Combined With Or Convertible To External Art Device Or Function Patents (Class 463/48)
  • Patent number: 10532278
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing device to be connected to an odor presentation device that presents an odor to a user. The information processing device acquires spatial odor information indicative of an odor in a reproduction target space, and instructs, by using the acquired spatial odor information, the odor presentation device to present to the user an odor assumably perceivable in the reproduction target space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Yoichi Nishimaki, Shinichi Hirata, Yuichi Machida
  • Patent number: 10499045
    Abstract: A method includes generating calibration data by geometrically calibrating first image data from a first camera unit relative to second image data from a second camera unit based on first descriptor data and second descriptor data. The first descriptor data is based on the first image data. The second descriptor data is based on the second image data. The method includes identifying, based on the calibration data, a target location relative to the first image data. The method further includes generating an output image that includes the first image data and an indication of where the target location is relative to a scene depicted in the first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric Sommerlade, Emmet Spier, Julian Morris
  • Patent number: 10328350
    Abstract: An example attachment is attachable to a game controller including a controller-side slide portion on which a controller-side operation button is provided. The attachment includes an attachment-side slide portion and an attachment-side operation button. The attachment-side slide portion is provided on a first surface of the attachment, wherein the attachment-side slide portion is configured to slidably engage with the controller-side slide portion in a predetermined slide direction, and wherein the controller-side slide portion is insertable into the attachment-side slide portion from a first side in the slide direction. The attachment-side operation button is capable of protruding from a second surface on a reverse side from the first surface. The attachment-side operation button includes a actuation portion capable of protruding from the first surface, thereby pressing the controller-side operation button, in response to an operation of pressing the attachment-side operation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Furuike, Yasuhiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 9704334
    Abstract: A lottery ring includes a first ring and a second ring that have a ring shape and are concentrically arranged so as to form a layer; and a constraining device that operates between a constraint state for constraining the first ring and the second ring such that the first ring and the second ring integrally rotate on the same center and a release state for releasing the constraint state such that the first ring and the second ring relatively rotate, wherein accommodating units that accommodate a physical lottery medium are provided at the first ring along a rotation direction, and information providing units that are arranged along the rotation direction so as to respectively correspond to the accommodating units through the layer, and associated respectively with predetermined information is provided at the second ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Astsuhi Inoue, Shoki Kogure
  • Patent number: 9305290
    Abstract: Disclosed is an employee vacation scheduling system for enabling an employee to purchase vacation travel services on the basis of the availability of the paid leaves thereof. The vacation scheduling system comprises a database comprising a plurality of employees wherein, each employee is associated with the number of paid leaves the employee is entitled to. The scheduling system further comprises a store module for enabling an employee to purchase a vacation travel service that spans a predetermined number of vacation days, a date module for enabling the employee, in the process of purchasing the vacation travel service, to mark successive vacation dates for the utilization of the vacation travel service, and a payment module for enabling the employee to pay for the vacation travel service upon determining that the number of vacation days are lesser than or equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Amy Carenza
  • Patent number: 9202204
    Abstract: Disclosed is an employee vacation scheduling system for enabling an employee to purchase vacation travel services on the basis of the availability of the paid leaves thereof. The vacation scheduling system comprises a database comprising a plurality of employees wherein, each employee is associated with the number of paid leaves the employee is entitled to. The scheduling system further comprises a store module for enabling an employee to purchase a vacation travel service that spans a predetermined number of vacation days, a date module for enabling the employee, in the process of purchasing the vacation travel service, to mark successive vacation dates for the utilization of the vacation travel service, and a payment module for enabling the employee to pay for the vacation travel service upon determining that the number of vacation days being variable based upon a selected day are lesser than or equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Amy Carenza
  • Patent number: 8961324
    Abstract: Methods and system for encoded information processing are described. In one embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Koplar Interactive Systems International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Edward J. Koplar
  • Patent number: 8939840
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for playsets using tracked objects and corresponding virtual worlds. There is provided an object for use with a physical environment and connectable to a virtual world corresponding to the physical environment, the object including a processor and a plurality of sensors including a position sensor. The processor is configured to establish a first connection with the virtual world, wherein the virtual world contains a virtual object corresponding to the object, determine a position of the object using the position sensor, and send the position of the object using the first connection. There is also provided a physical environment having similar capabilities as the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Heatherly, Christopher K. Shin, Natasha Berling, Robert Saygan, Leonard J. Mazzocco, Tara Cortner Hefter
  • Patent number: 8747226
    Abstract: A car area network is disposed in a car to enable communications between various devices in the car. An existing consumer electronics device (CED) coupled to the car area network (CAN) performs an existing consumer electronics device function. That existing (CED) is adapted to control various devices coupled to the CAN including video gaming devices. In one example, the adapted CED cooperates with a game server to effect game play. In another example, the adapted CED functions as a virtual video game platform to support play of video games. A multifunction controller transmits control information to the adapted CED via the car area network to permit a car occupant to control the adapted CED to permit the occupant to play a video game using the video game display. One or more audio and/or visual devices coupled to the CAN may also be controlled by commands transmitted from the adapted CED or from the multimedia controller over the CAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo of America, Inc.
