In A Game Requiring An Element Of A Participants Physical Skill Or Ability (e.g., Hand-eye Coordination, Reflex, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/7)
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Publication number: 20130184040Abstract: A server device according to the present invention is a server device that is configured to connect over a network to a plurality of user terminals that are used when users are playing a game, including: a storage section that stores a plurality of sets of replay information used for reproducing play images of the game played by the users with the user terminals; and a control section that, if a replay reproduction request is received from any one of the plurality of user terminals, extracts from the plurality of sets of replay information stored in the storage section a set of replay information conforming to a certain condition that defines a skill level of a user who played the game, the replay reproduction request requesting a reproduction of a play image of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventor: DeNA Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8485878Abstract: Methods of implementing geocaching games are provided in which information is provided regarding a location of a waypoint. Thereafter, it is confirmed that a player of the game physically arrived at the waypoint. After such confirmation has been obtained, the player may be awarded a virtual prize. Related geocaching games and computer program products are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey Aaron, John Ruckart
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Patent number: 8485900Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Capcom Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiro Taoka, Takaaki Yamanouchi
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Publication number: 20130178260Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: IGTInventor: IGT
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Patent number: 8475272Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Capcom Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiro Taoka, Takaaki Yamanouchi
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Publication number: 20130165196Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventor: BALLY GAMING, INC.
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Publication number: 20130157736Abstract: Generally, systems and methods for playing and managing electronic games via a mobile device. According to one aspect, users can be located at geographically distributed activity centers (e.g., bowling alleys, golf courses, etc.). Further aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to engaging in challenges with other mobile device users via a mobile software application, wherein the challenges are based on live, in-person activities. Specifically, a user of an embodiment of the present system is able to link scores, statistics, and other information corresponding to an in-person activity (or game) to a virtual environment, thus enabling the user to “play” against another user (often in a separate geographical location) based on the other user's actual, in-person activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: SPORTS CHALLENGE NETWORK, LLCInventor: Sports Challenge Network, LLC
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Patent number: 8465020Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle cube is generally described. The three-dimensional puzzle cube may include multiple blocks that are interconnected and movable, an output device, and a control unit that generates a control signal to the output device when the control unit determines that the blocks are arranged in a predetermined configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventors: Peng Dai, Hailong Wang
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Patent number: 8460108Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a gaming experience, e.g., an immersive gaming experience, in a networked environment are provided. Gaming experiences generated according to the methods provided herein transform a localized, networked environment into a “virtual game space”, thereby encouraging group and/or team play. Comprehensive assessments about nearby and/or common household devices, systems (e.g., lighting or sound systems), and/or other networked objects (e.g., clothing, furniture, fabric, etc.) are made and dynamically and intelligently woven into the fabric of the game itself. In this way, any networked device within the environment may be called upon to act as a game controller or input/output device, allowing game challenges to be expanded across a room, a home, and even a neighborhood. Methods for scaling a gaming experience uniquely to each environment, depending on the availability and capabilities of networked devices, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
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Patent number: 8460077Abstract: A two-Player game comprising the steps of first determining whether or not a Player is Pressing his or her Actuator, and if so, changing the state of the Indicator(s) to show the first Player is Pressing. Second determining whether or not the opposing Player presses while the first Player is pressing, and, if so, awarding a point to the opposing Player and adding it to Memory. Third, after a point is scored, comparing the scoring Player's cumulative score stored in Memory with a predetermined number of points necessary to win. If the scoring Player has not reached the predetermined number of points necessary to win, Indicating a point scored and resuming the game. If the scoring Player has reached the predetermined number of points necessary to win, Indicating that the scoring Player has won.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Inventor: William Glenn Wardlow
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Patent number: 8454417Abstract: The present invention includes a scent-based board game to challenge the olfactory sense of the player, and a method of play thereof, further including a game board having a start space, an end space and a set of spaces positioned between the start and end space; a scented card having a scent, the identity of the scent and an order; and positional markers. The players progress along the game path by following instructions on the game spaces, identifying the correct scent on the scented cards, and avoiding obstacles. The first player to arrive to the end space is declared as winner.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Unknown Games, LLCInventors: Dale Ian Harris, Russell Pinto
