Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless remote control operation of cameras are provided. This system includes a remote controller which includes an interface for receiving commands from a user (such as turning on or off a camera), and a transceiver for transmitting the commands to one or more camera transceivers which are coupled to cameras. The remote controller may also include a display that indicates battery levels, camera status and even video feeds. Camera status and video feeds are transmitted from the camera transceiver which is coupled to the camera via an electrical bus interface. It may include a video converter that accepts raw video data from the camera and converts it into a video feed that is transmitted. Additionally, the camera transceiver may include an advanced audio circuit which subtracts measured pressure data from audio feeds to cancel out wind sounds.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A music video game provides a guitar shaped video game controller with an analog control device with touch sensor. In some embodiments the analog control device is in the form of a touch sensitive pad on a neck of a guitar shaped video game compeller. In some embodiments, the analog control device may resemble additional buttons on a neck of a guitar shaped video game controller. The analog control device may be used to simulate various techniques which may be performed on strings of a guitar.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A game controller having a video display and messaging capability is provided. Such a system is especially useful for video games with multiple players and also for communicating with non-players. In one embodiment, a game controller useful is coupled to a game console which is coupled to a wide area network. The game console is used by a person playing a game on the game console using the game controller. The game controller includes a video display capable of displaying a message sent from a second person over the wide area network. These messages can include textual, video and/or audio data. Messages can be sent from the game controller to the game console, and received from the game console to the game controller via a USB port. The video display can also be used to display game data from the game console. In some embodiment, the game controller includes a keypad for inputting a textual message for the second person.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless remote control operation of cameras are provided. This system includes a remote controller which includes an interface for receiving commands from a user (such as turning on or off a camera), and a transceiver for transmitting the commands to one or more camera transceivers which are coupled to cameras. The remote controller may also include a display that indicates battery levels, camera status and even video feeds. Camera status and video feeds are transmitted from the camera transceiver which is coupled to the camera via an electrical bus interface. It may include a video converter that accepts raw video data from the camera and converts it into a video feed that is transmitted. Additionally, the camera transceiver may include an advanced audio circuit which subtracts measured pressure data from audio feeds to cancel out wind sounds.

Abstract: An impact location and amplitude sensory system is provided. Such an impact sensory system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, as a control and feedback mechanism for virtually any surface. One embodiment of the impact sensory system may include at least one sensor and a signal processor. The sensor(s) may couple to the object. Sensors may include any of microphones and accelerometers. The sensor(s) receive an impact wave from an impact to the object, either as a propagating acoustic wave or as a traverse phase shift in natural oscillation. The sensor(s) may generate an impact signal in response to the sensed impact wave. The signal processor may couple to the sensor(s). The signal processor may include a preamplifier, an impact triangulator, and an outputter. The impact triangulater may identify a location of the impact from the impact signals. The outputter may then output data regarding the location of the impact.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A voice activated music controller system, useful in association with a game system and a player is provided. The voice activated music controller system includes a voice activated controller, and a base station. The voice activated controller includes a transducer for receiving an audio signal, one or more sound effect controls, and a transmitter. The sound effect controls may be any of buttons, touch pads, roller balls, accelerometers and pressure sensors. The transmitter sends the audio signal and the control inputs to a receiver of the base station via a radio signal. A signal processor in the base station applies one or more sound effects to the audio signal according to the control inputs. These sound effects include one or more of a chorus effect, a pitch modulation, a pitch correction, a harmonizing effect, and a sound bite. This results in the generation of a processed audio signal which is outputted to the gaming system via a coupler.

Abstract: An improved weight distribution sensory device with integrated controls is provided. Such a weight distribution sensory device, often referred to as a balance platform, may include a chassis for supporting a user, pressure sensors and control sensors coupled to the chassis, and a processor. The pressure sensors generate pressure data regarding the compression force from the weight of the user on the chassis. The control sensors are located on a forward dorsal portion of the chassis, and may generate control data when manipulated by the user. The control sensors include at least one proximity sensor which senses object proximity (such as the user's foot) in a narrow band above the sensor along the y-axis. The processor may then receive the pressure data and the control data, and may generate a total weight of the user and a weight distribution of the user, and action data for the user by cross referencing the weight distribution with the control data.

Abstract: A game controller having a steering wheel communicating wirelessly with a controller base is provided. The steering wheel includes a wireless transmitter while the controller base includes a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wheel information of the steering wheel to the wireless receiver of the controller base. Steering wheel information can include wheel rotational information. Wheel rotational information can be obtained using an optical sensor, a potentiometer or an accelerometer. The wireless transmitter can be an RF, IR or ultrasonic transmitter. Power for the wireless transmitter can be provided by an onboard battery. A sleep mode can also further extend the life of the wheel battery. It may also be possible to power the steering wheel from the controller base.

Abstract: An impact location and amplitude sensory system is provided. Such an impact sensory system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, as a control and feedback mechanism for virtually any surface. One embodiment of the impact sensory system may include at least one sensor and a signal processor. The sensor(s) may couple to the object. Sensors may include any of microphones and accelerometers. The sensor(s) receive an impact wave from an impact to the object, either as a propagating acoustic wave or as a traverse phase shift in natural oscillation. The sensor(s) may generate an impact signal in response to the sensed impact wave. The signal processor may couple to the sensor(s). The signal processor may include a preamplifier, an impact triangulator, and an outputter. The impact triangulater may identify a location of the impact from the impact signals. The outputter may then output data regarding the location of the impact.

Abstract: A music video game provides a guitar shaped video game controller with an analog control device with touch sensor. In some embodiments the analog control device is in the form of a touch sensitive pad on a neck of a guitar shaped video game compeller. In some embodiments, the analog control device may resemble additional buttons on a neck of a guitar shaped video game controller. The analog control device may be used to simulate various techniques which may be performed on strings of a guitar.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: An optical gun for use in combination with computer game and computer simulation systems is provided. The optical gun includes a pistol shaped chassis, a USB computer control circuit, an optical sensor, a set of manual buttons, a trigger, a thumbpad, an optical wheel and a hardware accelerator. A game player grasps the pistol shaped chassis with one hand around a hand grip, while supporting a barrel section with a second hand. The optical wheel is located on the barrel and is manipulated by the player's second hand. The player points the barrel at a video screen of a game system. A pull of the trigger indicates that the player has fired a simulated round within a simulation context. Turns of the optical wheel indicate movement of the game player's virtual location within a simulated game space or volume. The player may press against the thumbpad or actuate one of the buttons to communicate movement within the game scenario, or to transmit other instructions to the computer simulation system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to interface multiple peripheral devices to a host computer is provided. An interface control module located in a multi-user computer game arcade system interfaces a host computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) to one or more joysticks, steering wheels, trackballs, coin op/bill counters, credit card readers and/or optical guns. A set of connectors allows the game builder or player to interface a variety of input peripherals to the interface control module. The interface control module recognizes the HID type of the input peripheral by the type of the selected connector, and then provides HD reports that describe each input device to the HID compliant software system of the host computer. The interface control module may support 127 HID peripherals. A watchdog function of the interface control module detects host computer malfunctions and crashes, and boots the host computer while retaining coin credit input data received proximate to and during the malfunction and recovery.