Having Active Target (e.g., Moving Target, "hit" Responsive, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/52)
  • Patent number: 11850509
    Abstract: The interactive theater system is executed on an interactive gaming computer (IG PC) configured to execute an interactive multi-player video game. The IG PC outputs a video stream to a display system, such as a projector and screen, which allows the players to view the multi-player video game. Each player sits in a multi-sensory seat for providing multi-sensory feedback to each player during execution of the interactive multi-player video game. The player provides input using an input device having an infrared camera and motion sensors. The infrared camera is used to image an infrared light arrangement positioned above-the multi-sensory seats. Infrared camera data and motion sensor data is used by the IG PC to accurately determine the real time position of each input device. Players in a first interactive theater system can compete with players in a second interactive theater system in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Falcon's Beyond Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Cecil D. Magpuri, Syed Saham Ali, David Consolo
  • Patent number: 11801439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device for playing a game of laser tag. The gaming device includes a controller configured to control and coordinate functions between various components thereof. The gaming device includes an aiming unit configured to generate infrared light signals and a receiver configured to detect the generated infrared light signals. The gaming device includes a targeting unit configured to generate a vibration when the receiver in the targeting unit detects infrared light signals. The gaming device further includes one or more lights configured to indicate one or more states of the aiming unit and targeting unit. The controller is configured to engage the aiming unit and targeting unit in a stealth mode in which the one or more lights are switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Bulk Unlimited Corp.
    Inventor: Isamar Margareten
  • Patent number: 11673056
    Abstract: A computer system gives an object to a player who has satisfied a given game condition in a game in which a plurality of players participate. The computer system gives a given prize to an owner player having the object when the owner player has satisfied a given prize giving condition. In the case where an owner player lost in a competition between the owner player and another player, the computer system confiscates an object from the owner player, thereby turning the owner player to a non-owner player, and turning another player to a new owner player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11071922
    Abstract: An apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie system that moves along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie system, and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform. The platform may rotate about a guide axis with respect to the bogie system, and the plurality of seats may rotate about the guide axis with the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hall, Keith Michael McVeen
  • Patent number: 10702784
    Abstract: Disclosed is a theme park system for vehicle driving, the system comprising an integrated operating server for: receiving sensor information, through one or more tracks including at least one sensor and a dedicated internal network used inside a theme park for vehicle driving, from the one or more tracks and one or more vehicles driving on the one or more tracks; receiving user information from one ore more user clients by using an external communication network which is not overlapped with the internal network; generating driving information on one or more vehicles by using the received sensor information; and managing the theme park system on the basis of the generated driving information and the received user information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: MONOLITH INC.
    Inventors: Na Young Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Hye Jeong Chun
  • Patent number: 10639557
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a motion-synchronized virtual reality experience. In particular, in some embodiments, the invention includes a motion platform to impart a shared motion experience to a plurality of passengers, individual head-mounted displays providing for personalized viewpoints, and a variety of immersion-enhancements. A common ride model to controls the motion platform in order to simulate a ride for a plurality of passengers. The passengers' virtual-reality headsets depict the progress of the ride through the virtual-reality world. These headsets track the individual passenger's head or gaze to allow the user to adjust their angle of view in the virtual world simply by looking around. As such, different passengers can be looking in different directions simultaneously, allowing a much greater immersion than the single fixed perspective of prior ride simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: JNTVR LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Hake
  • Patent number: 10613426
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating realistically sized emission signature of a weapon system or weapon platform for the purpose of testing an optical detection device at a long distance in the field. The system utilizes an image screen with a curved imaging surface that is positioned at least one kilometer away from the optical detection device being tested for example. The optical testing device observes the image screen through ambient environmental conditions. A projection device is provided at a first distance from the image screen. The projection device projects a simulation of the emission signature onto the curved imaging surface. The curved imaging surface reflects the simulation toward the optical detection device. A focusing system can be used to adjust the reflection so that the simulation is collimated, converging or dispersing as it progresses toward the optical detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: DHPC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yei Wo, Richard Gifford, Joseph M. Aletta
  • Patent number: 10406448
    Abstract: An amusement park attraction includes an attraction feature. The attraction feature includes a fluid actuator having an inflatable mass, the inflatable mass being fluidly connected to a source of pressurized fluid to enable inflation of the inflatable mass. Fluid control devices are configured to adjust inflation of the inflatable mass, and sensors are configured to monitor state properties of the fluid actuator. A controller is communicatively coupled to the fluid control devices and the sensors. The controller is configured to controllably inflate the inflatable mass based at least on feedback from the sensors to cause the fluid actuator to impact an object. The controller is configured to control the inflation of the inflatable mass to adjust parameters of the fluid actuator to maintain a force exerted by the fluid actuator on the object to within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 10071281
