Patents Assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
  • Patent number: 6629887
    Abstract: Provided is a game device using game tokens with a newly added element not found in conventional game devices. In the present token game device, the token game processing system and the video game processing system are linked. That is, the processing of the video game in the satellite unit (2) is commenced in accordance with whether or not a token hit the target (3). The processing contents of the video game are altered in accordance with the player's operation of the lever (23). Then, tokens are paid out to the player in accordance with the processing results of such video game. Therefore, the player is able to enjoy various operations, and provided is a game in which the player will not lose interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Mitsuru Todaiji, Susumu Murata, Makoto Tanaka, Katsumi Kobayashi, Tetsuya Hamada, Kazuhiro Hagino, Takashi Semuna
  • Publication number: 20030186741
    Abstract: A small screen which enables a player to easily grasp the situation of a game field as well as the positional relationship between the game objects is displayed on a game screen in a game device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hayashida, Atsushi Ueno, Taishi Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20030186740
    Abstract: To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31, it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31, the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Takeshi Goden, Shigeyuki Iwase, Kimio Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20030160783
    Abstract: The invention provides an image processing unit for a shooting game in which suitable images can be displayed according to a given situation, and in which more exciting and easy-to-manipulate images are displayed. Coordinate values for objects in three-dimensional virtual space are established on the basis of prerecorded object shape data, view point positions are established on the basis of distances x1 and x2 from predetermined objects defined in three-dimensional virtual space (for example, the positions are lower when the distance is shorter, and higher when the distance is longer), the coordinate values established as described above are received, and the coordinate values are converted to a visual field coordinate system as seen from the view points established in the manner described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SEGA ENTERPRISES, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Saikawa, Shinichi Ogasawara, Hirotsugu Kobayashi, Tetsuo Shinyu, Yuji Sugimori
  • Patent number: 6607443
    Abstract: Provides a game machine with exceptional interactivity capable of ascertaining players' psychological states from player's voices and actions. It is a game device for executing a prescribed game program in response to information input by players. Comprises a device for recognizing voices or actions made by players, and a processing board for ascertaining the condition of recognized voices and actions, and, for a given voice or given action, modifying the game device response processing operations to the voice or action in response to the condition of the voice or action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Tomoji Miyamoto, Yasushi Watanabe, Junichi Itonaga, Tomio Kikuchi, Muneoki Kamata
  • Patent number: 6603479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a picture processing device capable of realizing the detailed shape and pattern of a display object which is far away from a viewpoint and which attracts a game player's attention. For example, a display object (or player) in a soccer game is composed of a small number of polygons to be displayed on a CRT-type display, etc. when the display object is far away from the viewpoint (or camera position). However, even if the player is at a far position, the player will attract the game player's attention when a ball is passed to the player. If the number of polygons composing the player is small in such a situation, the game player will gain an unnatural impression. For example, assuming that a ball rolls to a certain player and this player obtains priority, a priority mark will be displayed above the player's head. Then, it is determined whether or not the player with the priority mark is close to a certain viewpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Satoshi Mifune, Masaki Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20030130031
    Abstract: Provided is a driving game, wherein players having various driving skills—from beginners to those advanced—may enjoy both aspects of amusement and simulation in consistency. The game device of the present invention moves an object in a virtual three-dimensional space pursuant to operations from a player and generates images of the moving state of such object. This game device is provided with an element for providing to a player a plurality of different movement modes upon moving the vehicle along a traveling line; an element for enabling a player to select a desired movement mode from such plurality of different movement modes; and an element for executing a vehicle-driving game relating to the driving mode selected by the player. Included in this plurality of driving modes are an assist mode in which auto-brake control is performed and a training mode in which various indications, such as the timing of the braking point, are given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshida, Takuji Masuda, Takanori Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030119587
    Abstract: In a simulation game machine for play on the basis of images of three-dimensionally constituted terrain features and characters which are represented as if viewed from a prescribed camera within s a virtual space, allows the viewing point to be shifted in three dimensions while looking over a stage, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Ohba, Kenichi Ono
  • Patent number: 6582308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device which allows character aspects to be changed continuously. The present device is capable of displaying a cursor point and a character in standard aspect on a screen, and by transforming and displaying character aspect in accordance with parameters for defining characters, moving the cursor point in line with movement commands from peripheral devices, and continuously changing the parameters which define the character in line with the movement of the cursor point, serves continuously to transform and display character aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Tatsuo Yamajiri, Satoshi Sakai, Manabu Kusunoki, Yukio Futatsugi, Kenichi Ikejiri
  • Patent number: 6579173
    Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed that retains a player's game score, regardless of whether the player is a skilled player or a beginner. The game apparatus performs ranking under circumstances that are fair to both skilled players and beginners. The game apparatus is premised on a fact that a most recent game score of a most recent player is always retained and, because the game apparatus is constituted so as to be fair to beginners and skilled players alike, in storing the most recent score a temporally oldest game score, having a ranking outside of a prestige ranking, is replaced by the most recent score. A ranking display in connection with the game apparatus is not biased toward the skilled player and can be enjoyed even by a beginner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventor: Jinichiro Okuda
  • Patent number: 6575836
