Electromagnetic Ray Simulates Projectile Or Its Path, Or Utilized For Coincidence Detection (e.g., Light-ray Gun, Infrared Aim Detector, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/51)
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Patent number: 6926610Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignees: Namco Ltd., Tamura CorporationInventors: Masatoshi Kobayashi, Nobutaka Kobayashi, Nobuaki Arai
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Patent number: 6863532Abstract: Equipment for detecting that a target has received a direct hit from a simulated weapon including a weapon (10, 30) and a target (11, 12, 38, 45), and characterized in that said weapon (10, 30) provides an emitter of signals or laser shots (14, 33) operated by a switch (16, 35) and a trigger (18, 36), and in that said target includes sensors (19, 20, 38a, 41-44) affixed to a supporting element (12, 11, 38, 45). Said sensors are operatively connected to an electronic detection circuit for a signal or laser shot received by the same sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Franco Ambrosoli
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Publication number: 20040259644Abstract: A device and a method for integrating an optical gun with a computer game system and within a computer game scenario are provided. The preferred embodiment includes an optical gun, or gun, with a communications interface, such as a USB interface, with the computer game system. The gun has sensors that sense when (1) a player is grasping a gun handle, or (2) the gun is holstered. The gun simulates a recoil force when a simulated round is fired. A battery is charged between game periods and drawn down during play. The gun may have bidirectional or unidirectional wireless communications with the computer game system, a battery charger and multi-channel radio carrier frequency auto detect. The gun can determine the nature of the game video screen. A video sampling or tapping wire may enable further enhanced features of the gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Jack Jean McCauley
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Patent number: 6821206Abstract: There are disclosed a game machine, game route selection method and information storage medium that in case where a plurality of performance positions in a three-dimensional space where a game performance corresponding to a player's operation instruction is performed, and a plurality of moving routes interconnecting the plurality of performance positions are set, the game machine displays predetermined option images for selecting the moving routes where the viewpoint can next move in the performance positions, and allows any one of these option images to be selected by a pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Namco Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Ishida, Akio Ueyama, Masanori Katoh
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Patent number: 6814667Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Jr., Adam Kislevitz, Steven R. Casino
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Patent number: 6793585Abstract: A swing measurement method of directly measuring a swing behavior without being influenced by flexure of an impact implement, such as a golf club or baseball bat is provided. In addition, a golf swing analysis method and computer program product having computer program code for a simple and effective model of the behavior of a grip portion during a golf swing is provided. A three dimensional magnetic sensor capable of measuring position and direction is fixed to a grip portion of the impact implement within magnetic fields in which the magnetic field distribution of intensity and direction are known, and the behavior of the swing is directly measured. In addition, the path of the grip portion is approximated as an arc within a swing plane using the three dimensional position coordinates of the grip portion obtained in this measurement, and thus an arm angle, a wrist angle, and an angle of shaft rotation are found.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Miyamoto, Hiroshi Saegusa
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Patent number: 6780014Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin
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Publication number: 20040087377Abstract: A laser gun for recreation has a body, a laser device, an air start system and a firing device. The body has a barrel with a bottom and a handle is formed at the bottom. The laser device is mounted in the body and has a laser generator that produces and emits a laser beam through a muzzle of the barrel when a laser switch is closed. The air start system provides the compressed air to switch the laser switch on when a trigger of the firing device is squeezed. The compressed air escaping through exhaust holes generates a gunshot like sound and a movement to the laser gun when the laser gun is fired to simulate a real gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Poe Lang Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chi-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 6709272Abstract: A method for facilitating firearms training is provided. The method comprises using a client computer system to access via the Internet a retrieval system on a host computer system. The retrieval system is adapted to retrieve a firearms training simulation stored in a computer database upon receiving a signal. The firearms training simulation is adapted to train a trainee in using a firearm. The method further comprises inputting the signal in a manner such that the retrieval system retrieves the firearms training simulation from the database and transfers it to the client computer system in a manner sufficient for the firearms trainee to train with the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Bruce K. Siddle
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Patent number: 6677935Abstract: An objective is to provide a position pointing device, a program and a method for detecting the position pointing device which relates to a device pointing a position on a display screen and which can discriminate a scan mode of a display device and obtain information of pointed position by performing a processing corresponding to the discriminated scan mode. A photosensor (18) provided in the position pointing device detects a scanning beam from a display device (140) and generates a light detection signal. A scan mode discriminating section (30) judges that a scan mode in the display device is not a standard scan mode type, but a multi-density scan type if a frequency component of the light detection signal includes a frequency component of a horizontal synchronous signal in a multi-density scan type display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignees: Namco Ltd., Tamura CorporationInventors: Masatoshi Kobayashi, Yukihiko Yagi, Nobuaki Arai
