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section on receiving an across clue number from a across clue managing section;  
     [0116]FIG. 67 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section;  
     [0117]FIG. 68 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the across clue managing section;  
     [0118]FIG. 69 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0119]FIG. 70 shows a display mode in the embodiment of the seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0120]FIG. 71 shows a module configuration of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0121]FIG. 72 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an answer cell managing section;  
     [0122]FIG. 73 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0123]FIG. 74 shows a display mode in the embodiment of the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0124]FIG. 75 shows a display mode in the embodiment of the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0125]FIG. 76 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section;  
     [0126]FIG. 77 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section;  
     [0127]FIG. 78 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0128]FIG. 79 shows a display mode in the embodiment of the ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0129]FIG. 80 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section;  
     [0130]FIG. 81 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section;  
     [0131]FIG. 82 shows a display mode in an embodiment of the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0132]FIG. 83 shows a display mode in the embodiment of the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus;  
     [0133]FIG. 84 shows an accessed page storing HTML file;  
     [0134]FIG. 85 shows a Web page accessed based on link information stored in the accessed page storing HTML file;  
     [0135]FIG. 86 shows a module configuration;  
     [0136]FIG. 87 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a link information managing section; and  
     [0137]FIG. 88 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an accessed page managing section. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0138] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.  
     [0139]FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a server-client system including one embodiment of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus, which is one embodiment of the present invention, comprises hardware, an operating system (OS) of a personal computer (PC)  100 , and an application program installed and executed in the PC  100 , which is an embodiment of a crossword puzzle playing program according to the present invention.  
     [0140] The PC  100  is connected to a server computer  200  over a communication line  300  and acts as a client computer of the server computer  200 .  
     [0141] While only the single PC  100  is illustrated as a representative of client computers, many other client computers may be connected onto the communication line  300 . While the single server computer  200  is illustrated, a number of server computers may be distributed and connected over the communication line  300  for providing separate services.  
     [0142] The PC  100  shown in FIG. 1 comprises a main unit  101 , an image display unit  102  for displaying images on a display screen  102   a  according to instructions from the main unit  101 , a keyboard  103  through which information is inputted in response to key operations, and a mouse  104  for inputting instructions by specifying any voluntary position on the display screen relevant to icons, for example. Viewing from outside, the main unit  101  has a flexible disk slot  101   a  through which a flexible disk (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated to FD) is loaded and a CD-ROM slot  101   b  through which a CD-ROM is loaded.  
     [0143]FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the PC  100  shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0144] As shown in FIG. 2, the main unit  101  of the PC  100  shown in FIG. 1 has a CPU  111  within it for executing programs, memory  112  into which programs are loaded for execution, a hard disk  120  for storing programs and data, a hard disk controller  113  for accessing the hard disk  120 , a FD drive  114  for accessing an FD  410  loaded in it, a CD-ROM drive  115  for accessing a CD-ROM  400  loaded in it, a mouse controller  116  for communicating operations of the mouse  104  to the CPU  111 , a keyboard controller  117  for communicating key operations on the keyboard  103  to the CPU  111 , a display controller  118  for communicating direction from the CPU  111  to the image display unit  102  to cause it to display images on the display screen  102   a , and a communication board  119  connected to the communication line  300  for providing communications over the communication line  300 . The CPU  111 , memory  112 , hard disk controller  113 , FD drive  114 , CD-ROM drive  115 , mouse controller  116 , keyboard controller  117 , display controller  118 , and communication board  119  are interconnected though a bus  110 .  
     [0145] There will be described embodiments of a crossword puzzle playing program storage medium storing a crossword puzzle playing program of the present invention that is executed on the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also there will be described embodiments of a crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention that is implemented by hardware and OS of the PC  100  and the crossword puzzle playing program executed on the PC  100 .  
     [0146] In the following description, the assumption is that a crossword puzzle playing program storage medium of any of embodiments of the present invention is a CD-ROM and a crossword puzzle playing program stored in the CD-ROM is installed and executed in the PC  100 . However, the crossword puzzle playing program of the present invention is not necessarily required to be stored in a CD-ROM. It may be stored in an FD or any of other removable storage media and installed in the PC  100 , or may be previously installed in a hard disc of the PC  100 , or may be downloaded over the communication line  300 . The program may take any form that allows the program to be eventually executed on the PC  100 .  
     [0147]FIG. 3 schematically shows a configuration of a first crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0148] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 A shown in FIG. 3 comprises a display section  510 A, a point specifying section  520 A, and an answer entering section  530 A. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 A in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 A. While the point specifying section  520 A is included in the crossword puzzle playing program  500 A in the present embodiment, it is not necessarily required to be included in the program  500 A. Instead, a point specification section of any other programs, such as an OS (operating system) may be used as the point specifying section  520 A. This also applies to other crossword puzzle playing programs, such as a crossword puzzle playing program  500 D shown in FIG. 9, that are stored in crossword puzzle playing program storage media of other embodiments of the present invention.  
     [0149] The CD-ROM  400 A shown in FIG. 3 is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 A is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 A stored in the CD-ROM  400 A is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 A causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in the cells in accordance with operations performed by a player. Functions of the display section  510 A, point specifying section  520 A, and answer entering section  530 A will be described in conjunction with FIG. 4.  
     [0150]FIG. 4 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a first crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0151] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A shown in FIG. 4 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which program is shown in FIG. 3. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A comprises a display section  610 A, point specifying section  620 A, and an answer entering section  630 A. The display section  610 A, point specifying section  620 A, and answer entering section  630 A correspond to the display section  510 A, point specifying section  520 A, and answer entering section  530 A in FIG. 3, respectively. The display section  610 A, point specifying section  620 A, and answer entering section  630 A making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A in FIG. 4 are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 A, point specifying section  520 A, and answer entering section  530 A making up the crossword puzzle playing application  500 A in FIG. 3 are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 A,  520 A, and  530 A of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 A shown in FIG. 3 are the functions of the components  610 A,  620 A, and  630 A of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A shown in FIG. 4, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 A is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A in FIG. 4 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 A,  520 A, and  530 A of the crossword puzzle playing program  500  in FIG. 3 will be omitted.  
     [0152] The display section  610 A, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A shown in FIG. 4, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 A of cells arranged horizontally and vertically to which answer is to be entered and a clue list area  612 A containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix. The display section  610 A as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102 , the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0153] The point specifying section  620 A in FIG. 4 functions so as to specify a point on the display screen in accordance with a player operation. The point specifying section  620 A as hardware is implemented by a combination of the mouse  104 , mouse controller  116 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0154] The answer entering section  630 A is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0155] The display section  610 A, in response to specification of a clue on the clue list by the point specifying section, highlights an answer entry range consisting of one or more cells in the answer entry matrix that correspond to the clue specified through the point specifying section.  
     [0156] The display section  610 A displays the answer entry matrix on the above-mentioned display screen in a scrollable fashion. The display section  610 A receives specification of a clue in the clue list area  612 A which is provided from the point specifying section  620 A and highlights the answer entry range. If the answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 A that corresponds to the clue specified through the point specifying section  620 A is hidden, the display section  610 A scrolls through to bring the answer entry range into view and highlights the answer entry range.  
     [0157] This allows the player to know at first sight the answer entry range in which an answer corresponding to the specified clue is to be entered.  
     [0158] Specific embodiments of the first crossword puzzle playing program storage medium and the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus, embodiments of which have been described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, will be further described later.  
     [0159]FIG. 5 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a second crossword puzzle program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0160] The crossword puzzle playing program  500  shown in FIG. 5 comprises a display section  510 B and an answer entering section  530 B. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 B in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 B, like the one described with respect to FIG. 3.  
     [0161] Like the CD-ROM  400 A shown in FIG. 3, the CD-ROM  400 B is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 B is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B stored in the CD-ROM  400 B is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 B and answer entering section  530 B will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 6.  
     [0162]FIG. 6 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a second crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0163] Like the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus shown in FIG. 4, the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B shown in FIG. 6 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 5. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B comprises a display section  610 B and an answer entering section  630 B. The display section  610 B and answer entering section  630 B correspond to the display section  510 B and answer entering section  530 B in FIG. 5, respectively. The display section  610 B and answer entering section  630 B making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 B and answer entering section  530 B making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 B and  530 B of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B shown in FIG. 5 are the functions of the components  610 B and  630 B of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B shown in FIG. 6, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B in FIG. 6 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 B and  530 B of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 B in FIG. 5 will be omitted.  
