PROVISIONAL TRANSLATION When any ambiguity of interpretation is found in this translation, the Japanese text shall prevail. Implementing Guidelines for Inventions in Specific Fields Chapter 1. Computer Software Related Inventions This chapter mainly explains matters which require special judgment and treatment in examining patent applications relating to computer software related inventions (hereinafter also referred to as "software related inventions"). Refer to page 14 for the definitions of terms used in this chapter. When it is referred to as merely "GUIDELINES" in this chapter, that means "IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR 1994-REVISED PATENT LAW (issued by JPO in May, 1995), PART I. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR 1994-REVISED SECTION 36 OF THE PATENT LAW". 1. Description Requirement for Patent Specifications 1.1 Claims (1) Process Category When a software related invention is expressed in a sequence of processes or operations connected in time series, or a procedure, the invention can be defined as a process invention by specifying the procedure. It is a violation of Section 36(6)(ii), however, if a claimed invention cannot be clearly identified by a person skilled in the art as a result of such claim statements. (2) Product Category When a software related invention is expressed as one or more functions performed by the invention, the invention can be defined as a product invention by specifying the functions. It is a violation of Section 36(6)(ii), however, if a claimed invention cannot be clearly identified by a person skilled in the art as a result of such claim statements. (3) A computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon (hereinafter referred to as "a storage medium having a program recorded thereon"); a computer-readable storage medium having structured data recorded thereon (hereinafter referred to as "a storage medium having structured data recorded thereon") "A storage medium having a program recorded thereon" or "a storage medium having structured data recorded thereon" can be stated in a claim as a product invention. "A storage medium having a program recorded thereon" or "a storage medium having structured data recorded thereon" as a product by its function can be defined using such claim statements as follows. (note: It does not necessarily mean that the following example claims satisfy statutory subject matter.) [Example 1] Claim: A computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon; where the program is to make the computer execute procedure A, procedure B, procedure C, ... [Example 2] Claim: A computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon; where the program is to make the computer operate as (the combination of) means A, means B, means C, ... [Example 3] Claim: A computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon; where the program is to provide function A, function B, function C, ... to the computer. [Example 4] Claim: A computer-readable storage medium having structured data recorded thereon; where the structured data comprises portion A, portion B, portion C, ... 1.2 Description of the Invention 1.2.1 Enablement Requirements The detailed description of the invention shall be stated ... in such a manner sufficiently clear and complete for the invention to be carried out by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. (Patent Law Section 36(4)) The detailed description of the invention shall be described in such a manner that a person who has ability to use ordinary technical means for research and development and to exercise ordinary creativity in the software art can carry out the claimed invention on the basis of matters described in the specification (excluding claims) and drawing taking into consideration the common general knowledge as of the filing. Examples of violation of enablement requirements are shown below. (1) When the meaning of the technical terms, abbreviations, symbols, etc. is unclear because they are not commonly known and are used in the specification without definition and, as a result, the claimed invention can not be carried out. (2) When the technical procedure or function corresponding to matters defining an invention in the claim is stated merely in an abstract manner in the description of the invention, so that it is unclear how the procedure or function is implemented or realized by a hardware or a software and, as a result, the claimed invention can not be carried out. (3) When a hardware or a software which realizes the function of the claimed invention is explained simply with a functional block diagram or a general flow chart in the description of the invention, so that it is unclear from the description as to how the hardware or the software is structured to implement the invention and, as a result, the claimed invention can not be carried out. (4) When the claims are expressed as one or more functions of the invention whereas a flow chart is used to explain the invention in the description of the invention, so that the corresponding relationships between the flow charts and the functions defined in the claims are unclear and, as a result, the claimed invention can not be carried out. 1.2.2 Ministerial Ordinance Requirement The detailed description of the invention shall be stated, as provided for in an ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, ... (Patent Law Section 36(4)) Statements of the detailed description of the invention which are to be in accordance with an ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry under Section 36(4) shall state the problem to be solved by the invention and its solution, or other matters necessary for a person having ordinary skill in the art to understand the technical significance of the invention. (Section 24bis of Regulation under Patent Law (Ministerial Ordinance which is given authorization by Section 36(4))) (1) "The problem to be solved by the invention" and "its solution" In case where an invention is deemed not based upon recognition of a problems to be solved like an invention developed based on an entirely new conception which is completely different from prior art or an invention which is based on a fortuitous discovery resulting from trials and errors (eg., chemical substances), an application for such an invention is not required to state a problem to be solved. One could hardly imagine that such kind of inventions are created in the field of software related technology. Therefore, the applicant should state "technical field to which the invention pertains", "the problem to be solved by the invention" and "its solution" as "matters necessary for a person having ordinary skill in the art to understand the technical significance of the invention". (See GUIDELINES, CHAPTER 1.,3.3.2(1)) In the section of "its solution", how the procedures of means have been embodied should be explained using flow charts, pseudo codes, etc. It is a violation of Section 36(4) (Ministerial Ordinance Requirement), if a person having ordinary skill in the art cannot understand the technical significance of the invention, such as "the problem to be solved by the invention" and "its solution" on the basis of matters described in the specification and drawings taking into consideration the common general knowledge as of the filing. (2) Prior Art Descriptions of prior art are not required under the Ministerial ordinance requirement. However, an applicant should describe background prior art, as far as (s)he knows, which is deemed to contribute to understanding the technical significance of the claimed invention and examination of patentability of the invention because such descriptions of prior art could teach the problem to be solved. If there exist any documents relevant to prior art, it is strongly recommended to cite such documents. (3) Program listing A program listing is allowed to be included in a specification or drawings, if it is a short excerpt written in a computer language generally known to a person skilled in the art, and if this is helpful for understanding the invention. (A program listing can be submitted and filed as a reference material. However, the specification cannot be amended based on the reference material.) 1.3 Notes (1) The term "shi-su-te-mu"(Japanese pronunciation of "system") or "hoshiki"(Japanese translation of "system") in the claim is deemed to define product category. (see GUIDELINES, CHAPTER 1.,2.2.2.1(4)) (2) When a person skilled in the art can carry out the invention based on the functional description of the invention, the means for solving the problem may be explained functionally by describing the function or operation of the means in lieu of the description of specific means per se. When it is found that a person skilled in the art would not carry out the invention based on the description of the functions or operations, the reason for rejection of violation of enablement requirements is to be issued by specifying the functions or operations. (refer to GUIDELINES, CHAPTER 1.,3.2.3(1)) (3) When a patent is sought for "a program", "data signal(s)", or "data structure" (eg. the claim reads "A computer program for ..."), it constitutes a violation of Section 36(6)(ii), because the category of an invention for which a patent is sought is unclear. 2. Requirements for Patentability 2.1 Inventions Ruled by Patentability Requirements Patentability requirements are applied to "claimed inventions." In examining the requirements for patentability, attention should be given to the inventions based on the claims, rather than specific means described in the description of the invention. 2.2 Statutory Invention To be qualified as a "statutory invention" prescribed in the Patent Law, the claimed invention shall be a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws. (refer to IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions") The following explanation is to show clearer guidelines for software related inventions, but it does not intend to provide different guidelines from the one stated in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions". Therefore, when it can be readily judged based on the guidelines given in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions", it is not necessary to refer to the following guidelines. 2.2.1 Basic Concept The requirement for being statutory should be judged on the basis whether an invention falls under "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" or not. Whether an invention falls under "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" or not should be judged on the basis of matters stated in a claim. The actual procedure for judgement is as follows. (a) Identify the claimed invention based on the definitions in a claim. (b) When the claimed invention corresponds to one of the "non-statutory inventions" listed in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions", it is considered as constituting a non-statutory invention. (c) When the claimed invention does not correspond to any one of the "non- statutory inventions"; (c)-1 The problem to be solved by the claimed invention and its solution should be identified comprehensively on the basis of "matters necessary for a person having ordinary skill in the art to understand the technical significance of the invention", which are stated in the "Description of the Invention", taking into consideration the common general knowledge in the technical field as of the filing. (c)-2 When the solution identified in step (c)-1 (eg. processing by the program) is such as utilize natural laws, then the claimed invention should fall under "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws". The solution shall be considered to be such as utilize natural laws only when how it should be embodied is clear. While, when the solution is such as the followings, they are considered to be such as utilize natural laws. (i) control for hardware resources, or processing with respect to the control (ii) information processing based on the physical or technical properties of an object (iii) information processing in which hardware resources are used When the solution is such as mathematical algorithm, natural laws as such, natural phenomena, mathematical expression of natural laws as such or natural phenomena (eg., E = mc‚Q), etc., or when it is related solely to cultural sciences, it is not considered to be such as utilize natural laws. (d) Even if the solution is such as utilize natural laws, when it is no more than the "mere processing of information by using a computer", "mere recording of a program or data on a storage medium", or "mere processing of information by using a computer and mere recording of a program or data on a storage medium", the claimed invention is deemed as non-statutory. The reason for this treatment follows. If the above situations were to satisfy the patentable subject matter, this judgement would have been substantially equal to a judgement that an intrinsically unpatentable subject matter (eg., Example 2 in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions") constitutes statutory subject matter. 