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a game device comprising a body moving mechanism for rapidly moving a body in accordance with the game program development. In order to achieve such aim, the game device according to the present invention comprises a handle unit for operating the movements of a virtual vehicle in a game program, and controls the movements of such vehicle in correspondence with the operating signal from the handle unit. For these purposes, a movable body is supported by a fixed body in a freely tilting position. The pulley of the handle unit rolls along a belt when the rotation torque of the AC servomotor is high, and the rudder input from the steering wheel is directly communicated to the movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventor: Eiji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6572475
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a game device capable of accurately synchronizing the display of pictures with sounds. A game device for displaying a sound source object, which is virtually considered to be a sound source, on a screen and for producing a sound related to the sound source object from a built-in sound source is designed to obtain an audio parameter which defines a sound to be outputted from the sound source on the basis of a display parameter of an object, the display parameter determining the mode of displaying the sound source object as a picture, and to set the audio parameter at the sound source. As a result, the formation of pictures of the sound source object and the control of the sound source are performed in the same frame cycle for the display of pictures and, therefore, the display of pictures of the object is synchronized with the production of sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Teruo Okabe, Hiroshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6570569
    Abstract: A realistic image of buildings collapsing, as in a monster movie, is displayed. Each of the display blocks to be scattered after the collapse is previously set as collective movable display elements (1˜29), and objects (OBJ) simulating buildings and the like composed of display elements are structured and displayed. By separating the display elements, it is possible to create an image similar to concrete blocks after as actual collapse. Further realism is provided by changing the way the blocks fall upon a collapse of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Masanobu Tsukamoto, Makoto Hara, Masayoshi Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20030093639
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to implement, by a simple arrangement, means for making the same information recording medium function selectively as a product version or as a demo version, and to provide a method of information processing whereby illicit use by a third party can be prevented. In a method of information processing according to the present invention, game software (a CD ROM) on which a game program is stored is inserted into a game device (step A1), and the content of back-up memory is read (step A2). A determination is made as to whether or not license information is written in the back-up memory (step A3) and, if no license information is written therein, the game software is made to function as the demo version (step A8). If license information is written therein, license checking is performed (step A4) and, as a result of the checking, the game software is made to function as the product version or as the demo version (steps A6, A7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SEGA ENTERPRISES
    Inventor: Yusuke Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6558257
    Abstract: In order to realize the smooth display of a fielder's ball-catching movement, determination of a collision between a batted ball and a fence by an easy method, and an accurate hidden-face treatment for polygons which are located very close to each other, virtual area producing means 31 is provided to produce a collision area for collision determination at a position away from the picture of a ball for a predetermined distance, and determining means 32 is provided to determine at which position in the collision area a fielder is located. When it is determined that the fielder is located in the collision area, picture changing means 33 gradually changes the posture of the fielder from a waiting state to a ball-catching state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventor: Masaru Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6556204
    Abstract: An image processor is composed of a game device body, an operation panel and a display. The game device body is composed of a data processor 12 and a memory 12. The data processor realizes a hit determining circuit 112, an enemy control circuit 112, an enemy (object) set circuit 114, a cursor control circuit 114, an enemy retrieval circuit 116 and a camera control circuit 116 in accordance with corresponding programs used. When an object is displayed on the display, the cursor control circuit displays a cursor in accordance with predetermined processing performed on the basis of data on the coordinates of the object. The camera control circuit 116 performs a zoom-in display process for the object when the object is displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Katsunori Itai, Yu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6556215
    Abstract: Regarding polygons constituting objects, the purpose of the present invention is to prevent intersection of a polygon with other polygons without increasing the number of polygons, and to display compatible dynamic motions with reality. The solution is, corresponding vertexes of polygons constituting a first object, memorizing onto a recording means the condition regarding the position corresponding a second object, judging whether the vertexes of polygons constituting such first object satisfy such condition, and amending the position of the vertexes to satisfy the condition if it is judged that the condition is not satisfied. It is possible to display compatible dynamic motions with reality by making a condition that there is no intersection of polygons constituting a first object and polygons constituting a second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Norio Haga, Kazunori Ohyama, Kazunobu Satoh, Tetsuya Kaku
  • Publication number: 20030073492
    Abstract: An input device and game processing device for simulating an instrument such as a fishing rod, sword, bat, golf club, or the like, are provided, without mechanical constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises.
    Inventors: Kenji Tosaki, Atsunori Himoto, Akitoshi Oikawa, Hisamichi Sugahara
  • Patent number: 6549209
    Abstract: The object is to increase the efficiency of processing by conferring the residual image function on hardware and to provide an image processing device wherein processing is implemented at higher speed. In an image processing device equipped with an image memory and a control section that writes generated image data to the image memory, there is provided a blend circuit that reads image memory or image data from image memory and attenuates the read image data and that writes this together with newly generated image data into another image memory, thereby producing a residual image effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Mikio Shinohara, Seisuke Morioka
  • Patent number: 6542155
    Abstract: The present invention provides a picture processing device capable of realizing a detailed shape and pattern of a display object having a plurality of elements and located at a distance far from a viewpoint. The picture processing device changes the number of elements of the display object based on the distance between the viewpoint and the display object and it determines whether attributes of the display object have changed. The picture processing device determines whether attributes of the display object have changed based on whether the display object has become an object of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Satoshi Mifune, Masaki Yamashita