In A Game Including A Simulated Projectile (e.g., Bullet, Missile, Ball, Puck, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/2)
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Patent number: 8077157Abstract: Device, system, and method of wireless transfer of files. For example, a method includes: identifying a selection of a representation of a digital object stored in a mobile device by detecting contact on a touch-sensitive surface of the mobile device at a contact position that corresponds to said representation; identifying a directional movement of said contact position on the touch-sensitive surface; and in response to said directional movement, wirelessly transferring data corresponding to the digital object to a nearby computing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Uttam K. Sengupta, Sreekant S Thakkar
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Patent number: 8075383Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLCInventors: Stacy Friedman, Jon Muskin
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Computer mouse having a front sight button and method for generating local coordinates with the same
Patent number: 8072419Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer mouse having a front sight button and the method for generating local coordinates with the same, which comprises a position sensor for generating coordinates in accordance with the movement of the mouse, a front sight button for generating a local shooting signal when being pressed, a serial interface device, of which one end is connected to a personal computer for exchanging data between the mouse and the personal computer, and a processing unit. The processing unit is connected to the position sensor, the front sight button and the serial interface device. Upon receiving a local shooting signal, the processing unit generates a specific area having plural perimeter coordinates corresponding to the current coordinate. The processing unit further transmits the current coordinate, the perimeter coordinates and corresponding key-stroke signals sequentially to the personal computer through the serial interface device.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chi-Chun Chu, Yung-Shun Chuang -
Patent number: 8070620Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: David B. Rankin
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Patent number: 8070571Abstract: Improvements relating to a control device for controlling a display of a computer system for use with a video game includes a coordinate control unit for providing information related to a vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device, a game control unit for inputting game control information and a controller for processing the information provided by the coordinate control unit and game control unit. The vertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game and/or the vertical and horizontal position of a cursor on the display is determined based on the information related to the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device. The control device is preferably shaped like a firearm to enhance the realism of the video game, and may include an LCD display mounted on the control device, as the primary display, and may also include an LCD mounted in a sighting device of the control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Eric Argentar
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Patent number: 8062110Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU. In the game apparatus, it is determined whether movement state of a player object formed by a plurality of parts has satisfied a predetermined requirement or not. The predetermined requirement is, for example, that a movement speed is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, or that an event where a difference in angle between a current movement direction and an immediately preceding movement direction is equal to or more than a predetermined value has been detected a predetermined number of times or more within a given length of time. When the predetermined requirement is satisfied, that is, when there is an input operation to move the player object quickly or when there is an input operation to shake the player object, for instance, the player object is separated into the plurality of parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunobu Shimizu
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Publication number: 20110281620Abstract: A substantially real-time status of an athletic competition may be accessed while it is being broadcast to a user on user equipment. An upcoming event of a pre-determined type in the athletic competition may be detected based on the accessed real-time status. A wagering opportunity may be generated based on the type of the event, where the wagering opportunity may related to an outcome of the upcoming event. The wagering opportunity may be presented to the user via the user equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: ROVI TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Zachary Hays
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Patent number: 8057289Abstract: A system for use with a video of a golf game containing images of the ground, wherein the system comprises a source, a processor, data storage with computer instructions in communication with the processor and a digital display to assist in predicting an outcome for each golf shot.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Stephen David Burgess
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Patent number: 8043149Abstract: A visual aim indicator shows players the position of a selected one of a set of aim points during a video game. Each of the set of aim points has a predetermined position. The predetermined positions are within a target region, so that the visual aim indicator shows players the likely destination of their aim. Each aim point is associated with a range of control input values, so that players do not need to provide a precise control input value and can quickly select one of the set of aim points. The sizes of the ranges of control input values associated with the aim points can vary so that a player's aim inputs can be biased towards or away from specific aim points. The visual aim indicator is displayed intermittently during an aiming mode of operation and removed from view when the player completes the aiming mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLCInventors: David Ortiz, Michael Romero
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Publication number: 20110256911Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure allows fantasy-sports league participants to receive video highlights of the players on their fantasy-league team. In at least one implementation, presenting player highlights includes receiving a request from a participant in a fantasy-sports league. The request is for player highlights related to a participant-specified team roster. In response to receiving the request, an identity of at least one player on the participant-specified team roster is accessed electronically. At least one video source having content relating to the identified player is accessed. Specific content within the video source that relates to the identified player is determined, and the specific content is presented to the participant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Brian HELLER, Barry Carpe, JR.