2.2.2 Examples of the solution utilizing natural laws (i) control for hardware resources, or processing with respect to the control [Example] An apparatus, a method, and a storage medium containing a computer program recorded thereon for controlling the rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine (Refer to Section 3, Example 1) (ii) information processing based on the physical or technical properties of an object [Example] An image processing method by computer and a machine-readable storage medium containing a computer program for image processing recorded thereon (Refer to Section 3, Example 2) (iii) information processing in which hardware resources are used [Example] An apparatus for predicting daily sales of commodities (Refer to Section 3, Example 5) Computer-readable record medium that stores student performance management data (Refer to Section 3, Example 6) Game machine (Refer to Section 3, Example 7) 2.2.3 Notes (1) It should be noted that the category of an invention as claimed in a claim per se, i.e., product or process, does not influence the judgment on whether the solution to the problem utilize natural laws or not. (2) Even if the claimed invention is carrying out information processing by use of a computer, if the claim has no matters which suggest, directly or indirectly, how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing, then the processing falls under "mere processing of information by using a computer" stated in 2.2.1(d). (3) A programming language and a program listing do not constitute "statutory inventions". (See IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions", 1.1(4) and (6)) [Example] Claim: A computer program listing for Natural number multiplication, comprising: var x, y, z, u: integer; begin z:= 0; u:= 0; repeat z:= z + y; u:= u - 1 until u = 0 end. (4) An invention claimed as "a storage medium having a program recorded thereon" or "a storage medium having structured data recorded thereon" may constitute "statutory invention". Following the procedure shown in 2.2.1, if conditions (a), (b) and (c) below are satisfied, then the claimed invention should constitute "statutory invention". (a) The claimed invention does not correspond to any one of the "non-statutory inventions" (eg. mere presentation of information) listed in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions". (b) The solution to the problem, identified comprehensively on the basis of the claim definitions and "matters necessary for a person having ordinary skill in the art to understand the technical significance of the invention", which are stated in the "Description of the Invention". The solution to the problem is such as utilize natural laws. (c) The solution utilizing natural laws is neither of the "mere processing of information by using a computer" nor "mere recording of a program or data on a storage medium". For instance, when a patent is sought claiming "a computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon", and the solution to the problem is information processing utilizing natural laws identified by the recorded program, then the claimed invention (excluding those fall under 2.2.1(d)) should constitute "statutory invention". When the structure of recorded data identifies how a computer processes the data, i.e. when the functional interrelationships exist between the structure and the process, then the processing is utilizing natural laws. If matters stated in a claim identifies data structure stated above, and the processing is the solution to the problem, a claim for "a computer-readable storage medium having structured data recorded thereon" (excluding those fall under 2.2.1(d)) should constitute "statutory invention". (5) The term "computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon" shall be interpreted as a computer-readable storage medium which is particularly suitable for installing, executing or trading the program. Therefore, when one judges whether a material is included in the "storage medium" or not, he should consider how the material is suitable to the above purpose. (6) With regard to "a storage medium having a program recorded thereon" or "a storage medium having structured data recorded thereon", even if the solution to the problem is such as utilize natural laws, when the solution is either "recording on a specific storage medium" or "recorded on a storage medium by use of a specific method of recording", then IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions" 1.1(6) "mere presentation of information" should apply. 2.3 Inventive Step (Nonobviousness) Judgment on an inventive step should be made by precisely comprehending the state of the art at the time of filing in the technical field to which the invention pertains, and then trying to reason whether a person skilled in the art would have easily arrived at the claimed invention on the basis of the cited prior art. The reasoning should be made by first identifying the common features and different features between the matters defining an invention of the claimed invention and the matters to define the cited prior art suitable for the reasoning, and then considering primarily whether there is anything in the cited prior art (including well-known art and/or commonly used art) which would have given a person skilled in the art any kind of motivation toward the claimed invention at the time of filing. Moreover, it should be made, considering secondarily advantageous effects over the cited prior art (this means that advantageous effects are considered as facts useful for affirmatively inferring the existence of an inventive step). Judgment on an inventive step equals to judging whether or not it would have been easy for a person skilled in the art to have made the claimed invention. Thus, it is important to understand an ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art at the time of filing, and then, with this in mind, to consider what he or she would have done in order to reach the reasoning as to why the invention would have been easily arrived at. Those listed as follows are usually considered within an exercise of an ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art: mere selection of an optimal material among the known materials in order to solve a specific problem, determination of an optimal or preferred numerical value range, replacement of means with a well known equivalent, modification of a design in the specific application of technical matters (workshop modification). If these are the only differences, and if there is no ground to make affirmative inference that the invention involves an inventive step, then, it is considered that the invention would have been easily made by a person skilled in the art. (Refer to GUIDELINES, CHAPTER 2., 2.3 "Principle of Method Determining Inventive Step", 2.4.2 "Reasoning") (1) Problems to be solved by the invention Problems in connection with software implementation and computerization are often general problems common to computer technologies. "To improve the level of understanding with AI (Artificial Intelligence) or Fuzzy Logic", or "to make input operation easier by using graphical-user-interface" are some of these examples. An inventive step should be judged based on the understanding of these generally known problems. (2) Exercise of ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art. (a) A person skilled in the art A person skilled in the art of computer applied technology is expected: to have common general knowledge both of applied field and computer technology (eg., systematization technology); to understand and use ordinary technical means for making research and development, and to exercise ordinary creative ability such as design modification; and to be able to comprehend all the state of the art technologies of the related technical fields to which the invention pertains (state of the art of applied fields and computer technologies as well) at the time of filing. (b) Application to other fields A procedure or means used in a computer applied invention relating to the fields of application is often common in functions or operations, regardless of the field the invention belongs to. In such cases it is natural to expect that the a person skilled in the art would have tried to apply a procedure or means of the software related invention relating to one applied field to another field to realize the same function and work or operation. The inventive step will not be affirmatively inferred, if the different features between the original claimed invention and the cited invention only lie in the contents of data recorded on a medium. [Example 1] On the assumption that the cited invention of a "file retrieval system" exists, to apply the means, i.e., the specific arrangement for the retrieval used in the "file retrieval system" to a "medical retrieval system", where the function or operation is shared in common by both the systems. [Example 2] On the assumption that the cited invention of a "medical retrieval system" exists, to apply the means used in the known "medical retrieval system" to a "commodity retrieval system", where the function or operation is shared in common by both the systems. [Example 3] On the assumption that the cited invention of a "computer-readable medium having students' performance management data thereon, where the data is structurized as A" exists, to apply the same data structure A to a "computer-readable medium having health management data for trained horses thereon". (c) Supplement or replacement by a commonly known means for systematization Software-related inventions are often realized in a system which integrates hardware and software. In these cases, it is natural for a person skilled in the art to try to supplement what is widely used as a commonly known means for systematization as a constituent element of the system, or to replace part of constituent elements of the system with a well known equivalent. [Example] To supplement, as an input means, means for inputting numerical codes by selecting items displayed on the screen with a mouse, or means for inputting numerical codes with bar codes (d) Implementation by software of functions which are otherwise performed by hardware A person skilled in the art is likely to try to transfer functions which are performed by hardware such as circuits by means of software. [Example] To replace a code comparison circuit with software having a code comparison function means. (e) Systematization of human transactions It is within the exercise of ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art to systematize existing human transactions in an applied field by means of a computer, if the transactions are such that they can be realized by a routine application of usual system analysis and system design technologies. Development of a system is normally performed through the process of: design planning -> system analysis -> system design. In the stage of the system analysis, for example, the existing human transactions are analyzed and this is put into a written form. In this stage, the human transactions or elements of clerical work executed by a person (eg., noting credits in the ledger) are also analyzed for systematization. In view of the actual process of such a system development, it is within the scope of ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art to systematize existing human transactions, provided that this would have been made by a routine work using common system analysis technologies. (f) Recording a program or data on a computer-readable storage medium The inventive step will not be affirmatively inferred, even if a limitation of "recording a program or data on a computer-readable storage medium" is added to the claim, where the different features between the original claimed invention and the cited invention only exist within the scope of the exercise of ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art, so that the existence of an inventive step is denied. (3) Effects of the invention Alleged general effects such as "can be processed quickly", "can process a large amount of data", "can minimize errors", "can obtain uniform results", etc. are often obtained as a result of computerization and normally they are considered as results easily foreseeable from the knowledge of state of the art. Explanation of the terms used in this chapter Software Related Invention: an invention which requires software for its implementation Software: a program or a procedure relating to the operation of a computer Program: a sequence of instructions which are suitable for a computer to perform a particular processing Program Listings: representation of program codes by means of printing them on paper, displaying them on a screen, etc Procedures: a sequence of processing steps or operations connected in time sequence to achieve a desired object Data Structure: Logical structure of data being indicated by the interrelationship of data elements Hardware Resources: physical devices or physical elements used for processing, operation or realization of a function. For example, a computer as a physical system (hardware), and its constituent elements such as CPU, memory, input device, output device, or other physical devices connected to the computer. 