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Patent number: 8454418Abstract: Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. A plurality of frets can be disposed on a fingerboard and underlying the strings. The frets may include electrically conductive zones that can be electrically insulated from each other, and each zone corresponds to a different string. A polyphonic pickup having a plurality of wire-wound coils coupled to corresponding magnetic returns can be included, and can be adapted to detect striking of at least one of the strings by a user of the game controller. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: 745 LLCInventors: Bernard Chiu, Stephen Paul Webster, Paul Fransoza, Andrea Gaiter, Wendy Mittelstadt, Ilissa Schild, Craig Small, Gabriel Viani, David Yiu
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Patent number: 8454439Abstract: Provided is a game device, which is capable of preventing a subject to be operated from performing an action that is not intended by a player. A game device (10) executes a game configured so that at least one of a subject to be operated by a player and an object or a character moves within a game space. Numerical value information acquiring means (51) acquires numerical value information corresponding to a motion of the player. Control means (52) causes the subject to be operated to perform an action corresponding to a case where a positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character is a first positional relationship in a case where the numerical value information satisfies a condition. Condition changing means (55) changes the above-mentioned condition based on the positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taku Otani, Yutaka Nishino
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Patent number: 8449360Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying song lyrics and vocal cues in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in communication with a game platform, a vocal cue. The vocal cue moves on the display in synchronization with a timing component of a musical composition towards a target marker. Lyrics are also displayed, but instead of moving with the movement of the vocal cue the lyrics are displayed in a fixed position. The lyrics maintain their position until the vocal cue has moved to a particular position with respect to the target marker.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Forrest Stoddard, Christopher Joseph Foster, Sylvain Dubrofsky
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Publication number: 20130130761Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Kazuha Hayashi, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Tetsuhiro Honjo, Aoi Tagami, Takayuki Ishikawa, Hidenori Kotera, Yuki Sato, Yuma Miyazaki, Eriko Motohashi
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Patent number: 8444486Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kay, Greg LoPiccolo, Daniel Schmidt, Alexander Rigopulos
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Patent number: 8444487Abstract: Provided is a game device capable of preventing a subject to be operated from performing an action that is not intended by a player. The game device (10) executes a game configured such that at least one of the subject to be operated by the player and a plurality of objects or characters moves within a game space. Numerical value information acquiring means (51) acquires numerical value information corresponding to a motion of the player. Control means (52) causes the subject to be operated to perform an action for dealing with a first object or a first character in a case where the numerical value information satisfies a condition. Condition changing means (55) changes the condition based on a position of at least one of the subject to be operated and the object or the character.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Taku Otani
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Patent number: 8444464Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew C. Boch, Kasson D. Crooker, Dean N. Tate, Adam Carriuolo, Isaac Adams, Eitan Glinert
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Publication number: 20130122978Abstract: A plurality of linked gaming machines are disclosed that enhance the community participation and enjoyment of a game on multiple gaming machines. Players participate in an interactive game, either simultaneously, alternatively or in a systematic sequence, as a group or community. The participating players compete in the game such that the actions and results of each player affect the other players in the community. The interactive game combines skill and luck to improve play of the game. The interactive game could be a bonus game which players need to qualify in order to participate. If a player does not qualify, a wager can be placed to participate in the game. Players with different wagers can participate in the same game and players can wager on the outcomes of other players.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: CASE VENTURE MANAGEMENT, LLCInventors: Scott D. Slomiany, Lawrence E. DeMar, Duncan F. Brown, Steven Jay Katz
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Patent number: 8439733Abstract: Band members use their own performance during a song to reinstate a band member who has failed during the course of the song. Once a band member has failed, options are given to other members of the band who have achieved a predetermined bonus or performance level to save the fallen band member. Once saved, the failed member returns to normal play of the song. In this manner, failure still has the consequence of removing a player from a song at least temporarily, and perhaps permanently if bandmates are unable or unwilling to save the fallen member. However, by providing the option of reinstatement, band members can prevent their friends from long stretches of inactivity following a failure. This may have the added benefit of encouraging band members to perform strongly in order to be able to save their friends.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kay, Daniel Teasdale, Chris Foster, Dan Schmidt
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Patent number: 8439753Abstract: An operating apparatus for game machine includes a depressing member, and a main body of the depressing member is provided with three engaging protrusions and two depressing protrusions that downwardly protrude. For example, the two depressing protrusions are provided between the three engaging protrusions. In response to a beating operation by a player, the right side of the depressing member is depressed, and then, an engaging portion of the engaging protrusion at the left side is engaged with a rear surface of an upper surface panel. Accordingly, the depressing member is sure to be depressed at the right side without being upwardly actuated, and a rubber switch depressed by the depressing protrusion is brought into contact with a board. At this time, a contact provided on the board and a contact provided on the rubber switch are brought into contact with each other, and an operation signal according to the beating operation is output to the game machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd, Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai Namco GamesInventors: Noboru Wakitani, Junji Takamoto, Takeshi Nagareda, Kuniaki Ito, Hideo Nagata, Hiroshi Igarashi, Akio Onda
