Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate promotion of an online service. The architecture can provide for a games platform that can host a variety of games. The hosted games can be designed such that a user's experiences can be enhanced by game cards that can be discovered and retrieved while using the online service being promoted. Accordingly, the user's experiences can be enhanced as a function of the usage of the online service being promoted.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether.

Abstract: An input means adapted for an interactive device is disclosed, which comprises: an inertial sensing module, for detecting a gesture movement of a user and thus generating a gesture signal accordingly; a multifunctional keypad, having at least a key to be selected and pressed for generating a selecting signal accordingly; a control unit, for fetching the selecting signal and the gesture signal and thus generating a control signal corresponding thereto; a signal processing unit, for receiving and processing the control signal so as to generate an interactive signal and then sending the interactive signal to the control unit; and a wireless transmission module, being used to transmit the interactive signal of the control unit to the interactive device.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications between a two or more players is provided. The device includes two infrared transceivers and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger, a barrel portion and a user-interface including a display and a keypad for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions. A first infrared transceiver transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transceiver facilitates omnidirectional two-way communications between two or more devices. The transceivers facilitate communications between game players before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.

Abstract: A system with automatic positioning controls for the holographic display of three-dimensional objects interacting in real time with objects of the real world. The person observing the screen (18) has the sensation that the objects are real, which is achieved thanks to a real time perspective correction system (1). The system is used in particular to simulate bowling pins (9). It is positioned on the lane required by means of a dolly (6). The system determines a relation between the information received from the sensors: video cameras (1) (3), dimensions (26), weight (14) (27) and the mathematical simulation models. When the ball is bowled, its physical features are measured and when it hits the pin deck, some holographic pins are displayed on the screen (19). The screen holographically arranges the projected objects over what the bowler (18) sees behind the screen (19).

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: What is new in the art to which our invention pertains is that this is a game which utilizes a combination of materials and game pieces that are unique in design with the use of balls attached together and a vertical “Loopie Ladder”. This game requires no batteries, electricity or fuel other than the energy of humans. This is a unique game and contributes to the art and science of games and physical activity. The game has universal appeal for either gender. It may be played individually or in groups of two or more. If played alone, the object is to score the highest point value rung or outrigger with each toss.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to golf gaming systems and methods for evaluating a golfer's performance and facilitating golf gaming and competition. Specifically, The present invention provides methods, locations, installations, devices and systems adapted and arranged for observing, processing, analyzing and communicating data and images of individual or group golf gaming performance with respect to golf balls in play in three-dimensional environments.

Abstract: A gaming server periodically receives location information from a plurality of distributed gaming devices. Such devices can take the form of cellular telephones or other wireless communications devices equipped with a GPS transceiver. When the gaming server determines that a gaming device is within a predetermined range of another gaming device, it sends an authorization message such as an “in-range” message to one or both of the devices within range of each other. The users of the device(s) receiving the in-range message are then authorized to “shoot” the other user, e.g., by taking a picture of them, pointing a laser at them or other gaming action that may be specified by the rules of the game. The gaming action could also be initiating a game.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging technique is used to create the illusion of depth in an image or in a video in order to present a more realistic training experience for a person undergoing firearms and/or use of force training. The three-dimensional image can be used in a target, a shoot house, and/or a training simulator.

Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. The controller is furnished with an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations in at least two axis directions. Game processing corresponding to the kind of an acceleration input by means of the controller is executed. For determining the kind, reference timing when acceleration in a first-axis direction is below a threshold value to take on a minimum value is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not an angle between acceleration change vectors before and after the reference timing is equal to or more than a predetermined angle. When the angle is not equal to or more than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the acceleration input is an acceleration input in any one of the two-axis directions, and when the angle is equal to or more than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the acceleration input is an acceleration input in a direction including the two-axis directions as components.