    Inventors: David McCarten, Peter Eck, Scott Elliott, Hiroshi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20140047613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible garment that has a play-wear configuration and an activity game configuration. The garment includes a garment body and can be a skirt, pants, a shirt, surgical gown or the like. A pocket is positioned on the garment body and the pocket is defined by at least one flap. The flap has a side hidden within the pocket and a garment side that is configured to complement the garment body. The flap is movable between a first position in which the pocket is defined and a second position in which a play surface is defined on at least the pocket side of the flap. Portions of the play surface can also be defined on the garment body. A toy is tethered to the garment body or the flap and is removably attachable to the play surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jamie Crandall Henderson
  • Publication number: 20140038731
    Abstract: A recreational amusement takes the form a cooler having a toss-type game board integrated with the cooler's lid. The toss-type game board includes one or more cavities in the top of the lid. Provision is made for orienting the top of the lid in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board. The cooler retains all conventional features of a beverage type cooler and, in particular, the characteristic of the interior space of the cooler being substantially sealed off from the environment about the cooler by placement atop the body of the cooler of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Edward Manner, Brooks Christopher Bennett
  • Patent number: 8636598
    Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game systems having a motion capable chair. The disclosure addresses example systems and methods to control the motion capable chair, including utilization of user preferences, applying output of a physic engine, and monitoring safety conditions for the motion capable chair. In addition, movement of chairs on multiple wagering game systems may be coordinated in response to events occurring on one or more machines in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Radek, Edward Brunell, Timothy C. Loose
  • Publication number: 20130225300
    Abstract: A personalized gaming system that provides and enclosed gaming environment for a user. The gaming environment may include an enclosure made from wood, fiberglass or other suitable material and provide space for many common accessories in a convenient and ergonomic manner. Thus, a user may be seated in a heated reclining chair with adjustable foot rests and have a maneuverable keyboard and mouse platform to be placed in a comfortable position for the user. Further, lighting, sound, and climate control features allow a user to personalize many other factors of the gaming experience. Further yet, additional amenities allow for a user to have comforts not typically associated with a gaming environment, such as a beverage cooler and dispenser and extrinsic storage features. With the addition of each feature, a more complete environment for improving the gaming experience is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy J. Brinlee
  • Publication number: 20130123025
    Abstract: A game-based system and method are provided which employ a central system controller and a plurality of interactive display terminals geographically dispersed from the system controller. Players interact with the display terminals via respective, anonymous recognition codes (ARCs). The display terminals are configured to record a session data set on each player interaction session therewith via the players' respective ARCs. The session data set includes the player's ARC, a location-identifier of the display terminal, a reward selected by the player from multiple rewards of a displayed reward and advertisement data set and an advertisement selected by the player from multiple advertisements of the data set. Players access data of their session data set via a personal electronic compartment accessible through an internet-accessible web server of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Albert Ferdinand, Kathryn Ellen Ferdinand, Wynne Ellen Ferdinand, Richard Alexander Ferdinand, Timothy Edward Ferdinand
  • Publication number: 20120289349
    Abstract: A vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines of the type that dispenses spherical or oval gift products. The system includes a vertical game panel that is configured for entertainment using the product, and that has at least one outlet that guides said product towards a delivery receptacle where it is delivered when the entertainment is successfully completed (game won). The system also includes positioning means designed to guide the product to a lower collection area when the game is not won, and mechanical means for manual activation configured to lift the product from the lower collection area towards the upper part of the vertical game panel, allowing the game to be restarted repeatedly until the game is successfully completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Pedro Aniceto Alcaraz Garcia
  • Patent number: 8133119
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Mark J. Finocchio
  • Patent number: 8113517
    Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
  • Patent number: 8057309
    Abstract: A toy capable of interchangeably activating an electronic controller and a projectile launching component through the same trigger mechanism providing for a fun and interesting toy with a variety of play modes. A holder assembly including a receiving compartment is capable of accepting the electronic controller and the projectile launching component. The electronic controller includes at least one human user interface input button for controlling an electronic game, and the projectile launching component includes a mechanical actuator for launching a projectile. The trigger mechanism is in mechanical communication with the holder assembly for engagement with the human user interface input button for controlling the electronic game and the mechanical actuator for launching the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Aaron Mead, Robert L. Brown, Brian C. Jablonski, Douglas C. Weiler
  • Patent number: 8033901
