Abstract: There is provision of an information processing apparatus configured to cause a user having a user account to use functions on the user account. The information processing apparatus is configured to receive an instruction from the user to restrict use of the functions on the user account, to restrict the use of the functions on the user account in response to the receiving of the instruction, and to perform information processing for granting benefit to the user in accordance with a period of time when the use of the functions is restricted.

Abstract: A real world location information related video game. The video game utilizes real world location information derived from a player's mobile device to associate attributes and entities to game players. The associated attributes and entities may be useful in further game play on a player's mobile device or PC.

Abstract: A real world location information related video game. The video game utilizes real world location information derived from a player's mobile device to associate attributes and entities to game players. The associated attributes and entities may be useful in further game play on a player's mobile device or PC.

Abstract: An animation arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The animation arrangement has a display device, configured to display an animation based on an instruction set, a storage device configured to store a first instruction set and a second instruction set for displaying the same animation on the display device, and a calculating device configured to select one of the first and second instruction sets for displaying an animation on the display device. The calculating device is configured to select one of the first and second instruction sets for displaying an animation on the display device based on a load parameter of the calculating device.

Abstract: An example recording medium records an information processing program causing an information processing apparatus to operate as: a reading part reading a game program capable of being executed by any other information processing apparatus having a configuration different from that of the information processing apparatus and execution situation information indicating an execution situation at a given execution position of the game program; an emulation part, by using the execution situation information, emulating the game program with starting at the given execution position; a judgment part judging an execution situation of the game program to be emulated; and a changing part, when it is judged that the execution situation of the game program satisfies a condition set forth in advance, changing an execution status of the emulation part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages within online games are described. One of the methods includes receiving a message post from a first user. The message post is displayed on an in-game object that is configured for sharing message posts between the first user and other users. The method further includes detecting an interfacing action by a second user with the in-game object. The interfacing action is an input that is responsive to request content that is part of the message post. The method further includes validating the interfacing action to meet a threshold. If the threshold is met, the virtual game object is credited to the game space of the first user. The method includes generating a reward to the second user when the interfacing action is validated. The reward is credited to a game space of the second user.

Abstract: Software at a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game website receives a request for assistance with a game task from a first player of a MMO game. The software transmits the request to a second player of the MMO game who is associated with the first player through a relationship recognized by the MMO game. The software determines whether the second player responds to the request within a time period. The time period depends on one or more factors related to game mechanics and to user data for the first player. Then if the second player does not respond within the time period and the game task is a game task whose completion can be assigned without the assistance of another player, the software assigns completion of the game task to the first player and transmits an automated apparent response to the first player.

Abstract: An example portable, handheld game console includes a main body incorporating a first display screen, and a cover body incorporating a second display screen. The main body is hingedly connected to the cover body along adjacent forward and rearward edges, respectively, such that the cover body is movable between closed and open positions. The main body is provided with a plurality of control buttons and a pair of game card slots for receiving game cards of different dimensions. One of the game cards is substantially square and comprises a substantially flat card body having a plurality of electrically conductive terminal strips adjacent the forward edge. One of the side edges of the card has a single continuous step configuration along substantially the entire length dimension of the card.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine has memory components configured for easy removal during programming or validation procedures. A module may carry first and second memory devices on a module board having a module connector configured to removably attach to a baseboard carrying a processor. Accordingly, multiple memory devices may be removed and reinstalled together as a unit. An adapter may be provided to allow connection of the module to an interface device having a standard interface connector. The module may also provide status information regarding the execution of code stored on one or more of the memory devices.

Abstract: A multi video game changer is presented. A video game changer can comprise a magazine for holding multiple video game media. The changer receives instructions, possibly including software instructions, from a game console on how to access video game data on the game media. In response, the changer streams the game data to the game console while buffering small portions of the game data.

Abstract: A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform.

Abstract: A server for administering an on-line virtual environment comprises a data communication arrangement and a processor. The data communication arrangement receives a signal from a first entertainment device in communication with an instance of the virtual environment. The signal indicates that a user of that device has performed a predetermined action. The processor determines the availability of a second entertainment device, and is operable to switch the second device from a second instance of the virtual environment to the first instance of the virtual environment. The data communication arrangement is operable, if the second device is available, to transmit a signal to the first device indicating that a software controlled avatar within that instance should change modes to represent a user of the second device. The processor is operable to transfer control of a previously software controlled avatar within that instance of the virtual environment to the second device.

