Coindence Detection Or Indication Means (e.g., Aim Detector, "hit" -indicator, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/53)
  • Patent number: 11517819
    Abstract: This application discloses a method and apparatus for selecting an accessory in a virtual environment. The method includes: displaying a first virtual environment interface; receiving a trigger operation on an accessory switching control; displaying a candidate accessory zone in a local peripheral region of the accessory switching control according to the trigger operation; receiving a selection operation on a target gun accessory in n gun accessories; and displaying a second virtual environment interface according to the selection operation. The accessory switching control is displayed superimposed on a picture. When the trigger operation on the accessory switching control is received, the candidate accessory zone is displayed in the peripheral region of the accessory switching control, and the n gun accessories of the same accessory type are displayed in the candidate accessory zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Meng Qiu, Weijian Cui, Jiaqi Pan, Shuting Zhang
  • Patent number: 9280704
    Abstract: During a pairing procedure between an electronic device and a host system, the host system may output audiovisual data that communicates wireless pairing information. The electronic device may detect the audiovisual data and determine the wireless pairing information by processing the audiovisual data that it detects. The wireless pairing information may facilitate pairing the electronic device to the host system in accordance with the short-range wireless communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Mark Ashby, Jonathan Bosley, Steve Pierce
  • 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: 8862431
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and retrieving positional information including a surface having a plurality of first elements and a plurality of second elements, a first detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of first elements, and a second detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of second elements. The detection elements may include pulse detection elements or current sensing circuits. The plurality of first elements and the plurality of second elements may include conductive and non-conductive threads, and the conductive threads may include piezoelectric crystals embedded within conductive plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Hodge
  • Patent number: 8814647
    Abstract: A gaming machine, system, and method including a game event in which a player aims at a target. In one embodiment, the game event includes a plurality of targets. The gaming device displays the plurality of targets to the player and enables the player to select one of the targets. The gaming device designates the player-selected target as the primary target for the game event. Based on the designated primary target, the gaming device identifies one or more of the other targets as secondary targets for the game event. The gaming device determines for each of the primary and secondary targets a probability that that target will be hit in the game event. The gaming device determines which of the targets is actually hit in the game event based on the probabilities associated with the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David M. Palmer, Michael N. Low
  • 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: 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: 8613672
    Abstract: A game system includes an image output device connected to a display device via wiring and a game apparatus capable of wirelessly communicating with the image output device. The game apparatus performs a game process and generates an image based on the game process. The generated image is transmitted to the image output device. The image output device receives the image transmitted by the game apparatus. The received image is outputted from the image output device to the display device and displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mae, Eizi Kawai, Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8608576
    Abstract: A lens accessory for a video game sensor device and a method of adjusting a sensing distance of a video game sensor device. A lens accessory for a video game sensor device includes a first lens configured to cover an infrared light emitter of the video game sensor device, a second lens configured to cover an infrared light receiver of the video game sensor device, and a body portion coupling the first lens and the second lens together, the body portion being removably attachable to the video game sensor device, and the first lens and the second lens having a magnification for adjusting a sensing distance of the video game sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Richard Young, Herschel Naghi
  • 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: 8348734
    Abstract: A game system moves a player character in a virtual game space in accordance with an operation by a player. Further, the player character's moving amount per predetermined unit time is detected at each predetermined time interval. A predetermined parameter (gage amount) value is calculated at each predetermined time interval based on the moving amount detected at each predetermined time interval. Also, the game system adds the predetermined parameter value calculated at each predetermined time interval for accumulation. In response to a predetermined operation performed by the player, the game system causes the player character to perform a predetermined motion (e.g., special shot) on a condition such that a value obtained as a result of the addition reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Shugo Takahashi, Haruki Kodera, Yusuke Sugimoto, Toru Takamatsu, Toshiharu Izuno