Abstract: Game data variable in accordance with the state of an input device and usable for game processing is sequentially obtained. Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for the game processing has been fulfilled based on the game data. Information on an indicated position on a game image, which is calculated from the game data when the predetermined condition has been fulfilled, is obtained. A moving speed of the input device which is calculated from the game data is also obtained. When the obtained moving speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, an object which appears in a virtual game space and is related to the indicated position is processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the likelihood of an avatar under the control of a user in a virtual environment moving with a predetermined range of a boundary as disclosed in which the movement of the avatar in the virtual environment is monitored for a period of time, a model of avatar movement is determined using the monitor movement, and the likelihood of the avatar movement within the predetermined of a boundary is predicted using the model.

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.

Abstract: When a light beam shot from a light gun hits a target plate mounted on a target device, the light beam is detected by a beam detected position detecting unit, which generates a current based on the shot impact position of the light beam on the target plate. An extraneous light detecting unit generates a current based on extraneous light applied to the target device. The current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or a voltage based on the current, and the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or a voltage based on the current are supplied to a subtractor, which subtracts the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or the voltage based on the current from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or the voltage based on the current, and outputs a differential current or voltage value. Thus, an extraneous light component is removed from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to increase the game operability, and to increase the feeling of pressure and feeling of actual presence on the scene, by making it possible to display partial enlarged images of the scope displays or each of a plurality of players in a manner that allows mutual influence on the screen on which the game images are displayed.

Abstract: In a laser gun, a signal generating unit generates an emission permission signal in response to a shooting permission signal. A laser beam bullet emitting unit emits a laser beam bullet based on the emission permission signal generated by the signal generating unit in response to an operation of the trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and a method for providing more realistic shooting input for shooting video games on computers or similar devices is provided. The apparatus may be comprised of a mock shooting device, such as a gun, having a lighting device containing a plurality of light sources. The apparatus may also include a screen device for displaying visual target objects of a video shooting game, at which a game player can shoot at with the mock shooting device, a video camera that captures video images of the mock shooting device, and a computing device that computes the hit position of the mock shooting device on the screen device based on the captured video images. The determined hit position can then be fed to the video shooting game software run by the computing device which can determine if a visual target object is actually hit or not, and reacts accordingly.

Abstract: The objective is to prevent erroneous operation of an optical sensor while removing restrictions on the degree of freedom of design. In a handgun-shaped controller comprising a lens for focusing light that is incident on a muzzle and an optical sensor 18 for detecting the thus-focused light, a light-proof case 50 is provided to cover the lens and optical sensor in such a manner that external light other that from a muzzle is not incident thereon. The light-proof case covers the entire surface of the optical sensor and the portion of the board on which the optical sensor is mounted. Cut-out portions 54A and 54B for through-holes for signal terminals 19 are provided in a connection portion between parts 50A and 50B that form the light-proof case. A protuberant portion is provided on the connection portion of one part 50A and a fit portion thereof is provided in the connection of another part 50B.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and system for a target game used in conjunction with a toilet or urinal, wherein a target body is positioned within the toilet basin. The target game comprises a target body and coupling members, wherein the target body is divided into sections. The coupling members secure the target body to the toilet basin and include a securing member and an attachment member, wherein the securing member is any device that is capable of attaching to the toilet and wherein the attachment member couples the securing member to the target body. Other embodiments of the apparatus and system include image projection systems to create the target.

Abstract: A trigger apparatus of a light gun includes a main body, first to third rotation axes, a hammer receiving portion, and first to fourth lever portion. The first to third rotation axes are provided for the main body, a hammer receiving portion is provided in an upper portion of the main body. The first lever portion extends from the main body. The second lever portion is rotatably supported by the first rotation axis. The third lever portion is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis. The fourth lever portion is rotatably supported by the third rotation axis.

Abstract: Coordinates of a target are calculated by measuring time between the generation of a vertical synchronizing signal fetched from a composite signal for displaying the target image on a video monitor and a singular change of a video signal and calculating the coordinates of the target image displayed on the video monitor from this measured time. In this way, the coordinates of the target image where it is displayed on the video monitor can be calculated very rapidly.

Abstract: A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.