Abstract: A connector for a video game controller including electrical circuitry and a plurality of buttons. The connector includes: a plurality of contacts for receiving and transmitting electrical signals; and a plurality of pins electrically coupled to the plurality of contacts for communicating the electrical signals with the electrical circuitry of the video game controller. The plurality of contacts includes at least one contact for receiving an electrical signal that corresponds to pressing one of the plurality of buttons from among the plurality of electrical signals.

Abstract: A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU acquires character information data from another game apparatus by executing communication processing. Furthermore, the CPU calculates character information data from image data obtained by imaging a QR Code with a camera and acquires the same. The CPU generates a character on the basis of the character information data, and displays the generated character on a second LCD.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: A guest management method and system for an online multi-player virtual realty environment or social networking site. A network interface receives guest access requests from guest clients and input data from a plurality of remotely-located clients. The input data is operative to control avatars associated with the clients in a modeled virtual reality environment. A memory holds program instructions for determining whether the guest access is associated with a member client. If the guest access request is associated with the member client, then the guest client is allowed to access the virtual reality environment via a guest avatar. The guest avatar's movements in the virtual reality environment are restricted based on a location of a member avatar controlled by the associated member client. For example, the guest avatar may only be permitted to move within an area that is bounded by a perimeter about the member avatar.

Abstract: A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform.

Abstract: Mechanisms for adjusting signals between gaming controllers and gaming consoles are disclosed. In an embodiment, the output signals of a mouse control a gaming console which is normally controlled by an analog thumbstick. The output signals of mouse are adjusted to compensate for the analog thumbstick controller assist techniques employed by the gaming console. The adjusted signals are sent to the gaming console. The result is that the user is able to control the game using the mouse and have the same feel as if the user was using the analog thumbstick controller.

Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a self game value difference; transmitting the self game value difference to outside; receiving someone's game value difference from outside; when the self game value difference and the someone's game value difference are in a predetermined relationship, voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer at volume corresponding to the predetermined relationship from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A portable game system includes two display screens, at least one of which is touch-sensitive. A memory card or other device is selectively connectable to the portable game system via in insertable connection port.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for supporting the light-transmitting sheets of material in a gaming cabinet includes an upper retaining structure that secures an upper edge of the sheet, and a lower support surface upon which a lower edge portion of the sheet is disposed. A retaining bracket or the like secures at least the lower portion of the sheet of material to the gaming cabinet.

Abstract: An advantageous set of external interfaces for home video game platform provide modularity and expandability while maintaining and preserving the proprietary nature of the platform. A disk drive interface provides flexible communications with an internal disk drive. Various serial bus interfaces provide expandability and interconnectability with a variety of internal and external devices including, for example, flash memory, broadband adapters, modems, and various other devices. A 4-port game controller interface provides serial interconnectability with handheld game controllers and various other input/output device. Power supply, digital and analog audio/video connections, and parallel memory expansion connections are also provided.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.

Abstract: A video game system and method is described in which map scenes and battle scenes are used. A player character may move through the map scene, and upon encountering enemies to battle, an encounter area may be generated and displayed to show the user which enemies will be included in the subsequent battle scene, and which enemies will not be initially included in the battle scene.

Abstract: A portable game system includes two display screens, at least one of which is touch-sensitive. A memory card or other device is selectively connectable to the portable game system via in insertable connection port.

Abstract: Acceleration data which is output from an acceleration sensor is obtained. A rotation motion of an input device around a predetermined direction as a rotation axis is determined by comparing a start point in a two-dimensional coordinate system which is represented by the first acceleration data obtained in a predetermined period, and an end point in the two-dimensional coordinate system which is represented by the last acceleration data obtained in the predetermined period. Coordinate axes of the two-dimensional coordinate system are defined based on components of the two axial directions of the acceleration data, and an origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system represents a value of the acceleration data in the state where no acceleration including the acceleration of gravity acts upon the acceleration sensor. Motion data including at least the determined rotation motion is output.