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Publication number: 20110256910Abstract: A system and method for dynamically valuating players during a fantasy draft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing, in an electronic device, a list of players, each player associated with a base value, receiving one or more player selections, and determining one or more adjusted values for a respective one or more particular players based at least in part on the base values of the particular players and the player selections.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: J. Nathaniel Sloan
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Publication number: 20110237317Abstract: Roster modification recommendations are provided in fantasy sports leagues based on projected statistics of one or more players. Available players or players on other teams can be analyzed according to projected statistics, and the projected statistics can be compared to projected statistics of one or more players on the team. In addition, the projected statistics can be further narrowed based on a specified period of time, desired positions, and/or the like. Based on the comparison, trade or acquisition recommendations can be generated for the team. Other parameters can be utilized in making such recommendations, such as a waiver status of the team, a propensity of a team owner to accept trades, etc. In addition, statistics can be projected for players based on one or more received statistics projections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Jaime Brian Noonan, David Matthew Noonan
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Patent number: 8025581Abstract: A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Susan M. Bryan, Gregory A. Wilzbach, James Stephen Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8025560Abstract: A game apparatus controls a game in which a user-controlled character and an opponent character hit a ball. When the user gives an instruction for hitting the ball with a button of a controller, a hit control unit determines on the basis of the type of the button which is pressed by the user a shot when the character hits the ball, calculates the trajectory of the ball hit based on the shot, and displays the flying ball on a screen. A shot display control unit displays the figure marked on the button close to the ball on the screen, as information for specifying the shot.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Daisaku Ikejiri, Masashi Muramori
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Patent number: 8016688Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ball launch conditions is disclosed. Specifically, the accuracy of the calculations used to determine the kinematic characteristics may be increased. A background image of a field of view, without a golf ball present, may be acquired. Two or more images of a golf ball in motion are then be acquired based on positive or negative imaging. The background image is subtracted from each of the two or more images of the golf ball. After subtracting the background image, the two or more images of the golf ball are analyzed to determine the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball. Based on the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball, the location of the center of the golf ball may be calculated. Knowing the location of the center of the golf ball increases the accuracy of measurements of kinematic characteristics such as sidespin, backspin, velocity, and launch angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: William Gobush
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Publication number: 20110218021Abstract: An image-based system and process of paper target scoring, and paper targets for use therewith, are disclosed. The system and process utilize functions that accumulate accuracy values based upon presumptions supplied to the present invention based upon the characteristics of bullet holes within paper target prior to any center point analysis. Subpixel analysis of images may heighten the accuracy of the scoring. The paper targets possess visual attributes adapted to permit scoring of the paper targets to be more rapid, facile, accurate, and secure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Erik Anderson
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Patent number: 8012003Abstract: A sports videogame such as a baseball videogame allows a user to control the release time of a pitch in order to control the timing of a break on the pitched ball. Other implementations of a baseball videogame allow a user to put extra spin on a pitched ball to thereby create a greater break on the pitch or allow the user to play in a hero mode which enables the user to control a videogame character in a series of specific game play scenarios designed to allow the user to immediately control the videogame character to perform unique skills. Game play may also be customized by allowing the user to incorporate user-created images into screens of game play and/or allow the user to incorporate recorded audio messages into game play.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Henry Sterchi, Jeff Miller
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Patent number: 8012004Abstract: While a ball is rising, a point of attention of a virtual camera is set at the current position of the ball. At the instant when the movement of the ball is changed from rising to falling, the point of attention of the virtual camera is moved from the position of the ball to the position of the shadow of the ball. While the ball is falling, the point of attention of the virtual camera is set at the position of the shadow of the ball. Thus, in a baseball game or the like, a game image capable of providing a realistic feeling to the player and also allowing the player to grasp an area below the ball before the ball drops on the ground can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshikazu Yamashita
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Patent number: 8012010Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Zachery Tyler Wilson, Jae Man Yi
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Publication number: 20110212757Abstract: An apparatus that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment with a computer to allow players to engage in a competitive real sport such as golf. This system includes motion sensing devices, smart golf clubs, and golf ball receptacles all containing circuits and contact sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. This invention uses the electric field of a capacitive plate for sensing object proximity, motion and composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a system wherein an objects physical geometry, spatial orientation and motion, and an environmental change of state can be detected via a change in the dielectric of a capacitor array. This invention also uses the coupling of sports equipment and a computer to communicate information wirelessly to a personal computer and thereby, if desired, to the internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Wilbert Quinc Murdock, Philip Alister Williams