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for using virtual or augmented reality in sports training, an exemplary method including detecting a position of a real ball, determining a trajectory for a virtual ball, the trajectory intersecting with the detected position of the real ball, displaying, by a virtual or augmented reality display device, a virtual pitch of the virtual ball along the trajectory intersecting with the detected position of the real ball, detecting, by a sensor included in a glove worn by the player, vibrations caused by an impact between a bat held by the player and the real ball, determining whether a level of the vibrations is within a predetermined range, sending a signal, to a speaker, when the level of the vibrations is within the predetermined range, to cause the speaker to emit an audible tone, and emitting, by the speaker, the audible tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Robosport Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore Loduca
  • Patent number: 9079099
    Abstract: A gaming accessory for use with a video display used with a target shooting game in which a user shoots targets in a game displayed on the video display includes, among other things, an illuminator positioned with respect to the video display in register with a preselected location of the shots appearing on the video display. Additionally, the gaming accessory has at least one power terminal interconnected with the illuminator and is adapted to be operably interconnected with a power source so that, when the power source is connected to the power terminal, power can be supplied to the illuminator and the illuminator can provide a highly-visible target on the video display to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: AIRDROP GAMING, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy T. Murphy, Brandon J. Buckingham
  • Patent number: 9067127
    Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark toy kit includes a light emitting device configured to be controlled by a first player. The light emitting device is configured to emit a wavelength of light around 405 nanometers from a light emitting diode powered by a power source. A light receiving device is associated with the light emitting device and configured to be worn by a second player. The light receiving device includes a phosphorescence layer reactive to the 405 nanometer wavelength of light. The devices are used in a dark environment allowing the 405 nanometer wavelength of light to react with the phosphorescence layer and display an imaginary or real impact when the first player uses the light emitting device to illuminate the light receiving device worn by the second player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Clark
  • Patent number: 8911235
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8777620
    Abstract: A firearm training system provides a firearm body having a trigger and a trigger pull sensor circuit. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull sensor circuit provides trigger pull data allowing monitoring of the actual two-dimensional trigger pull path taken by the trigger during the trigger pull. The trigger pull path is graft on a predetermined map together with boundary lines representing a predetermined difference threshold from ideal trigger pull data. The system provides a way to monitor trigger pull path to determine whether the trigger has been pulled laterally and/or the firearm body has moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the firearm body during the trigger pull. By repeatedly monitoring trigger pulls using the system, a user can train to improve trigger pull technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8721460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy gun capable of transmitting a laser beam and/or an infrared (“IR”) beam of light for use in a game. The toy gun also has a detector for detecting a laser and IR signal. A controller within the gun tracks the number of shots fired, the type of light beam fired, the number of hits received by other guns, and permits the user to alternate between firing an IR beam or laser beam. The toy gun also has unique features available through the use of lasers, including detecting the distance to a target. The present invention further relates to an interactive electronic targeting system for use with a toy laser gun. The targeting system includes an electronic multi-colored backlit board with light detecting sensors positioned within the board. The targeting system is programmed with multiple interactive games for use with a toy gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 8674937
    Abstract: A pointing device includes a controller for pointing a position on a display surface by imaging an imaging objective such as two markers positioned with a predetermined interval therebetween in a vicinity of the display surface of a monitor. With the pointing device, a width of the display surface and the interval between the markers are obtained to determine an appropriate distance between the controller and the monitor. Further, a current distance between the controller and the monitor (markers) is calculated. Relation between the current distance and the appropriate distance is notified by such as image display or sound output. For example, an image indicating the appropriate distance and an adjustment image varying in size in conjunction with the current distance are displayed on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Aonuma, Kenji Matsutani
  • Patent number: 8622794
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electronic dart game using an internet communication network, which notifies users of various competitions and provides a method of participating in the various competitions using a plurality of electronic dart game apparatuses connected to an internet communication network without a separate homepage. A method of participating in a competition using a plurality of dart game apparatuses connected with a server through a network including inputting information on players who desire to participate in a competition and information on a competition in which players desire to participate, by using a dart game apparatus; transmitting information including player information and competition information to the server by the dart game apparatus; processing payment by registering that a competition entry fee corresponding to the competition information is paid, by the server; and registering a player as a player participating in the competition, by the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hong International Corp.