     [0164] The display section  610 B, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B shown in FIG. 6, causes the computer to display an answer entry matrix  611 B of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are entered and a clue list area  612 B containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 B on the display screen  102   a  of the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the clue list are  612 B being scrollable. The display section  610 B as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0165] The answer entering section  630 B is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 B according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0166] The display section  610 B highlights an answer entry range consisting of one or more cells in the answer entry matrix  611 B that correspond to a clue displayed in a particular position (the top of the display) in the clue list area  612 B.  
     [0167] The display section  610 B displays the clue list area  612 B in the display screen  102   a  (see FIG. 1) in a scrollable fashion. It also displays the answer entry matrix  611 B in the display screen  102   a  in a scrollable fashion. When the clue displayed in the particular position (the top of the display) is changed by scrolling the clue list area  612 B, the display section  610 B highlights the particular answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 B that corresponds to the clue displayed in the particular position (the top of the display). If the answer entry range is hidden, the display section  610 B scrolls through the answer entry matrix  6111 B to bring the answer entry range into view, and highlights the answer entry range.  
     [0168] This allows the player to know at first sight the answer entry range in which an answer corresponding to the specified clue is to be entered.  
     [0169] Further specific embodiments of the second crossword puzzle playing program storage medium and the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus, one embodiment of which has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, will be described later.  
     [0170]FIG. 7 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a third crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0171] A crossword puzzle playing program  500 C shown in FIG. 7 comprises a display section  510 C, a clue specifying section  540 C, and an answer entering section  530 C. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 C in this example is stored on a CD-ROM  400 C.  
     [0172] The CD-ROM  400 C is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 C is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C stored in the CD-ROM  400 C is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 C, clue specifying section  540 C, and answer entering section  530 C will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 8.  
     [0173]FIG. 8 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a third crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0174] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C shown in FIG. 8 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 7. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C comprises a display section  610 C, clue specifying section  640 C, and an answer entering section  630 C. The display section  610 C, point specifying section  640 C, and answer entering section  630 C correspond to the display section  510 C, point specifying section  540 C, and answer entering section  530 C in FIG. 7, respectively. The display section  610 C, clue specifying section  640 C, and answer entering section  630 C making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C in FIG. 8 are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 C, clue specifying section  540 C, and answer entering section  530 C making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C in FIG. 7 are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 C,  540 C, and  530 C of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C shown in FIG. 7 are the functions of the components  610 C,  640 C, and  630 C of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C shown in FIG. 8, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C in FIG. 8 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 C,  540 C, and  530 C of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 C in FIG. 7 will be omitted.  
     [0175] The display section  610 C, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 C shown in FIG. 8, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 C of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are entered and a clue list area  612 C containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 C, with the answer entry matrix  611 C being scrollable. The display section  610 C as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0176] The clue specifying section  640 C in FIG. 8 functions so as to specify a clue in the clue list area  612 C according to an operation performed by a player and, as hardware, is implemented by a combination of the mouse  104 , mouse controller  116 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0177] The answer entering section  630 C is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 C according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0178] The display section  610 C, in response to specification of a clue in the clue list area  612 C which is provided from the clue specifying section  640 C, scrolls the answer entry matrix  611 C to display on the display screen an answer entry range consisting of one or more cells that correspond to the clue specified through the clue specifying section  640 C if the answer entry range is hidden.  
     [0179] This can ensure that the answer entry range in which answer corresponding to the specified clue is to be entered is displayed on the display screen.  
     [0180]FIG. 9 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a fourth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0181] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 D shown in FIG. 9 comprises a display section  510 D, a point specification section  520 D, and an answer entering section  530 D. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 D in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 D.  
     [0182] The CD-ROM  400 D is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 D is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D stored in the CD-ROM  400 D is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 D, point specifying section  520 D, and answer entering section  530 D will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 10.  
     [0183]FIG. 10 shows a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of a fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0184] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D shown in FIG. 10 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which program is shown in FIG. 9. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D comprises a display section  610 D, point specifying section  620 D, and an answer entering section  630 D. The display section  610 D, point specifying section  620 D, and answer entering section  630 D correspond to the display section  510 D, point specifying section  520 D, and answer entering section  530 D in FIG. 9, respectively. The display section  610 D, point specifying section  620 D, and answer entering section  630 D making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 D, point specifying section  520 D, and answer entering section  530 D making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 D,  520 D, and  530 D of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D shown in FIG. 9 are the functions of the components  610 D,  620 D, and  630 D of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D shown in FIG. 10, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D in FIG. 10 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 D,  520 D, and  530 D of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 D in FIG. 9 will be omitted.  
     [0185] The display section  610 D, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D shown in FIG. 10, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 D of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered and a clue list area  612 D containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 D. The display section  610 D as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0186] The point specifying section  620 D in FIG. 10 functions to specify a point on the display screen in accordance with a player operation. The point specifying section  620 D as hardware is implemented by a combination of the mouse  104 , mouse controller  116 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0187] The answer entering section  630 D is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 D according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0188] The display section  610 D, in response to specification of an answer entry range consisting of one or more cells in the answer entry matrix  611 D which is provided from the point specifying section  620 D, highlights a clue in the clue list area  612 D that corresponds to the answer entry range specified through the point specifying section  620 D.  
     [0189] The display section  610 D displays the clue list area  612 D in a scrollable manner on the display screen. The display section  610 D receives specification of an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 D, which is provided from the point specifying section  620 D, and highlights a clue in the clue list area  612 D that corresponds to the answer entry range specified through the point specifying section  620 D. If the clue is hidden, the display section  610 D scrolls through the display screen to display and highlight it in the display screen.  
     [0190] This allows the player to know at first sight the clue corresponding to an answer to be entered in the answer entry range specified.  
     [0191]FIG. 11 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a fifth crossword puzzle program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0192] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 E shown in FIG. 11 comprises a display section  510 E and an answer entering section  530 E. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 E in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 E.  
     [0193] The CD-ROM  400 E is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 E is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E stored in the CD-ROM  400 E is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC, the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 E and answer entering section  530 E will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 12.  
     [0194]FIG. 12 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0195] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E shown in FIG. 12 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which program is shown in FIG. 11. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E comprises a display section  610 E and an answer entering section  630 E. The display section  610 E and answer entering section  630 E correspond to the display section  510 E and answer entering section  530 E, respectively. The display section  610 E and answer entering section  630 E making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 E and answer entering section  530 E making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 E and  530 E of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E shown in FIG. 11 are the functions of the components  610 E and  630 E of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E shown in FIG. 12, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E in FIG. 12 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 E and  530 E of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 E in FIG. 11 will be omitted.  
     [0196] The display section  610 E which is a part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E shown in FIG. 12, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 E of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered, a clue list area  612 E containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 E, and a keyword display field  613 E listing, in a certain order, the same characters as those that are entered in some certain cells of the cells making up the answer entry matrix  611 E. The display section  610 E as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0197] The answer entering section  630 E is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 E according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0198] In response to entry of characters in particular cells in the answer entry matrix  611 E through the answer entering section  630 E, the display section  610 E also displays the same characters in positions on the keyword display field  613 E that correspond to the particular cells in which the character has been entered.  
     [0199] The display section  610 E initially displays the answer entry matrix  611 E and the clue list area  612 E among the answer entry matrix  611 E, clue list area  612 E, and keyword display field  613 E. It displays the keyword display field  613 E when the first character is placed in particular cells in the answer entry matrix  611 E through the answer entering section  630 E.  
     [0200] This eliminates the need for the player to search the answer entry matrix for a keyword after completing the entry of an answer in the answer entry matrix  611 E.  
     [0201]FIG. 13 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a sixth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0202] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  500 F shown in FIG. 13 comprises a display section  510 F and an answer entering section  530 F. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 F in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 F.  
     [0203] The CD-ROM  400 F is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 F is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  50 OF stored in the CD-ROM  400 F is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 F causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 F and answer entering section  530 F will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 14.  
     [0204]FIG. 14 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0205] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F shown in FIG. 14 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  50 OF executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 13. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F comprises a display section  610 F and an answer entering section  630 F. The display section  610 F and answer entering section  630 F correspond to the display section  510 F and answer entering section  530 F in FIG. 13, respectively. The display section  610 F and answer entering section  630 F making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F in FIG. 14 are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 F and answer entering section  530 F making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 F in FIG. 13 are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 F and  530 F of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 F shown in FIG. 13 are the functions of the components  610 F and  630 F of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F shown in FIG. 14, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 F is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F in FIG. 14 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 F and  530 F of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 F in FIG. 13 will be omitted.  