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Patent number: 7999694Abstract: An electronic sensor module for us in an interactive system, such as an interactive sports training device, for accurately detecting a projectile brought within close proximity of a target. The sensor module includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a housing such that the light sources are visible through a surface of the housing when activated. A plurality of sensors are also arranged in the housing for detecting the presence of a projectile. In one aspect, the sensors are arranged in a polar array about a center of housing with spaces between adjacent sensors, and with a light source positioned in each space between adjacent sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Mark Simonds, Mark Weber
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Patent number: 7997968Abstract: A gaming device includes several changeable prize displays with each changeable prize display sequentially displaying several different prizes. A moveable indicator can move relative to the changeable prize displays and selectively indicate at least one of the prize displays by moving proximate the position of the indicated prize display. The gaming device has a player input device and a controller that are in communication with each other and the changeable prize displays. The controller can cause each of the changeable prize displays to sequentially display the different prizes and to move the moveable indicator relative to the changeable prize displays. The controller can randomly select a prize and detect activation of the player input device. The moveable indicator can stop, after the player input device is activated. A changeable prize display closest to the moveable indicator can display the randomly selected prize.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
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Patent number: 7993189Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU. In the game apparatus, when it is determined that a player object has collided with an enemy object not in a predetermined state, the enemy object is turned into the predetermined state. Then, by a collision with the enemy object in the predetermined state, the player object is connected with the enemy object. Further, the player object is given different abilities depending on the kinds of the connected enemy objects. After that, when a plurality of enemy objects are connected to the player object, the player object is provided with different abilities according to connection patterns of the kinds of the plurality of enemy objects.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunobu Shimizu
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Publication number: 20110183734Abstract: An on-line, multi-player internet based application that is adapted for playing fantasy sports, for example, football in which scoring is determined on a team functional unit basis rather than on an individual player basis, with a pre-determined set of actions associated with each fantasy team functional unit, pre-determined values associated with each such action, and corresponding actions from real-life football team functional units resulting from real-life football games used to determine fantasy football team unit values, fantasy football team scores and fantasy football league rankings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: ERIC R Koivisto, Paolo F. Magnone
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Patent number: 7985125Abstract: A dart game apparatus includes an image display body which displays an image of a target; a panel body, which has a plurality of holes each with a cross-sectional size substantially the same as that of an end of a soft dart, which is also formed, extending toward each hole, with an inclined surface in a ridge taken as a border between adjacent holes. A coordinate detecting body is disposed on a front surface of the panel body and detects coordinates of the position of the soft dart, the end of which is inserted into any of the plurality of holes. The coordinate detecting body has at least four rims, in which so as to correspond to the four rims two pairs of a light-emitting sensor section and a light-receiving sensor section for detecting light emitted by the light-emitting sensor section are provided respectively on the rims arranged face-to-face in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignees: Sega Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha DARTSLIVEInventors: Satoshi Kagami, Nao Takanashi
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Patent number: 7985126Abstract: To provide a game device for enhancing the excitement of a game in which a game parameter value changes, thereby changing the content of the game processing changes. A game processing execution unit (main game processing execution unit (72)) executes game processing based on the game parameter value and the real parameter correction information to change the state of the game. A first display control unit (injury level indicating screen image display control unit (88)) controls to display a screen image showing dummy parameter correction information as a presentation screen image showing the parameter correction information.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadakatsu Izumi, Masaki Nakamura, Tatsuya Tanaka
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Patent number: 7976371Abstract: To provide a game device for producing, in a preferred mode with relatively simple processing, a picture in which a predetermined game event occurs as a result of involvement in multiple contacts. A contact determination unit (74) determines whether or not a predetermined contact condition is satisfied, based on the positions of the contact evaluation target object and the contacting candidate object. A contact evaluation point calculating unit (76) calculates, when it is determined that the predetermined contact condition is satisfied, a contact evaluation point of the contact evaluation target object, based on a state of at least one of the contact evaluation target object and the contacting candidate object in the virtual three dimensional space. A contact evaluation point cumulative value storage unit (78) stores the cumulative value of the contact evaluation point.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadakatsu Izumi, Satoshi Suzuki