Abstract: A game system includes a game machine in which first and second cartridges can be simultaneously inserted. In a ROM of the first cartridge, a first game program is stored. When data is stored in a reserved area in a flash memory of the first cartridge, the first game program can be executed using the data. For example, when both of the cartridges are inserted simultaneously in the game machine, according to an instruction of a player, a writing program stored in the ROM of one of the cartridges is executed, and additional data stored in the ROM of the second cartridge, for example, image data used for generating a game screen is written into the flash memory of the first cartridge.

Abstract: A game machine includes a CPU and, when a game cartridge is loaded in the game machine, the CPU is electrically connected to a ROM in the game cartridge and an electronically erasable non-volatile flash memory having at least two game data storage backup areas. Game data generated during the progress of a game is maintained in a volatile work memory and, in response to an instruction provided by a user, an attempt to save this data (referred to herein as “last” game data or as the “latest” game data) in an appropriate backup storage area of a non-volatile flash memory is made. Whenever the user instructs the game machine to save a game, the CPU compares the write age of each backup area and selects a game data backup area that is stored with game data having an oldest write age.

Abstract: By setting the player's recording medium in the game device, the continuity of the previous game and current game of the player is maintained, and the game parameter of a non-player character is set with a used recording medium.

Abstract: A dual-display card connection means includes two sets of bridges respectively adapted to two display cards, and a flexible flat cable (FFC) connecting two bridges. A bridge terminal is inserted in a bridge connection base to form an information connection between the two display cards. The FFC is bendable to facilitate a flexible connection between the two display cards.

Abstract: A portable game system that uses polygon graphics to generate a 3-D player character, or body part such as a hand, moving through a 3-D simulated game space for display on an LCD screen in the portable game system. Overlaying an LCD screen is a touch screen that senses the variable locations of a physical object, such as the player's finger, moving on the touchscreen so that motions of the displayed player character follow the motions of the touching object. Whenever the player character collides with a second object, motion of the player character deviates from the touchscreen-controlled motion in response to the collision.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game program stored in a game cartridge. During a game, the CPU corrects an ultraviolet ray value detected by an ultraviolet ray sensor in such a manner as to render equal or approximate to a setting value of the ultraviolet ray value in the game, and uses a corrected ultraviolet ray value for the game. In addition, the CPU detects an accumulated value of the ultraviolet ray to which a player is exposed during the game, and when the accumulated value is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount (dangerous level), prohibits a game process.

Abstract: A video game machine is provided with wireless functionality. The wireless functionality may be built-into the video game machine or may be provided by a device that is removably attachable to the video game machine. The wireless functionality enables, among other things, enhanced multi-player capabilities, the ability to receive video game updates, new game levels and new games.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of starting up an information processing apparatus which is capable of introducing a variety of elements into an image that is displayed when the information processing apparatus is started up according to a boot sequence. A memory card comprises a flash memory for storing boot data to be executed according to a boot sequence of the information processing apparatus, and a CPU having a transmitting function to transmit the boot data from the flash memory to the information processing apparatus and a control function to manage data. The boot data comprises a startup image display program for displaying a startup image when the information processing apparatus is started up, or its startup image data.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes a program ROM and a flash memory, and the program ROM includes a program data storing area and a dummy data storing area, and the flash memory includes a program data storing area and a dummy address storing area. An address comparison circuit compares an input address and a dummy address being stored in the dummy address storing area with each other. An output inhibiting circuit allows to read program data from the program ROM when the both addresses are not coincident with each other, and inhibits the program data from being read at a time of incoincidence. In a case of the incoincidence, an address conversion circuit produces a read address of the flash memory, whereby the program data is read from the flash memory.

Abstract: A 3D game machine includes a monitor for displaying images, a game control unit for controlling progress of a game, and an image control unit for generating and displaying a 3D image viewed from a viewing point of a simulated camera on a screen of the monitor. A transverse position and a height position of the head of a game player located in a play area before the screen of the monitor are detected using one ultrasonic transmitter and two ultrasonic receivers, and the viewing point of the simulated camera is so moved as to follow a displacing direction and a displacing amount of the detected position of the game player's head, thereby allowing the viewing point of the simulated camera to follow free movements of the game player so that images viewed from the viewing point intended by the game player are actively displayed.