    Inventor: Sang Uk Hong
  • Patent number: 8529262
    Abstract: The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Conflict Kinetics LLC
    Inventor: Brian Stanley
  • Patent number: 8469824
    Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications and augmented reality with one or more players is provided. The device includes infrared transmitters and infrared receivers to facilitate omni-directional two-way communication between two or more devices and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger and a barrel portion. A mobile electronic device is used as an accessory to provide single player and multiplayer augmented reality game play and a user-interface including a display and a touch screen for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Farley, David Small
  • Patent number: 8409018
    Abstract: A game controller, a game machine, and a game system using the game controller is provided. The game controller manipulates a game program, and includes an energy harvesting unit to harvest motion of a user as energy when a game is played and an energy storing unit to store the energy harvested by using the energy harvesting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation
    Inventors: Byung-youn Song, Nag-eui Choi
  • Patent number: 8303421
    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 transmitters and two infrared receivers 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 transmitter transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and a first infrared receiver receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transmitter and second infrared receiver facilitate omni-directional two-way communications between two or more devices before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag allowing functions such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Farley, David Small
  • Patent number: 8109518
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects at a target, and more specifically, to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects in an attempt to attach the objects to a target that may be in motion, or to dislodge objects that are hanging from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Blagg, Janice E. Ritter, Stephen Pang Kwai Lau, Sammy Wai Nang Lam
  • Patent number: 8072950
    Abstract: A system for providing collaboration among a plurality of devices in a mobile ad hoc network is disclosed. The system consists of a module within each of the devices that is operable to perform login, synchronization, data loss recovery, and conflict avoidance and resolution functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoxin Fan, Nim K. Leung
  • Patent number: 7999694
    Abstract: An electronic sensor module for us in an interactive system, such as an interactive sports training device, for accurately detecting a projectile brought within close proximity of a target. The sensor module includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a housing such that the light sources are visible through a surface of the housing when activated. A plurality of sensors are also arranged in the housing for detecting the presence of a projectile. In one aspect, the sensors are arranged in a polar array about a center of housing with spaces between adjacent sensors, and with a light source positioned in each space between adjacent sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Mark Simonds, Mark Weber
  • Patent number: 7969413
    Abstract: A pointing device includes a controller for pointing a position on a display surface by imaging an imaging objective such as two markers positioned with a predetermined interval therebetween in a vicinity of the display surface of a monitor. With the pointing device, a width of the display surface and the interval between the markers are obtained to determine an appropriate distance between the controller and the monitor. Further, a current distance between the controller and the monitor (markers) is calculated. Relation between the current distance and the appropriate distance is notified by such as image display or sound output. For example, an image indicating the appropriate distance and an adjustment image varying in size in conjunction with the current distance are displayed on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Aonuma, Kenji Matsutani
  • Patent number: 7905761
    Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Nicholas Weiss, LaVonne Erick Strand, Joseph T. Moll, Vikas Kumar Sinha, Justin Discoe, David Vincent Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester, Frank William Winkler, Charles Stewart McCall, Jesse Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 7704119
    Abstract: A remote control game system comprises two or more game sets, each game set having one or more remote control vehicles and an associated control console. Each of the remote control vehicles comprises: a vehicle body; one or more offensive components mounted with the vehicle body; each of the offensive components operable to communicate at least one offensive signal; one or more sensors mounted with the vehicle body, each of the sensors operable to detect the offensive signal, and in response, to generate a hit signal; and one or more drive components. The drive components are (a) responsive to commands from the control console, to move the vehicle body and operate the offensive components, and (b) responsive to the hit signal to degrade operation of one or both of the vehicle body and offensive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Janet E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7677976
