Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling an output device, such as a display, of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a processor, first and second motion sensors, and the output device. The method includes receiving from the first motion sensor, first motion data representing movement of an external object relative to the portable electronic device. The method also includes receiving, from the second motion sensor, second motion data representing movement of the portable electronic device. Third motion is generated data based on the first and second motion data. The third motion data represents movement of the external object. The output device is then controlled based on the third motion data.

Abstract: A device for the interactive practice of gymnastics in association with an image and sound system constituting the gymnastics program to be followed by a user. The device includes a platform, a sensor system housed in the platform making it possible to detect the position of the obstacles around the platform, and a connecting system sending the signals coming from the platform sensors to a digital processing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems for advertisement of products or services within electronic games, such as brain fitness games, games of skill, or development games. In general, these methods and systems enable incorporation of advertisement images or videos as a background and/or as a major subject of the electronic games. In an example, the method may comprise receiving a user request to initiate the electronic game for a user, providing a graphical interface of the electronic game, and providing, within the graphical interface, one or more graphical objects representing the product. The graphical objects may constitute at least one subject of the electronic game or be a background image or video.

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.

Abstract: A music based video game provides an auxiliary palm input on an associated guitar shaped video game controller. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input is positioned near a strum input on a body of the guitar shaped video game controller, allowing for simultaneous operation of both the strum input and the auxiliary palm input with one hand. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input modifies audio outputs generated in the music based video game. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input triggers an alternate game mode, for example, a bonus mode, during video game play of the music based video game.

Abstract: A game device causes a display device to display an image in which plural marks correlated with step panels to be stepped on by a player move to reach a base line, and the game device, when a step panel is stepped on, classifies the degree of accuracy of this operation as one of plural classes based on a time at which a mark corresponding to this step panel reaches the base line, a time at which this step panel was stepped on, and plural thresholds. The game device counts the number of accurate operations, to cause the display device to display the number in a color corresponding to the lowest accurate operation class corresponding to the counted accurate operations.

Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for applying gamification techniques to process incidents. A gamification environment to process service incidents received at a service management computer system is developed based on skills of service incident processors who process service incidents and a respective level for each incident processor's skill. The gamification environment is provided to process service incidents received at the service management computer system from, for example, a customer organization. When a service incident is received, tasks to be performed to resolve the incident and one or more service incident processors who possess the skill at the level to perform the tasks are identified. The service incident is identified to the identified processors who resolve the incident. Once resolved, one or more of the identified incident processors are assigned a credit determined based on the service incident.

Abstract: To provide a game device capable of improving operability for a user when a player character of an opponent team holds a moving object in a sport game to be played by a user team and the opponent team. A first marker control unit (72d) controls the position of a marker player character selected from among the player characters of the user team, based on the position of a marking target player character selected from among the player characters of the opponent team and a predetermined position. A second marker control unit (72e) controls the position of the marker player character, based on the position of the marking target player character and the position of a moving object or the position of a player character holding the moving object. The marker control switching unit (72g) switches between the first marker control unit (72d) and the second marker control unit (72e), based on a result of determination as to whether or not a predetermined switching condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Individuals may be encouraged to perform athletic activity based on punishments or adverse effects that may be applied if the individual loses an athletic activity competition. For example, a user's device may be adversely affected by visual or functional effects configured to obscure or obstruct one or more functions of the user's device. The punishment or adverse effect might not be removed or deactivated until a user has completed a new competition without losing. In some arrangements, the user may be required to win in order to have the adverse effect removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates playing an electronic game using a group of game devices. A sequence of musical melody notes are generated forming a melody after all players have previously received on their game devices a recognition sequence of certain musical notes which form a portion of the musical melody notes. Stop signals on one or more of the game devices are then generated. Incrementally quantifying reaction time signals are generated relative to the playing of the last musical note corresponding to the recognition sequence for each game device. A score for each game device may be generated for each round in response to the reaction time signal.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an electronic board game. In use, a primary game (e.g. a card game) is played until one of the players presses an activation button. The other players attempt to quickly react and press their buttons. The faster they react, the more points the players earn. The initial activation of the timers can be done when that player perceives a predetermined event that occurred during the card game. The player may attempt to bluff the other players by pressing the button without having perceived the event but doing so risks the other players issuing a challenge. In certain embodiments, the cards are selected to help players learn basic skills, such as shapes, colors, or mathematical operations.