  • Patent number: 8348276
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Brennan Broadcast Group Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Warren Brennan
  • 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: 8206225
    Abstract: A reusable interdiction apparatus that makes use of a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual. A light source is disposed within the housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of the housing. A controller is used for controlling operation of the light source. A power source is disposed within the housing and used for powering the controller and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Voelker, Michael J. Vilcheck, David Greenwald
  • Patent number: 8123622
    Abstract: A lens accessory for a video game sensor device and a method of adjusting a sensing distance of a video game sensor device. A lens accessory for a video game sensor device includes a first lens configured to cover an infrared light emitter of the video game sensor device, a second lens configured to cover an infrared light receiver of the video game sensor device, and a body portion coupling the first lens and the second lens together, the body portion being removably attachable to the video game sensor device, and the first lens and the second lens having a magnification for adjusting a sensing distance of the video game sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Richard Young, Herschel Naghi
  • 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: 8021220
    Abstract: A shooting game apparatus includes an LCD for displaying a target and an operating button for a player to perform an operation for shooting the target. For example, an enemy character is switched between an ineffective state in which it is never damaged even if an attack hits it, and an effective state in which it is damaged if an attack hits it. Different images are displayed depending on whether the target is in the ineffective state or in the effective state. In a case where the target is in the effective state, when a player character enters into a state of being continuously damaged because it is positioned an area where it receives continuous damage, for example, the target is switched into the ineffective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Sakamoto, Katsuya Yamano
  • Patent number: 7985125
    Abstract: A dart game apparatus includes an image display body which displays an image of a target; a panel body, which has a plurality of holes each with a cross-sectional size substantially the same as that of an end of a soft dart, which is also formed, extending toward each hole, with an inclined surface in a ridge taken as a border between adjacent holes. A coordinate detecting body is disposed on a front surface of the panel body and detects coordinates of the position of the soft dart, the end of which is inserted into any of the plurality of holes. The coordinate detecting body has at least four rims, in which so as to correspond to the four rims two pairs of a light-emitting sensor section and a light-receiving sensor section for detecting light emitted by the light-emitting sensor section are provided respectively on the rims arranged face-to-face in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Sega Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha DARTSLIVE
    Inventors: Satoshi Kagami, Nao Takanashi
  • Patent number: 7846028
    Abstract: Interactive methods and apparatus for infrared (IR) shooting games between participants are disclosed. The infrared transmitting and receiving toy has an interface display, switches, and an IR device for transmitting and receiving first or second data between participants, including tag or hit information and special attack information in response to user actuation of one or more inputs. The information processor generates a hit or tag tally upon receiving first data from IR receiver, and generates an activity upon receiving second data including a video-game or puzzle style activity on the interface display. In a further embodiment, the information processor is capable of storing gameplay experience, and the information processor may alter gameplay capabilities based on the accumulated gameplay experience of many games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Small, Brian D. Farley, Wayne R. Park
  • Patent number: 7780535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively controlling the impact between a club head and a golf ball. A golf club head has a face with an actuator material or device mechanically coupled to influence face motion. The face actuation controls impact parameters, impact properties, or resulting ball parameters such as speed, direction and spin rates resulting from the impact event between the face of the club and the golf ball. Further, the apparatus has a control device for determining the actuation of the face. Several embodiments are presented for controlling parameters such as ball speed and direction. The invention can use energy derived from the ball impact, converted into electrical energy, and then reapplied in a controlled fashion to influence an aspect of the face, such as position, velocity, deformation, stiffness, vibration, motion, temperature, or other physical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Nesbitt W. Hagood, Jason Horodezky
  • 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: 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: 20090054162
    Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: NAMCO BANDAI GAMES INC.