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Publication number: 20030228914Abstract: An electronic competition system has a plurality of shooting bases each comprised of a laser gun for emitting light, a plurality of strike point detectors each for detecting a strike point on a target board on which the light emitted from the laser gun strikes, and a viewing PC for displaying a competition progress including the strike point detected by each of the strike point detectors. A competition site server is provided for displaying, in response to strike points detected by the strike point detectors, competition progresses at the respective shooting bases in an order in which the strike points are detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventor: Yusuke Abe
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Publication number: 20030228915Abstract: A light gun includes a trigger unit; a grip coupled to the trigger apparatus; and a barrel unit coupled with the trigger apparatus. The trigger unit has a trigger and a hammer, and the barrel unit includes a light emitting unit which emits a light bullet in response to generation of an impact by the hammer when a trigger operation is carried out by pulling the trigger.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventor: Junichi Goko
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Publication number: 20030228913Abstract: A light emitting apparatus including an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined spectrum including visible light and infrared light, and a plurality of focusing chambers, each focusing chamber including an aperture, wherein light from the emitter passes successively through at least a first of the chambers and an aperture of the first chamber, and through a second of the chambers and an aperture of the second chamber before exiting the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: John Lampl
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Publication number: 20030199324Abstract: 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 one or two lighting devices containing a plurality of light sources. The lighting devices may use visible or invisible lights. 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 devices, 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Xiaoling Wang
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Publication number: 20030199325Abstract: 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 one or two lighting devices containing a plurality of light sources. The lighting devices may use visible or invisible lights. 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 devices, and an input 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 from the input computing device to the video shooting game software run by the game computing device which can determine if a visual target object is actually hit or not, and reacts accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Xiaoling Wang
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Publication number: 20030199323Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Xiaoling Wang
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Publication number: 20030171150Abstract: A target device is used in gun shooting, Japanese archery, archery, etc. The target device has a light-emitting element group of LEDs, for example, disposed around a target plate. The target device also has an impact position detector, a score calculator, and a light-emitting element energizing unit. When an impact position on the target plate is detected by the impact position detector, the score calculator calculates a score based on the detected impact position. The light-emitting element energizing unit selectively energizes the LEDs of the light-emitting element group depending on the calculated score and/or the detected impact position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Makoto Oki, Hiroyuki Hasebe
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Patent number: 6616452Abstract: A firearm laser training system of the present invention includes a target having a plurality of zones, a laser transmitter assembly for projecting a laser beam, a sensing device and a processor. The sensing device scans the target to produce target images to detect laser beam or simulated projectile impact locations. The processor receives impact location information from the sensing device and processes the received information to evaluate user performance and to display evaluation information and an image of the target including indicia corresponding to the detected impact locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Beamhit, LLCInventors: John Clark, Tansel Kendir, Motti Shechter
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Patent number: 6614510Abstract: An optical system is formed of a plurality of optical sources and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system and an infrared aim light (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light directly to a rifle barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Optical Air Data Systems L.P.Inventor: Philip L. Rogers
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Patent number: 6589120Abstract: A game apparatus, a method of preparing a game image and information storage medium are disclosed wherein, in the case of a player character moving in a three-dimensional game space, a plurality of viewpoint positions including the player characters in a view range are set, and wherein a plurality of two-dimensional images with different details are produced corresponding to each viewpoint position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Namco Ltd.Inventor: Toru Takahashi