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Publication number: 20110151955Abstract: Techniques are described herein for performing multi-player augmented reality combat. Each player wears (or is otherwise associated with) an indicator (e.g., an object that has a designated pattern, a visual tag, etc.) that identifies the player or a team thereof. Each player has a mobile communication device that is capable of identifying the players' indicators. A user may point a camera of the user's mobile communication device at another player (e.g., an opponent). The image that is captured by the camera includes the indicator that is associated with the opponent. The user may choose to fire a virtual bullet at the opponent using an audio and/or tactile command, which is processed by the user's mobile communication device. The mobile communication device determines the time that the virtual bullet takes to travel from the mobile communication device to the opponent based on the distance between the user and the opponent.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: EXENT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.Inventor: Itay Nave
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Patent number: 7963833Abstract: The present invention is directed generally toward computer-implemented methods for targeting objects in a gaming system. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for targeting an object in a gaming system that includes receiving a soft lock command and applying a soft lock to an object in the game. The soft lock designates an action site on a portion of the object that was proximate to an aiming reference when the soft lock was commanded. The action site is proximate to a location where a selected game action will occur if the game action is commanded. Once the soft lock is applied, the aiming reference can be moved away from the action site. Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a method of targeting an object in a gaming system that includes receiving a command to hard lock a portion of an object, applying the hard lock, and displaying at least one selectable sub-target associated with the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Novak, Alistair J. Baxter, Billy Thompson, David Jones, Peter Wong
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Patent number: 7955168Abstract: An amusement system has a first path extending through an amusement attraction. Vehicles moving along the path have simulated weapons. Riders in the vehicles shoot at targets along the paths or on the vehicles. A game play system allows remote players to participate in a concurrent simulation of an amusement park or theme park ride, activity or event as the amusement park or theme park ride, activity or event is occurring. The system gathers input from sensors located at the amusement park or theme park ride or activity or event, preprocesses this input, and transfers it to a computer system, which uses this input to create a concurrent simulation of the amusement park or theme park ride or activity or event. A remote game player can then interact with the concurrent simulation by providing input to the concurrent simulation through a user interface. This system combines the excitement of a highly interactive video game with the amusement park or theme park ride or activity or event.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Seth Mendelsohn, Paul Yanover, Terry Dobson, Roger Holzberg, Jeffrey Voris
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Patent number: 7938725Abstract: Operation data is obtained from an input device and is stored into a memory, and initial state data indicating an attitude or a position of an object in a virtual game world is calculated with predetermined start timing using acceleration data included in the obtained operation data. Depending on acceleration data included in operation data sequentially obtained on and after the start timing, change amount data for sequentially changing the attitude or position of the object over time is calculated. Thereafter, the attitude or position of the object disposed in the virtual game world, depending on the initial state data, is changed, depending on the change amount data, to perform a game process of controlling a motion of the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
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Patent number: 7938718Abstract: A control unit mainly includes game condition judging means, moving period determining means for determining a moving period T0 of a ball object, first operation response period determining means for determining a first operation response period T1 of a bat object, which begins at a first operation response start opportunity St1 preceding a pitching end opportunity E0 of the moving period T0, second operation response period determining means for determining a second operation response period T2 of the bat object, which begins at a second operation response start opportunity St2 succeeding the first operation response start opportunity St1, operation input opportunity receiving means for receiving a operation input opportunity HP of a controller, and operation opportunity response judging means for judging whether the operation input opportunity HP is included in either the first operation response period T1 or the second operation response period T2.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Maeda, Hideki Nagahama
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Publication number: 20110086685Abstract: A community gaming wagering game that allows a player to wager on a warfare game. Players can purchase, using real money, different types of armaments, such as soldiers, guns, tanks, planes, etc. Each player can then pit their armies against other live players, with the winner collecting money that was used by the other player to purchase the weapons which were destroyed by the winner. A game can comprise numerous individual battles, with the ultimate winner the player that survives while all other players have been eliminated from the game. Players can all sit around a table which has a table-top output device which displays the game while players use a touch screen or other inputs to control their gameplay.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: David R. Schugar
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Patent number: 7925601Abstract: Techniques enable the reduction of bandwidth requirements for peer-to-peer gaming architectures. In some embodiments, these techniques allow differentiation among players to decide which players should receive continuous updates and which should receive periodic updates. For those gaming systems receiving periodic updates, guided artificial intelligence is employed to simulate activity of a game object based on guidance provided by the periodic updates. Conversely, for those gaming systems receiving continuous updates, the continuous updates may be employed to update the activity of the game object rather than simulating the activity.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: John R. Douceur, Jacob R. Lorch, Jeffrey Anson Pang, Frank Christopher Uyeda