    Inventors: Kazuo UTSUKI, Takashi SATSUKAWA, Takehiro SHIMIZU, Shigemasa SAITO, Kanji NAKANE
  • Patent number: 7453582
    Abstract: Positions of a plurality of objects in a space are detected. A position of reflected light of an object passing through an infrared screen is specified by analyzing an image obtained by selectively imaging the infrared rays. When the infrared screen is formed in front the display, reflected light is only caused just in front of the display. When the infrared rays are selectively imaged, a picture displayed with visible light is separated from reflected light in the infrared region, and only the reflected light can be imaged. A position of the reflected light on the display can be specified by a publicly known image analysis technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Yoshida, Tetsuya Ito, Masakatsu Watanabe, Satoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7404767
    Abstract: The gaming machine is constituted of a main body including a main display on which a game image is displayed and a sub display on which a portion of the game image is displayed in an enlarged manner, an aiming controller being configured to be movable over the main display and indicating an aiming position on the game image displayed on the main display, first display control means performing a display control of the game image on the main display, aiming position detection means detecting the aiming position on the game image indicated by the aiming controller, and second display control means performing an enlarged display control of a portion of the game image on the sub display such that the portion of the game image includes the aiming position detected by the aiming position detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aruze Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Hattori
  • Patent number: 7306523
    Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Jr., Adam Kislevitz, Steven R. Casino
  • Patent number: 6962532
    Abstract: In a laser gun, a signal generating unit generates an emission permission signal in response to a shooting permission signal. A laser beam bullet emitting unit emits a laser beam bullet based on the emission permission signal generated by the signal generating unit in response to an operation of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hasebe, Makoto Oki
  • 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: 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: 6814667
    Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Jr., Adam Kislevitz, Steven R. Casino
  • Patent number: 6811494
    Abstract: A shooting game machine includes a target unit in which targets are arranged at four stages. A token discharge device faces the target unit and is operable by a game player to discharge a token while selectively aiming at any of the plurality of targets. Display units are provided in correspondence with the respective targets for displaying scores corresponding to the targets, and a target processor sets the scores to be displayed on the display units. A jackpot appearing position/time determining processor sets a special high score on one of the display units which is selectively changed over time. Impact sensor units detect when the token hits the corresponding target, and a dispenser pays tickets out to the game player corresponding to the score on the display unit corresponding to the hit target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Tamura, Hirofumi Nagao, Satoshi Ueda, Nozomu Nonomura
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040087378
    Abstract: A shooting exercise allows multiple shooters to shoot laser beams simultaneously at a target with several receivers with a laser gun. First, each laser gun held by each shooter is tuned to a unique frequency. Second, the shooters simultaneously shoot laser beams at the target. Third, receivers on the target register target hits. Fourth, a hit signal is sent to a host by the receiver when a receiver is struck by a laser beam. Fifth, the host processes the hit signals and produces a result. Then, the results are displayed on a monitor to show the hits of each shooter. Finally, a speaker sends out a sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Poe Lang Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 6702292
    Abstract: A game ball system is presented including a ball, a means for position sensing for determining and producing information regarding the ball's position, an input device to receive user input, a processor connected with the means for position sensing and the input device to receive the information representing ball's position. The processor is also configured to receive the user input, and to process the information representing the ball's position and the user input according to a set of game rules to generate game output messages, which are outputted to the user via an output device in a user-understandable form. In operation, when a user tosses the ball upward, the processor receives a combination of user input and information about the ball's position, and processes them according to a set of game rules, providing feedback to the user regarding the game in the form of output messages from the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Gary S. Takowsky
  • Patent number: 6551189
    Abstract: The invention provides a simulated laser shooting system that includes a laser gun, HD monitor, video camera, collection card, master computer and sound apparatus. The system's features are in that it has reality scene, is both dynamic and static, and is rich and colorful. Players can fight an on-line battle by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Beijing Kangti Recreation Equipment Center
    Inventors: Shaoyuan Chen, Yue Zhang
  • 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: 6458034