Abstract: A shooting system is disclosed for visibly displaying a hit point of an optical bullet without the need for deforming or enlarging a bullet mark of the optical bullet on a target. The shooting system of the present invention has a display device for simultaneously displaying first data indicative of a bullet mark at a hit point of an optical bullet on the target, set in a predetermined size and shape, and second data indicative of the position of the hit point of the optical bullet on the target. In this way, the hit point of the optical bullet is visibly displayed by the second data without the need for enlarging or deforming the bullet mark of the optical bullet.

Abstract: An object display method and apparatus is disclosed which can easily display changeover of an entity, and an amusement apparatus is disclosed which can display a simulated burst having reality and punch. The method and apparatus first displays only one of the objects and hides other objects from the field of view. Then, the method and apparatus displays the previously hidden objects and at the same time hides the previously displayed object.

Abstract: The present invention is an image processing method for moving a virtual camera located in a three-dimensional virtual space at a predetermined speed, and changing a distance between the virtual camera and a character defined in the virtual space, wherein a moving speed of the virtual camera changes based on the distance between the virtual camera and the character.

Abstract: A target practice laser transmitting/receiving system including a shooting side apparatus for transmitting a shot laser signal and a target side apparatus for receiving a shot laser signal, wherein the shooting side apparatus transmits position information and time information carried on the shot laser signal, the target side apparatus extracts the position information and time information from the shot laser signal to judge the shot effect including the difference in distance between the shooting side and the target side, the shot munition type, the shooting side weapon type, the evasive action of the target side, and the effect of evasive action utilizing the terrain of the target side, simulate the shot of the shooting side apparatus, and simulate damage of the target side apparatus.

Abstract: When a light beam shot from a light gun hits a target plate mounted on a target device, the light beam is detected by a beam detected position detecting unit, which generates a current based on the shot impact position of the light beam on the target plate. An extraneous light detecting unit generates a current based on extraneous light applied to the target device. The current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or a voltage based on the current, and the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or a voltage based on the current are supplied to a subtractor, which subtracts the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or the voltage based on the current from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or the voltage based on the current, and outputs a differential current or voltage value. Thus, an extraneous light component is removed from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target shooting system for use in an event, such as Biathlon. The target shooting system includes shooting components that simulate shots by emitting radiation having a predetermined frequency, and target systems that detect if the radiation impinges on the target. In addition to this, a controller is provided which is capable of communicating with the target systems. The controller is adapted to receive data from the target systems including timing data representing the time taken by each individual in shooting and/or traversing a course, and score data representing the shooting score. From this the controller can determine results of the event. This allows events such as Biathlon to be co-ordinated using target shooting system that integrates the scoring and timing features normally performed by individuals at the events.

Abstract: A game device in which a game can be started in accordance with the intention of a player is provided. The game device comprises sensors 15 for detecting whether or not a gun type input member 11 is in a stand-by state and a sensor for detecting whether or not targets 3, 4 and 5 are hit, and a time required until the targets 3, 4 and 5 are hit after the gun type input member 11 gets out of a stand-by state is counted.