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Publication number: 20030078105Abstract: The invention provides a visual feedback system installed between a game host system and an optical gun. It is used to extract a bullet falling point signal or bullet coordinate signal sent from the optical gun to the game host. If the extracted signal is a bullet falling point signal, a control circuit then uses the horizontal synchronous signal H_sync and the vertical synchronous signal V_sync of the video frequency signal to compute the coordinates of the bullet. The coordinate data are sent to an image synthesis circuit, which combines an aiming point cursor on the corresponding coordinate data with the video signal transmitted from the game host and outputs the synthesized image on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: Zeroplus Technology Co., L.T.D.Inventor: Cheng Chiu Hao
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Patent number: 6551189Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Beijing Kangti Recreation Equipment CenterInventors: Shaoyuan Chen, Yue Zhang
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Patent number: 6540607Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method includes a targeting device with a plurality of infrared transmitters or photodiode receivers attached to the targeting device and with corresponding receivers or transmitters mounted near a display monitor. The transmitters emit light signals that are received by the photodiode receivers. Receiver circuitry converts the light signals into signals representing the distance of the transmitters from the receivers. A processor then calculates the three-dimensional position and vector of the targeting device relative to the display monitor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Midway Games WestInventors: Peter W. Mokris, Michael E. Albaugh, Minh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20030060288Abstract: A non-lethal small arms analogous projectile 10 and reader-target for use in sporting, amusement, or training applications is described, wherein the non-lethal projectile 10 contains encoded information and means for transmitting the encoded information upon coinciding with the reader-target 22. The non-lethal projectile 10 contains a transmitter or transponder 18 which is activated upon coinciding with the reader-target 22, communicating data 42 to a receiver 36 within the reader-target which can then operate hit-indicating means 24, and transfer the data to a computer via contact, or wireless, connection for further analysis and interpretation. The non-lethal projectile 10 can be formed in any of a variety of shapes for use in many diverse applications and can be encased in a resilient, energy-absorbing material to withstand many reuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Mike Glen Oakes
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Publication number: 20030027640Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Adam Kislevitz, Steven R. Casino
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Publication number: 20020198055Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Stephen M. Bull, Terese Svoboda
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Patent number: 6488583Abstract: An image processing system enables the manipulation of individual anonymous laser pointers in interactive visual games. The system includes a display system that displays an image on a display screen. A camera acquires a sequence of images of the display screen. Participants in the game aim individual laser pointers at the screen; the laser pointers form dots on the display screen. A warp module corrects the acquired images for distortion. A registration module registers the corrected sequence of images with the displayed image, and modifies the displayed image in response to a distribution of the laser dots on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Thouis R. Jones, Ronald N. Perry
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Publication number: 20020164219Abstract: A tapered reamer is disclosed. The reamer is used to make a tapered opening in a cylinder used in a crossing gate repair kit. A straight reamer is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Wayne Board Burnette
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Publication number: 20020165030Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Masatoshi Kobayashi, Nobutaka Kobayashi, Nobuaki Arai
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Publication number: 20020160840Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method includes a targeting device with a plurality of infrared transmitters or photodiode receivers attached to the targeting device and with corresponding receivers or transmitters mounted near a display monitor. The transmitters emit light signals that are received by the photodiode receivers. Receiver circuitry converts the light signals into signals representing the distance of the transmitters from the receivers. A processor then calculates the three-dimensional position and vector of the targeting device relative to the display monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Peter W. Morkris, Michael E. Albaugh, Minh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020137567Abstract: The wireless light beam gun of the invention can be used with screens and shooting game software, comprising a wireless game player end device and a wireless light beam gun end device, wherein the wireless game player end device first receives the video signals from the screen, and then utilizes the ratio value from the number of pulses counted by v_sync signals between the wireless game player end device and a wireless light beam gun end device, to calculate the blip coordinate data or reduce a blip signal within the cycle of video signals; the cycle of video signals can be calculated and obtained in the wireless light beam gun end device through a set of parameter data. The invention utilizes the wireless transmitting device to replace the conventional signal wire of the wired light beam gun, thus, during shooting games, preventing the user from being confined by the space limitation, and increasing the interaction between the user and the game the user is playing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: VISION Electronics., Ltd.Inventor: Chiu Hao Cheng
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Publication number: 20020107069Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Yukinobu Ishino