3. Examples Table of Contents I. Example for determination whether of inventive step Example 1. An apparatus, a method, and a storage medium containing a computer program recorded thereon for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine Example 2. An image processing method by computer and a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program for image processing recorded thereon Example 3. An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer Example 4. A process for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer Example 5. An apparatus for predicting daily sales of commodities Example 6. Computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data Example 7. Game machine II. Example for determination of inventive step Example 8. Invoice approval system Note: These examples are only for the purpose of judgment on statutory invention, and do not necessarily illustrate models for specifications. Example 1: (control for hardware resources, or processing with respect to the control) [Title of Invention] An apparatus, a method and a storage medium containing a computer program recorded thereon for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] An apparatus for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine by a programmed computer, comprising: the first detector means for detecting the rate of engine revolutions; the second detector means for detecting transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and fuel injection rate decision means for determining the rate of fuel injection by said control program in accordance with the values detected in the first and second detector means. [Claim 2] A method for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine by a programmed computer, comprising the steps of: detecting the rate of engine revolutions; detecting transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and determining the rate of fuel injection by said control program in accordance with the rate of engine revolutions and transitions of the rate of engine revolutions. [Claim 3] A storage medium containing thereon a computer program for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine, said computer program is: causing a computer operation to calculate the rate of engine revolutions; causing a computer operation to calculate transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and causing a computer operation to determine the rate of fuel injection in accordance with the rate of engine revolutions and transitions of the rate of engine revolutions. [Description of the Invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention is related to a fuel injection rate controller for an automobile engine operated by a programmed computer. [Prior art] The existing models of electronic controllers for controlling the rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine determine the rate of fuel injection on the basis of the detected rate of engine revolutions. This type of fuel injection controller is prone to supply a leaner fuel/air mixture than the theoretical ratio of optimum mixture at the transient stage during sudden increase of rate of revolutions as in the case of hard acceleration since the intake of air cannot be increased as fast due to friction against the inner walls of intake manifolds. Conversely, richer fuel/air mixture often prevails at the transient stage during sudden decrease of rate of revolutions as in the case of hard deceleration since the intake of air cannot be decreased as fast because of the inertia of air- flow. This kind of behavior during sudden increase or decrease of the rate of engine revolutions deteriorates the combustion efficiency of the engine and leads to lower engine output than expected. [Problems to be solved by the invention] This invention will improve the combustion efficiency and output power of the engine during the transient stages of hard acceleration or deceleration. [Means for solving the problem] In view of the above, this invention intends to achieve the optimum fuel/air mixture ratio by controlling fuel injection rate in accordance with changing conditions so as to improve the combustion efficiency and the power output of the engine. Specifically, in addition to the first detector means for detecting the rate of engine revolutions, the second detector means for detecting transition of the rate of engine revolutions, or the differential value of the rate of engine revolutions, has been established to enable detecting sudden increase or decrease of the rate of engine revolutions. Furthermore, the rate of fuel injection is to be determined by a control program electronically stored on the memory (eg., ROM) of the fuel injection rate controller, in accordance with the detected values from the first and second detector means. The actual procedures for determining the rate of fuel injection are as follows: A two dimensional map is prepared in advance with the rate of engine revolutions on the X-axis and transition of the rate of engine revolutions on the Y-axis to plot corresponding values of experimentally obtained optimum rates of fuel injection on the respective intersections. The two dimensional map is then electronically stored on the memory (eg., ROM) of the said fuel injection rate controller. The control program calculates the rate of engine revolutions and transition of the rate of engine revolutions from the values detected by the first and second detector means, and then, it determines the optimum rate of fuel injection by referring to the above mentioned two dimensional map using the respective calculated values of the rate of engine revolutions and transition of the rate of engine revolutions. [Mode for carrying out the invention] (Omitted) [Working example] (Omitted) [Advantageous effects of the invention] The combustion efficiency has been improved since the optimum fuel/air mixture can be maintained even during hard acceleration or deceleration of engine revolutions. [Claim 1] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "An apparatus for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine by a programmed computer, comprising: the first detector means for detecting the rate of engine revolutions; the second detector means for detecting transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and fuel injection rate decision means for determining the rate of fuel injection by said control program in accordance with the values detected in the first and second detector means." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "how to improve the combustion efficiency and output power of the engine during the transient stages", and the solution to the problem, is "processing for control in which the transition of the rate of engine revolutions, or the differential value of the rate of engine revolutions, is detected in addition to the rate of engine revolutions, and the optimum rate of fuel injection is determined by using the values of the rate of engine revolutions and the transition of the rate of engine revolutions". As the processing is that with respect to the control for hardware resources and also that based on the physical or technical properties of an object, the solution is such as utilize natural laws. It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 1 is considered to be "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" and is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". [Claim 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 2 is; "A method for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine by a programmed computer, comprising the steps of: detecting the rate of engine revolutions; detecting transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and determining the rate of fuel injection by said control program in accordance with the rate of engine revolutions and transitions of the rate of engine revolutions." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "how to improve the combustion efficiency and output power of the engine during the transient stages", and the solution to the problem, is "processing for control in which the transition of the rate of engine revolutions, or the differential value of the rate of engine revolutions, is detected in addition to the rate of engine revolutions, and the optimum rate of fuel injection is determined by using the values of the rate of engine revolutions and the transition of the rate of engine revolutions". As the processing is that with respect to the control for hardware resources and also that based on the physical or technical properties of an object, the solution is such as utilize natural laws. It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 2 is considered to be "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" and is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". [Claim 3] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 3 is; "A storage medium containing thereon a computer program for controlling rate of fuel injection for an automobile engine, said computer program is: causing a computer operation to calculate the rate of engine revolutions; causing a computer operation to calculate transition of the rate of engine revolutions; and causing a computer operation to determine the rate of fuel injection in accordance with the rate of engine revolutions and transitions of the rate of engine revolutions." With regard to claim 3, considered as a whole, a patent is sought for "a storage medium", but it does not correspond to "mere presentation of information", since the object of which is not to present information. The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "how to improve the combustion efficiency and output power of the engine during the transient stages", and the solution to the problem, is "processing for control in which the transition of the rate of engine revolutions, or the differential value of the rate of engine revolutions, is detected in addition to the rate of engine revolutions, and the optimum rate of fuel injection is determined by using the values of the rate of engine revolutions and the transition of the rate of engine revolutions". As the processing is that with respect to the control for hardware resources and also that based on the physical or technical properties of an object, the solution is such as utilize natural laws. It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 3 is considered to be "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" and is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 2: (execution of information processing based on the physical