Abstract: An improved structure of target unit for electronic guns comprising: a housing having a receiving area for movably mounting a target paper, a sensitive target provided in the housing in right opposition to the target paper and provided with a sensing circuit for sensing the electronic signals generated when in hitting of bullets, a scoring circuit connected with the sensing circuit for counting and provided with a display screen mounted on the housing to show the results of scores, and a recovering bin connected to the lower portion of the housing to collect and recover bullets, with the target unit, a virtual effect of hitting of bullets through a target paper during shooting is obtained, and bullet hitting is detected by the sensitive target to show the results of scores on the display screen, the bullets are recovered into the collecting bin.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) communication device for audible sound communication over an infrared beam. The IR communication device includes an IR receiver, an IR transmitter, a speaker, and a microphone 210. The IR receiver receives the incoming IR beam. The IR transmitter 206 generates the IR output beam. A pair of IR communication devices form an IR communication system with a pair of IR communication channels. Simplex and full duplex IR communication may be provided over one or a pair of IR communication channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a simulated laser shooting system that includes a laser gun, HD monitor, video camera, collection card, master computer and sound apparatus. The system's features are in that it has reality scene, is both dynamic and static, and is rich and colorful. Players can fight an on-line battle by the system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mixed reality presentation apparatus which generates and displays a three-dimensional virtual image on a see-through display device so as to allow a plurality of players to play a multi-player game in a mixed reality environment. The apparatus has a CCD camera for detecting the mallet positions of the plurality of players, and a sensor for detecting the view point position of each player in the environment of the multi-player game. The apparatus generates a three-dimensional virtual image that represents a game result of the multi-player game that has progressed in accordance with changes in mallet position detected by the CCD camera and is viewed from the view point position of each player detected by the sensor, and outputs the generated image to the corresponding see-through display device. The apparatus determines the motion of each player by detecting infrared rays output from the corresponding mallet on the basis of an image captured by the CCD camera.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game system having a detection unit for detecting a position of a spot moved from a start spot, a measurement unit for measuring time, and a decision unit for deciding whether or not spots measured by the detection unit have enclosed an area within a set time measured from the start spot by the measurement unit. The game system further has a computation unit for computing a size of a distance between the measured spots, or a size of the area enclosed with the measured spots, when the decision unit decides that there has been enclosure. The victory or defeat of a game player is determined by the size of the length or the size of the area, computed by the computation unit.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.

Abstract: A game of tag using wireless devices is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, players in a game space are each assigned a player to tag and assigned to another player to be tagged. Thus, each player is both “it” (trying to tag a target player) and a target (trying to evade being tagged). Interaction among players is conducted via wireless device.

Abstract: There is provided a game system which can change the configuration of an image based on the detected illuminating position of a light illuminating means to improve the effect of a game. The game system includes a light detection section 54 which detects a position of a spotlight on a screen formed by an infrared light emitting section 22, an area setting section 58 which sets a given specified area based on the position of the spotlight detected by the position detection section 54, and an image effect section 52 which displays an image so that the specified area is displayed in a manner differing from an area other than the specified area.

Abstract: To provide a game system which can lighten the burden imposed on a player and even the third person can enjoy, when a gun shooting game is played using a rifle equipped with a scope, a proximity sensor section (210) is provided on a gun device 200, for changing an image from a long-distance image to a short-distance image, using an image changing section (130) when it is judged that the player has come close to the proximity sensor section (210) and looks into the scope section (220), to thereby display the short-distance image on the display section (140).

Abstract: A system and method for sending and receiving game accounting data from an arcade game processing system to a mobile data collection unit. The data may be transmitted using various protocols such as infrared, radio or serial data transmission. The present invention also has a new electromechanical method of collecting information on prize dissemination. By using a user-actuated method of input, e.g., buttons or switches, the game operator may efficiently and accurately track and store prize dissemination information.

Abstract: A game machine displays a target on a display plane with four known points. An image sensor with an image plane on which an image of the display plane is formed with the known points included. The game machine calculates an attitude of the image plane relative to the display plane in response to the image of the known points on the image plane. The game machine causes a change in the target depending on the calculated attitude. The game machine calculates the position of a point on the display plane corresponding to a predetermined position on the image plane in response to the image of the known points on the image plane. The game machine compares the position of the target point with the calculated position to cause a change in the image of the target point on the display plane in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A video game player can easily target and attack one or more enemies in a video game environment. The player may to quickly designate an enemy on a display screen as a target and associate the enemy with a controller button on a video game controller. When the game player actuates the controller button, a player character initiates an attack on the targeted enemy that is assigned or associated with the button. The character initiates the attack on the enemy regardless of whether the character is facing toward the enemy or away from the enemy. If multiple enemies are present and multiple controller buttons are available, the player can choose which enemy will be targeted and associated with a controller button. This allows the player flexibility in choosing which enemies to attack. The player can also associate additional enemies with different buttons on a controller. The player can then initiate successive attacks on the additional enemies by actuating the buttons associated with the enemies.