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Publication number: 20020013177Abstract: A computer-controlled game system comprising a computer unit (10) which is adapted for the generation of a game sequence from at least one computer program and from game sequence data, a playback device (12) which is adapted to play back the game sequence in a projection zone and which is connected with the computer unit (10), at least one transmitter means (16) which is adapted for emitting an electromagnetic beam (S) into a predeterminable partial section of the projection zone, a detector means (18) which is adapted for the detection of the electromagnetic beam (S) when same hits the predeterminable partial section of the projection zone, said detector means (18) being connected with the computer unit (10) and adapted to transmit a signal to the computer unit (10), which is characteristic for the respective detected beam, and an alignment device (20) which is associated with the detector means (18) and which is connected with the computer unit (10) in order to align the detector unit (18) to a predeterminaType: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Wolfgang Richter
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Patent number: 6328651Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Toymax Inc.Inventors: Steven Lebensfeld, Brian Waldman, Chan John Ping, Paul Dowd
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Patent number: 6323838Abstract: An interactive video computer system with a light sensitive peripheral device having a photosensitive transducer operating in conjunction with a personal computer platform. The gun or pen-shaped light-sensitive device is connected to a peripheral adapter coupled between the computer and a video monitor. The peripheral adapter captures the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the video adapter card in the computer and sends them to the light sensitive peripheral device so that processing circuitry therein can generate a peripheral position signal indicative of the position of the field of view of the photosensitive transducer relative to the screen. The light sensitive peripheral device also has means for transmitting the peripheral position signal to the computer means for further processing. This allows a light gun or pen to be used with a conventional personal computer without having to modify the computer with additional circuit boards and operating system changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: ACT Labs, Ltd.Inventors: Bounchanh Thanasack, Minjie Shi, Kevin Dietrich
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Patent number: 6322365Abstract: A firearm training system includes a training firearm, which includes a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of the barrel of the firearm in response to a mechanical wave generated from pulling the trigger of the firearm. A laser-detecting target includes a planar array of laser light detectors capable of detecting the exact location that the laser signal hits the target. The laser signal transmitted by the training firearm is preferably a modulated laser pulse that the target can easily discriminate from noise and interference. The target is connected to a computer, which reports laser hit information and keeps track of a sequence of laser hits fired by a competitor or trainee. Computer can be linked via a communications network to similar firearm training systems to enable competition between shooters at different geographic locations.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Beamhit, LLCInventors: Motti Shechter, Stephen P. Rosa
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Patent number: 6315568Abstract: A system for simulating shooting sports includes a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system that is retrofittable to any standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin and a self-contained receiver system. The transmitter system includes an actuating beam cartridge and an adjustable beam choke. The beam cartridge includes a first actuating beam emitter responsive to the firing pin. The beam choke includes a second emission beam emitter responsive to the first actuating beam. The receiver system is a self-contained reusable target having beam sensors and hit indicators. The beam sensors are “triggered” when the emission beam “hits” or is “sensed by” the beam sensors. When the beam sensors sense the emission beam, they cause the hit indicators to indicate that the target has been “hit” by the emission beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: LightShot Systems, Inc.Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin, Michael D. Miles
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Patent number: 6302796Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a portable, player programmable, interactive toy for a shooting game played by radiating and appropriately detecting infrared light (or other radiated energy). Player sets of the toy include at least one IR emitter, at least one IR detector, and in the preferred embodiments, at least one audio or visual device. A keypad or other input device is provided for the entry of coded information to select from preprogrammed features and functions, including game modes, both prior to the start of a game and/or during a game. The interactivity includes at least two players interacting other than by detection of a hit, i.e., detection by one player of light shot by another player. The invention provides for information transfer between players to transfer or remotely activate features and functions or to remotely control another player's equipment.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Toymax Inc.Inventors: Steven Lebensfeld, David Chu Ki Kwan, Frank Landi, Carmine Russo, John Ping Chan
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Patent number: 6293869Abstract: In a shooting game toy, a target includes a display device that provides different image patterns to facilitate a communication of different states, or changes of state, of a shooting game or the toy. In a preferred embodiment, the display device is an electroluminescent display having a plurality of display elements that are activated in a predefined sequence corresponding to each state or change of state of the shooting game. For example, a routine hit of the target may be visually displayed as an image pattern representative of a conventional “outward burst” pattern, while a reset to a known state may be visually displayed as an inwardly contracting pattern, a destruction of the target as yet another visual pattern, and so on. By providing different display patterns at each target, the state of the game, or a change of state of the Game, is visually communicated to each participant having a view of the target, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the shooting game.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Toymax Inc.Inventors: David Chu Ki Kwan, Sammy To