    Abstract: An electronic game system is provided. The system may include a base station operable to communicate with an electronic system and one or more character units operable to communicate with the base station. The one or more character units store data associated with one or more characters. The data are utilized to play a game using the electronic system. The character units may have substantially similar appearances to characters in the game. The base station also may have a character appearance. The character units may be removably attachable to the base station, alone or simultaneously, at an exterior or interior portion of a body part of the character appearance such as a head, a limb and a torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ethan Wood
  • Publication number: 20110111833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system for providing a random number, comprising a touch screen, and a control unit connected to the touch screen, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a user movement on the touch screen corresponding to an activation signal for generating a random number, provide the activation signal to a random number generator, receive a random number from the random number generator, and display the random number on the touch screen, wherein the random number generator is an externally arranged hardware random number generator configured to receive a gambling device for generating the random number. Advantages with the invention include for example increased security in relation to manual operation of a dice game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Mats Nordahl, Jimmy Eiterjord
  • Patent number: 7867095
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications using the candle of a gaming machine are disclosed. A candle radio includes an antenna and transceiver within a housing, as well as one or more light sources and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the candle radio to a respective gaming machine or terminal. The transceiver and antenna are adapted to facilitate radio communications with at least one external transponder/transceiver, which can include wireless system access points and/or additional candle radios associated with other gaming machines. The antenna can be located at the top of the candle radio, while the transceiver can be located within a base at the bottom. An input connector on the transceiver facilitates communications with the gaming machine MGC. The candle radio can be adapted to split radio communications into portions and retransmit one or more portions of a communication, which may be done at differing radio frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 7833097
    Abstract: A game pad controller for connection to a portable phone has an outer casing and a game control unit within the casing. The front of the casing has a seat for locating the portable phone and at least one keypad adjacent the seat for user engagement to control a game. The seat has a channel for slidably receiving an adapter, which is either attached to the rear face of the phone or to a holder for the phone. A releasable latching mechanism at the inner end of the channel releasably secures the adapter in the channel. The adapter may be a dimpled hub device. The arrangement allows the game pad controller to be used with any type of portable phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Maddox, Mark J. Hassebrock, Philip Hobson Boothby, Michael D. Johnson, Robert James Stone, Craig Ronald Townsend
  • Patent number: 7780513
    Abstract: A board game system comprises a touch screen, a computing device and a robot arm. The computing device comprises a processor and a memory. At least one type of board game program is stored in the memory so that the processor can execute the board game program present a corresponding board game interface on the touch screen. The robot arm controlled by the computing device can touch the touch screen and play the board game with a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Chyi-Yeu Lin
  • Publication number: 20100144443
    Abstract: A video game development system for enhancing communications between development tools and video game platforms or running games. The system includes a communications hub module running on a computer or server and communicatively linked with first and second video game platforms to allow the communications hub module to forward messages to and receive messages from the game platforms. Memory accessible by the communications hub module stores communication data sets or libraries controlling communications with the game platforms. A video game development tool is provided in the system and is communicatively linked with the communications hub module. The development tool transmits messages formatted based on a client-side communications library defining communications with the hub module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Fraser Graham, Bryce Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20100048272
    Abstract: Measuring and converting physical activities to benefits, including: measuring a physical activity of a user using a measuring device; converting the measurement made by the measuring device to service benefits using predetermined formulas, wherein the service benefits are consistent and balanced to time needed to attain a similar reward from engaging only in a target activity; and providing the benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventor: Bobby Koh
  • Publication number: 20100009595
    Abstract: A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony R. Lovato
  • Publication number: 20090170580
    Abstract: A method of playing a game including the steps of: providing a cache with a device through which an input can be made by a player to generate output information for the player; placing the cache at a first location; and identifying for a player general location information that will allow the player to navigate to a zone in the vicinity of the cache at the first location but that requires the player to search without the availability of precise location information within the zone to find the cache.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley Emalfarb
  • Publication number: 20090126728
    Abstract: A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Quan Xiao
  • Patent number: 7516831