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Publication number: 20130116020Abstract: 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. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventor: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
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Patent number: 8430735Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: IGTInventor: Michael Oberberger
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Publication number: 20130102371Abstract: A gaming system installable in a urinal or toilet in which a removably attached pressure and location sensor assembly can be wirelessly coupled to a data server. The data server can include a user interface allowing the user to initiate a gaming session, such as through a touch screen monitor positioned above or nearby the urinal. The data server can collect and store data from the pressure and location sensor. The data server can be coupled to a plurality of touch screen monitors and pressure and location sensor assemblies for providing a multi-user gaming environment. Collected and processed data can be presented in real time on the touch screen monitors and can be stored in a database.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Christopher Anthony Silva
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Patent number: 8425295Abstract: A method of rating the intensity of game play of a video game based on energy expenditure of a user playing the video game including the steps of selecting the video game, determining whether the video game requires the user to expend energy in excess of resting energy rate, testing the video game by having a plurality of users play the video game, measuring energy expenditure of the plurality of users, calculating energy expenditure of each of the plurality of users, calculating an average energy expenditure of the plurality of users and categorizing the video game based on the average energy expenditure as low intensity, moderate intensity or high intensity.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Paul Angelos Ballas
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Publication number: 20130095900Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a game controller arranged to generate a skill outcome in response to an input from a player and that is at least partially dependent on a skill of the player. The game controller is arranged to generate an artificial outcome that is controlled by the game controller. The gaming system also includes a game outcome controller arranged to generate a game outcome based on a criterion such that, if the criterion is met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome and, if the criterion is not met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by the other one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome. A reward allocator is arranged to allocate a reward that is at least partially dependent on the game outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventor: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
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Patent number: 8419536Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kay, Greg LoPiccolo, Daniel Schmidt, Alexander Rigopulos
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Patent number: 8419516Abstract: A game system guides operation timing of the operating section through a monitor by displaying an operation instructing indicator corresponding to the respective operation timings and an operation reference indicator corresponding to the current time in temporal order along a predetermined path on the game, and producing a relative displacement, which is along the predetermined path and is according to the progression of the time on the game, between the operation reference indicator and the operation instructing indicator in order that the operation instructing indicator agrees with the operation reference indicator at the operation timing that should be indicated by the operation instructing indicator, and changes at least either one of a starting position and a reaching position of the predetermined path.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Masuda, Yoshito Fukuda, Naoko Matsumoto, Masanori Kono
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Patent number: 8419538Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a game screen is displayed on the LCD. A touch panel is provided on the LCD. The game screen presents a marker image so as to be variable in position in time with performance of music, and also presents a timer circle image for indicating touch timing for the marker image. A player needs to touch a marker image to be touched with precise timing, listening to the music or watching the timer circle image. The player's touch is evaluated on the basis of the touch timing and the touch position. If the touch is evaluated as a failure, the game screen is shaken.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Mashimo, Shinya Saito, Keiichi Yano, Norihide Okada
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Patent number: 8414393Abstract: Provided is a game device which executes a game configured such that a position of a body part of a player is detected, including: a first determination unit for determining whether or not a reference position and a player position information acquired at a first determination time point, which is earlier than a reference time point, satisfy a first criterion; a second determination unit for determining whether or not the reference position and the player position information acquired at a second determination time point, which is later than the first determination time point, satisfy a second criterion; a first processing execution unit for performing processing relating to effects on the game based on a determination result from the first determination unit; and a second processing execution unit for performing processing relating to evaluation of the player based on a determination result from the second determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Tarama, Naohiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8414369Abstract: A music game method includes retrieving song data having note information from a storage medium coupled to a computer system. The method also includes determining from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and determining from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. The leader provides information related to the second note indicator. A music game system includes a song manager module configured to retrieve song data having note information from a storage medium, and a user interface module configured to determine from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and to determine from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. Each note indicator is related to corresponding note information. The first and second note indicators are adjacent to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: 745 LLCInventors: Bernard Chiu, Mark Izen, Matthew Sughrue, Jack Davis, Mikhail Chekmarev, Mashi Hasu, Leonard Eusebi