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Patent number: 6283862Abstract: A computer-controlled game system comprising a computer unit (10) which is adapted for the generation of a game sequence from at least one computer program and from game sequence data, a playback device (12) which is adapted to play back the game sequence in a projection zone and which is connected with the computer unit (10), at least one transmitter means (16) which is adapted for emitting an electromagnetic beam (S) into a predeterminable partial section of the projection zone, a detector means (18) which is adapted for the detection of the electromagnetic beam (S) when same hits the predeterminable partial section of the projection zone, said detector means (18) being connected with the computer unit (10) and adapted to transmit a signal to the computer unit (10), which is characteristic for the respective detected beam, and an alignment device (20) which is associated with the detector means (18) and which is connected with the computer unit (10) in order to align the detector unit (18) to a predeterminaType: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignees: Rosch Geschaftsfuhrungs GmbH & Co., Virtual Laser Games KGInventor: Wolfgang Richter
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Patent number: 6261180Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Toymax Inc.Inventors: Steven Lebensfeld, David Chu Ki Kwan, Frank Landi, Sammy To, Deni Rivette
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Patent number: 6254485Abstract: To provide a game device utilizing light, which can carry out various operations by game players and utilizes lights and can play a game while keeping interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Tiger Electronics, Ltd.Inventors: Kazutsugi Kanagawa, Hideyasu Karasawa, Norihito Yamanaka
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Patent number: 6254486Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system which utilizes successively transmitted infra-red signals. The system includes two user controlled components which interact with one another. In the preferred embodiment, each component is made up of a hand-held controller and a robot. The controller has both directional controls and a fire control. When a fire control signal is initiated a signal is transmitted to the robot. Upon its reception, a new signal is generated and transmitted by the robot. In this manner, weapons fire is simulated.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventors: Michael Mathieu, Michael Sivan
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Patent number: 6251011Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6248019Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Cormorant Properties LimitedInventors: Robert Walter Mudie, Jonathan Michael Plache
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Patent number: 6217027Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: United States of AmericaInventors: Bruce E. Amrein, Thomas C. Fry, Richard N. Ware, Douglas J. Struve
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Patent number: 6217446Abstract: A device for proceeding a game in correspondence with the game scores. The game device (10) enables game play by moving a viewpoint arranged inside a three-dimensional virtual space, and comprises a storing unit (102) for storing a plurality of movement courses of the viewpoint branching off from a certain scene in the three-dimensional virtual space, together with the conditions for such branch-off, a picture processing unit (108-116) for performing data processing (101) to form pictures in accordance with the operation signals from an operating unit through the implementation of algorithms, and for performing picture conversion to form the image viewed from such viewpoint, and a course selecting unit (101) for selecting the movement course corresponding to the game score from among said plurality of viewpoint movement courses, and for moving the viewpoint along such selected movement course.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventors: Kazutomo Sanbongi, Kouji Ohto, Takashi Oda
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Patent number: 6217025Abstract: A game apparatus that has a goal corresponding to the number of a player and is designed to cause the player to move a target to the goal in a playing field. The game apparatus has a plurality of tossing devices disposed on the playing field for tossing and moving the movable game piece. Each of the tossing devices includes an impacting member disposed in the playing field to be vertically movable for upwardly tossing the movable game piece, driving devices for tossing the impacting member and a beam sensor located on the impacting member for sensing a beam from a ray gun to energize the driving devices. Adjacent impacting members of the tossing devices toss up the movable game piece in different direction, and there are at least two impacting members under the movable game piece when the movable game piece is on the playing field.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Namco, Ltd.Inventors: Takehiro Yamazaki, Takeshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 6196844Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventors: Michael S. Bradshaw, Allen D. Beets, Albert G. Corkery, III, Christopher B. Hickman
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Patent number: 6171190Abstract: A video game system with a light gun video game peripheral device having a photosensitive transducer operating in conjunction with a personal computer platform. The gun-shaped light-sensitive device is connected to a peripheral adapter coupled between the computer and a video monitor. The peripheral adapter captures the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the video adapter card in the computer and sends them to the light gun so that processing circuitry therein can generate a peripheral position signal indicative of the position of the field of view of the photosensitive transducer relative to the screen. The video game peripheral device also has means for transmitting the peripheral position signal to the computer means for further processing. This allows a light gun to be used with a conventional personal computer without having to modify the computer with additional circuit boards and operating system changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: ACT Labs, Ltd.Inventors: Bounchanh Thanasack, Minjie Shi