Abstract: In a game medium passage detecting apparatus, optical sensors are arranged in correspondence with detection areas which are adjacent to one another in a cross direction of a game board surface. Each of the optical sensors has a light emitting element and a photoelectric detecting element. The light emitting elements and the photoelectric detecting elements are arranged such that the optical axis of the detection light extends in the direction which crosses a flat surface containing an axis extending in the depth direction of the game board surface parallel to the game board surface, crosses an axis perpendicular to the game board surface, and passes obliquely through the game board surface.

Abstract: In a game medium passage detecting apparatus, a plurality of optical sensors are arranged in correspondence to a plurality of detection areas which are set to be adjacent to one another in a cross direction of a game board surface. Each of the optical sensors has a light emitting element and a photoelectric receiving element. The light emitting elements and the photoelectric receiving elements are arranged such that the optical axis of the detection light extends in the direction which crosses a flat surface containing therein an axis extending in the depth direction of the game board surface in parallel with the game board surface and an axis intersecting perpendicularly the game board surface, and also passes obliquely through the game board surface.

Abstract: A riding game system provides a feeling as if a player is riding on a real animal. The riding game system includes a mimetic animal device and a display showing a virtual space. The mimetic animal device is in the form of a horse having a head and a body. The player controls the mimetic animal device like controlling an animal in the virtual space by riding on the body, gripping a rein portion provided on the head and placing the player's foot on a pair of steps provided at the body. The head is inclined up and down and rotated from side to side. The body is rocked back and forth while the steps are also rocked back and forth. The rotational movement of the head from side to side and the rocking movement of the body backward and forward are detected as information for controlling the virtual horse in the virtual space.

Abstract: A riding game system provides a feeling as if a player is riding on a real animal. The riding game system includes a mimetic animal device and a display showing a virtual space. The mimetic animal device is in the form of a horse having a head and a body. The player controls the mimetic animal device like controlling an animal in the virtual space by riding on the body, gripping a rein portion provided on the head and placing the player's foot on a pair of steps provided at the body. The head is inclined up and down and rotated from side to side. The body is rocked back and forth while the steps are also rocked back and forth. The rotational movement of the head from side to side and the rocking movement of the body backward and forward are detected as information for controlling the virtual horse in the virtual space.