Abstract: A method for playing a game comprises outfitting at least two runners each with a locator device, accruing a number of running points to each runner for covering a predetermined distance within a game playing boundary and depleting a predetermined number of points from a runner who is ‘tagged’ by another runner in his/her proximity based on the locator device. The method also comprises awarding the depleted points to the other runner tagging the runner, wherein the number of points awarded for tagging a runner are greater than the number of points accrued for covering the predetermined distance to encourage tagging. The method additionally comprises awarding a predetermined number of points to a tagging runner who's rate of change in at least one of velocity and direction toward another runner in his/her proximity is greater than the other runner's respective rate of change in velocity and direction.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity. The electronic game apparatus may include a base unit with a game processor adapted to receive a plurality of input signals including an actuator signal and a plurality of directional signals. The game processor may be adapted to determine the game activity based upon the input signals and to transmit output signals representative of the game activity to a monitor device. The apparatus may also include a handle element extending transversely from the base unit in a substantially fixed position relative to the base unit, and may include an actuator that is configured to be manipulated in order to transmit the actuator signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a direction element, which may be movable in two dimensions relative to the base unit and adapted to transmit the directional signals, extending transversely from the base unit.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving at a computer device a plurality of stimulus signals generated by one or more gaming accessory devices of a gamer controlling a gaming application, generating a plurality of gaming stimulations based on the plurality of stimulus signals, generating a plurality of gaming action results from the gaming application responsive to the plurality of gaming stimulations, combining the plurality of gaming action results and the plurality of gaming stimulations to generate a plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer, and transmitting to a social network the plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer.

Abstract: The invention is an interactive wearable video game (1), in which one or more players interact with physical objects through physical actions/contact/physiological signals to control a video game. The apparatus includes a series of wireless electronic sensors (7 to 16) to be placed in the user's body/surrounding environment, detecting the user's input actions in real time—output result is visualized on a binocular see-through display glasses system (2). The invention allows for the players to move around by connecting with the physical space, and to use their full bodies to control the game, exercise and share interactions. It allows for the connection between both virtual and physical realities—mixed reality concept by augmenting the user's perceptions among the surrounding environment. Users can either communicate from maximum physical proximity through a Web connection. The invention is rechargeable by converting produced solar energy into electric energy.

Abstract: A platform apparatus that processes the execution results of one or more serious games, the platform apparatus comprising a data processing unit that receives output packets produced from each serious game in execution for measuring and developing a user's cognitive abilities and that generates game data from the output packets; an analysis processing unit that generates, based on the game data, analysis data for measuring the user's brain function; and a result display unit that displays the analysis data to the user through an UI (user interface), wherein the one or more serious game includes serious games for memory, for psycho-motor, for attention, for executive function, and for emotion.

Abstract: An exercise support device including an input which inputs player motion information from a reference position, and an instructing component which displays a motion evaluation mark on a screen, a motion instruction mark in a scrolling manner on the screen, a plurality of display patterns of a series of motion instruction marks in a distinguishable manner on the screen such that the display patterns include at least first and second display patterns, with the second display pattern having the motion instruction marks of the first display pattern and additional motion instruction marks, and instructs the player on a motion timing represented by the motion instruction mark so that the motion evaluation and instructions marks coincide. The exercise support device further includes an evaluating component which evaluates a player's motion based on a level of coincidence of the motion instruction and evaluation marks that correspond to the player's motion.

Abstract: An arcade type amusement game is disclosed having a housing with a playing field therein, the game further comprising a turntable and a counter rotating pointer. A pair of motors control the rotation and counter rotation of the turntable and pointer, initiated and stopped by player controls. The coincidence of the pointer over the turntable's sectors determine a reward for the player, modified by a quadrant of the playing field to which the pointer comes to rest.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on processor-based gaming apparatus including: providing a gaming apparatus of processor, video display and gaming input system; after a wager, the processor executes code to play a first wagering game and display images associated with the first wagering game on the video display; when the processor recognizes a predefined trigger outcome, bonus play of a second game different from the first wagering game begins; the processor identifies bonus points accumulated during bonus play distinct from any wagering credits; the processor displays at least two distinct bonus events of a first bonus event played on the first wagering game and a second bonus event played on the first wagering game. The first bonus event and the second bonus event being activated by the processor diminishing accumulated bonus points. An amount of bonus points needed to activate the first bonus event is different from an amount of points needed to activate the second bonus event.

