Abstract: A mobile character control system includes a platform, a character assembly, a control system, and a transportation assembly. The platform is configured to support an operator. The character assembly is engaged with the platform and includes actuatable features configured to simulate movement of a creature. The control system is configured to control activation of the actuatable features of the character assembly in response to signals received from control features controlled by the operator. The transportation assembly is configured to direct movement of the platform and to support the character assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a robotic system including one or more self-propelled motorized vehicles 120 (SPMV) whose motion is controlled in accordance with electronic image data acquired by one or more observing camera(s) 110 configured to image a scene including the SPMV 120. In some embodiments, the SPMV includes one or more on-board lights 124, and the SPMV is operated according to analyzing images acquired by the observing camera before and after an illumination transition of one or more of the point-lights. Some embodiments relate techniques to computer gaming and/or to stereoscopic image processing techniques.

Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.

Abstract: A device for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling racing vehicles on a preferably multi-lane racetrack, having at least one sensor unit which is arranged countersunk under the surface of a carriageway. The at least one sensor unit is mounted on a guide element which can be inserted into a receptacle space under the carriageway in the transverse direction with respect to the carriageway, from the lateral edge of the carriageway. In this context, cables, lines or the like can be pre-assembled in a complete state with the at least one sensor unit and can be inserted under the carriageway from the side together with the guide element, with the result that there is no need for any separate laying of cables or even for a cable connection once the sensor is in position.

Abstract: A vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors.

Abstract: The “Vehicle Tracking System and Game” integrates a GPS navigation system with invention specific hardware and software. A user installs a mobile unit on his race vehicle which features software allowing a processor connected to the electronics of the user's vehicle to communicate with an inertial navigation system which collects racing information, with a remote database which features software for various interactive real-time or virtual GPS Racing Games and processing the racing information of all users, and with a GPS system in real time. The mobile unit collects, processes, saves and transmits user specific racing information continuously throughout the game. This racing information is data of racing performance parameters specific to the game subscribed for by the user. The database processes and evaluates the received racing information, offsets this information with the users' basic input data and compares the information of all users.

Abstract: A toy car and a remote control regulate the speed of the car. A source of supplemental power selectively energizes the drive motor thereby to selectively permit the vehicle to move faster than the normal speed. A sensor measures the voltage to the vehicle motor. After stepping up the voltage to the drive motor, and detecting a drive motor current increase in excess of the capability of vehicle, the source of supplemental power is disabled. When a normal low voltage state is detected, the source of supplemental power in the vehicle is enabled whereby the motor supply voltage is permitted to increase above a normal low voltage state permitting more power to be provided to motor.

Abstract: A transmission brake release trigger is used to launch a drag car off the starting line. The transmission brake release trigger may allow a user to simply pull a trigger when they see the light to go, like shooting a gun, thus eliminating the reverse muscle motion needed for conventional systems. The transmission brake release trigger may result in more consistent reaction times for drag car drivers.

Abstract: A game system for reliably realizing synchronization of timings at which a common event in a plurality of game machines start. The game system includes a plan management server that measures lapse of system time common in the game system and with the time measurement, updates plan information indicative of remaining time until the system time reaches a process start stage at which a process for the common event starts. Each of the game machines includes an obtaining device to obtain the plan information from the plan management server, a stage determining device to determine whether the system time has reached the process start stage or not on the basis of laps of time of the system time measured in the game machine, and a process executing device to start a process for the common event when it is determined that the system time has reached the process start stage.

Abstract: A system and a process for determining the timing and position of contestants on a track. This system comprises at least one directional antenna in communication with at least one competitor communication device that can be coupled to each contestant. A remote base station, is in communication with the positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a contestant time as the contestant passes the projected field and also determines the position of the contestant in relation to an inside guide such as a rail. There is also a process which includes attaching at least one competitor communication device on at least one contestant, starting a race, and then recording the position and time for each contestant and transmitted from the competitor communication device to a remote base station.