or technical properties of an object) [Title of Invention] An image processing method by computer and a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program for image processing recorded thereon [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] An image processing method by computer comprising the steps of: inputting a pixel matrix A of 3 rows and 3 columns obtained from image data picked up by an optical reading means; computing a pixel matrix C = A * B; using a matrix B, shown below, which is formed by stored filter parameters of 3 rows and 3 columns; and outputting the pixel matrix C. B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ or B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ „ -0.5 3 -0.5 „  „ -0.5 2.75 -0.5 „  „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ [Claim 2] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer-program recorded thereon, said computer-program is causing a computer to execute procedures for; inputting a pixel matrix A of 3 rows and 3 columns obtained from image data picked up by an optical reading means; computing a pixel matrix C = A * B; using a matrix B, shown below, which is formed by stored filter parameters of 3 rows and 3 columns; and outputting the pixel matrix C. B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ or B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ „ -0.5 3 -0.5 „  „ -0.5 2.75 -0.5 „  „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ [Description of the Invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention relates to a picture quality improvement method in image processing by a computer. [Prior art] Generally, a blur depending on the characteristics of the reading means produces in the image data which was picked up with an optical reading means. Conventionally, each picked up pixel was multiplied by a digital filter (a kind of high-pass filter which pass high frequency ingredient) with parameters such as: „¡ 0 -1 0 „¢ „¡ 0 -1 0 „¢ „  -1 4 -1 „  „  -1 5 -1 „  „¤ 0 -1 0 „£ „¤ 0 -1 0 „£ in accordance with the 3*3 filtering method, for example. But the compensation became strong in the case of an image having an extensive area of half tone density, so that an improvement in the picture quality could not be achieved. [Problems to be solved by the Invention] An object of this invention is to provide an image processing method which can achieve a required compensation sufficiently and easily. [Means for solving the problem] When executing digital computation of the filter and detected image using a computer, experiments were conducted by setting various parameters under the condition that the total energy of the image should not differ substantially before and after the arithmetic processing and that the values other than the center parameter should be smaller than the center parameter, so that the image after the processing should not appear unnatural. [Mode for carrying out the invention] As a result of these experiments, a picture quality was improved when a filter having the following parameters was used. „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ „ -0.5 3 -0.5 „  „ -0.5 2.7 -0.5 „  „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high quality picture image with a simple arrangement. [Advantageous effects of the invention] [Brief description of drawings] (Omitted) [Claim 1] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "An image processing method by computer comprising the steps of: inputting a pixel matrix A of 3 rows and 3 columns obtained from image data picked up by an optical reading means; computing a pixel matrix C = A * B; using a matrix B, shown below, which is formed by stored filter parameters of 3 rows and 3 columns; and outputting the pixel matrix C. B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ or B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ " „ -0.5 3 -0.5 „  „ -0.5 2.75 -0.5 „  „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "regarding to the handling of the data as physical quantities obtained by picking up the image with an optical reading means, how to achieve a required and sufficient correction to the physical quantities of pixel which has a blur depending on the characteristics of the optical reading means", and the solution or means used to solve the problem is "processing in which each picked up pixel was multiplied by a parameter of digital filter B (a high-pass filter) which realizes inverse characteristics of the optical reading means". The processing is based on the physical or technical properties of an object, since the picture quality was improved by using filter parameters which have inverse characteristics of producing the blurring, under the condition that the total energy of the image should not differ substantially before and after the arithmetic processing and that the absolute values of the parameter other than the center parameter should be smaller than that of the center parameter. Accordingly, the solution is such as utilize natural laws. The invention regarding claim 1, therefore, is considered to be "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" and is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". [Claim 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 2 is; "A computer-readable storage medium having a computer-program recorded thereon, said computer-program is causing a computer to execute procedures for; inputting a pixel matrix A of 3 rows and 3 columns obtained from image data picked up by an optical reading means; computing a pixel matrix C = A * B; using a matrix B, shown below, which is formed by stored filter parameters of 3 rows and 3 columns; and outputting the pixel matrix C. B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ or B = „¡ 0 -0.5 0 „¢ " „ -0.5 3 -0.5 „  „ -0.5 2.75 -0.5 „  „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ „¤ 0 -0.5 0 „£ With regard to claim 2, considered as a whole, a patent is sought for "a storage medium", but it does not correspond to "mere presentation of information", since the object of which is not to present information. The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "regarding to the handling of the data as physical quantities obtained by picking up the image with an optical reading means, how to achieve a required and sufficient correction to the physical quantities of pixel which has a blur depending on the characteristics of the optical reading means", and the solution or means used to solve the problem is "processing in which each picked up pixel was multiplied by a parameter of digital filter B (a high-pass filter) which realizes inverse characteristics of the optical reading means" which is identified by the computer-program defined in claim 2. The processing is based on the physical or technical properties of an object, since the picture quality was improved by using filter parameters which have inverse characteristics of producing the blurring, under the condition that the total energy of the image should not differ substantially before and after the arithmetic processing and that the absolute values of the parameter other than the center parameter should be smaller than that of the center parameter. Accordingly, the solution is such as utilize natural laws. The invention regarding claim 2, therefore, is considered to be "a creation of technical ideas utilizing natural laws" and is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 3: (those does not constitute a "statutory invention" and information processing in which hardware resources are used) [Title of Invention] An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer, comprising: means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'; arithmetic means for obtaining the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2; and means for outputting the calculated result. [Claim 2] An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer, comprising: means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'; 'n' storage means for storing input 'n'; 'n+k' storage means for storing input 'n+k'; means for calculating 'k' by reading 'n' from 'n' storage means and 'n+k' from 'n+k' storage means respectively; 'k' storage means for storing said 'k'; arithmetic means for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2, where 'n' and 'k' being stored in said 'n' storage means and 'k' storage means respectively; and means for outputting the calculated result. [Description of the Invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention is related to an apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer. [Prior art] The sum, 's', of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' is expressed as: s = n+(n+1)+(n+2)+ .... +(n+k) ..... (1) In order to calculate the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' according to the existing procedure, each term constituting equation (1) was added successively by repeating operation in the following manner: 1) Initialize the sum 's' to s=0 2) input 'n' and 'n+k' to produce m=n 3) add up 's' and 'm' to make a new 's' 4) increase 'm' by 1 to make a new 'm' 5) if m <= n+k, return to 3), otherwise proceed to 6) 6) output the sum 's' (See Fig.2) [Problems to be solved by the invention] The problem with the existing procedure was that while the processes from 3) to 5) must be repeated 'k+1' times to complete the calculation, each repetition contains one time consuming process of conditional branch operation. Therefore, the larger 'k' becomes, the much time is consumed to finish the whole operation. The problem to be solved by this invention is to calculate the sum 's' in a shorter time. [Means for solving the problem] Assume a sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' is s, then s = n+(n+1)+(n+2)+ .... +(n+k) ..... (1) The sum is the same when the sequence of the right side is reversed, so that the right side is rearranged as s = (n+k)+(n+k-1)+ .... +(n+1)+n ..... (2) Then, sum of equations (1) and (2) is 2s = (2n+k)+(2n+k)+ .... +(2n+k) (2n+k) occurs (k+1)times on the right side, then 2s = (k+1)(2n+k) Therefore, s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2 ..... (3) In this invention, therefore, the sum 's' from 'n' to 'n+k' is implemented with equation (3). According to this invention, It is possible to calculate the sum 's' with the four rules of arithmetic instead of repetition, the calculation being implemented in a shorter time thereby. [Mode for carrying out the invention] As a specific means to calculate equation (3) by a computer, 'n' storage file, 'n+k' storage file, etc. are established on the memory in order to store temporarily the entered natural number and result of calculation, etc. Entered values such as 'n' and 'n+k' are temporarily stored in the above mentioned memory, the computer controlled by a program execute equation (3) therewith, and output the result. Fig.1 shows the mode for carrying out this invention. In Fig.1, the natural number 'n' is entered from an input device such as a keyboard. The input 'n' shall be temporarily stored in the 'n' storage file via the central processing unit. It is, then, followed by the entry of 'n+k' from the input device. The input 'n+k' shall, then, be temporarily stored in the 'n+k' storage file via the CPU. The CPU, then, reads the 'n' and 'n+k' from the 'n' storage file and the 'n+k' storage file respectively to calculate 'k' by subtracting n from (n+k) and store the result 'k' in the 'k' storage file. The CPU shall finally calculate s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2, where 'n' and 'k' being read from 'n' storage file and 'k' storage file respectively, and output the result to the output device. [Advantageous effects of the invention] (Omitted) [Drawings] [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Claim 1] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer, comprising: means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'; arithmetic means for obtaining the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2; and means for outputting the calculated result." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to calculate the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' from entered natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k' by using a computer in a shorter time than conventional way", and the solution to the problem is "processing by use of computer hardware resources, in which the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' is calculated with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2". (As "means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'" and "means for outputting the calculated result" are matters indispensable to presentation of the problem to be solved, i.e. "to calculate the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' from entered natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k' by using a computer", these means are not deemed as the solution to the problem to be solved by the claimed invention.) The point of using equation s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2 in "obtaining the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k'" is solution utilizing only mathematical formula. Accordingly, the solution utilizing natural laws is only "processing by use of computer hardware resources". However, since the claim has no matters which suggest, directly or indirectly, how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing, the processing falls under "mere processing of information by using a computer". (See the proviso of 2.2.3(2)) The invention regarding claim 1, therefore, does not constitute a "statutory invention" since the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is no more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". [Claim 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 2 is; "An apparatus for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer, comprising: means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'; 'n' storage means for storing input 'n'; 'n+k' storage means for storing input 'n+k'; means for calculating 'k' by reading 'n' from 'n' storage means and 'n+k' from 'n+k' storage means respectively; 'k' storage means for storing said 'k'; arithmetic means for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2, where 'n' and 'k' being stored in said 'n' storage means and 'k' storage means respectively; and means for outputting the calculated result." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to calculate the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' from entered natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k' by using a computer in a shorter time than conventional way", and the solution to the problem is; "processing in series consists of: processing for calculating 'k' by reading 'n' from 'n' storage means and 'n+k' from 'n+k' storage means respectively; processing for storing said 'k' in 'k' storage means; and processing for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2, where 'n' and 'k' being stored in said 'n' storage means and 'k' storage means respectively". (As "means for inputting natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k'", "'n' storage means for storing input 'n'", "'n+k' storage means for storing input 'n+k'" and "means for outputting the calculated result" are matters indispensable to presentation of the problem to be solved, i.e. "to calculate the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' from entered natural numbers 'n' and 'n+k' by using a computer", these means are not deemed as the solution to the problem to be solved by the claimed invention.) The solution to the problem falls under "information processing in which hardware resources are used", which is considered to be such as utilize natural laws. Since some matters defining the invention in claim 2, such as "means for calculating 'k' by reading 'n' from 'n' storage means and 'n+k' from 'n+k' storage means respectively"; "'k' storage means for storing said 'k'"; "arithmetic means for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2, where 'n' and 'k' being stored in said 'n' storage means and 'k' storage means respectively", suggest directly how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing, the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is something more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 2 is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 4: (those does not constitute a "statutory invention") [Title of Invention] A process for calculating the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] A process for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2. [Description of the Invention] Assuming a sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' is 's', then s = n+(n+1)+(n+2)+ .... +(n+k) ..... (1) The sum is the same when the sequence of the right side is reversed, so that the right side is rearranged as: s = (n+k)+(n+k-1)+ .... +(n+1)+n ..... (2) Then, the sum of equations (1) and (2) is 2s = (2n+k)+(2n+k)+ .... +(2n+k) (2n+k) occurs (k+1) times on the right side, then 2s = (k+1)(2n+k) Therefore, s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2 By executing the calculation of this equation s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2 with a computer, it is possible to obtain a sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' easily and quickly. Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "A process for calculating the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to obtain the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' easily and quickly", and the solution to the problem is "processing for obtaining the sum of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k' by using a computer with s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2". The point of using equation s = (k+1)(2n+k)/2 in "obtaining the sum 's' of natural numbers from 'n' to 'n+k'" is solution utilizing only mathematical formula. Accordingly, the solution utilizing natural laws is only "processing by using a computer". However, since the claim has no matters which suggest, directly or indirectly, how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing for calculating, the processing falls under "mere processing of information by using a computer". (See the proviso of 2.2.3(2)) It follows, therefore, that the invention regarding claim 1 does not constitute a "statutory invention" since the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is no more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". Example 5: (information processing in which hardware resources are used) [Title of Invention] An apparatus for predicting daily sales of commodities [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] An apparatus for predicting daily sales of various commodities comprising: means for inputting the date of which daily sales is predicted; sales data storage means prepared for storing data representing actual daily sales records; variable condition data storage means prepared for storing data representing variable condition; correction rule storage means prepared for storing correction rules ; means for getting the first predicted value by reading data representing daily sales records in the past few weeks, each data being of the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculating the average of said data; means for reading variable condition data from the variable condition data storage means, said variable condition data being related to the date of which daily sales of the commodities is predicted, and selecting correction rules to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rules being stored in the correction rule storage means; means for determining the second predicted value by correcting the first predicted value based on said correction rule to be applied; and means for outputting the second predicted value. [Description of the Invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention relates to a computer system for predicting daily sales necessary for ordering commodities at a retail shop, and more particularly, to a computer system for predicting daily sales suitable for predicting daily sales of various commodities at a large scale retail shop such as a supermarket whose demand change greatly . [Prior art] Daily sales of commodities at a large scale retail shop such as a supermarket changes greatly, depending on various factors, eg., the day of the week, the date, weather, selling status of competing shops (a bargain day, shop closing, etc.), events held at the local community. Therefore, amounts of commodities to be ordered are determined depending on daily sales prediction based on inventory control caretaker's experience. Thus, carrying out a prediction took too much time especially in the case inventory control caretaker had little experience. Moreover, overlooking of some factors of change often arose and prediction was not so accurate. [Problems to be solved by the invention] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide an apparatus for predicting daily sales which does not rely on inventory control caretaker's experience and which brings a stable result of prediction in a short time by solving the conventional problems of time consuming prediction caused from dependency on inventory control caretaker's experience and inaccuracy of the prediction. [Means for solving the problem] This invention provides a solution to the problem by employing a computer system. The computer system works as an apparatus for predicting daily sales of various commodities comprising: means for inputting the date of which daily sales is predicted; sales data storage means prepared for storing data representing actual daily sales records; variable condition data storage means prepared for storing data representing variable condition; correction rule storage means prepared for storing correction rules ; means for getting the first predicted value by reading data representing daily sales records in the past few weeks, each data being of the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculating the average of said data; means for reading variable condition data from the variable condition data storage means, said variable condition data being related to the date of which daily sales of the commodities is predicted, and selecting correction rules to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rules being stored in the correction rule storage means; means for determining the second predicted value by correcting the first predicted value based on said correction rule to be applied; and means for outputting the second predicted value. [Mode for carrying out the invention] Fig. 1 shows the system constitution of the apparatus for predicting daily sales, and Fig. 2 shows a flow chart executed by said system. At first, the worker inputs a date of which daily sales is predicted via an input device such as a keyboard. Actual daily sales records are stored in advance in the sales data file associated with the date and the day of the week. The CPU, being instructed by the control program stored in the main memory, reads data of the past few weeks, each being the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculates the average of said data. The average of said data is utilized as the first predicted value. It is empirically known that using actual daily sales records in three to four weeks is preferable. Then the CPU, being instructed by the program stored in the main memory, reads variable condition data, such as probability of raining obtained from the weather forecast, from the variable condition data file, said variable condition data being associated with the date of which daily sales of commodities is predicted, reads correction rule to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rule being stored in the correction rule file in advance. (note: Correction rule is such as "If it rains from morning till evening, then 30% decrease of the sales is expected." It is supposed that detail of the correction rules is fully supported by the description of the invention.) Finally, the CPU, being instructed by the control program stored in the main memory, corrects the first predicted value based on said correction rule corresponding to the variable condition data, and determines the second predicted value. The second predicted value is used as the final predicted data and is obtained from the output device such as a printer. [Working example] (note: It is supposed that each components of the mode for carrying out the invention, how to fix correction rules, etc. are fully supported by the working example.) [Drawings] [Figure 1] [Figure 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "An apparatus for predicting daily sales of various commodities comprising: means for inputting the date of which daily sales is predicted; sales data storage means prepared for storing data representing actual daily sales records; variable condition data storage means prepared for storing data representing variable condition; correction rule storage means prepared for storing correction rules ; means for getting the first predicted value by reading data representing daily sales records in the past few weeks, each data being of the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculating the average of said data; means for reading variable condition data from the variable condition data storage means, said variable condition data being related to the date of which daily sales of the commodities is predicted, and selecting correction rules to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rules being stored in the correction rule storage means; means for determining the second predicted value by correcting the first predicted value based on said correction rule to be applied; and means for outputting the second predicted value." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to provide an apparatus for predicting daily sales which does not rely on inventory control caretaker's experience and which brings a stable result of prediction of sales on a certain day in a short time", and the solution to the problem is: "processing in series consists of: processing for getting the first predicted value by reading data representing daily sales records in the past few weeks, each data being of the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculating the average of said data; processing for reading variable condition data from the variable condition data storage means, said variable condition data being related to the date of which daily sales of the commodities is predicted, and selecting correction rules to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rules being stored in the correction rule storage means; and processing for determining the second predicted value by correcting the first predicted value based on said correction rule to be applied". (As "means for inputting the date of which daily sales is predicted" and "means for outputting the second predicted value" are matters indispensable to presentation of the problem to be solved, i.e. "to provide an apparatus for predicting daily sales on a certain day and which brings a result of prediction", these means are not deemed as the solution to the problem to be solved by the claimed invention.) The solution to the problem falls under "information processing in which hardware resources are used", which is considered to be such as utilize natural laws. Since some matters defining the invention in claim 1, such as "means for getting the first predicted value by reading from the sales data storage means data representing daily sales records in the past few weeks, each data being of the same day of the week as that of the day of which daily sales is predicted, and calculating the average of said data"; "means for reading variable condition data from the variable condition data storage means, said variable condition data being related to the date of which daily sales of the commodities is predicted, and selecting correction rules to be applied based on said variable condition data, said correction rules being stored in the correction rule storage means"; "means for determining the second predicted value by correcting the first predicted value based on said correction rule to be applied", suggest directly how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing, the solution to the problem, which is utilizing natural laws, is something more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 1 is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 6: (those does not constitute a "statutory invention" and information processing in which hardware resources are used) [Title of Invention] Computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] A computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data recorded thereon, said student performance management data consists of; student code data, student name data, data for subjects studied by students, and students' performance data. [Claim 2] A computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data recorded thereon; where: said student performance management data being stored in a student file and a performance file created by the student in said storage medium; said student file has a subject data area that records each subject studied by the student, keyed to a specific pointer; said performance file has a performance data area recording each subject studied by the student, keyed to the student's performance data; said performance data area is sorted according to the subject studied; and said pointer indicates the leading address in the area where student performance data for the corresponding subjects studied are sorted and recorded. [Description of the Invention] [Technological field to which the invention pertains] This invention relates to techniques for the management of performance by college and high-school students. [Prior art] At colleges and high schools, teaching staff normally establishing mark books, listed by student name, relating to the subjects they are responsible for and, after screening the marks earned by each student, they transcribe the students' performance data into a general student ledger for central control. However, an increase in the number of students and subjects studied can result in a proportional increase in the volume of performance data requiring to be transcribed from individual mark books into the general student ledger, leading to omissions and errors. Under these circumstances, the use of computers has been introduced to monitor student performance subject by subject. [Problems to be solved by the invention] If conventional performance management techniques, based on individual mark books listed according to the student and the general student ledger, were to be computerized as they are, the result would inevitably involve the creation of duplicate entries for the same students and the same subjects tested in two or more files. This would reduce the operating efficiency of the computer memory and increase the search time required. The problem to be solved by the claimed invention is to provide an efficient method of managing students' subject-based performance data using a computer. [Means for solving the problem] This invention provides a solution to the problem described, by allowing the creation of student files that store pointers sorted according to the subject studied, and performance files that store the students' performance data sorted according to the subject studied and including all students, and by allowing retrieval of individual students' performance data for each subject using a pointer. [Mode for carrying out the invention] Figure 1 shows the hardware configuration of this performance management device using the invented storage medium. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing of performance management data. Figure 3 shows typical student and performance files created using the record media. When performance control data for individual students are generated by the performance management device, the main control unit 1, operating on the central processing unit (CPU) and programs not illustrated, creates a student file 22 and a performance file 23 for each student in memory 2, reads out subject codes matching the test subjects to be studied from the subject table 21, and stores them in the subject area 222 of the student file 22. Test score data are stored after entry of student codes (S101). When a student code is entered, the system identifies the corresponding student file 22 and performance file 23 and waits for the user to enter a subject (S103). If the input subject corresponds to one already stored in the student file 22, the system waits for relevant performance data to be entered (S105). When performance data are entered, the system carries out additional storage of these and places them at the end of the performance data previously stored in the performance file 23 as fixed-length data, together with the subject code (S106). If there are further performance data to be entered, the system returns to S103 processing (S107). If any subject entered during the S104 processing is not already stored in the student file 22, the system searches the subject table 21 for a subject code corresponding to the given subject, and stores it in the subject area 222 of the student file 22 (S108). The system then waits for performance data relating to the additional subject to be entered (S105). After this, the system re-sorts all the performance data in the performance file 23 according to the order of the subjects (S109), determines the leading addresses by subject, and stores them in the applicable pointer area 223 of the student file 22 (S110). Figure 3 shows the contents of the performance data file 23 and student file 22 in the process described. Performance file 23 provides sequential storage of re-sorted subject-based performance data (d01 through d13), and the leading addresses (a01 through a13) for the corresponding subjects are stored in the corresponding pointer area of the student file 22. In addition, at the last address area provided at the end of student file 22, address a13 of the final data item is stored in a corresponding manner. When information relating to each student's performance data is retrieved, the student file 22 applicable to the student concerned is selected in order to acquire information relating to the subject name and subject-based performance data, based on the data stored in the subject area 222 and relevant pointer area 223. At this point, a subject name and subject performance data can be readily identified using a subject code, stored in area 222, and using the difference between the leading address and the last address stored in the pointer area 223. In the example illustrated, the number for this student's performance data is nine. Moreover, referencing student file 22 reveals that the performance data figure for specific subjects such as mathematics and foreign language(s) is relatively higher than that for the performance data in other subjects tested, which means that the student underwent frequent supplementary tests. In the case of detailed retrieval, relevant performance data are extracted from the data stored in the performance file 23 via the leading address stored in pointer area 223 for display. [Advantageous effects of the invention] The invention enhances file operating efficiency, since it enables a system to manage the performance of an individual student solely using a student file and a performance file. The invention generates a unique effect in that it also enables the system to retrieve data faster, since the method invented can dispense with retrieval of a performance file relating to information that can be readily identified using the student file. [Brief description of drawings] (Omitted) [Drawings] [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3] [Claim 1] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "A computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data recorded thereon, said student performance management data consists of; student code data, student name data, data for subjects studied by students, and students' performance data." The matters defining the invention in claim 1, i.e. "said student performance management data consists of; student code data, student name data, data for subjects studied by students, and students' performance data" are only for defining contents of the information to be presented to the computer. Since the invention regarding claim 1, considered as a whole, is to "the object of which is to present information", it corresponds to one of the "non-statutory inventions" listed in IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR "Industrially Applicable Inventions", i.e. "mere presentation of information". The invention regarding claim 1, therefore, does not constitute a "statutory invention" . [Claim 