    Abstract: When a player character applies a damage to an attack target character on the basis of an attack action of the player character, it is determined whether the attack is a direct attack or a specific kind of attack different from the direct attack and defined in advance. A panic reaction term of a panic reaction is determined in the case where it is determined that the attack is the specific kind of attack. In the panic reaction, the attack target character becomes a state where the attack target character cannot attack the player character and defend oneself from an attack from the player character. The panic reaction is executed until the panic reaction term elapses. A privilege is applied to the player character in the case where it is determined that the attack target character suffers the direct attack during execution of the panic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Koichi Ishii, Satoshi Kitade, Yuuichi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7632187
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Farley, David Small
  • Patent number: 7628697
    Abstract: A game apparatus executes a game in which a player character is moved between different fields through a given traveling route according to an instruction input from a player. When the player character moves to a first area close to a door, a symbol “!” is displayed. When the character moves to a second area, a symbol set “!!” is displayed. In the second area, if unlocking conditions for the door are satisfied, a method of manipulation for opening the door is displayed. If the conditions are not satisfied, a method of manipulation for displaying a hint for opening the door is displayed. If the conditions for unlocking the door are satisfied, when the player performs the manipulation for opening the door, an action of the player character to open the door is displayed. Map data of the destination room is loaded into a temporary storage from a recording medium and then the player character moves to the opposite room through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventor: Motoharu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090286208
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for virtual shooting practice comprises a displayed shooting practice image including a target portion and a simulated gun. As the target portion of the image moves relative to the remainder thereof, the simulated gun is moved relative to the displayed image and relative to the moving target portion. Movement of the simulated gun is compared with the movement of the target portion of the displayed image resulting in a determination of whether a “shot” from the gun is a “hit” or a “miss”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald F. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7611412
    Abstract: A method for coordinate generation to be implemented using an orientation device includes the steps of: providing at least three reference marks on a target; aiming the orientation device at a target point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the orientation device is able to capture an image of the target that contains the reference marks; assigning absolute coordinates to the reference marks in the image captured by the orientation device; and determining relative coordinates of the target point in a coordinate space of the target with reference to the absolute coordinates assigned to the reference marks. An orientation device that performs the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsin Lin, Tzu-Yi Chao, Hsin-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 7585224
    Abstract: A game apparatus selects one of a plurality of characters as a selected character. The game apparatus also sets a position of a virtual camera in accordance with the position of the selected character and thus causes a display apparatus to display an image of a game space, and also causes the display apparatus to display a cursor for designating a predetermined position in the game space. When a predetermined operation by the player is performed in the state where one of the non-selected characters is designated by the cursor, the game apparatus sets the non-selected character designated by the cursor as a newly selected character. When the selected character is changed in a first change step, the position of the virtual camera is moved in accordance with the position of the newly selected character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tancred Dyke-Wells
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080188314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy gun capable of transmitting a laser beam and/or an infrared (“IR”) beam of light for use in a game. The toy gun also has a detector for detecting a laser and IR signal. A controller within the gun tracks the number of shots fired, the type of light beam fired, the number of hits received by other guns, and permits the user to alternate between firing an IR beam or laser beam. The toy gun also has unique features available through the use of lasers, including detecting the distance to a target. The present invention further relates to an interactive electronic targeting system for use with a toy laser gun. The targeting system includes an electronic multi-colored backlit board with light detecting sensors positioned within the board. The targeting system is programmed with multiple interactive games for use with a toy gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Rosenblum
  • Publication number: 20080125230