    Abstract: Foreign object removal-enabling features in a coin-operated item vending and game apparatus housing include a shallow V-shaped guard wall extending between a pair of opposing sidewalls of a lower end portion of the housing, a pair of openings each in one of the opposing sidewalls adjacent opposite ends of the guard wall, and another opening in a front wall of the housing below and in front of the guard wall. The guard wall is positioned to block debris, such as pieces of paper, from traveling on a path to a coin slot of a coin deposit while providing a slot in the guard wall for permitting a coin to pass through the guard wall to the coin slot. The wall openings will permit insertion a tweezers or other tool therethrough enable the debris removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Publication number: 20090008385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cooker, and a method for a game using the same. According to the method for a game using the electronic cooker, when a cooking start command is input through a keypad, a microprocessor causes games, which have a game time equal to a cooking time among games stored in a memory, to be displayed on a display unit, and allows a user to select one of the games. The microprocessor performs control such that the cooking operation and the game can be simultaneously executed during the cooking time. When the cooking time elapses, the game is ended. Therefore, the method for a game using the electronic cooker has an advantage in that the user can play a game during a waiting time for cooking, thereby improving user's satisfaction in the cooking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Sung Ho Choi
  • Publication number: 20080274815
    Abstract: An interactive sports-themed game is disclosed. The game involves generating a list of predicted outcomes of the next play of a live sporting event, ranking the list, selecting one or more of the predicted outcomes to form a subset list. The outcome of the next play of the live sporting event is then compared to the subset list, and the player of the interactive sports-themed game is awarded points if the outcome of the play of the live sporting event matches one of the predictions in the subset list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John Root
  • Publication number: 20080194337
    Abstract: A hunting sport game is played in an interactive arena. The game is played by two or more sides of any size, one side having at least one human player in the arena, and the other side(s) having at least one electromechanical player. The players are provided with projection shooting weapons with which to attack opponents, which may include paintball discharging means, laser targeting means, low-voltage taser means, combinations thereof, and the like. Players, both human and electromechanical, that have been struck by a shot from an opponent's weapon are made known to the human players and are immediately disqualified from further participation in the game for at least a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Hensel
  • Patent number: 7244183
    Abstract: A gaming system that employs a video game system and action figures to allow both video game play and action figure play. A video game score, obtained by a player through video game play, may be transferred to the action figure associated with that player to become the action figure score of that action figure. The action figures have a gun that generates a light beam and a target detector for receiving light beams from other action figures. The action figure will register a hit, and break apart, if its target detector receives a light beam from another action figure that has a higher action figure score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony England
  • Patent number: 7222778
    Abstract: A multifunctional device for supporting a lid of a container in order to protect an item stored within the container is provided. The support device includes a generally planar upper member. The support device also includes at least one leg member detachably connected to the upper member by a connecting member and projecting from a surface of the upper member. The upper member and leg member have a first function as a lid support when the leg member and upper member are attached. Further, either one of the upper member or the leg member have a second function different from the first function when the leg member is detached from the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Brian Smith, Daniel Nett
  • Patent number: 7204759
    Abstract: An arrangement of selection objects includes an area model memory (1) for storing a configuration model of an area, an object model memory (3) for storing configuration models of respective selection objects, an image frame outputter (5) for performing an image frame indication of the configuration models, a model operator (7) for performing an arranging operation of the configuration models of the respective selection objects on the configuration model of the area in an image frame, a controller (9) for arranging the configuration models of the respective selection objects on the configuration model of the area in accordance with the arranging operation, a frequency information inputting device (11) for inputting to the controller (9) selection frequency information of the respective selection objects actually arranged in the area in accordance with an arrangement by the arranging operation, and an identification indicator (13) for performing an identifying indication of the configuration models by the image
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Junichi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7125074
    Abstract: A video game chair for enhancing the enjoyment of a video game includes a chair member formed of a horizontal seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. Adjacent each of two opposing sides of the seat portion is an adjustable arm with a game controller mounted thereon. A speaker and adjustable leg are mounted adjacent each of two opposing sides of the backrest portion. An interface box is removably attached to a lower surface of the seat portion for electrically connecting the speakers and controller to a conventional game box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: James K. Real, Richard Edward Florez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7010213
    Abstract: A system and method of playing recorded content on a DVD player employs software instructions on a DVD storage medium to control a DVD-Video player to make pseudo-random selections of content items from the DVD storage medium. Each content item may include an individual video sequence or a string of video sequences. Each content item is associated with a respective identification codes, such that each content item is associated with a corresponding identification code that is different from the identification codes of other content items. The DVD player controller is controlled to select, by pseudo-random selection or generation, at least one of the identification codes from the plurality of identification codes. The DVD player controller may be controlled to perform that pseudo-random selection or generation with software stored on (and read from) the DVD storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ImaginationDVD Corp.