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 2 is; "A computer-readable storage medium containing student performance management data recorded thereon; where: said student performance management data being stored in a student file and a performance file created by the student in said storage medium; said student file has a subject data area that records each subject studied by the student, keyed to a specific pointer; said performance file has a performance data area recording each subject studied by the student, keyed to the student's performance data; said performance data area is sorted according to the subject studied; and said pointer indicates the leading address in the area where student performance data for the corresponding subjects studied are sorted and recorded." With regard to claim 2, considered as a whole, a patent is sought for "a storage medium", but it does not correspond to "mere presentation of information", since the object of which is not to present information. The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to manage efficiently computerized multiple students' performance data by subject with reduced file capacity", and the solution to the problem is "processing for access to performance data sorted according to subject and stored in the performance file using a subject-based pointer stored in the student file". Since this processing can be identified by the specific data structure based on the matters described in claim 2, it is means utilizing natural laws. Since some matters defining the invention in claim 2, such as "the student file has a subject data area that records each subject studied by the student, keyed to a specific pointer" and "pointer indicates the leading address in the area where student performance data for the corresponding subjects studied are sorted and recorded", suggest indirectly how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing described, it would be reasonable to say that the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is something more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 2 is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 7: (those does not constitute a "statutory invention" and information processing in which hardware resources are used) [Title of Invention] Game machine [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] A computerized card game machine, comprising: means for assigning specific points of a score to a set of cards dealt, according to the complexity of the hand involved. [Claim 2] A computerized card game machine, comprising: means for memorizing a data table for a scoring hand (i.e. a hand of cards dealt that scores points) in which a given set of cards is matched to specific scoring hand data, and a score data table in which the scoring hand data are matched to the score data; means for assigning corresponding scoring hand data by retrieving said scoring hand data table based on a set of cards selected, assigning corresponding score data by retrieving the score data table on the basis of the applicable scoring hand data, and outputting all of the scoring hand data and total points scored. [Description of the Invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention relates to computerized card game machines. [Prior art] Conventional computerized card game machines extract a hand of cards dealt, score the points from among a given set of five cards dealt by the computer, determine the scores based simply on the number of scoring hands, and display the results obtained. [Problems to be solved by the invention] In fact, the degree of difficulty varies according to the type of "scoring hand." In this respect, the conventional practice of scoring the same points for any types of hands reduces the attractiveness of the game and players' enthusiasm for the game. Accordingly, the object of this invention is to create a card game machine that makes the game more exciting and arouses players' enthusiasm by assigning different points of scores to a set of cards depending on the complexity of the hand involved. [Means for solving the problem] The card game machine invented here separately stores the scoring hand data table, which keys a set of cards to specific scoring hand data, and the score data table, which keys scoring hand data to score data. The invention solves the problem described by using the scoring hand data table and the score data table in turn, and by presenting to players all the types of scoring hands and total scores in a set of cards dealt. [Mode for carrying out the invention] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the card game machine. Display unit 1 and input facilities 2, such as a keyboard, mouse, etc., are connected to the bus 9. The central processing unit (CPU) 3 specifies the image data to be displayed during execution of the game program, and retrieves the scoring hand data and the corresponding score data based on a set of cards dealt, etc. RAM 4 temporarily stores the image data to be displayed, and the image processing unit 5 generates the image data required according to the instructions from CPU 3, and displays images on the display unit 1. The card game machine stores three types of files in the memory. The first file 6 stores the game program 61, the card image data 62, the random number table 63, etc. The second file 7 stores the scoring hand data table, which keys the scoring hand data to card sets. In addition, the third file 8 stores the score data table, which keys the scoring hand data to the score data. The second file 7 and third file 8 can be updated separately. Figure 2 shows an example of a display screen. The screen illustrates five cards. At the top, it also displays the scoring hand data [A and B] retrieved from the scoring hand data table, and the score "6 points" that is output after retrieval of the score data table based on the scoring hand data. The flowchart in Figure 3 explains the way in which the invented game program runs. When a prompt for "game start" is entered, the system selects (S1) five cards using the random number table, in accordance with the game program. The system retrieves (S2) a hand of cards that scores points by selecting an existing stored set of cards, and reads out the applicable scoring hand data detected. In order to fetch the score data corresponding to the scoring hand data, the system retrieves (S3) the scoring hand data based on the score data table, fetches the corresponding score data, and adds up the total scores earned. On the screen of display unit 1, the system displays (S4) the five cards selected, the retrieved scoring hand data, and the total scores earned, as shown in Fig. 2. The system checks (S5) whether the card change frequency has reached the maximum limit, and either aborts if the limit has been reached, or else proceeds to (S6). The system inquires (S6) from a player if he/she prefers to specify cards to be changed, and either aborts if no cards are specified, or else proceeds to (S7) if cards are specified. The system selects (S7) new cards using the random number table and replaces specified cards with selected cards, with system control returning to (S2). The second file 7 and third file 8 can be separately updated as appropriate. Consequently, if scoring hand data and score data are changed to meet the specific needs of the countries or regions in which the card game machines are installed or marketed, the table can be rewritten to allow common use of the data in the first file 6 and a reduction in the number of processes in proportion to a reduction in the size of the rewritten table. [Advantageous effects of the invention] Since the invented card game machine extracts all scoring hands, and computes and displays the total points scored for respective hands, the total scores vary with the type and number of scoring hands involved. The invention thus provides players with exciting games. Also, as a changeable scoring hand data table and score data table are separately provided, card game machines operating according to different rules can be installed and marketed flexibly in different countries and regions by modifying the scoring hand table or the score data table. [Brief description of drawings] (Omitted) [Drawings] [Figure 1 ] [Figure 2] [Figure 3] [Claim 1] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 1 is; "A computerized card game machine, comprising: means for assigning specific points of a score to a set of cards dealt, according to the complexity of the hand involved." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to provide a card game machine that offers players more exciting games by assigning different scores according to the complexity of the hand involved", and the solution to the problem is "processing for computing scores using computer hardware resources assigning different scores to a set of cards dealt according to the complexity of the hand involved". The matters of "assigning different scores to a set of cards dealt according to the complexity of the hand involved" is based solely on the exploitation of arbitrary arrangement. Accordingly, it would be reasonable to state that the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws lies solely in the "processing for computing scores using computer hardware resources." However, since the claim has no matters which suggest, directly or indirectly, how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing to determine the scores earned, the processing falls under "mere processing of information by using a computer". (See the proviso of 2.2.3(2)) The invention regarding claim 1, therefore, does not constitute a "statutory invention" since the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is no more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". [Claim 2] Claimed invention identified on the basis of the definitions in the claim 2 is; "A computerized card game machine, comprising: means for memorizing a data table for a scoring hand (i.e. a hand of cards dealt that scores points) in which a given set of cards is matched to specific sc oring hand data, and a score data table in which the scoring hand data are matched to the score data; means for assigning corresponding scoring hand data by retrieving said scoring hand data table based on a set of cards selected, assigning corresponding score data by retrieving the score data table on the basis of the applicable scoring hand data, and outputting all of the scoring hand data and total points scored." The problem to be solved by the claimed invention, identified comprehensively on the basis of the Description of the Invention, is "to provide a card game machine that offers players more exciting games by assigning different scores according to the complexity of the hand involved", and the solution to the problem is: "processing in series utilizing computer hardware resources consists of: processing for assigning corresponding scoring hand data by retrieving said scoring hand data table, in which a given set of cards stored in a memory means is matched to specific scoring hand data, based on a set of cards selected; processing for assigning corresponding score data by retrieving the score data table, in which the scoring hand data stored in a memory means are matched to the score data, on the basis of the applicable scoring hand data; and processing for outputting all of the assigned scoring hand data and total points scored". The solution to the problem falls under "information processing in which hardware resources are used", which is considered to be such as utilize natural laws. Since some matters defining the invention in claim 2, such as "means for assigning corresponding scoring hand data by retrieving said scoring hand data table based on a set of cards selected, assigning corresponding score data by retrieving the score data table on the basis of the applicable scoring hand data, and outputting all of the assigned scoring hand data and total points scored", suggest directly how the hardware resources of the computer is utilized in the processing, the solution to the problem utilizing natural laws is something more than "mere processing of information by using a computer". It follows, therefore, the invention regarding claim 2 is considered as constituting a "statutory invention". Example 8: (Determination of inventive step (Systematization of human transaction)) [Title of Invention] Invoice approval system [Scope of Claim] [Claim 1] Invoice approval system comprising an invoice input preparation device which has the first input module for inputting the invoice data, the first output module which displays and prints out the invoice based on the data input to said first input module, the first communication control module, and the first control module which controls the entire device, and an invoice approval device which has a second output module which displays the invoice, the second input module for the approval data, the second communication control module, and the second control module which controls the entire device, characterized in that: said first control module obtains the data for each item on the invoice from said first input module, checks each item on the invoice data obtained, transmits the invoice data requiring approval from said first communication control module to said invoice approval device, receives the approved invoice data transmitted from said invoice approval device via said first communication control module, and out puts from said first output module; and said second control module receives via said second communication control module the invoice data requiring approval transmitted from said invoice input preparation device, inputs the approval data to be approved or disapproved from said second input module, and transmits the invoice data including said approval data from said second communication control module to said invoice input preparation device. [Claim 2] Invoice approval system of claim 2, characterized in that said second output module has a display screen and means for automatically indicating information that an incoming invoice has been received in a part of said display screen when an invoice requiring approval is received. [Claim 3] Invoice approval system of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said first input module has an ID card reader. [Description of the invention] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] This invention is related to the clerical work of invoices preparation at the counter of a bank, etc. [Prior art] In invoice preparation at the counter of a bank, etc. the invoice was conventionally prepared for obtaining approval from a superior for transaction of a large sum, etc. according to their regulations. [Problems to be solved by the invention] To obtain approval from a superior, the operation was inefficient, in that it included leaving the counter and delivering the invoice all the way to the superior, this hampered concentration on the paper work, and it took much time, in particular, when the superior was unavailable. An object of the present invention is to provide a system using a computer which enables obtaining an approval without going to the superior. A notice of receiving an invoice requiring approval is indicated on the display screen, so that it dispenses with the manual operation of checking the notice. Furthermore, approval data is inputted using an ID card (individual identification), so that only the person with the approving authority can input the approval data. [Means for solving the problem] (Omitted) [Mode for carrying out the invention] (Omitted) [Working example] (Omitted) [Advantageous effects of the Invention] The system of the present invention derives remarkable results, when compared to the conventional operation, such as efficient invoice processing to obtain approval without interrupting work. [Brief description of the drawings] (Omitted) [Drawings] [Figure 1] (1) Premise for determination of inventive step (i) A problem to be solved for the invention To systematize the clerical work process with computer technology is a common general problem publicly known. Invoice approval processing is also clerical work process, so that the attempt to systematize it is a general problem. (ii) A person skilled in the art A person skilled in the art of the invention in this example has knowledge in clerical work processing of invoices and computer technology, and an ordinary creative ability. (iii) Systematization of human transactions (operation of invoice processing) The inventive step of systematization of human transactions with software is determined, taking into consideration the process of developing a system, namely, system analysis --> system design To systematize human transactions by common system development technology using publicly known computer engineering is considered as an exercise of ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art. In the case of this example, the determination of inventive step is made from the viewpoint of the process from the system analysis on invoice processing to the system design based on the analysis. (2) State of the art (a cited reference, well known art, etc.) (I) Common business data processing (a) A preparer's work (1) to prepare an invoice by writing the invoice data on the invoice form, (2) to hand over the invoice requiring approval to the approver, and (3) to complete the invoice preparation by receiving the invoice from the approver. (b) An approver's work (1) to receive the invoice from the invoice preparer, (2) to check the invoice received from the invoice preparer and affix approval, and (3) to hand over the approved invoice to the preparer. (II) Computer technology (a) Common general knowledge in the field of computers (1) to install a computer with I/O modules for each person, connect it with a communication line via the communication control module, and transmit/receive the necessary data (2) to edit the data in the computer and display or print out in the format required for the document (3) to indicate a notice on the display screen if there is data received, and (4) to input one's ID code with the ID card (individual identification) and execute processing (b) Technology disclosed in a publication distributed prior to the application (5) The input data is checked and transmitted only if necessary (3) Specific determination Examination is made from the viewpoint whether or not it would be easy for a person skilled in the art to systematize invoice approval processing using computer software engineering based on the functions required for invoice preparation and approval in invoice approval processing and clerical work which were extracted from system analysis. (i) Invention in Claim 1 (a) It is clear from the analysis of said processing of invoice preparation that data I/O modules are necessary to prepare invoices, and a communication means is necessary for transmitting the invoice data requiring approval to the superior. The same is necessary when approving the invoices. Accordingly, from said computer technology (1), it would be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art using ordinary system design technology to select hardware resources for the system configuration, i.e., "invoice approval system comprising an invoice input preparation device which has the first input module for inputting the invoice data, the first output module which displays and prints out the invoice based on the data input to said first input module, the first communication control module, and the first control module which controls the entire device, and an invoice approval device which has the second output module which displays the invoice, the second input module for the approval data, the second communication control module, and the second control module which controls the entire device." (b) Functions executed in each control module which "obtains the data in each item on the invoice from the first input module, checks each item on the invoice data obtained, transmits the invoice data requiring approval from the first communication control module to the invoice approval device, receives the approved invoice data transmitted from the invoice approval device via the first communication control module, and outputs from the first output module," and "receives via the second communication control module the invoice data requiring approval transmitted from the invoice input preparation device, inputs the approval data to be approved or disapproved from the second input module, and transmits the invoice data including the approval data from the second communication control module to the invoice input preparation device" are realized by software, but can be directly derivable by a person skilled in the art by applying said computer technologies (1), (2) and (5) to invoice processing procedure. In view of consideration to (a) and (b) above, to systematize invoice approval process as an invention in claim 1 would be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art by applying said computer technologies (1), (2) and (5) to the results of the system analysis. (ii) Inventions in claims 2 and 3 To indicate data reception information on the display screen as receiving data, and to execute processing by inputting one's own ID code with the ID card are commonly used means' as indicated in (3) and (4) of said common general knowledge in the field of computers, so that it would be arbitrarily conceived by a person skilled in the art to provide means for indicating information that there is an incoming invoice requiring approval, or to add an ID card reader to the input module. Besides, the applicant asserts in the specification to the effect that this invention manifests a remarkable effect, but the effect asserted is found as nothing more than the natural results (improvement in the efficiency) accompanying the use of computers, and thus there is no other fact to support to affirmatively infer an inventive step. Therefore, as stated above, the inventions in claims 1, 2 and 3 would have been easily conceived by a person skilled in the art based on publicly known items (I) and (II) above. [Reference] These guidelines should be classified into three categories: (i) Category 1; New practices under the 1994-Revised Japanese Patent Law to be applicable to applications filed on and after July 1, 1995. 1. Description Requirement for Patent Specifications 1.1 Claims (1) Process Category (2) Product Category 1.2 Description of the Invention (1.2.2 Ministerial Ordinance Requirement) 1.3 Notes (1) (ii) Category 2; Clarification of the ambiguity of some current practices to be applicable to all pending applications. 1. Description Requirement for Patent Specifications 1.2 Description of the Invention (1.2.1 Enablement Requirements) 1.3 Notes (2) 2. Requirements for Patentability 2.1 Inventions Ruled by Patentability Requirements 2.2 Statutory Invention 2.2.1 Basic Concept (excluding those regarding "recording medium") 2.2.2 Examples of the solution utilizing natural laws (excluding those regarding "recording medium") 2.2.3 Notes (1), (2) 2.3 Inventive Step (Nonobviousness) (1) Problems to be solved by the invention (2) Exercise of ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art (a) A person skilled in the art (b) Application to other fields (excluding those regarding "recording medium") (c) Supplement or replacement by a commonly known means for @@@@@@@@@@ systematization (d) Implementation by software of functions which are otherwise performed by hardware (e) Systematization of human transactions (3) Effects of the invention (iii) Category 3; New patentable subjects through the complete change of some current practices to be applicable to applications filed on and after April 1, 1997. 1. Description Requirement for Patent Specifications 1.1 Claims (3) A computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon; a computer-readable storage medium having structured data recorded thereon 1.3 Notes (3) 2. Requirements for Patentability 2.2 Statutory Invention 2.2.1 Basic Concept (only those regarding "recording medium") 2.2.2 Examples of the solution utilizing natural laws (only those regarding "recording medium") 2.2.3 Notes (3), (4), (5), (6) 2.3 Inventive Step (Nonobviousness) (2) Exercise of ordinary creative ability expected of a person skilled in the art (b) Application to other fields (only those regarding "recording medium") (f) Recording a program or data on a computer-readable storage medium Note: The guidelines under category 3 will be applied to applications claiming priority under the Paris Convention which are filed at the JPO on and after April 1, 1997.