Patents by Inventor Shigeru Miyamoto

Shigeru Miyamoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020019257
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU detects an action code of a land object existing in front of a hole. If detecting “jump” set as an action code, a height (or depth) of the hole is calculated. When the hole height is greater than a predetermined height, a jump distance is calculated for the player object. The player object is caused to jump in accordance with that distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: YOSHIAKI KOIZUMI, SHIGERU MIYAMOTO, YOICHI YAMADA, TOSHIO IWAWAKI
  • Patent number: 6346046
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game system and methodology features a unique player controller. A player controlled character may be controlled in a multitude of different ways utilizing the combination of the joystick and/or cross-switch and/or control keys. The controlled character's pace may be varied between walking by slight controller joystick movement or running through a greater angular displacement of the joystick, while at the same time controlling the direction of the character's movement over 360 degrees in the three-dimensional world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6334815
    Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6331146
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Satoshi Nishiumi
  • Publication number: 20010046896
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Satoshi Nishiumi
  • Patent number: 6296570
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game machine and a memory medium. The game machine is connected with a controller to be operated by a player and a display device for displaying game images. The memory medium generates player object image data and influencing object image data, as well as generates message data. The message data is a message to teach the player how to operate the controller. A player object and an influencing object are displayed on the display device. Also, the display device displays a message of how to operate the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Takaya Imamura, Kazuaki Morita, Tsuyoshi Kihara
  • Patent number: 6290604
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes an external ROM. This external ROM is previously memorized with player object data, basic shadow object data and light object data. A direction in which a shadow is thrown is determined according to the player object data and the light object data, to thereby determine a length of each leg of the player object. Based on the length of the leg and the height of the light, a length of the shadow is determined. Based on the height of each leg, a depth of the shadow is determined. A shape of a displaying shadow object is determined from a state of a ground object to which the shadow is thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Toru Osawa, Yoichi Yamada, Toshio Iwawaki, Tsuyoshi Kihara
  • Publication number: 20010021668
    Abstract: An operating device for use with an image processing apparatus which displays an image on a display screen and controls the image includes a hand-holdable housing having a shape capable of being grasped by a left hand and a right hand. A first operating device and a second operating device are formed on the housing. One of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as a first moving direction designation input device which designates a moving direction of the image and the other of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as an action designation input device which designates other actions of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Kenichiro Ashida, Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida
  • Publication number: 20010021670
    Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6283857
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology features camera perspective or point of view control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment. The control keys allow the user at any time to move in for a close up or pull back for a wide view or pan the camera to the right and left to change the apparent camera angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20010011036
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU determines straight lines respectively connecting between the player object and a North Pole, target and marker, and determines respective directions of a direction pointing mark, target pointing mark and marker pointing mark to point direction parallel to the straight lines. The player object or other objects are combined with these pointing marks, and displayed on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yoichi Yamada, Toshio Iwawaki, Toru Osawa, Tsuyoshi Kihara
  • Patent number: 6267673
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Satoshi Nishiumi
  • Publication number: 20010008847
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game system and methodology features a unique player controller. A player controlled character may be controlled in a multitude of different ways utilizing the combination of the joystick and/or cross-switch and/or control keys. The controlled character's pace may be varied between walking by slight controller joystick movement or running through a greater angular displacement of the joystick, while at the same time controlling the direction of the character's movement over 360 degrees in the three-dimensional world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6261179
    Abstract: A video game system including a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Takaya Imamura, Kazuaki Morita, Tsuyoshi Kihara
  • Patent number: 6244959
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game system and methodology features a unique player controller. A player controlled character may be controlled in a multitude of different ways utilizing the combination of the joystick and/or cross-switch and/or control keys and a wide range of animation effects are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Satoshi Nishiumi
  • Patent number: 6241610
    Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. A player controlled character may be controlled in a multitude of different ways utilizing the combination of the joystick and/or cross-switch and/or control keys. The controlled character's pace may be varied between walking by slight controller joystick movement or running through a greater angular displacement of the joystick, while at the same time controlling the direction of the character's movement over 360 degrees in the three-dimensional world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida, Takumi Kawagoe, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6241611
    Abstract: An operating device is, while in use, connected to an image processor which generates image data of an image to be displayed on a monitor on the basis of a program. The operating device is provided with an analog joystick in addition to a plurality of switches, and outputs operation signals by which the image data can be modified according to an operation by an operator. The analog joystick includes a lever having a tip end which is protruded from a housing and inclined in an arbitrary direction including North, South, East and West. There is provided with a guide ring which includes a guide wall having an octagonal outer edge around the lever, and the guide wall guides the lever to eight corners, that is, upper, lower, left, right, right-upper, right-lower, left-upper and left-lower corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Kenichiro Ashida, Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida
  • Patent number: 6239806
    Abstract: Three-dimensional image display game system and method for use with a display for displaying an object in a three-dimensional space, including an operation controlling device including an operating member having a base end rotatably supported and a free end operable by an operator. The operation controlling device includes an inclination amount data output detector which detects an inclination amount of the operating member to output inclination amount data. The system further includes direction determining circuitry operable to determine a direction that corresponds to an inclination direction of the operating member based on the inclination amount data, and moving object direction determining circuitry which determines a moving direction of the object in three-dimensional space based upon the direction determined by the direction determining circuitry and a point of view angle at which the object is being viewed by the operator in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida
  • Publication number: 20010001767
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes an external ROM. This external ROM is previously memorized with player object data, basic shadow object data and light object data. A direction in which a shadow is thrown is determined according to the player object data and the light object data, to thereby determine a length of each leg of the player object. Based on the length of the leg and the height of the light, a length of the shadow is determined. Based on the height of each leg, a depth of the shadow is determined. A shape of a displaying shadow object is determined from a state of a ground object to which the shadow is thrown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Toru Osawa, Yoichi Yamada, Toshio Iwawaki, Tsuyoshi Kihara
  • Patent number: 6220962
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU determines straight lines respectively connecting between the player object and a North Pole, target and marker, and determines respective directions of a direction pointing mark, target pointing mark and marker pointing mark to point in directions parallel to the straight lines. The player object or other objects are combined with these pointing marks, and displayed on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Yoichi Yamada, Toshio Iwawaki, Toru Osawa, Tsuyoshi Kihara