Abstract: A toy with a launcher to rotate and launch an object is described. Attached within housing, the launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. An energy storing system is mounted inside the housing and drivingly connected with the launcher rotating system. The energy storing system is configured to store potential energy, where upon release, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to actuate the launcher rotating system. Thus, user may use the toy to rotate and launch an object from the toy.

Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.

Abstract: The entertainment system of the preferred embodiment comprises a first vehicle including a user interface adapted to accept a vehicle input from a first user. The first vehicle further includes an event sensor adapted to sense a first trigger event, and a processor connected to the user interface and to the event sensor and adapted to operate in the following modes: normal mode and simulation mode. In the normal mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based substantially on the vehicle input from the first user. In the simulation mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based on a modification of the vehicle input from the first user according to a first rule, which simulates a first physical event.

Abstract: A card game simulative of automobile track racing comprises a deck of cards having several categories of cards, including lap cards, offensive pit cards, defensive pit cards, sponsor cards, and a draft card, a die for determining a track condition for each round of play, and a method for keeping score to determine the order of finish for each player. The rules of the game closely simulate auto track racing with each player utilizing the cards in a strategic manner based upon certain track conditions and that approximates the strategic decisions an actual auto track racer makes during a race.

Abstract: The entertainment system of the preferred embodiment comprises a first vehicle including a user interface adapted to accept a vehicle input from a first user. The first vehicle further includes an event sensor adapted to sense a first trigger event, and a processor connected to the user interface and to the event sensor and adapted to operate in the following modes: normal mode and simulation mode. In the normal mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based substantially on the vehicle input from the first user. In the simulation mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based on a modification of the vehicle input from the first user according to a first rule, which simulates a first physical event.

Abstract: The systems and processes for handicapping a horse race using data from a past race disclosed herein enable a user to forecast the results of a horse race. The user or system selects a horse to handicap in an upcoming race, the handicapped race, and a comparable past race that the horse has run. The system then collects data from the past race and the handicapped race. After comparing data from the past race and the handicapped race, the system calculates a time adjustment to the final call time.

Abstract: A car racing system is disclosed. The car racing system includes an elongated racing surface. User controls interface with the racing surface. A first vehicle traverses the racing surface in one direction and a second vehicle traverses the racing surface in a second direction responsive to input from the user controls.

Abstract: A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and launch an object. The launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the receiving element disengages from the drive connection and launches the object. An interactive device is attached with the housing to increase stimulation and enjoyment. The interactive device operates in conjunction with spinning and launching the object from the toy such that it provides an output in response to a user imparting a rotary motion to the object. Non-limiting examples of such interactive devices include an electronic game, gauges, and a sound-producing mechanism.

Abstract: A computer controlled toy car racing game that can be played by a plurality of players. If less than a maximum number of players is present at the beginning of a race, a computer controller operates the remaining race cars such that each race includes all of the race cars. The racing game includes numerous sensors positioned above the racing course that relay control commands to each of the race cars. If a race car is computer controlled or computer assisted, the control commands are created by the computer controller. If the race car is controlled by a player, the control commands include information from a throttle and steering wheel used by the player. Upon completion of a race, the computer controller controls each of the race cars to bring the race cars back to a point on the race course near the start/finish line.

Abstract: A simulation module simulates events that may occur during a cautionary period based on, e.g., current relative position of vehicles, vehicle and driver attributes and current game statistics for vehicles, and compiles new statistics and attributes that are used in the resumed race. A full race simulation option and a partial race simulation option are also provided. For example, in a season mode, the simulation module simulates events that may occur during a race and compiles statistics that can be used later, e.g., in a later race, for season standings, etc. A complete race may be simulated, or a partial race may be simulated, for example, if a user desires to terminate a race before it is finished, using the compiled statistics, and a new set of statistics compiled to track the simulated race events. Real world statistics are imported and used in some aspects.