    Abstract: To provide a game system which can lighten the burden imposed on a player and even the third person can enjoy, when a gun shooting game is played using a rifle equipped with a scope, a proximity sensor section (210) is provided on a gun device 200, for changing an image from a long-distance image to a short-distance image, using an image changing section (130) when it is judged that the player has come close to the proximity sensor section (210) and looks into the scope section (220), to thereby display the short-distance image on the display section (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Namco Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Aiki, Koji Kawashima
  • 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: 20020037771
    Abstract: A shooting game machine is provided with a target unit 30 in which targets are arranged at four stages, a token discharge device 20 provided at a position facing the target unit 30 and operable by a game player to discharge a token while selectively aiming at any of the plurality of targets, display units 317e provided in correspondence with the respective targets for displaying scores corresponding to the targets, a target processor 604 for setting the scores to be displayed on the display units 317e, a jackpot appearing position/time determining processor 603 for setting a special high score on one of the display units 317e selectively changed in time direction, impact sensor units 316 for detecting the hit of the token at the corresponding target, and a dispenser 40 for, when the token hits one of the targets, paying tickets corresponding to the score on the display unit 317e corresponding to the hit target out to the game player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Tamura, Hirofumi Nagao, Satoshi Ueda, Nozomu Nonomura
  • Patent number: 6323838
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: ACT Labs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bounchanh Thanasack, Minjie Shi, Kevin Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6315568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: LightShot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin, Michael D. Miles
  • Patent number: 6302796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Toymax Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lebensfeld, David Chu Ki Kwan, Frank Landi, Carmine Russo, John Ping Chan
  • Patent number: 6293869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Toymax Inc.
    Inventors: David Chu Ki Kwan, Sammy To
  • Patent number: 6283862
    Abstract: 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 predetermina
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignees: Rosch Geschaftsfuhrungs GmbH & Co., Virtual Laser Games KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 6279912
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for playing and method of controlling a computerized dart game of simulated tug-of-war. The method generates on a display a goal graphic, at least one player graphic, and at least one challenger graphic. The goal graphic typically includes a first side on which the player graphic is initially displayed and a second side on which the challenger graphic is initially displayed. The method monitors the segments in at least one electronic dart board for hits by darts and determines at least one offset value associated with a segment hit by a dart. The offset value may represent the sum of one or more hits by a player, the sum of one or more hits by a challenger, of the difference between one or more by a player and hits by a challenger. In a single player game, the method itself may generate a random challenger value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Martin, Timothy J. Ward
  • Patent number: 6220965
    Abstract: An amusement system has first and second paths extending through an amusement attraction. Vehicles moving along the paths have simulated weapons. Riders in the vehicles shoot at targets along the paths or on the vehicles. If sufficient points are accumulated, by hitting targets, or other events occur, the riders in the first vehicle can cause the movement of the second vehicle to change, for example, causing the second vehicle to spin, or to slow down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Universal City Studios Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Hanna, Jennifer K. Sauer, Philip D. Hettema
  • Patent number: 6217027
    Abstract: A computerized portable pneumatic target apparatus includes at least one target; a computer located at the firing point of a shooting range and connected by a first wireless radio frequency link to the at least one target for controlling operation of the at least one target; a shot detector located at the firing point and connected by either a second wireless radio frequency link or a wire to the computer; an air operated mechanism for raising and lowering the at least one target; a source of air pressure located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism; and a source of direct current located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism and the first wireless radio frequency link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: United States of America
    Inventors: Bruce E. Amrein, Thomas C. Fry, Richard N. Ware, Douglas J. Struve
  • Patent number: 6196844
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the integration of laser engagement systems such as the MITS and MILES laser systems with standard two dimensional silhouettes, thereby creating a silhouette which can be defeated by laser fire. A laser enhanced silhouette allows live fire target systems (infantry systems and armor systems) to be engaged and defeated with the use of MILES laser Code. The laser enhanced silhouette replaces the plywood or plastic live fire silhouette which is normally utilized on live fire target systems. By connecting the laser enhanced silhouette electronics to the live fire target system's hit sensor electrical connection, the live fire target system can be engaged by laser equipped weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michael S. Bradshaw, Allen D. Beets, Albert G. Corkery, III, Christopher B. Hickman