Abstract: A target hitting game machine comprising a main game unit, at least three targets which are arrayed on the left and right sides of the front surface of the main game unit while being located at different height positions on at least one of the left and right sides, each of the targets is movable between a hitting position and a standby position, and a game result evaluating unit for evaluating a game result in accordance with a position of the target, when hit by a player, between the hitting position and the standby position.

Abstract: A target shooting toy which optically projects an image of a target which can be aimed at and hit. The toy includes an image projector that projects an optical image onto a wall or screen and a toy gun which is aimed at the target. The toy detects hits by detecting light received by the gun reflected from the target. The toy has a removable electronics cartridge which has circuitry that customizes image motion, sequences and game play to the particular image being displayed. The toy also has a removable image module that contains the image or images of one type of target. The image modules and the electronics cartridges are matched so the toy may be used with many types of target images and yet be customized for use with each type of target. The projector is driven relative to two coordinates axes to provide more realistic motion and motion sequences. The toy gun has a pump action reload and trigger cocking mechanism, and provides a simulated recoil when fired.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a portable, programmable, interactive toy for a shooting game played by radiating and appropriately detecting infrared light (or other radiated energy). A player set includes an IR light projector (gun), an IR light detector (target) and a detachable, programmable data (or program) module which controls operation of the toy in accordance with data programmed therein. The data module may be detached, and the toy will operate in a default mode which is downwardly compatible with other toys that do not include the programmable data module. The toy also includes a base unit which programs the data modules to provide each player with a unique firing code. The data modules may also include circuitry which recognizes the different codes. The data modules may accumulate game and player information such as the number of shots fired by the associated gun, the number of hits registered by the associated target, and the source (player identification) of each hit registered.

Abstract: A shooting video game machine comprising a mock gun having a trigger, a monitor which presents flying characters and characters other than flying characters to form a game playing display while causing a bullet to travel in a predetermined direction in synchronization of the pulling of the trigger, and a controller module comprising a game controller and a graphic controller. The graphic controller comprises a graphic processor, a character control block, a bullet control block, a hit determining block, and a proximity determining block. The hit determining block determines whether the bullet hits each of the characters, and the proximity determining block determines whether the bullet hits the proximity area of each flying character, when the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits none of the characters. When the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits a character, a strike display is presented.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing amusement games comprising a plurality of player units 18 having an emitter 27 for emitting a directed beam, means for timing 23 and indicating to the players 24, 25 successive potentially scoring emissions from the emitter 27. The apparatus includes targets 31, which may include player units. The player units include means for indicating that they are timing an emission 105 for example by a flashing light and/or an audible signal. The targets 31 react to receipt of potentially scoring emissions and react differently to some potentially scoring emissions than to others, particularly where the players and their player units are arranged in teams. The player units include memories for memorising the events in which they are concerned in the game, and from which other player units they are received. Similarly the target devices can store their events. The emitters 26 emit light beams either of infra-red light or visible light.

Abstract: A computerized portable pneumatic target apparatus includes at least one target; a computer located at the firing point of a shooting range and connected by a first wireless radio frequency link to the at least one target for controlling operation of the at least one target; a shot detector located at the firing point and connected by either a second wireless radio frequency link or a wire to the computer; an air operated mechanism for raising and lowering the at least one target; a source of air pressure located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism; and a source of direct current located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism and the first wireless radio frequency link.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the integration of laser engagement systems such as the MITS and MILES laser systems with standard two dimensional silhouettes, thereby creating a silhouette which can be defeated by laser fire. A laser enhanced silhouette allows live fire target systems (infantry systems and armor systems) to be engaged and defeated with the use of MILES laser Code. The laser enhanced silhouette replaces the plywood or plastic live fire silhouette which is normally utilized on live fire target systems. By connecting the laser enhanced silhouette electronics to the live fire target system's hit sensor electrical connection, the live fire target system can be engaged by laser equipped weapons.