Abstract: A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. The sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g., tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g., tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, apparatuses, programs, and systems for prompting a player to perform a series of dance moves. A player is prompted to perform a series of dance moves by providing a timeline comprising at least a first time interval associated with a first dance move, and a second time interval associated with a second dance move; displaying an icon representing the first dance move at a first location on the display for the duration of the first time interval; and displaying an icon representing the second dance move at the first location on the display for the duration of the second time interval, wherein the icon representing the first dance move includes one or more representations of a body and indicates on the one or more representations of the body at least one body part whose position is important during the performance of the first dance move.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an electromechanical hybrid game.

Abstract: In a game where a character is moved at a high speed to a goal along a path that is set in a virtual three-dimensional space, an operation mistake is better prevented in a movement operation of the character. A plurality of paths where the character moves are set in parallel in the virtual three-dimensional space. Game control means includes path information storing means for storing a coordinate position and a directional vector that are given to each point of a sequence of points arranged in each of the paths. Additionally, the position coordinate of the character moving in one of the paths is calculated based on the information stored in the path information storing means.

Abstract: Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus is connected to a server apparatus via a network. Active character information capable of specifying an active character is transmitted to the server apparatus. A movement instruction used to move the active character in a virtual space is inputted. Movement information is transmitted to the server apparatus in accordance with the movement instruction. Visible range information capable of specifying all of the player characters each existing in a visible range is received. A display device displays the visible range in which all of the player characters specified by the visible range information are arranged so that the player character that one player of the terminal apparatus causes to participate in the network game can be distinguished from other player character that another player causes to participate in the network game and so that the player can distinguish the active character from non-active characters.

Abstract: To provide a game device that allows a user to grasp a positional situation of a user character relatively easily in a game device for executing a game based on a position of the user character that moves in a game space according to an operation of the user. Position storage means (70a) stores the position of the user character that moves in the game space according to the operation of the user. Determination means (74) determines whether or not the position of the user character satisfies a positional condition regarding the position of the user character. Display control means (76) controls, based on a determination result obtained by the determination means (74), display-output related to a game character that is not being operated by the user.

Abstract: The invention includes methods, systems with an apparatus configured to perform particular functions, computer program products, and apparatuses that provide means for displaying a game cue for a guitar part and/or displaying a player's input. The expected and/or input performances are indicated on a display by creating a game cue or shape on the display, each having portions of varying magnitudes based on the relative differences between the notes or fingering of expected performance and/or inputted performance.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in a case that two or more players play a game in turn, when a game as to a certain player is ended, the CPU selects a player for a next game out of registered already-selected players who have already been selected to participate in the game or not-yet-selected players who have not yet been selected to participate in the game according to an instruction by the player. If the not-yet-selected player is selected as a player for the next game, the player is registered as an already-selected player.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for objectively determining tennis player rankings and rating levels for a broad range of tennis players, from novice amateurs to top-ranked professionals, on a single continuum are disclosed. Player-specific match outcome data stored in an electronic archive database are communicated to an electronic processing element that calculates player rankings and rating levels. Updated player-specific data is then communicated back to the electronic archive database for storage. The disclosed ranking and rating process evaluates each player's body of work, including the results of his/her most recent match.

Abstract: An image generation device includes a capture direction specifying section, a capture target specifying section, a marker placement control section that disposes a marker at the capture point, and an image generation section, the capture target specifying section determining whether or not the capture target is present in the capture direction, and specifying the capture target when the capture target is present, and the marker placement control section performing a depth value correction process that corrects the depth value of the capture point when a transition has occurred from a state in which the capture target is present to a state in which the capture target is not present.

Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.

Abstract: Methods for low-friction synchronous interaction in multiplayer online games are presented. In one method, a social grid with relationship information is accessed, and a first and a second game boards are executed for a first and a second user, respectively. The first and second boards are managed by the first and the second users, respectively, the social grid including a social link between the first and second users. An assistance request, generated in the second game board, is presented in the first game board. Upon detection of an acceptance of the request by the first user, an animation is generated in the second game board presenting an image sequence appearing as a first-user action in the second game board that completes at least one task associated with the request for assistance, where the action occurs without the first user accessing the second game board.

Abstract: A video game system is operable to receive user touch location information while a first user is holding a game controller and to determine a first user ID for the first user based upon the user touch location information. Thereafter, the video game system is operable to measure an instant acceleration of the game controller, to compare the instant acceleration to a first threshold value and to lock the game controller for use by the first user corresponding to the first user ID based on the comparison of the instant acceleration and the first threshold value.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.

Abstract: A balance board including a standing platform connected to a pivot ball. The standing platform provides an area for a subject to stand and can be moved by a set of deflector actuators. The deflector actuators can move the platform in both the lateral and vertical directions. A braking assembly is connected to the ball and the braking assembly increases or decreases rotation resistance to the ball. When resistance is increased to the ball, resistance to rotation for the platform is increased.