    Inventors: Shane Antony Yeend, Shane Donald Pike
  • Patent number: 6910734
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a seat, a main body portion that includes the seat, an arm pivotally connected to the main body portion, and a user interface attached to the arm and pivotal with respect to the seat, wherein the user interface is operable for gaming. In a preferred embodiment the seat and main body portion comprise an upholstered lounge chair and the user interface pivots in a generally vertical arc between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Steelman Gaming Technology
    Inventor: Paul C. Steelman
  • Patent number: 6527610
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive electronic, digital device (16), largely an amusement device, including a display (20) of animated characters with sound effects housed in a unit (19) to be worn or carried by a wearer or user. The characters and sound effects are interactive with the wearer or user, for example, in response to wearer or user movement or selective actuation (e.g., through a button or touch panel). The interactivity could also be responsive to ambient sounds (e.g., music or voice) or movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Trendmasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Hornsby, Christian M. Mouser, Jason E. Emde
  • Publication number: 20030040348
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of visual display systems on exercise machines. In other words, computer automation, monitors, and other visual display systems allowing user input and providing feedback to users of fitness bikes, treadmills, stepmachines and other exercise machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Hugo Martens
  • Patent number: 6257984
    Abstract: A push button-operated video game mounted in a front display position of a cap, so that in the cap-on position, i.e., when the cap is on the user's head, there is less likelihood of the loss of the video game and, in the cap-off position, the video game is in facing relation to the user to facilitate push button operation of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Howard Gershon
  • Patent number: 6142951
    Abstract: The directional baton with a breath analyzer according to this invention is divided into three sections. Three sections are head, neck, and handle, such that the head is attached to the neck and the neck is attached to the handle. The head is made from a partially transparent material, and the head houses a means for lighting the head and a means for displaying the varying levels of the alcohol content in the person's breath. The neck houses an alcohol sensor, and the handle houses the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Jun I. Park
  • Patent number: 6048271
    Abstract: A sport or skill game device in which equipment for accepting and dispensing currency, preferably of more than one type (both actual cash and encodable credit, for example), is provided in close proximity with and in electronic connection to one or more of any of a number of sport or skill game devices for play by two or more players. The device contains a computerized function (and appropriate hardware and software) so that the outcome of at least one game of skill may be decided among two or more entrants whose entry fees and currency payouts (to the winners) are tendered and distributed as part of the overall operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: David M. Barcelou
  • Patent number: 5890718
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-service gasoline pump system with game functions in which a plurality of gasoline dispensers or pumps are respectively provided with a game device, and the game devices are connected in parallel to each other and to a controller. While a dispenses gasoline, the game device performs a game automatically whenever a predetermined certain amount of gasoline or charge is reached, or manually whenever the user pushes a button for starting games, so as to offer premiums to the user according to game points. The game results are displayed under the control of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ok-Sun Byon
  • Patent number: 5718429
    Abstract: A method for conducting an entertainment in which people may place a stake in a casino game and win a cash prize in a skill game. Stakes in the casino game are placed with chips, which may be purchased in exchange for the services of conducting the casino game. A winning stake is rewarded with a token, rather than with money. A token may be exchanged for an opportunity to demonstrate a skill in the skill game. Those that successfully demonstrate the skill are awarded a cash or other prize. The nature of the prize is correlated to an indicium on the token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Claude Emery Keller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5601489
    Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus comprises a main unit having at least a power supplying section and a display, at least one of several processing units having a key input section and a memory adapted to be removably attached to the main unit and a connecting section for connecting one of said processing units to the main unit. Each of the processing units has a different function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Komaki
  • Patent number: RE35786
    Abstract: A television game set comprises an operation button used to operate a game, a game control section for controlling the game, a display section for displaying the progress of the game, and a connector to which either a game cartridge storing a game program therein or a tuner cartridge for receiving television broadcasting is coupled. At least one terminal of the connector is used to handle a cartridge changeover signal. The other terminals of the connector are changed in function on the basis of the cartridge changeover signal received on the one terminal as to handle either game signals or tuner signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ohara