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Patent number: 8408999Abstract: A game apparatus displaying on a screen moves to be made by the player in time with reproduction of a piece of music is provided. In the game apparatus, a reproduction part reproduces music stored in a storage. The music to be reproduced is divided into multiple segments of the same length of time and an image is associated with each of the multiple segments, presenting moves to be made by the player while that segment is reproduced. Multiple regions are provided on the screen. The display part displays an image stored in the storage and associated with a segment i+j?1 among the multiple segments in a region j among the multiple regions on the screen while a segment i among the multiple segments is reproduced by the reproduction part.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuichi Asami
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Patent number: 8408982Abstract: A method in a video gaming system including a processor, a memory and a sensor system for capturing body motion is described. In one embodiment, the body motion can be associated with a person pretending to hit or launch an object, such as an object used in a sporting activity. In general, body motion can be associated with any activity involving similar body motions that are repeated during the activity. In a video game generated by the video gaming system, a consistency with which the repeated body motions are made over time can be used to determine an outcome for a single instance of the body motion. In a particular embodiment, a probability of a more desirable outcome resulting from the single instance of the body motion can increase as the consistency with which the repeated body motions are made increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.Inventors: Alan W. Marty, John Carter
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Publication number: 20130079074Abstract: An electronic hand held capture-the-light game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a controller, eleven light sources in a linear display and two oppositely disposed movable handles. One of the handles activates a compression switch when the handles are pressed together. The controller is programmed to include a series of games to be played on the apparatus that become progressively more difficult. The games provide that the light sources are momentarily illuminated in a predetermined sequence at a predetermined tempo, and object of the game for a player is to activate the compression switch when one of three light sources in a capture zone is illuminated. If successful, the player earns a reward, if not, the player loses one of a limited number of chances to continue the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Dan KLITSNER, Hakan Diniz
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Publication number: 20130079076Abstract: In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: IGTInventor: IGT
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Publication number: 20130079075Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for creating a crew to participate in a mission challenge in an online game includes identifying quests to complete the mission challenge. Each quest includes a plurality of tasks and each task includes a plurality of subtasks. A request feed is sent to members of a social graph of a user requesting the members to join the crew and to participate in completing the subtasks of the challenge. Skill set associated with each member of the social graph responding to the request feed is determined and matched with the skill set required for completing each subtask. A distinct subtask is delegated to each member based on the match. Each crew member's progression in completing the challenge is monitored and managed based on the progression made in the delegated subtask. Status of the challenge is updated and shared with the members of the crew.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Publication number: 20130079072Abstract: In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: IGTInventor: IGT
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Publication number: 20130072271Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: WINVIEW, INC.Inventor: Winview, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130072270Abstract: A system for coding beatbox expressions. An expression including a series of elements that each represents a unique beatbox sound. Each element has an alphabetic portion relating to the enunciation of the element and a graphical portion relating to the musical category which the beatbox sound should imitate. An electronic game or teaching tool wherein a beatbox expression is visually displayed on a screen and the user provides input in the form of the beatbox sounds represented in the expression into a microphone. Using a CPU and custom software, feedback is provided regarding the quality of the user's performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Lucas MAJCHROWICZ
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Publication number: 20130072269Abstract: A trampoline game has a trampoline with a trampoline frame and a trampoline bed. The trampoline bed is connected to the trampoline frame by a plurality of springs. A gun has an infrared emitter emitting an infrared signal. A target has one or more infrared receivers capable of receiving a signal from the infrared emitter of the gun. A second gun also has an infrared emitter emitting an infrared signal, and the target is capable of receiving an infrared signal from the second gun. A bounce sensor can be used for sensing user bounces. The bounce sensor outputs data which could be sent to a microprocessor. Defined game parameters may be stored in memory programmed into a microprocessor that receives data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Samuel Chen
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Publication number: 20130065656Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Ubisoft Entertainment, S.A.Inventor: Jakob Parks
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Patent number: 8393944Abstract: An automatic algorithm for finding racing lines via computerized minimization of a measure of the curvature of a racing line is derived. Maximum sustainable speed of a car on a track is shown to be inversely proportional to the curvature of the line it is attempting to follow. Low curvature allows for higher speed given that a car has some maximum lateral traction when cornering. The racing line can also be constrained, or “pinned,” at arbitrary points on the track. Pinning may be performed randomly, deterministically, or manually and allows, for example, a line designer to pin the line at any chosen points on the track, such that when the automatic algorithm is run, it will produce the smoothest line that still passes through all the specified pins.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael E. Tipping, Mark Andrew Hatton, Ralf Herbrich