     [0206] The display section  610 F, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F shown in FIG. 14, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 F of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered and a clue list area  612 F containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 F. The display section  610 F as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0207] The answer entering section  630 F is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0208] In response to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 F through the answer entering section  630 F, the display section  610 F provides a display indicating that the clue in the clue list area  612 F that corresponds to that answer entry range has already been answered.  
     [0209] This allows the player to readily distinguish whether a clue has been answered or not.  
     [0210]FIG. 15 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a seventh crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0211] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 G shown in FIG. 15 comprises a display section  510 G, a button specifying section  550 G, and an answer entering section  530 G. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 G in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 G.  
     [0212] The CD-ROM  400 G is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 G is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G stored in the CD-ROM  400 G is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 G, button specifying section  550 G, and answer entering section  530 G will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 16.  
     [0213]FIG. 16 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0214] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G shown in FIG. 16 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 15. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G comprises a display section  610 G, a button specifying section  650 G, and an answer entering section  630 G. The display section  610 G, button specifying section  650 G, and answer entering section  630 G correspond to the display section  510 G, button specifying section  550 G, and answer entering section  530 B in FIG. 15, respectively. The display section  610 G, button specifying section  650 G, and answer entering section  630 G making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G in FIG. 16 are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 G, button specifying section  550 G, and answer entering section  530 G making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 G,  550 G, and  530 G of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G shown in FIG. 15 are the functions of the components  610 G,  650 G, and  630 G of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G shown in FIG. 16, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G in FIG. 16 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 G,  550 G, and  530 G of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 G in FIG. 15 will be omitted.  
     [0215] The display section  610 G, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G shown in FIG. 16, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 G of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered, a clue list area  612 G containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 G, and an uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G. The display section  610 G as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0216] The button specifying section  650 G in FIG. 16 specifies the uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G in response to a player operation and, as hardware, is implemented by a combination of the mouse  104 , mouse controller  116 , CPU  111  and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0217] The answer entering section  630 G is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 G according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0218] The display section  610 G, in response to specification of the uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G from the button specifying section  650 G, highlights uncompleted answer entry ranges in the answer entry matrix  611 G in which no answer is placed through the answer entering section  630 G.  
     [0219] This allows the player to know at first sight uncompleted answer entry ranges in the answer entry matrix.  
     [0220]FIG. 17 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of an eighth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0221] A crossword puzzle playing program  500 H shown in FIG. 17 comprises a display section  510 H and an answer entering section  530 H. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 H in this example is stored on a CD-ROM  400 H.  
     [0222] The CD-ROM  400 H is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 H is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H stored in the CD-ROM  400 H is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 H and answer entering section  530 H will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 18.  
     [0223]FIG. 18 shows a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of an eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0224] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H shown in FIG. 18 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 17. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H comprises a display section  610 H and an answer entering section  630 H. The display section  610 H and answer entering section  630 H correspond to the display section  510 H and answer entering section  530 H in FIG. 17, respectively. The display section  610 H and answer entering section  630 H making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 H and answer entering section  530 H making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 H and  530 H of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H shown in FIG. 17 are the functions of the components  610 H and  630 H of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H shown in FIG. 18, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H in FIG. 18 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 H and  530 H of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 H in FIG. 17 will be omitted.  
     [0225] The display section  610 H, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 H shown in FIG. 18, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 H of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered and a clue list area  612 H containing clues to answers to be placed in the answer entry matrix  611 H such that the order in which clues in the clue list area  612 H are listed can be changed. The display section  610 H as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0226] The answer entering section  630 H is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 H according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0227] In response to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 H through the answer entering section  630 H, the display section  610 H changes the display mode of the clue list area  612  to mode in which a clue for which an answer is entered in the associated answer entry range is moved to a predetermined position.  
     [0228] As a result, the clue to the answer entered is moved to the predetermined position (the bottom of the clue list which is not displayed in the clue list area) to organize the clues so that the player can readily distinguish between answered and unanswered clues.  
     [0229]FIG. 19 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a ninth crossword puzzle program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0230] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 I shown in FIG. 19 comprises a display section  510 I and an answer entering section  530 I and is stored in a CD-ROM  400 I, in this example.  
     [0231] The CD-ROM  400 I is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 I is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I stored in the CD-ROM  400 I is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 I and answer entering section  530 I will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 20.  
     [0232]FIG. 20 shows a configuration block diagram of one embodiment of a ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present invention.  
     [0233] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I shown in FIG. 20 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 19. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I comprises a display section  610 I and an answer entering section  630 I. The display section  610 I and answer entering section  630 I correspond to the display section  510 I and answer entering section  530 I in FIG. 19, respectively. The display section  610 I and answer entering section  630 I making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  5101  and answer entering section  530 I making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 I and  530 I of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I shown in FIG. 19 are the functions of the components  610 I and  630 I of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I shown in FIG. 20, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I in FIG. 20 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 I and  5301  of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 I in FIG. 19 will be omitted.  
     [0234] The display section  610 I, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 I shown in FIG. 20, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 I of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered and a clue list area  612 I containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 I, with the clue list area  612 I being scrollable. The display section  610 I as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0235] The answer entering section  630 I is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 I according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0236] The display section  601 I is responsive to entry of an answer in an answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 I through the answer entering section  630 I, scrolls through the clue list area  612 I to display a clue to an answer that has not yet been entered.  
     [0237] As a result, the clue list is scrolled to display the unanswered clue at a predetermined position (at the top of the list) so that the player can readily know the unanswered clue.  
     [0238]FIG. 21 schematically shows a configuration of an embodiment of a tenth crossword puzzle playing program storage medium according to the present invention.  
     [0239] The crossword puzzle playing program  500 J shown in FIG. 21 comprises a display section  510 J, a point specifying section  520 J, an answer entering section  530 J, Web accessing section  540 J, and a reference link information recording section  550 J. The crossword puzzle playing program  500 J in this example is stored in a CD-ROM  400 J.  
     [0240] The CD-ROM  400 J is equivalent to the CD-ROM  400  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CD-ROM  400 J is loaded into the PC  100  and accessed, and then the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J stored in the CD-ROM  400 J is installed and executed in the PC  100 . When executed on the PC  100 , the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J causes the PC  100  to display a matrix of rows and columns of cells and function as a crossword puzzle playing apparatus in which answers are entered in cells according to operations by a player. Functions of the display section  510 J, point specifying section  520 J, answer entering section  530 J, Web accessing section  540 J, and reference link information recording section  550 J will be described in conjunction with the description of FIG. 22.  
     [0241]FIG. 22 shows a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of a tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention.  
     [0242] The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J shown in FIG. 22 is implemented by a combination of hardware of the PC  100  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an OS (operating system) running on the PC  100 , and the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J executed on the PC  100  under the control of the OS, a configuration of which is shown in FIG. 21. The crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J comprises a display section  610 J, a point specifying section  620 J, an answer entering section  630 J, a Web accessing section  640 J, and reference link information recording section  650 J. The display section  610 J, point specifying section  620 J, answer entering section  630 J, Web accessing section  640 J, and reference link information recording section  650 J correspond to the display section  510 J, point specifying section  520 J, answer entering section  530 J, Web accessing section  540 J, and reference link information recording section  550 J in FIG. 21, respectively. The display section  610 J, point specifying section  620 J, answer entering section  630 J, Web accessing section  640 J, and reference link information recording section  650 J making up the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J in FIG. 22 are implemented by a combination of hardware and the OS of the PC  100  and the application program executed on the PC  100  as described above, whereas the display section  510 J, point specifying section  520 J, answer entering section  530 J, Web accessing section  540 J, and reference link information recording section  550 J making up the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J in FIG. 21 are implemented by the application program alone. The functions of the components  510 J,  520 J,  530 J,  540 J, and  550 J of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J shown in FIG. 21 are the functions of the components  610 J,  620 J,  630 J,  640 J, and  650 J of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J shown in FIG. 22, which are provided when the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J is executed on the PC  100 . Therefore, the functions of the components of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J in FIG. 22 alone will be described and the description of the components  510 J,  520 J,  530 J,  540 J, and  550 J of the crossword puzzle playing program  500 J in FIG. 21 will be omitted.  