    Abstract: A novel device and method for playing a laser gun game in vehicles is disclosed. The novel device includes a laser gun, a vehicle having a motor, a receptor mounted on the vehicle to receive a laser gun laser, and an operatively connected to the motor of the vehicle to regulate the motor when the receptor is activated by a laser from the laser gun. The novel method includes the steps of firing the first laser gun at the receptor of the first vehicle to cause the motor in the first vehicle to increase speed; firing the first laser gun at the receptor of the second vehicle to cause the motor in the second vehicle to slow down; firing the second laser gun at the receptor of the second vehicle to cause the motor in the second vehicle to increase speed; firing the second laser gun at the receptor of the second vehicle to cause the motor in the first vehicle to slow down; and firing the first or second laser gun at receptors on a track to provide awards to the first or second player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry Rowe
  • Patent number: 7351061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Sr., Terry P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 7131887
    Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Joseph L. McGowan, Christopher N. Hall, David M. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 7033243
    Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: All Season Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Joseph Lee McGowan, Christopher N. Hall, David M. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 6975859
    Abstract: A remote target control system utilizes a telephone as an input device to enable remote control of targets. Preferably, the telephone is in the form of a cordless handset and a base unit so that the user can activate the remote control system from a substantial distance from the base unit of the telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Action Target, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Lambert, H. Addison Sovine
  • Patent number: 6960085
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 6949003
    Abstract: An amusement device has a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: All Season Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Joseph L. McGowan, Christopher N. Hall, David M. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 6926610
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignees: Namco Ltd., Tamura Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kobayashi, Nobutaka Kobayashi, Nobuaki Arai
  • Patent number: 6863532
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Franco Ambrosoli
  • Patent number: 6780014
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 6626762
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Namco, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhisa Yabushita, Kenichi Muramatsu, Masatoshi Takai, Hiroshi Fujita, Yasuhiro Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 6556204
    Abstract: An image processor is composed of a game device body, an operation panel and a display. The game device body is composed of a data processor 12 and a memory 12. The data processor realizes a hit determining circuit 112, an enemy control circuit 112, an enemy (object) set circuit 114, a cursor control circuit 114, an enemy retrieval circuit 116 and a camera control circuit 116 in accordance with corresponding programs used. When an object is displayed on the display, the cursor control circuit displays a cursor in accordance with predetermined processing performed on the basis of data on the coordinates of the object. The camera control circuit 116 performs a zoom-in display process for the object when the object is displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Katsunori Itai, Yu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020198055
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen M. Bull, Terese Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6463859
    Abstract: A riding type game machine system includes a vehicle movable along a path with a player riding therein and a plurality of game stages arranged along the path. At least one of the game stages is adapted to perform a contact type game having an input operation performed by the player touching a target. The contact type game is, for example, a target hitting game, which is a familiar game for the player compared with a non-contact type game such as a shooting game using infrared ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Namco Limited
    Inventors: Mamoru Ikezawa, Tetsuo Tsuchiya, Tatsuya Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6439576
    Abstract: A system for the accurate electronic detection and location of missiles, such as darts, is disclosed in which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through a dart board to signal receiving elements positioned on the side of the dart board opposite the target face and the change in electromagnetic signal is detected when a dart is embedded in one of the dart board target areas. The larger signal receiving elements of the dart board are divided into signal sensing portions which are electrically distinct from adjacent smaller signal receiving elements of the target and also the remainder of the total area of the larger signal receiving element, and the sensing portions are located adjacent the smaller signal receiving elements of the target to improve the accuracy and reliability of the electrical scoring of the darts which become embedded in or close to the smaller signal receiving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Merlin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Montague
  • Publication number: 20020107069
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukinobu Ishino