Abstract: A crawler driving apparatus and a game apparatus in which a storage battery mounted on a crawler is charged with electricity in a state that the crawler is adjacent to or not separated from a runway surface. In the crawler driving apparatus, the crawler 50 has a storage battery to self run by electric power of the storage battery, a charger 70 is disposed at a stand-by position of the crawler, and the storage battery is charged with electricity by the charger in a state that the crawler is not separated from a runway surface.

Abstract: A plurality of guide lines are provided on a lower traveling field. A first detector is provided with each self-propelled member to detect at least one of the guide lines optically or magnetically. A second detector is provided with each self-propelled member to output a displacement signal which indicates a displaced distance from a predetermined position. A travel controller is provided with each self-propelled member, and performs a feedback control such that the self-propelled member travels on the lower traveling field while tracing the at least one guide line. A plurality of miniature members, each associated with one self-propelled member are placed on a upper traveling field extending above the lower traveling field. The miniature members travel thereon in accordance with the traveling of the self-propelled members through magnetic force.

Abstract: The object is to provide a running toy which can be charged while the player plays with the toy by simplifying operation of charging the running toy and by providing a charging runway as one element of playing with the running toy. The present invention relates to a running toy comprising a running body and a runway, wherein said running body comprises a reception means for receiving outer operating information, a control means for control based on the information received by the reception means, a driving means for making wheels rotate by control signals from the control means, a condenser able to supply electric power to the driving means, and a connecting means connected to the condenser and charging the condenser from the outside of the running body, and wherein said runway comprises a power supply for supplying electric power and an electric power supply means connected with said power supply and adapted to come in contact with a connecting means of said running body and to supply electric power.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming system includes a mobile remote control vehicle. The mobile remote control vehicle communicates wirelessly with a control unit, and may be operated outside a line-of-sight (LOS) of the control unit.

Abstract: An improved dynamic illuminated display is disclosed comprising a plurality of display segments with each of the display segments having a multiplicity of illuminated display elements disposed thereon. A plurality of the plurality of display segments are interconnected to form a longitudinal extending array. A controller is connected to each of the multiplicity of illuminated display elements of the longitudinally extending array. An input is connected to the controller for providing an input signal to the controller for activating selected ones of the multiplicity of illuminated display elements in a desired sequence for providing a dynamic display to the longitudinally extending array. The improved dynamic illuminated display is suitable for use with amusement devices such as competitive games or the like.

Abstract: A race observation rail system for allowing close-up viewing of a race by the spectators. The race observation rail system includes a race track being disposed upon a ground; and also includes a rail assembly including support members being adapted to be disposed in the ground and also including an endless rail being mounted to the support members and being set up along and adjacent the race track; and further includes a pod assembly including a pod member being movably mounted upon the endless rail and having an assembly of viewing a race being run on the race track; and also includes a drive assembly for moving the pod member upon and along the endless rail.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.

Abstract: A toy vehicle slot track is formed from a plurality of interconnecting track segments. Each segment includes two opposing ends, each end having a pair of coupling projections intended to mate with corresponding coupling sockets on an interconnecting segment. Each end further includes at least one locking lug which in a first preferred embodiment mates with a corresponding locking tab or in a second preferred embodiment mates with a locking recess. The interconnecting track segments are thus releasably locked together by the coupling projections and coupling sockets, acting in combination with the locking lug and locking tab or recess. Each segment further includes a plurality of conductive strips partially embedded in each segment, extending between the opposing ends. At least one end portion of each one conducting strip extends beyond the end of the track segment, and is bent to wrap around the end portion of the track segment.