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Publication number: 20130059632Abstract: A system for indicating to a user a clear shot along a projectile trajectory to a target wherein one of the trajectory path indicators indicates a height of the projectile trajectory at a predetermined intermediate range to the target whereby the user is informed regarding whether or not an obstacle is in the projectile trajectory. The system facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The system may indicate a calibrated aiming point, which is the maximum height of the projectile trajectory. Enhanced rangefinders have digital cameras and high-resolution displays. Some embodiments include a weapon scope, a simulation game device, and a mobile smart phone. A method of using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Kendyl A. Román, John Livacich
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Patent number: 8388425Abstract: A game device (2) executes a video game in which a hammer image (52) displayed on a display device (4) is moved based on an operational signal. The hammer image (52) corresponds to a controller (3), and the operational signal indicates acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor (21) embedded in the controller (3). Additionally, the game device (2) includes an operation-target object control section (32). The operation-target object control section (32) displays an enlarged hammer image (52?) instead of the hammer image (52) when at least either of the acceleration indicated by the operational signal or moving speed of the controller (3) computed based on the acceleration falls within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Kamiya
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Publication number: 20130053114Abstract: A game machine in which a reference mark moving from a start position to an arrival position along a predetermined path is displayed on a game screen, wherein the game machine rotates the predetermined path on a predetermined rotation axis during a game based on a predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitaka NISHIMURA, Tetsuhiro HONJO, Aoi TAGAMI, Kazuha HAYASHI
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Patent number: 8384719Abstract: Mechanisms for accessorizing avatars with animated items. Avatars may be accessorized by items that have animations that are item specific, or they may be accessorized by items that apply to the entire body of the avatars. In addition, such item accessories may apply to avatars across different game titles and they may be added during the execution of a game, whether using a user interface or the game itself (e.g. receiving accessories for achieving certain milestones in a game). Such accessories may also be obtained from remote sources as packages, and then applied locally to avatars.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Brendan K. Reville, Stacey Law, Derek Smith
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Publication number: 20130045783Abstract: Disclosed is a game system provided with a monitor for displaying and outputting a game screen, a touch panel overlaid upon the monitor, and an external storage device for storing sequence data wherein operation periods of the touch panel during a game and information specifying any of a plurality of objects are associated and described. In addition, the game system displays, upon the monitor, a game area around which two operation reference units have been set and moves the plurality of objects for designating operation for each of the operation reference units between the operation reference units while displaying the plurality of objects, and if a specific condition has been satisfied, moves and displays each of objects so that the following object overtakes the leading object.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Masahiro Kiyomoto, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Shota Katagiri
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Patent number: 8376852Abstract: An electronic sensing device includes a blanket, at least a sensor unit, and a display unit. The blanket has a circuit unit thereon and a plurality of couplers electrically connected to the circuit unit. The sensor unit is detachably fastened to the blanket and electrically connected to the couplers. The sensor unit has an impact surface. The display unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit of the blanket to show a message when the impact surface of the sensor unit receives an external force.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sport-Ace International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eddie Kao
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Publication number: 20130040714Abstract: A virtual activity is facilitated by receiving collected data related to a non-virtual, real-world physical activity performed by a user, evaluating the collected data to determine what benefit the user has earned by performing physical activity, and providing a benefit to the user that enables the user to virtually build or reconstruct something in a virtual world. In some embodiments, the user is enabled to virtually reconstruct a real-world location at which the physical activity was performed by unlocking a feature of that location within the virtual world. In other embodiments, the user is enabled to virtually build a fictional location by unlocking the ability to add a feature to that location within the virtual world.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: G-Tracking, LLCInventor: Howard S. Rosing
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Patent number: 8371915Abstract: A target speed profile for a specified racer is computed at various points along a track. The calculation is based on the real world physics of the racing environment and incorporates physical characteristics of the track, including curvature, undulation, and/or camber. A lateral acceleration component is developed to limit the realistic maximum speed a racer may obtain at any given point along the track. Furthermore, differences in realistic maximum speeds at different points along the track can overwhelm a racer's braking capability. As such, braking capacity adjustments can be applied to decrease the maximum speed in the target speed profile, so that the overall target speed profile is more realistic and attainable.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael E. Tipping, Mark Andrew Hatton