Abstract: A system and method for event outcome prediction may include a processor configured to receive via a user interface a user-selection of a subset of a plurality of listed statistical categories, and rank participants of the event based selectively on analysis of the statistical information concerning the selected subset of categories. The system may output the ranked list as a predicted outcome, and may further output a user interface via which to place a bet on the predicted outcome.

Abstract: Coin operated amusement device including a crane game, a game of chance, and a simulated slot machine in combination. The Amusement device also includes a credit card swipe component for accepting payment. The credit card swipe component can also accept and player cards commonly issued by casinos and other merchants for playing machines in their locations for payment and storing or crediting winnings. The amusement device also includes a thermal printer for generating and printing tickets for location/retailer specific coupons or other awards that can be used at the location, online, or with other merchants in a specific area.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for adjustment of game parameters based on users' performance are described. During play of a game a user's performance is monitored. It is then determined if the player's performance is within a desired range of performance, and game parameters are adjusted if the user's performance is outside the desired range. In a multi-player game, parameters can be adjusted differently for each of the players to make the overall game play more competitive.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: Described herein is a video game application that is executed on a first computing device, and related technologies for implementing the video game application. In the video game application, the user controls the direction of a simulated dart by tilting and/or otherwise moving a second computing device in different directions. The simulated dart traverses a terrain through conditions to hit a target displayed on the first computing device. To gain points in the video game application, the user must control the simulated dart to strike the target at certain locations.

Abstract: A game apparatus that includes a CPU and in which a plurality of players participate and play a game on a display screen displayed on a common display device. A display area is divided by the number of participating players, and the divided areas are allotted to each player. In addition, an evaluating value is set according to a superiority or inferiority situation of a play content of each player, a size of the divided areas are changed based on the evaluating value, and the display screen in correspondence with a change of the divided areas is generated and displayed. Furthermore, when there is a player who reaches game-over, the display area is re-divided by the number of remaining players.

Abstract: A system and method for processing motion-related sensor data for health application examines motion-related signal from a motion sensor located on a subject on a frame-by-frame basis to detect physical activities performed by the subject. For each frame, a detected activity is classified into a category of activities and performance parameters of the detected activity are estimated.

Abstract: A system and method provide a virtual game environment to users. The virtual game environment may enable the users to participate in a game within the virtual game environment. The game may be a turn-based game. A progress indicator may be included in views of the virtual game environment provided to the users that indicates an amount of time left in a present turn of a user in an enhanced manner. For example, the progress indicator may unobtrusively indicate an amount of time left in the present turn in a clear, distinctive manner.

Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional lighting element emits a light signal or pattern that can be sensed by an external sensor or camera to interpret one or more movements or gestures made using the input device.

Abstract: A game device (200) that evaluates an operation of a player that is performed in step with music sounds comprises a music storage unit (201), tempo information acquisition unit (241), and tempo announcement unit (202), and is configured as follows. The music storage unit (201) stores music that is to be played. The tempo information acquisition unit (241) acquires tempo information for the music. The tempo announcement unit (202), based on the acquired tempo information, announces a tempo of the music before the music is played.

Abstract: A capacitive input apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a mat and a probe. The mat has a dielectric layer sandwiched between a common conductive layer and a patterned conductive layer having a grid pattern containing plural conductive regions. Each conductive region is selectively coupled to a corresponding capacitance sensor that is responsive to a signal capacitively coupled to a corresponding one of the conductive regions. The probe can be worn on a user's feet and can change a capacitive coupling of the signal. A degree of the change of the signal varies with a degree of proximity of the probe to the corresponding one of the conductive regions. In the method, a capacitive coupling of the signal can be changed with the probe. Measurements collected from the capacitance sensor can provide input to a computer program based on values of one or more measurements.

Abstract: Technology is described for enabling social interaction during online gaming. In some examples, the technology can include receiving from a remote device a movement signal indicating an actual movement of a human sports player during a real sporting event in which the human sports player is participating; receiving from a local control device a control signal from a user, wherein the control signal indicates input to a simulation; comparing the received movement signal with the received control signal; computing based on the comparison a score to award to the user; and awarding the computed score to the user.

Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.

Abstract: A game device capable of enhancing excitement in operating a game character is provided. The game device includes a microprocessor configured to acquire an operation value input by a user, read a parameter condition corresponding to the operation value, read an ability parameter of a player character corresponding to the parameter condition, and control the player character based on a determination of whether the ability parameter satisfies the parameter condition.