Abstract: A race course system using a plurality of low-profile straight and corner block units assembled over an existing support surface of concrete, pavement, dirt, or similar material. The block units are used to create inner and outer barriers for a race course formed therebetween in which race cars or boats may travel. The block unit includes an inner cavity, which may be selectively filled with water or sand to add weight. Each block unit is sufficiently wide so that they may be stood upon by track officials. The block units include tabs and tab receiving slots formed on opposite surfaces which enable adjacent block units to be interconnected. Each block unit may also include an optional post-receiving hole into which a post may be inserted to support safety netting for catching race cars that may jump the barrier and threaten to hit spectators. Also, each block unit may include an optional handle for easy portability.

Abstract: Toy robots are provided that act in concert with each other. A player issues high level team commands to a processor. The processor interprets the team command to derive individual low level commands for the toy robots. A transmitter transmits the low level commands to the toy robots, which then act in concert.

Abstract: A plurality of guide lines are provided on a lower traveling field. A first detector is provided with each self-propelled member to detect at least one of the guide lines optically or magnetically. A second detector is provided with each self-propelled member to output a displacement signal which indicates a displaced distance from a predetermined position. A travel controller is provided with each self-propelled member, and performs a feedback control such that the self-propelled member travels on the lower traveling field while tracing the at least one guide line. A plurality of miniature members, each associated with one self-propelled member are placed on a upper traveling field extending above the lower traveling field. The miniature members travel thereon in accordance with the traveling of the self-propelled members through magnetic force.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.

Abstract: A crawler driving apparatus and a game apparatus in which a storage battery mounted on a crawler is charged with electricity in a state that the crawler is adjacent to or not separated from a runway surface. In the crawler driving apparatus, the crawler 50 has a storage battery to self run by electric power of the storage battery, a charger 70 is disposed at a stand-by position of the crawler, and the storage battery is charged with electricity by the charger in a state that the crawler is not separated from a runway surface.

Abstract: Toy robots are provided that act in concert with each other. A player issues high level team commands to a processor. The processor interprets the team command to derive individual low level commands for the toy robots. A transmitter transmits the low level commands to the toy robots, which then act in concert.

Abstract: An entertainment attraction (100) comprises remote-controlled, telepresence vehicles (204) and an environment (200) for the vehicles to traverse. The environment includes a plurality of reconfigurable portions (206). A vehicle includes an identification device (208) for providing an identifier and a camera (210) for imaging its field of view. A driver console (102) corresponding to a vehicle includes a monitor (212) for displaying the imaged field of view of the camera and a control device (214) for providing a driver-initiated control signal. A control system (218) includes detectors (220) dispersed about the environment. A detector is configured to receive the identifier or to sense the vehicle or both. The control system composes the interactions among the vehicles, the driver console, and the reconfigurable portions according to the received identifier, the sensing of the vehicle, or the driver-initiated control signal or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A prize redemption game apparatus includes an elongated runway, an elastic abutment member at the second end of the runway, and a rollable object disposed for rolling travel along the runway between the first end and the second end. The playing is disposed within an enclosure to prevent player interference with the object. The rollable object is adapted to be initially propelled in one direction from a starting position toward the abutment member and if the object engages with the abutment member it is propelled in an opposite direction by a rebounding force of the abutment member. The rollable object adapted to stop rolling while moving in either direction at a final position along the runway between the first end and the second end. An electronic game controller determines the position of the stopped object and determines a winning value associated with the final position.

Abstract: A member (e.g. toy vehicle) is powered at first times and depowered at second times. The member includes a plurality of switches having first and second terminals defining open and closed states, the switches being normally open and actuatable to the closed state in a pattern defining the member's address. A vehicle battery provides an energizing voltage to the first terminals of the address switches. A vehicle microprocessor is operative in the vehicle depowered state with at least one of the address switches closed to open an additional switch, thereby preventing the battery voltage from being applied to the address switches in the vehicle. The microprocessor is operative, with the vehicle powered and with at least one of the address switches closed, to close the additional switch thereby providing for the introduction of the battery voltage to the addressing circuit for the vehicle and for the vehicle operation. Each address switch may form a circuit branch with an impedance (e.g.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus includes a wearable unit having a wearable housing configured for releasable attachment with a bodily part of a player. An inertia sensor affixed to the wearable housing detects oscillations imparted to the wearable housing and produces an output signal corresponding to each oscillatory movement. A counter, affixed to the wearable housing, counts each oscillatory movement imparted to the wearable housing.