     [0243] The display section  610 J, which is part of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 J shown in FIG. 22, causes the image display unit  102  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to display on its display screen  102   a  an answer entry matrix  611 J of cells arranged horizontally and vertically in which answers are to be entered and a clue list area  612 J containing clues to answers to be entered in the answer entry matrix  611 J and liked to a Web page. The display section  610 J as hardware is implemented by a combination of the image display unit  102  and the display controller  118 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
     [0244] The point specifying section  620 J in FIG. 22 functions to specify a point on the display screen in accordance with a player operation. The point specifying section  620 J as hardware is implemented by a combination of the mouse  104 , mouse controller  116 , CPU  111 , and other components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present embodiment.  
     [0245] The answer entering section  630 J is used for entering answers in the answer entry matrix  611 J according to player operations and, as hardware, is primarily implemented by the keyboard  103  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.  
     [0246] The Web accessing section  640 J, in response to specification by the point specifying section  620 J of a clue in the clue list  612 J that is linked to a Web page, accesses the Web page to which the clue is linked.  
     [0247] The display section  610 J displays on the display screen the Web page  615 J accessed by the Web access section  640 J, in addition to the answer entry matrix  611 J and clue list area  612 J.  
     [0248] The reference link information recording section  650 J associates and records link information to the Web page accessed by the Web accessing section  640 J with a clue linked to the Web page and/or an answer corresponding to the clue.  
     [0249] This allows a player not only to temporarily use the information obtained by referring to the Web page to which the clue is linked for the moment, but also to readily review the information later.  
     [0250] The reference link information recording section  650 J may associate and record link information with a clue and/or answer on a particular Web page.  
     [0251] Specific embodiments relating to the embodiments of the first through tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatuses (including the first through tenth crossword puzzle playing programs) will be described below.  
     [0252]FIGS. 23 and 24 each show a panel on a display screen in one embodiment of the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 23 shows the panel before a player performs an operation and FIG. 24 shows the panel after the player performs the operation.  
     [0253]FIG. 23 shows an answer entry matrix  611 A, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 A, and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 A, which correspond to a clue list area of the present invention, and a mouse cursor  619 A. These elements are displayed on the display screen  102   a  of the image display unit  102  of the PC  100  shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0254] The mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 is operated to place the mouse cursor  619 A on “Clue 12”, which is the second clue in the “down” clue list area  612 _ 1 A shown in FIG. 24. This operation corresponds to a function of the point specifying section  620 A in the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A in FIG. 4. Then, an answer entry range  611 _ 1 A in the answer entry matrix  611 A shown in FIG. 24 in which the answer corresponding to clue 12 is to be placed (or has been placed) is highlighted with a red frame.  
     [0255] While a red frame is used in this example, any other types of highlighting may be used.  
     [0256] In this way, the player places mouse cursor  619 A on a particular clue to highlight the answer entry range corresponding to that clue and enters answers in cells in the answer entry matrix  611 A by operating the keyboard  103  in FIG. 1 and other devices. This operation corresponds to a function of the answer entering section  630 A in the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A in FIG. 4.  
     [0257]FIG. 25 shows a module configuration of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present embodiment. The configuration of sections shown corresponds to the internal configuration of the display section  610 A in the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 A shown in FIG. 4.  
     [0258] Shown in FIG. 25 are a mouse cursor coordinates managing section  610 _ 1 A, a “down” clue managing section  610 _ 2 A, an across clue managing section  6103 A, and an answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 A.  
     [0259]FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the mouse cursor managing section  610 _ 1 A in FIG. 25.  
     [0260] It is monitored whether the mouse coordinates are changed (step al). If the mouse coordinates (the coordinates of the mouse cursor) is changed, down clue display coordinates and across clue display coordinates are referred to determine whether or not the changed mouse coordinates are within the range of the down clue display coordinates (step a 2 ) and whether or not they are within the range of the across clue display coordinates (step a 3 ). If the mouse coordinates are within the range of the down clue display coordinates, the mouse coordinates are notified to the down clue managing section (step a 4 ). If the mouse coordinates are within the range of the across clue display coordinates, the mouse coordinates are notified to the across clue managing section (step a 5 ).  
     [0261]FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 A shown in FIG. 25.  
     [0262] When receiving indication of mouse coordinates from the mouse cursor managing section  610 _ 1 A, the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 A searches a list of down clue numbers and the display coordinates of clues associated with the clue numbers for a clue number corresponding to the mouse coordinates (step b 1 ) and indicates a found down clue number to the answer cell managing section (step b 2 ).  
     [0263]FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 A shown in FIG. 25.  
     [0264] When receiving notification of mouse coordinates from the mouse cursor managing section  610 _ 1 A, the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 A searches a list of across clue numbers and the display coordinates of clues associated with the clue numbers for a clue number corresponding to the mouse coordinates (step c 1 ) and indicates a found across clue number to the answer cell managing section (step c 2 ).  
     [0265]FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 A. Dashed boxes (A) and (B) in FIG. 29 are provided for convenience of later explanation.  
     [0266] When receiving notification of a clue number from the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 A or the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 A, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 A determines whether the notified clue number is the number of a down clue or that of an across clue (step d 1 ). If it is the number of a down clue, the process proceeds to step d 2 . On the other hand, if it is the number of an across clue, the process proceeds to step d 7 .  
     [0267] If it is determined at step d 1  that the notified clue number is the number of a down clue, the process proceeds to step d 2 , where it is determined whether the notified clue number is currently selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to END. On the other hand, if the notified clue number is currently not selected, the process proceeds step d 3 , where it is determined whether any of the vertical clues is selected. If any of the down clues is selected, a selected vertical answer cell or cells are deselected (highlight is cleared) (step d 4 ). At step d 5 , a list of answer matrix display ranges associated with the down clue numbers is referred to in order to obtain the vertical answer matrix range that corresponds to the notified clue number. Then the process proceeds to step d 6 , where the obtained display range is enclosed in a red box or otherwise highlighted.  
     [0268] Likewise, if it is determined at step d 1  that the notified clue number is the clue number of an across clue, the process proceeds to step  7 , where it is determined whether the notified clue number is currently selected. If it is not selected, the process proceeds to step d 8 , where it is determined whether any of the across clues is selected. If any of the across clue is selected, a selected horizontal cell or cells are deselected (highlight is cleared) (step d 9 ). At step d 10 , a list of answer matrix display ranges associated with the across clues are referred to in order to obtain the horizontal answer matrix range that corresponds to the notified clue number. Then the process proceeds to step d 6 , where the obtained display range is enclosed in a red box or otherwise highlighted.  
     [0269] A variation of the first crossword puzzle playing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 23 through 29 will be described below.  
     [0270]FIGS. 30 and 31 show a display on a display screen according to the variation. FIG. 30 shows a display before the player performs an operation and FIG. 31 shows a display after the player performs the operation.  
     [0271] As shown in FIG. 30, the entire panel is horizontally scrollable and each of the down clue list  612 _ 1 A and across clue list  612 _ 2 A is vertically scrollable.  
     [0272] A player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to place a mouse cursor  619 A on “Clue 21” in the across clue list area  612 _ 2 A, for example, as shown in FIG. 31. Because the answer entry range that corresponds to Clue 21 is not displayed in the display screen as shown in FIG. 30, the panel is scrolled through to display the answer entry range  611 _ 1 A corresponding to clue 21, which is highlighted with a red box around it.  
     [0273] The process shown in FIGS. 25 through 28 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 through 29 can be applied to this variation. Therefore drawings equivalent to these drawings and description thereof will be omitted. The flowchart in FIG. 29 is used as a flowchart for the present variation, with the portion within dashed box (A) in FIG. 29 being replaced with a partial flowchart shown in FIG. 32. The description of the flowchart in FIG. 29 will be omitted and only the replacing portion will be described.  
     [0274]FIG. 32 shows a flowchart, which replaces step d 6  in FIG. 29.  
     [0275] In this process, a display range obtained is highlighted with, for example, a red box around it (step e 1 ), then it is determined whether the obtained display range is within a display (step e 2 ) and, if the display range is not displayed in the display screen, the display is scrolled through to bring the display range into the screen (step e 3 ).  
     [0276]FIGS. 33 and 34 show a panel on the display screen of one embodiment of the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 33 shows the panel before a player operation and FIG. 34 shows the panel after the player operation.  