Abstract: A system for sharing information between separately executable programs is provided. The data sharing system includes a control unit (11) having a processor (12) and a memory (16) coupled to the processor (12). The memory (16) stores information pertaining to a first program that was previously executed by the processor (12). The data sharing system also includes a data storage medium (14) that stores a second program executable by the processor (12). When executed by the processor, the second program retrieves information pertaining to the first program from the memory and utilizes the information pertaining to the first program with the execution of the second program.

Abstract: A video game machine is provided with wireless functionality. The wireless functionality may be built-into the video game machine or may be provided by a device that is removably attachable to the video game machine. The wireless functionality enables, among other things, enhanced multi-player capabilities, the ability to receive video game updates, new game levels and new games.

Abstract: A pager cartridge for use with a game machine having a game program executing processing system including a microprocessor to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a player to generate video game control signals. The pager cartridge includes radio circuitry configured to receive messages containing video game program instructions transmitted via a paging a paging system and a connector that, in use, electrically connects the pager cartridge to the game machine.

Abstract: A game apparatus that has a game machine for advancing a game according to a program and a mobile unit moving based on information data from the game machine. Further, a game system for a game player to play a game using a controller and a toy, comprising a storage step for the for the game player to manipulate the controller for moving the toy for bringing up a toy motion and store the brought-up toy motion and a reproduction step for the game player to manipulate the controller for reproducing the stored toy motion.

Abstract: A combined game system includes a plurality of portable game machines and a video game machine. The portable game machines are connected to the video game machine through communication cables, and the video game machine is in turn connected to a display. Each portable game machine has an LCD and an operating device to process a unit according to key input information to the operating device and a program of a portable game. The LCD displays a discrete picture based on the unit information. Simultaneously, the unit information is transmitted to the video game machine. The video game machine processes the unit information based on which a common picture is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A game machine having a plurality of controllers has removable memory devices corresponding or e-to-one to the controllers so that it is possible to store game control processes and the like personal to individual game users and improve the freedom with which a game can be joined, played and left by each of a plurality of players. Live unplugging of the controllers and the memory devices is provided for so that, even during a game, they can be freely plugged in and unplugged with respect to the game machine proper.

Abstract: A video-game memory card expansion connector includes a housing having a card slot for a memory card supplied by an original manufacturer of the video game to insert thereinto and a plug head adapted to plug onto a main unit of the video game, and an expansion circuit provided in the housing and including at least one data control element and at least one memory element, as well as at least a group of memory card contacts adapted to electrically connect to the memory card inserted into the card slot and a connecting head adapted to electrically connect to a circuit in the video-game main unit for connecting the expansion circuit to the video-game main unit. The at least one data control element enables the at least one memory element of the expansion circuit to read out and write in data and to be compatible with the memory card supplied by the original manufacturer of the video-game main unit, allowing the video-game main unit to have an expanded memory capacity.

Abstract: A portable electric device adapted to be removably connected to an external device comprises a housing having an access opening. A display is positioned within the housing for displaying display information thereon. An electrical circuit is accommodated in the housing and has a terminal accessible via the access opening in the housing. The electrical circuit determines a display orientation of the display of information on the display based upon a state in which the portable electrical device is connected to the external device.

Abstract: A video game device of this invention comprises a speech/action storage device for storing contents of various speeches and actions of a leader character to be given to a main character as an ability growth object; an ability value updating device for successively updating an ability value of the main character according to the execution result of the content of the speech/action; a parameter storage device for storing an enthusiasm parameter which is set to be a positive value for each training-related speech/action and a negative value for any other speech/action; an enthusiasm parameter adding device for adding a set value to a present enthusiasm parameter given to the main character every time the speech/action is executed; a reliability degree calculating means for calculating a reliability degree between the main character and the leader character; and a judging device for judging a successful growth of the main character.

Abstract: A system for transferring game saves between a game console and a personal computer. The system includes a game save editor that allows a user to edit game saves stored in memory of a computer. The game save may be obtained from a hard disk of a personal computer or a memory card in a game console.

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.