Abstract: A traveling simulator capable of controlling in real time the movements of model traveling members, irrespective of a traveling speed of a carrier, is disclosed. The model traveling members, modeled after actual traveling objects, are placed moveably on a traveling plate, and the moveable carrier is disposed below the traveling plate. These model traveling members are tracted by the carrier via the attractive force between magnets provided on a lower surface of the traveling members and magnets provided on an upper surface of the carrier. The magnets on the side of the carrier and those, which are opposed to the magnets on the side of the model traveling members consist of magnets rotatable around vertical shafts. These magnets are provided on the sides of the model traveling members and carrier, two each respectively, so that each set of magnets are spaced from each other.

Abstract: A race game machine in which a race is conducted by competingly moving a plurality of movable objects along a running path. The machine includes: a parameter storage device which stores at least one parameter used to control movements of the movable objects; a target position calculation device which calculates target positions of the respective movable objects at intervals of a predetermined period in accordance with the parameter stored in the parameter storage device; and a movement control device which controllably moves the movable objects toward their target positions calculated by the target position calculation device. The machine can have an increased number of race developments, thus remaining interesting over a long term.

Abstract: An obstacle course for remotely controlled toy vehicles. A plurality of track circuits are arranged in tiered fashion upon a core support structure. Each track circuit has obstacles such as pits, rocks, and traps which must be negotiated to complete a challenge level. Upon successful completion of a particular challenge on one of these track circuits, the vehicle may advance to the next higher track circuit through an up ramp. There a new challenge in the form of different obstacles are presented. The obstacle course ends on a top face of the support structure which allows direct head-to-head confrontations to determine a winner should all vehicles in a competition successfully complete the obstacle portion of the course. Optional clock timers may set a time limit for completion of the course as a whole or any given level.

Abstract: A model car race track for guiding remote control cars traveling along a ground surface. The inventive device includes a plurality of straight members and elbow members which can be coupled together and laid upon a ground surface to form an enclosed track within which a remote control car can be navigated upon the ground surface. A jump, a lap counter, and an end ramp can be coupled with the straight and elbow members for incorporation into the track.

Abstract: A water activated rotatable column game system for fun and amusement and prizes is disclosed. The system comprises a game housing having an open rear face and open side faces and an enclosed top roof and an enclosed bottom floor and an open front face for the people to participate and observe the progress of the game. A plurality of rotatable columns and figurines are disposed within the game housing in an upstanding parallel orientation, each rotatable column being dedicated to travel rotatably from a start line to a finish bumper. A plurality of game consoles are disposed adjacent to the game housing and control the rotatable columns. A plurality of motor means are disposed in the game housing. Each motor means is electrically coupled to one rotatable column for moving the rotatable column.

Abstract: A chemically reactive racing game is provided on a sheet of suitable paper or other material, which sheet is provided with a series of equal length combustible tracks or paths thereon, connected to a single starting point. The paths are formed of a chemical having a relatively low combustibility, thus inhibiting the advance of combustion along the paths to provide a safe action and to prolong the game. The single starting point is provided with another chemical which is more highly combustible, and is capable of ignition solely by frictionally striking an abrasive article there across. The starting point provides sufficient heat to ignite the slow combustion process of the paths, with the player corresponding to the first path to be completely consumed, being the winner. The paths are preferably configured to terminate in a straight finish line which is perpendicular to the portions of the paths immediately adjacent thereto, whether the paths be straight or curved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a to a arcade amusement game in which contestants compete to be the first to shoot a given amount of water from a distant water gun into an replica urinal, while a simulated man is made to move back and forth in front of the bowl. The invention contains a means of tracking the amount of water entering the urinal replica.