     [0277] Shown in FIG. 33 are an answer entry matrix  611 B, and a down clue list area  612 _ 1 B and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 B which are the clue list areas of the present invention, and a mouse cursor  619 B. In the answer entry matrix  611 B, the answer entry range  611 _ 1 B that corresponds to “Clue 11” with clue number 1 in the down clue list area  612 _ 1 B and the answer entry range  611 _ 2 B that corresponds to “Clue 21” with clue number 1 in the across clue list area  612 _ 2 B are enclosed in red boxes.  
     [0278] In this way, the answer entry range  611 _ 1 B corresponding to the clue (having clue number 1 in FIG. 33) displayed at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 B and the answer entry range  611 _ 2 B corresponding to the clue (having clue number 1 in FIG. 33) at the top of the across clue list area  612 _ 2 B are highlighted with the red boxes around them in the present embodiment.  
     [0279] When a player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to scroll through the across clue list area  612 _ 2 B to bring “clue 24” with clue number 4 to the top of the across clue list area  612 _ 2 B as shown in FIG. 34, the red box around the highlighted answer entry range  611 _ 1 B corresponding to “Clue 21” of the across clue with clue number 1 disappears and an answer entry range  611 _ 3 B corresponding to “clue 24” of the across clue with clue number 4 is highlighted with a red box around it.  
     [0280]FIG. 35 shows a module configuration a crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The configuration of sections shown in FIG. 35 is equivalent to the internal configuration of the display section  610 B of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 B shown in FIG. 6.  
     [0281] Shown in FIG. 35 are a down clue managing section  610 _ 2 B, an across clue managing section  610 _ 3 B, and an answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 B.  
     [0282]FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 B in FIG. 35.  
     [0283] It is monitored whether the display of the clue list in the down clue list area has been changed (step f 1 ). If it has been changed, a new down clue number is notified to the answer cell managing section  611 _ 4 B (step f 2 ).  
     [0284]FIG. 37 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 B in FIG. 35.  
     [0285] In this process, it is monitored whether the display of the clue list in the across clue list area has been changed (step g 1 ). If it has been changed, a new across clue number is notified to the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 B (step g 2 ).  
     [0286] The process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 B when receiving the notification of the clue number from the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 B or across clue managing section  610 _ 3 B is the same the one shown in flowchart in FIG. 29 and therefore the description of which will be omitted.  
     [0287] A variation of the second crossword puzzle playing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 33 through 37 will be described below.  
     [0288]FIGS. 38 and 39 show a panel of a display screen according to the variation. FIG. 38 shows the panel before an operation by a player and FIG. 39 shows the panel after the player operation.  
     [0289] As shown in FIG. 38, the entire panel is horizontally scrollable and each of a down clue list area  612 _ 1 B and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 B is vertically scrollable.  
     [0290] In this panel, the answer range  611 _ 4 B corresponding to “clue  12 ” with clue number 2, which is displayed at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 B, and the answer range  611 _ 5 B corresponding to “clue 25” with clue number 5, which is displayed at the top of the across clue list area  612 _ 2 B, are highlighted with red boxes around them.  
     [0291] An player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to scroll through the down clue list area  612 _ 1 B to bring “Clue 11” with clue number 1 to the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 B, for example. In response to this, the answer entry range  611 _ 4 B corresponding to the down clue with number 2 which is highlighted with the red box around it, of the answer entry matrix  611 B is unhighlighted and the answer entry range  611 _ 6 B that corresponds to Clue 11 of the down clue with clue number 1, which was outside the display, appears on the screen with a red box around it.  
     [0292] FIGS.  35  to  37  of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS.  33  to  37  can also be applied to the present variation. Therefore redundant description thereof will be omitted. The flowchart in FIG. 29, with the section within dashed box (A) being replaced with the partial flowchart in FIG. 32, can be used for describing an operation flow of the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 B shown in FIG. 35 and therefore redundant description of which will be omitted.  
     [0293]FIGS. 40 and 41 show a panel on the display screen of one embodiment of the third crossword puzzle playing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 40 shows the panel before an operation by a player and FIG. 41 shows the panel after the player operation.  
     [0294] Shown in FIG. 40 are an answer entry matrix  611 C and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 C and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 C, which are the clue list areas of the present invention, and a mouse cursor  619 C. The entire panel including the answer entry matrix  611 C, down clue list area  612 _ 1 C, and across clue list area  612 _ 2 C is horizontally scrollable. Each of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C and across clue list area  612 _ 2 C is vertically scrollable.  
     [0295] A player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to place the mouse cursor  619 C on “Clue 21” with clue number 1 in the across clue list area, as shown in FIG. 41. Because the answer entry range with down clue number 1 in the answer entry matrix  511 C that corresponds to Clue 21 is initially outside the panel as shown in FIG. 40, the answer entry matrix  611 C is scrolled to bring the answer entry range into the display screen as shown in FIG. 41.  
     [0296] The module configuration of a display section of the present embodiment is the same as the one shown in FIG. 25. A process performed by a mouse cursor coordinates managing section  610 _ 1 A in the module configuration is the same as the one shown in FIG. 26. Processes performed by a down clue managing section  610 _ 2 A and an across clue managing section  610 _ 3 A are the same as those shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. Therefore description of these processes will be omitted.  
     [0297] The flowchart in FIG. 29 is used as a flowchart for describing a process performed by an answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 A in the present embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 25, with the partial flowchart in box (B) in FIG. 29 being eliminated and the section in box (A) being replaced with a partial flowchart shown in FIG. 42. Because the flowchart in FIG. 29 has been described earlier, only the partial flowchart shown in FIG. 42 will be described below.  
     [0298]FIG. 42 shows a partial flowchart that replaces the section in box (A) in the flowchart in FIG. 29.  
     [0299] In this process, it is determined whether the obtained display range is included in the display screen (step h 1 ). If it is outside the display panel, the display panel is scrolled to bring the display range into the panel (step h 2 ).  
     [0300] A variation of the third crossword puzzle playing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 40 through 42 will be described below.  
     [0301]FIGS. 43 and 44 show a display mode of the display screen of the variation. FIG. 43 shows the display mode before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 44 shows the display mode after the player operation.  
     [0302] In the present variation, a display panel is scrolled so that answer ranges that correspond to the clue at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C (“clue 12” with clue number 2, in this example) and the clue at the top of the across clue list area  612 _ 2 C (“clue 25” with clue number 5, in this example), always appear in the answer matrix  611 C. However, If the answer range corresponding to the clue at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C and the answer range corresponding to the clue at the top of the across clue list area  612 _C cannot be displayed on the display panel at a time, the panel is scrolled so as to bring at least the answer range corresponding to the clue at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C, for example, into the panel.  
     [0303] A player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to scroll the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C in the display panel shown in FIG. 43 to bring “Clue 11” with clue number 1 to the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 C as shown in FIG. 44. Because the answer area that corresponds to “Clue 11” is not displayed in the display panel in FIG. 43, the panel scrolls to the answer range corresponding to “Clue 11.” 
     [0304] The module configuration shown in FIG. 35 can be used as a configuration of the display section of the present variation. The flowcharts in FIGS. 36 and 37 can be used as flowcharts of processes performed by the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 B and across clue managing section  610 _ 3 B shown in FIG. 35, respectively, in the present variation. As with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 40 through 42, the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 can be used as a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 B shown in FIG. 35, with the section in box (B) in FIG. 29 being eliminated and the section in box (A) in FIG. 29 being replaced with the partial flowchart shown in FIG. 42. These flowcharts also have described above, therefore the description of them will be omitted.  
     [0305] A specific embodiment of the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described below.  
     [0306]FIGS. 45 and 46 show a display mode of the display screen of one embodiment of the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 45 shows the panel before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 46 shows the panel after the player operation.  
     [0307] Shown in FIG. 45 are an answer entry matrix  611 D and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 D and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 D, which are referred to as the clue list area of the present invention, and a mouse cursor  619 D. These elements are displayed on the display screen  102  of the image display apparatus  102   a  of the PC  100  shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0308] A player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to place the mouse cursor  619 D in a cell labeled with “1”, for example, in the answer matrix  611 D as shown in FIG. 46. This operation corresponds to an effect of the point specifying section  620 D in the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D shown in FIG. 10.  