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Patent number: 7914373Abstract: A gaming device including a game having a plurality of selections. The player sequentially picks masked selections. The picked selections each yield a number or a terminator. If a number is revealed, the number is placed in a position or digit of an outcome or award. If the position is already occupied by another number, that other number is shifted, moved or slid to a new position. In one embodiment, the other number is shifted, moved or slid to the next highest order digit, for example, from the one's digit to the ten's digit. In this way, the player's outcome or award changes after each pick of a selection. If a number is in a last position, it is shifted off or removed from the positions. Eventually, the player picks a terminator and is provided an award that is based on the numbers in the positions, for example, the overall number made up of the constituent numbers and their associated digits.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Bayard S. Webb, Hans Elias, Anthony J. Baerlocher
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Patent number: 7908462Abstract: The current invention provides a virtual world simulation system capable of hosting with massive amount of concurrent players by integrating commodity parallel co-processors into servers. The current invention proposes novel parallel processing algorithms to make use of commodity parallel co-processors like a graphic processing unit (GPU) or any specialized hardware with parallel architecture design like a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), to accelerate virtual world simulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Zillians IncorporatedInventor: Mu Chi Sung
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Patent number: 7896733Abstract: A power or life meter is displayed in a video game. Firing a weapon depletes the indicated power. Meanwhile, the power is recharged at a predetermined rate. If the indicated power exceeds capacity, the game character is adversely impacted. If the indicated power is completely depleted, the game character loses a benefit.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kensuke Tanabe
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Publication number: 20110034223Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel golf ball tracking system and method. The present invention allows a user participating in a golf competition to track the golf ball with convenience and ease, without purchasing any additional equipment. The device of the present invention comprises a kiosk operably connected to a video camera, wherein the video camera records at least part of a golf competition, and allows a user to purchase the recording, and/or receive a reward for achieving the desired result of a golf competition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: John O'Leary, Michael O'Leary, Charles Wortmann, Chris Rogovich
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Publication number: 20110028195Abstract: Computer-based fantasy sports leagues portraying games between historical players with contest outcomes based in part on the performance of those players in historical games and game results, typically with related network and user interfaces. The fantasy sports game can be a fantasy football game. In one embodiment, the historical data includes statistical information related to previous, historical real-life athletes and specific, real-life actual games played by those players. The games can be structured such that specified time periods of the athletes are incorporated into the operational considerations, and can include a fantasy drafting process by the human players wherein selections of the available real-life historical athletes are made. The historical fantasy game comprises methods, systems, programming, etc., comprising associated instructions and operations for displaying the sports video game characters for the fantasy game.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: GLORY DAYS FANTASY, LLC d/b/a YESTERYEAR FANTASY SPORTSInventors: EMORY JAMES PENNINGTON, DAVID A. COOK
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Publication number: 20110021256Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes real-time positions of each of one or more billiard balls moving on a playing surface of a billiard table. Imagery is displayed on the playing surface. The imagery dynamically responds to the position data as the one or more billiard balls move on the playing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Obscura Digital, Inc.Inventors: Niklas Lundback, Steve Mason, Michael Harville, Nikolai Cornell, Travis Threlkel
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Publication number: 20110021257Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more game objects (e.g., billiard game objects) in relation to a playing surface (e.g., a playing surface of a billiard table) defining a boundary of a field of play of a game involving use of the one or more game objects in the field of play. A graphical interface image is displayed on the playing surface. Whether the position data in relation to the displayed graphical interface image satisfies an input instruction predicate is determined. In response to a determination that the position data satisfies the input instruction predicate, the input instruction is executed on a machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Obscura Digital Inc.Inventors: Niklas Lundback, Steve Mason, Michael Harville, Travisss Threlkel
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Patent number: 7874921Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for building online games. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a user interface that facilitates user selection of parts, and placing a set of parts selected by a user in a three-dimensional (3D) world. The method may also include joining parts within the set based on their proximity to each other in the 3D world to form one or more models for a game, and sending a model file for each of these models to a server via a network for use by various users.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Roblox CorporationInventors: David B. Baszucki, Erik S. Cassel
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Publication number: 20100331087Abstract: A control device for controlling a display of a computer system for use with a video game includes a coordinate control unit for providing information related to a vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device, a mouse control unit for inputting conventional mouse input information, a game control unit for inputting game control information and a controller for processing the information provided by the coordinate control unit, mouse control unit and game control unit. The vertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game and/or the vertical and horizontal position of a cursor on the display is determined based on the information related to the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device. The control device is preferably shaped like a firearm to enhance the realism of the video game, but may be shaped like a conventional game pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Eric J. Argenter