     [0309] The cell labeled with “1” and pointed at by the mouse pointer  619 D is included in both of an answer entry range in which an answer to “Clue 11” with clue number 1 in the down clue list area is to be placed and another answer entry range in which an answer to “Clue 21” with clue number 1 in the across clue list area is to be placed.  
     [0310] When the mouse cursor  610 D is placed on the cell with number 1, “Clue 11” with clue number 1 in the down clue list area  612 _ 1 D and “Clue 21” with clue number 1 in the across clue list area  612 _ 2 D are highlighted with read boxes around them.  
     [0311] In this way, when the mouse cursor  619 D is placed in a cell labeled with a number in the answer entry matrix  611 D, clues to answers to be placed in the answer entry ranges including that cell are highlighted with red boxes.  
     [0312] The player places the mouse cursor  619 D in particular cells to highlight clues and uses devices such as the keyboard  103  shown in FIG. 1 to enter answers to the cells in the answer entry matrix  611 D. This corresponds to an effect of the answering section  630 D of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D in FIG. 10.  
     [0313]FIG. 47 shows a module configuration of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present embodiment. The module configuration shown here corresponds to the internal configuration of the display section  610 D of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 D shown in FIG. 10.  
     [0314]FIG. 47 shows a mouse cursor managing section  610 _ 1 D, a down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D, an across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D and answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 D.  
     [0315]FIG. 48 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the mouse cursor coordinates managing section  610 _ 1 D shown in FIG. 47.  
     [0316] It is monitored whether the mouse coordinates (the coordinates of the mouse cursor) have been changed (step i 1 ). When the mouse coordinates have been changed, the answer matrix display coordinates are referred to in order to determine whether the changed mouse coordinates are within the range of answer matrix display coordinates. If they are within the answer matrix display coordinates, the mouse coordinates are notified to the answer cell managing section.  
     [0317]FIG. 49 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 D.  
     [0318] The answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 D receives the notification of the mouse coordinates from the mouse cursor coordinate managing section  610 _ 1 D and searches a list of down clue numbers and their coordinates for the down clue number that corresponds to the mouse coordinates (step j 1 ). If the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 d find the down clue number corresponding to the mouse coordinates, it provides the found down clue number to the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D (step j 2 ). Also, it searches a list of across clue numbers and their coordinates for the across clue number that corresponds to the mouse coordinates based on the notified mouse coordinates (step j 3 ). If it finds the across clue number corresponding to the mouse coordinates, it notifies it to the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D (step j 4 ).  
     [0319]FIG. 50 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D.  
     [0320] When receiving notification of a clue number, the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D determines whether the notified clue number is currently selected (step k 1 ). If the notified clue number is selected, it exits this routine. If, on the other hand, the notified clue number is not selected, the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D determines whether any other down clue is selected (step k 2 ). If a down clue is selected, it deselects (unhighlights) that down clue (step k 3 ).  
     [0321] The down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D refers to a list of intra-list management numbers associated with the down clue numbers to obtain the intra-list management number of the clue that corresponds to the clue number (step k 4 ) and highlights the item associated with the obtained management number with a red box around it, for example (step k 5 ).  
     [0322]FIG. 51 shows a flowchart performed by the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D.  
     [0323] When receiving notification of a clue number, the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D determines whether the notified clue number is currently selected (step  11 ). If the notified clue number is selected, the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D exits the routine. If, on the other hand, the notified clue number is not selected, it determines whether any other across clue is selected (step  12 ). If an across clue is selected, it deselects (unhighlights) that across clue (step  13 ). It refers to a list of intra-list management numbers associated with the across clue numbers to obtain the intra-list management number of the across clue that corresponds to the clue number (step  14 ) and highlights the item associated with the obtained management number with a red box, for example (step  15 ).  
     [0324] A variation of the fourth crossword puzzle playing apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 45 through 51 will be described below.  
     [0325]FIGS. 52 and 53 show a display mode of a display screen in the variation. FIG. 52 shows the display mode before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 53 shows the display mode after the player operation.  
     [0326] A down clue list area  612 _ 1 D and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 D are vertically scrollable.  
     [0327] In FIG. 52, the clues with clue number 1 are displayed neither the down clue list area  612 _ 1 D nor the across clue list area  612 _ 2 D.  
     [0328] In FIG. 52, in which the panel before operation is shown, a player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 1 to place the mouse cursor  619 D in a cell labeled with number  1  in the answer entry matrix  611 D as shown in FIG. 53. The cell labeled with number  1  is included in both of the answer entry range that corresponds to a clue with down clue number 1 and the answer entry range that corresponds to a clue with across clue number 1.  
     [0329] When the player places the mouse cursor  619 D in the cell labeled with number  1  as shown in FIG. 53, the down clue list area  612 _ 1 D is scrolled to bring Clue 11 which is the down clue with clue number 1, into view and the across clue list area  612 _ 2 D is also scrolled to bring Clue 21, which is the across clue with clue number 1, into view, corresponding to two answer entry ranges including the cell. In addition, “Clue 11” and “Clue 21” are highlighted with red boxes around them.  
     [0330]FIGS. 47 through 49 of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 45 through 51 can be applied to the present variation. Redundant description of these drawings will be omitted. The process flows in FIGS. 50 and 51 can be applied also to the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 D and across clue managing section  610 _ 3 D shown in FIG. 47 in the present variation, with the steps in box (C) in FIGS. 50 and 51 (step k 5  in FIG. 50 and step  15  in FIG. 51) being replaced with a partial flowchart shown in FIG. 54.  
     [0331] Because FIGS. 50 and 51 have been described above, only a partial flow that replaces the sections in boxes C in FIGS. 50 and 51 will be described.  
     [0332]FIG. 54 shows the partial flowchart replacing the sections in box (C) in FIGS. 50 and 51.  
     [0333] In this section, it is determined whether an item associated with an obtained management number is within the panel (step m 1 ). If it is outside the panel, the display is scrolled to bring the item associated with the obtained management number into the display (step m 2 ) and the item with the obtained management number is highlighted with a red box, for example (step m 3 ).  
     [0334] As a result, the display shown in FIG. 52 is changed to the display shown in FIG. 53.  
     [0335] Next, a specific embodiment of the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described.  
     [0336]FIGS. 55 and 56 show a display mode in one embodiment of the fifth crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 55 shows the panel before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 56 shows the panel after the player operation.  
     [0337] Shown in FIG. 55 are an answer entry matrix  611 E and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 E and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 E, which are referred to as clue list areas of the present invention, a keyword display field area  613 E, and a mouse cursor  619 E.  
     [0338] In the answer entry matrix  611 E, three cells labels with symbols A, B, and C are displayed in the answer entry matrix  611 E. Letters entered in the three cells, when arranged in the order corresponding to the order of symbols A, B, and C, forms a keyword.  
     [0339] In the display shown in FIG. 55, an answer is placed in the answer entry range corresponding to a down clue with clue number 2. As a result, a character is placed in the cell labeled with C.  
     [0340] In the present embodiment, the answer entry matrix  611 E, down clue list area  612 _ 1 E, and across clue list area  612 _ 2 E are displayed initially. However, the keyword display field  613 E is displayed in addition to them in response to entry of a character in any of the three cells labeled with symbols A, B, and C in the answer entry matrix  611 E. The same character as those that is placed in the cell in the answer entry matrix  611 E appears in the corresponding cell in the keyword display field  613 E.  
     [0341] When answers are entered in an answer entry range corresponding to across clue number 6 in the display panel shown in FIG. 55, a character placed in a cell labeled with symbol “B” as shown in FIG. 56 also appears in the corresponding cell in the keyword display field  613 E.  
     [0342]FIG. 57 shows a module configuration of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present embodiment. The module configuration shown here corresponds to the internal configuration of the display section  610 E of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 E shown in FIG. 12.  
     [0343] An answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 E is shown in FIG. 57.  
     [0344]FIG. 58 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 E shown in FIG. 57.  
     [0345] When receiving notification of entry of a character, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 E refers to a list of answer cells to be copied into the keyword display field to determine whether the cell in which the character is entered should be displayed in the keyword display field (step n 1 ). If the cell should be displayed in the keyword display field, it copies the character to the corresponding position in the keyword display field (step n 2 ).  
     [0346] A specific embodiment of the sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described below.  
     [0347]FIGS. 59 and 60 show a display mode in one embodiment of the sixth crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 59 shows the display mode before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 60 shows the display mode after the player operation.  
     [0348]FIG. 59 shows an answer entry matrix  611 F, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 F and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 F, which are referred to as clue list areas of the present invention.  
     [0349] When an answer is entered in an answer entry range with down clue number 2, for example, in the display panel shown in FIG.  59 , a deletion mark is displayed over a clue (“clue 12” with down clue number 2 in this example) to the entered answer as shown in the down clue list area  612 _ 1 F in FIG. 60 to indicate that it has been answered.  
     [0350]FIG. 61 shows a module configuration of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present embodiment. The module configuration shown corresponds to the internal configuration of the display section  610 F of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 F shown in FIG. 14.  
     [0351] Shown in FIG. 61 are an answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F and, a down clue managing section  610   2 F, and an across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F.  
     [0352]FIG. 62 shows a status managing array of an answer matrix.  
     [0353] As shown in FIG. 62, columns and rows are labeled with numbers associated with the answer cells. The cells are managed as array data to which management numbers,  1 - 1 ,  1 - 2 , . . . ,  5 - 4 ,  5 - 5 , from the upper left to the lower right, are assigned. Data about whether each answer cell contains a character is stored in each array element. For example, if a cell contains a character, data “1” is stored in its corresponding array element. Otherwise, “0” is stored in the array element. For example, if the answer cell corresponding to array element  1 - 1  contains a character, “1” is stored in array element  1 - 1 . Otherwise, “0” is stored in array element  1 - 1 .  
     [0354]FIG. 63 shows a clue number and answer cell managing table.  
     [0355] Which answer cells having answer cell management numbers ( 1 - 1 ,  1 - 5 , etc.) make up an answer entry range having a down clue number is managed as relational data as shown in FIG. 63. The across clues are also managed as table data similar to this.  
     [0356]FIG. 64 shows a flowchart of a process which is performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F shown in FIG. 61 when receiving notification that a character is entered in any of the answer cells in the answer entry matrix  611 F (see FIG. 14).  
     [0357] When receiving notification of entry of a character in any of the answer cells in the answer entry matrix  611 F, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F determines whether the presence or absence of the character in the cell has been changed (step o 1 ). If it has not been changed, it exits this routine.  
     [0358] On the other hand, if the presence or absence of the character in the cell has been changed, the presence/absence states of the answer cell status managing array in FIG. 62 is updated accordingly (step o 2 ). Then, a down clue number and answer cell managing table shown in FIG. 63 is referred to in order to determine whether or not the changed cell corresponds to a down clue (step o 3 ). If the changed cell corresponds to a down clue, the down clue number of updated cell is notified to the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F shown in FIG. 61 (step o 4 ). Also, an across clue number and answer cell managing table similar to the table shown in FIG. 63 is referred to in order to determine whether or not the changed cell corresponds to an across clue (step o 5 ). If the updated cell corresponds to an across clue, the across clue number of the updated cell is notified to the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F (step o 6 ).  
     [0359]FIG. 65 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F shown in FIG. 61 when it receives a down clue number from the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F.  
     [0360] The answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F refers to the down clue number and answer cell managing table shown in FIG. 63 to obtain an answer cell management number associated with the notified down clue number (step p 1 ) and refers to the answer cell status managing array shown in FIG. 62 to determine whether all the answer cells of the obtained management number contain characters (step p 2 ). Suppose here that the reported down clue number is number  2 . The answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F determines whether all the four answer cells that make up the answer entry range corresponding to the down clue number contain characters. If any of the cells corresponding to the clue number contains no character, it returns to the caller (the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F) notification that the answer entry range corresponding to the specified down clue includes an empty cell (step p 3 ). On the other hand, if all the cells corresponding to the down clue number contain characters, it returns to the caller notification that the entire answer entry range is filled up (step p 4 ).  
     [0361]FIG. 66 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F shown in FIG. 61 when receiving an across clue number from the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F.  
     [0362] When receiving an across clue number reported, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F refers to an across clue number and answer cell management table similar to the table shown in FIG. 63 to obtain an answer cell management number corresponding to the notified across clue number (step q 1 ), then refers to the answer cell status management array shown in FIG. 62 to determine whether all the answer cells associated with the obtained management number contain characters (step q 2 ). For example, if the reported across clue number is number 4, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F determines whether all of the two cells that make up the answer entry range corresponding to across clue number  4  contain characters.  
     [0363] If any of the cells corresponding to the clue number is still empty, the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F returns to the caller (the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F) notification that the answer entry range associated with the specified across cue includes an empty cell (step q 3 ). On the other hand, if all the cells corresponding to the clue number contain characters, it returns to the caller that the entire answer entry range is filled up (step q 4 ).  
     [0364]FIG. 67 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F shown in FIG. 61.  
     [0365] When receiving an updated down clue number from the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F shown in FIG. 61 (see step o 4  in FIG. 64), the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F determines whether the updated down clue is currently displayed on the display screen (step r 1 ). If it is not displayed, the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F simply exits this routine. On the other hand, if it is displayed, the process proceeds to step r 2 , where the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F provides the updated clue number to the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F to make inquiry (see FIG. 65) to determine whether the entire vertical answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is filled up. If any of the cells in the answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is empty, the down clue managing section  610 _ 2 F changes the display status of the updated down clue to the unanswered state (step r 3 ). If all the cells in the answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number are filled, it changes the display status of the updated down clue to the answered state (with a deletion mark as shown in FIG. 60) (step r 4 ).  
     [0366]FIG. 68 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F shown in FIG. 61.  
     [0367] When receiving an updated across clue number from the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F shown in FIG. 61 (see step o 6  in FIG. 64), the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F determines whether the updated across clue is currently displayed on the display screen (step s 1 ). If it is not displayed, the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F simply exits the routine. On the other hand, if it is displayed, the process proceeds to step s 2 , where the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F provides the updated clue number to the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 F to make inquiry (see FIG. 66) to determine whether the entire horizontal answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is filled up. If any of the cells in the answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is empty, the across clue managing section  610 _ 3 F changes the display status of the updated across clue to the unanswered state (step s 3 ). On the other hand, if all the cells in the answer entry range corresponding to the update clue number are filled, it changes the display status of the updated across clue to the answered state (step s 4 ).  
     [0368] A specific embodiment of the seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described below.  
     [0369]FIGS. 69 and 70 show a display mode in an embodiment of the seventh crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 69 shows the display mode before an operation performed by a player and FIG. 70 shows the display mode after the player operation.  
     [0370] Shown in FIG. 69 are an answer entry matrix  611 G and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 G and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 G, which are referred to as clue list areas herein, and an uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G.  
     [0371] The player operates the mouse  104  shown in FIG. 2 to place the mouse cursor  619 G on the uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G and clicks it.  
     [0372] While the uncompleted answer entry range indication button  614 G is being clicked, answer entry ranges corresponding to unanswered clues in the answer entry matrix  611 G are highlighted with a different color of cells as indicated by a hatch pattern in FIG. 70.  
     [0373]FIG. 71 shows a module configuration of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus of the present embodiment. The module configuration shown corresponds to the internal configuration of the display section  610 G of the crossword puzzle playing apparatus  600 G shown in FIG. 16.  
     [0374] An answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 G is shown in FIG. 71.  
     [0375]FIG. 72 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the answer cell managing section  610 _ 4 G shown in FIG. 71.  
     [0376] In the present embodiment, the processes shown in FIGS. 65 and 66 are performed in addition to the process shown in FIG. 72.  
     [0377] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 72, in response to a notification that the uncompleted answer entry range indication button is pushed down, the process shown in FIG. 65 is invoked for all the down clue numbers and down clue numbers associated with answer entry ranges including empty cells are extracted (step t 1 ). All the answer cell management numbers that correspond to down clue numbers obtained by referring to the down clue number and answer cell management table (see FIG. 63) are obtained and the answer cells associated with the answer cell management numbers are highlighted (filled in with red) (step t 2 ). Likewise, the process shown in FIG. 66 is invoked for all the across clue numbers and across clue numbers associated with answer entry ranges including empty cells are extracted (step t 3 ). All the answer cell management numbers that correspond to across clue numbers obtained by referring to the across clue number and answer cell management table are obtained and the answer cells associated with the answer cell management numbers are highlighted (filled in with red) (step t 4 ).  
     [0378] A specific embodiment of the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described below.  
     [0379]FIGS. 73, 74, and  75  show a display mode in one embodiment of the eighth crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 73 shows the display mode before an operation, FIG. 74 shows the display mode after an answer to down clue number 1 is entered, and FIG. 75 shows the display mode after it is scrolled.  
     [0380] Shown in FIG. 73 are an answer entry matrix  611 H and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 H and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 H, which are referred to as clue list areas of the present invention.  
     [0381] An answer is entered in the answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 H that corresponds to clue 11 with down clue number 1 through a keyboard operation, as shown in FIG. 74. Then, clue  11  with down clue number 1 displayed at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 H in FIG. 74 disappears from the display screen and is moved to the bottom of the down clue list. As a result, the second and third clues, “clue 12” and “clue 13”, from the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 H move up by one position as shown in FIG. 74.  
     [0382] When the down clue list area  612 _ 1 H is scrolled up to display the bottom of the down clue list, “clue 11” with clue number 1 appears at the bottom as shown in FIG. 75.  
     [0383] The module configuration shown in FIG. 61 may be applied to a display section  610 H in the present embodiment. The process flows shown in FIGS.  64  to  66  may be used as process flows in the answer cell managing section in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61. Therefore, the description of them will be omitted here.  
     [0384]FIG. 76 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a down clue managing section in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61 in the present embodiment.  
     [0385] In response to the notification of an update down clue number, the down clue managing section provides the undated down clue number to the answer cell managing section. It is determined whether the entire vertical answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is filled up (step u 1 ). If any of the cells in the answer entry range corresponding to the down clue number is empty, the updated down clue is compared with the clue number of each clue on the down clue list, starting at the top, to find the position at which the updated clue should be placed, and the updated down clue is placed at the found position. Then, the down clue list area  612 _ 1 H is scrolled through to display the updated down clue to display at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 H (step u 2 ). On the other hand, if all the cells in the down answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number are filled in, the updated down clue is brought to the bottom of the down clue list (step u 3 ).  
     [0386]FIG. 77 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61 in the present embodiment.  
     [0387] In response to the notification of an updated across clue number, the across clue managing section provides the updated across clue number to the answer cell managing section. Then, it is determined whether the entire horizontal answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is filled up (step v 1 ).  
     [0388] If it is determined that any of the cells in the horizontal answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is empty, the updated down clue is compared with the clue number of each clue on the across clue list, starting at the top, to find the position at which the updated across clue should be placed, and the updated down clue is placed at the found position. Then, the across clue list area  612 _ 2 H is scrolled through to display the updated across clue to display at the top of the across clue list area  612 _ 2 H (step v 2 ). On the other hand, if all the cells in the across answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number are filled in, the updated across clue is brought to the bottom of the across clue list (step v 3 ).  
     [0389] A specific embodiment of the ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus shown in FIG. 20 will be described below.  
     [0390]FIGS. 78 and 79 show a display mode of one embodiment of the ninth crossword puzzle playing apparatus. FIG. 78 shows the display mode before an operation and FIG. 79 shows the display mode after an answer to down clue number 1 is entered.  
     [0391] Shown in FIG. 78 are an answer entry matrix  611 I and, a down clue list area  612 _ 1 I and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 I, which make up a clue list area of the present invention.  
     [0392] An answer is entered in the answer entry range in the answer entry matrix  611 I that corresponds to clue 11 with down clue number 1 through a keyboard operation, as shown in FIG. 79. Then, the down clue list area  612 _ 1 I scrolls up by one position. As a result, “clue 11” with down clue number 1 displayed at the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 I disappears and the second and third clues, “clue 12” and “clue 13”, from the top of the down clue list area  612 _ 1 I shown in FIG. 78 move up by one position as shown in FIG. 79.  
     [0393] The module configuration shown in FIG. 61 may be applied to the present embodiment. The process flows shown in FIGS.  64  to  66  may be used as process flows in the answer cell managing section in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61. Therefore the description of them will be omitted here.  
     [0394]FIG. 80 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the down clue managing section in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61 in the present embodiment.  
     [0395] In response to the notification of an updated down clue number, the down clue managing section determines whether the updated down clue is currently displayed on the display screen (step w 1 ). If it is not displayed, the down clue managing section exits this routine. On the other hand, if it is displayed, the down clue managing section notifies the updated down clue number to the answer entry cell managing section and inquires of it whether the entire vertical answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is filled up (step w 2 ). If any of the cells in the vertical answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number is empty, the down clue managing section simply exits this routine. On the other hand, if all the cells in the vertical answer entry range corresponding to the updated clue number are filled, the down clue managing section searches the down clue list from the top for clues whose corresponding answer entry ranges are not filled up and scrolls the list so that the first unanswered clue found is displayed at the top of the down clue list area (step w 3 ).  
     [0396]FIG. 81 shows a flowchart of a process performed by an across clue managing section shown in the module configuration shown in FIG. 61 in the present embodiment.  
     [0397] In response to the notification of an updated across clue number, the across clue managing section determines whether the updated across clue is currently displayed on the display screen (step x 1 ). If it is not displayed, the across clue managing section simply exits this routine. On the other hand, if it is displayed, the across clue managing section provides the updated across clue number to the answer cell managing section to inquires of it whether the horizontal answer entry range associated with the updated clue number is filled up (step x 2 ). If any of the cells in the horizontal answer entry range associated with the updated clue number is empty, the across clue managing section exits this routine. On the other hand, if all the cell in the horizontal answer entry range associated with the updated clue number are filled, the across clue managing section scrolls the list so that the first unanswered clue found is displayed at the top of the across clue list area (step x 3 ).  
     [0398] A specific embodiment of the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus will be described below.  
     [0399]FIGS. 82 and 83 show a display mode of one embodiment of the tenth crossword puzzle playing apparatus.  
     [0400] Shown in FIG. 82 are an answer entry matrix  611 J, and a down clue list area  612 _ 1 J and an across clue list area  612 _ 2 J, which correspond to the clue list area of the present invention. In the specific example shown in FIG. 82, “Clue 12” with clue number 2 in the down clue list area  612 _ 1 J and “Clue 25” with clue number 5 in the across clue list area  612 _ 2 J are underlined to indicate that links to Web pages are provided. While the entire text of “Clue 12” and “Clue 25” is underlined in this example, a part of or a word in the clue text may be underlined and linked to Web pages.  
     [0401] When the mouse  104  in FIG. 1 is operated to place the mouse cursor  619 J on “Clue 12” as shown in FIG. 82 and clicked, link information associated with “Clue 12” is referred to and a Web page to which “Clue 12” is linked is accessed, displaying the Web page  615 J on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 83.  
     [0402]FIG. 84 shows an accessed page storing HTML file.  
     [0403] Link information about a Web page accessed as described above is added to the accessed page storing HTML file shown in FIG. 84.  
     [0404]FIG. 85 shows a Web page accessed based on link information stored in the accessed page storing HTML file.  
     [0405] When the accessed page storing HTML file shown in FIG. 84 is opened and “Clue 12” placed at the bottom of the HTML file is clicked by mouse, the Web page  615  J shown in FIG. 85, which was opened while the crossword puzzle shown in FIG. 83 was being played, is displayed.  
     [0406]FIG. 86 shows a module configuration of the present embodiment.  
     [0407] Shown in FIG. 86 are a link page information managing section  640 _ 1 J to which a text click is notified and an accessed page managing section  650 _ 1 J, which receives link page information from the link page information managing section  640 _ 1 J. The link information managing section  640 _ 1 J corresponds to the Web accessing section  640 J in the block diagram in FIG. 22 and the accessed page managing section  650 _ 1 J corresponds to the referenced link information recording section  650 J in FIG. 22.  
     [0408]FIG. 87 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the link information managing section shown in FIG. 86.  
     [0409] In response to a text click notified, the link information managing section determines whether a character string including the clicked text is linked to a Web page (step y 1 ). If the character string is not linked to any Web page, the link information managing section simply exits this routine. On the other hand, if the character string is linked to a Web page, the link information managing section causes a browser to display the Web page (step y 2 ) and provides the address and name of the Web page to which a clue is linked to the accessed page managing section (step y 3 ).  
     [0410]FIG. 88 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the accessed page managing section shown in FIG. 86.  
     [0411] When receiving the address and name of a Web page to which a clue is linked, the accessed page managing section adds the address and the name of the Web page to an accessed page storing HTML file (step z 1 ), which will be displayed as shown in FIG. 84 when displayed by browser.