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Publication number: 20100323775Abstract: Systems and methods of evolving content for computer games are disclosed. One such method comprises tracking popularity according to one or more users of at least a portion of a plurality of game content items available in a game world. The game world is associated with the game. The game world also comprises evolving an additional game content item based on the popularity of the tracked game content items. The usage of each tracked game content item determines a reproduction availability of the tracked game content item. The game world also comprises inserting the additional game content item into the game world.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth O. Stanley, Erin J. Hastings
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Patent number: 7850514Abstract: An interactive sports training device has a plurality of light sources, multiple sensor means and a processor to facilitate the manoeuvring, passing and shooting of an object. Each sensor means is associated with one of the plurality of light sources, the sensor means being adapted to be triggered when an object is brought into close proximity with an activated light source. A processor means is coupled to the light sources and sensor means and is provided with at least one training program, and the processor means controls activation of the light sources according to at least one training program. When an object is placed in close proximity to an activated light source, the sensor communicates with the processor to deactivate the activated light source and to activate another light source in accordance with a training program. In use, it provides a system for simulating the unpredictable and competitive nature of multi-player sports by allowing a user to practice on his own in a ‘real life’ environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventor: Mark Weber
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Publication number: 20100311483Abstract: A squad versus squad shooter video game receives input from one or more players via their respective use of controllers in communication with one or more console-based video game systems. The input from each controller is interpreted as a command to a squad in a competition against one or more other squads that are respectively commanded by one or more players via their respective use of controllers. Each squad includes a plurality of characters. Each player is assigned to one of the squads. Actions of each character in the video game are a function of commands given to that character by one of the players. Players can join or exit their assigned squad during game play.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy V. Fields, James R. J. York
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Publication number: 20100304806Abstract: This disclosure generally describes a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) or, more specifically, a card-based MMORPG that enables characters in a virtual world to collect cards representing specified actions or powers and presents three-dimensional (3D) elements to players representing one or more aspects associated with the characters and environment. This 3D display can, in one implementation, offer a real-time combat engine that processes the card-based events. The 3D display may also offer hanging effects that dynamically present state information associated with the respective character. Further, the MMORPG may offer a real-time responsive and flexible chat management system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: J. Todd Coleman, Josef Hall, James L. Nance
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Publication number: 20100304805Abstract: In the computer data security field, a cryptographic hash function process embodied in a computer system and which is typically keyless, but is highly secure. The process is based on the type of randomness exhibited by well known table “cue sports” games such as billiards, snooker, and pool played on a billiards table involving the players striking one of a plurality of balls with a cue, the struck ball then hitting other balls, the raised sides of the table, and in some cases one or more balls going into pockets in the corners and/or sides of the table. Computation of the hash value (digest) is the result of providing a model (such as expressed in computer code) of such a game algorithm and using the message as an input to the game algorithm, then executing the game algorithm. A state of the game after a “shot” gives the hash digest value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benoit CHEVALLIER-MAMES, Mathieu CIET, Augustin J. FARRUGIA
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Publication number: 20100304804Abstract: Systems and methods of simulated objects and applications thereof are disclosed here. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of simulating a virtual sports game played by a real participant in a real world environment. One embodiment includes generating a simulated playing field that represents a physical location in the real world environment and is provided for access via a device. The simulated playing field can include characteristics that correspond to physical characteristics of the physical location where the real participant is located. One embodiment further includes, identifying a user requested action to be performed on a simulated object in the simulated playing field by detecting user interaction with the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Lucid Ventures, Inc.Inventor: Nova T. Spivack
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Publication number: 20100304808Abstract: A plane defining unit (241) defines a horizontal plane in the field of view, within whose bounds an own character exists. A block division unit (242) divides the defined plane into a plurality of blocks. An aiming position selecting unit (243) randomly selects a predetermined number of aiming positions, which are arbitrary positions in each of the blocks thus divided. An reaching determining unit (244) determines whether a bullet can reach each of the target positions thus selected, based on a positional relationship with an opponent character, who conducts shooting, and the like. An aiming position deciding unit (245) randomly decides one target position from among the target positions determined to be reachable. An image generating unit (250) generates a game image including the own character attacked by a bullet shoot at the decided target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawabata