Patents Assigned to Sega Enterprises
  • Game apparatus and method of replaying game
    Patent number: 6231443
    Abstract: A game apparatus and a method of replaying a game display a moving entity which moves in a given area on a display screen. The game apparatus has a memory for storing, for a predetermined period of time, absolute coordinates in the predetermined area of a moving entity which moves in the predetermined area in response to a control signal entered by an operator while a game is in progress, and a display data generating unit or reading the absolute coordinates from the memory in response to a replay request from the operator and processing the absolute coordinates into display data depending on processing information supplied from an input unit by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Asai, Takayuki Yanagihori
  • Computer game apparatus
    Patent number: 6231440
    Abstract: There is provided a computer game apparatus for executing a game in which a character moves through virtual space displayed on a predetermined display by a operation of a operating unit, comprising: a memory storing a game program having movement modes of the character in accordance with distance between the character and another character within the virtual space; and a controller executing the game program and controlling the movements of the character according to the movements modes. By way of example, a first movement mode of the character when the distance between the two characters is within a predetermined distance is set in the game program, and this first movement mode is, for instance, one of the characters moving at high speed in an arc around the other character with a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Yamashita
  • Image processing device, image processing method and recording medium
    Publication number: 20010000779
    Abstract: In an image processing device composed such that it can display a prescribed object whilst changing the shape of said object, there are provided: a first memory for recording information for first polygons 201 which form said object, and a second memory for recording information for second polygons 202, which form said object and are linked to said first polygons; and when the shape of said object is changed, the shapes of said second polygons are changed such that no gaps are produced between said first polygons 201 and said second polygons 202.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises.
    Inventors: Yoshifusa Hayama, Kazunori O, Seiichi Yamagata, Shinobu Hayashi, Shigenobu Nakamura, Kazuko Noguchi, Makio Kida, Takeharu Tanimura, Tadahiro Kawamura, Yuichiro Mine, Hideki Tanaka, Naohiro Warama
  • Ride-type game machine
    Patent number: 6224491
    Abstract: Provides a ride-type game machine which can provide special stimuli individually to a plurality of players. A game machine 1 designed to be ridden by a player, comprising a posture immobilization device 105 for immobilizing the posture of the player, and a medium-discharging device 109 or the like for discharging a prescribed medium (mist spray or the like) onto a specific bodily region (cheek or the like) of the immobilized player. The posture immobilization device 105 presses against the player's body, preventing the player's head from moving. Thus, the medium can be reliably directed onto a specific bodily region of the player, effectively scaring the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Keisuke Hiromi, Tatsuya Kono, Riichiro Toyama
  • Image processing device
    Patent number: 6226008
    Abstract: A game device enabling adjustment of the virtual viewpoint displaying a game character to be positioned to view the surroundings of the character in a broad range. When the manipulation character C stands still, the viewpoint of the virtual cameral 30 can move along the face of the exterior sphere 40B in accordance with manipulations of the game player. Upon collision with an obstacle, this virtual camera approaches the character in the direction of the face of the interior sphere 40A. However, the virtual camera does not approach the character C beyond the interior sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Akio Setsumasa, Takuya Matsumoto, Takao Miyoshi
  • Image processing device, image processing method, game device, and craft simulator
    Patent number: 6222546
    Abstract: To achieve a more realistic and richer shifting field, such as water surface over which a jet-ski or other object travels, thereby heightening the interest and ambiance of the game. An image processing device for processing image data for moving an object such as a watercraft over a water surface in three-dimensional space. Comprises means for cyclically shifting the height at given positions of the water surface over time (CPU 101) and means for moving the watercraft while contacting the water (CPU 101). Determination of contact between watercraft and water surface, watercraft tilt correction, boat wake drawing processing, and the like are performed by the CPU 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Takayuki Yokoyama, Ichiro Kawaoka, Taishi Yasuda, Masayoshi Yamada, Mitsuru Kawamura, Toshiyuki Maeda
  • Game device and picture processing device
    Patent number: 6217446
    Abstract: A device for proceeding a game in correspondence with the game scores. The game device (10) enables game play by moving a viewpoint arranged inside a three-dimensional virtual space, and comprises a storing unit (102) for storing a plurality of movement courses of the viewpoint branching off from a certain scene in the three-dimensional virtual space, together with the conditions for such branch-off, a picture processing unit (108-116) for performing data processing (101) to form pictures in accordance with the operation signals from an operating unit through the implementation of algorithms, and for performing picture conversion to form the image viewed from such viewpoint, and a course selecting unit (101) for selecting the movement course corresponding to the game score from among said plurality of viewpoint movement courses, and for moving the viewpoint along such selected movement course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Kazutomo Sanbongi, Kouji Ohto, Takashi Oda
  • Data transmission system and game system with game peripherals using same
    Patent number: 6213879
    Abstract: Serial transmission data is divided into an odd-numbered bit sequence and an even-numbered bit sequence. Each bit of the odd-numbered bit sequence data is distributed respectively between pulses of a first pulse sequence signal having a constant interval, thereby forming a first pulse sequence signal (SDCKA). Each bit of the even-numbered bit sequence data is distributed respectively between pulses of a second pulse sequence signal having a constant interval, thereby forming a second pulse sequence signal (SDCKB). The respective time axes are adjusted such that the clock component of the first pulse sequence signal is located in the data section of the second pulse sequence signal, and the clock component of the second pulse sequence signal is located in the data section of the first pulse sequence signal. Data is transmitted using these adjusted first and second pulse sequence signals (SDCKA, SDCKB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Niizuma, Atunori Himoto, Kenji Tosaki
  • Image processor, image processing method and game machine and recording medium
    Patent number: 6213878
    Abstract: Although difficult game stages may not be cleared by unskilled players, by making the stages easy to be cleared, the degree of difficulty of the game would be lowered and the amusement of the game would be reduced. The present invention comprises: a storing device 102 capable of storing the number of certain marks displayed in an virtual space and which are in the player's hand, as well as displaying the position of such marks; a processing circuit 10 for advancing the respective steps of game control in sequence by referring to the operation signals supplied from an input device 2b, the number of marks in hand and positions thereof stored in the storing device, and for outputting displaying image data related thereto; a displaying circuit 11 for displaying a displaying image including the segment and marks on the basis of displaying image data supplied from the processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Akio Setsumasa, Akira Nishino, Yusuke Yoshida, Takeshi Tanaka
  • Operating device for motorcycle simulation apparatus
    Patent number: 6210165
    Abstract: A vehicle body (6) provided with a seat portion (7) and footstools (8) is positioned on a fixed frame (2), which is positioned in a horizontal direction facing opposite a screen (1a) of a display (1), extending in a direction running at a right angle to the screen. In order to provide an operating device for a motorcycle simulation apparatus that provides a realistic feeling of operation, a handlebar (4) is secured on to a mobile frame (3) which is mounted in such a manner that it can slide freely in the left and right direction relative to the fixed frame, and the vehicle body is structured in such a manner that it can be caused to pivot freely in the left and right direction relative to the mobile frame by a pivoting mechanism (10) which includes a supporting shaft (5). The pivoting range of the vehicle body is regulated by a position regulating mechanism (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Sugimori
  • Image processing device, image processing method and storage medium
    Patent number: 6208358
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an image processing device whereby the direction of movement of characters can be specified by means of control pad keys only. The image processing device according to the present invention comprises: control pads 2b provided with a plurality of keys for specifying movement positions of characters displayed on image display means 5; and image generating means 1 for generating images whereby the characters move to prescribed positions previously determined in relation to the configuration of said plurality of keys, on the basis of key inputs from the control pads 2b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tsuzuki
  • Image generating device, method thereof, game device and storage medium
    Patent number: 6203425
    Abstract: The present Invention provides image generating technology capable of expressing a complex yet natural movement of the characters with less image data regardless of the playback speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventor: Shinobu Hayashi
  • Game display method, moving direction indicating method, game apparatus and drive simulating apparatus
    Patent number: 6200138
    Abstract: A game display method displays a driving game which permits characters to be present in a city and can prevent cruel images of collisions with characters. Characters in a dangerous area are intentionally moved away from a motorbike B. Those H1, H2 of the characters behind the motorbike B as viewed in a moving direction of the motorbike B are intentionally moved away from a current position 01 of the motorbike B, a position of the center of the motorbike B. Those H3, H4, H5 of the characters in front of the motorbike B as viewed in the moving direction of the motorbike B are intentionally moved toward the back of the motorbike B, i.e., directions normal to a straight line interconnecting the position 01 of the center of the motorbike B and the characters H3, H4, H5. The characters H3, H4, who are forward left of the motorbike B, are moved left, and the character Hr, who is forward right, is moved right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ando, Kazunari Tsukamoto, Toshiya Yamaguchi, Tomoya Takasugi, Masaaki Ito, Toshikazu Goi
  • Communicative game system
    Patent number: 6183367
    Abstract: By enabling exchange of information relating to players, apart from game data, “communication” between the players is increased, and the sense of rivalry and level of interest generated by a game are raised. The communicative game system 1 forms a network comprising a plurality of game devices 2a-2d connected mutually by communications media 3. The plurality of game devices 2a-2d respectively comprise a communications system 31 for receiving data transferred over the network and transferring the received data and data generated by the home game device onto the network, and a host system 32 for accessing the received data. By this means, data comprising a game packet, sound packet and video packet can be transmitted by conducting broadcast communications based on the communications system 31 and host system 32 between the plurality of game devices 2a-2d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kaji, Toshihiro Nakane, Yoshinori Harada, Naoki Fuse
  • Game device and screen display method thereof
    Patent number: 6183363
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a game device that is easier to use for the player. Therefore, the game device according to the present invention advances the game from a position in which the time axis of the game is slightly returned when the screen is switched. Accordingly, the difficulty of the game operation after the screen is switched may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Manabu Ishihara, Kazuyuki Mukaida, Teruhito Abe
  • Two-player video game with method of displaying logos and instructions in a manner readable by both players
    Patent number: 6176780
    Abstract: In video game device 1, two game players opposed to each other across a monitor screen 3 compete a game. Game images are displayed on the monitor screen 3, properly positioned with respect to the respective game players. A logo is displayed in a game image. The logo is rotated to be displayed properly with respect to the respective game players and horizontally properly positioned. Thus game images can be recognized by the respective game players opposed to each other, and the logo display can be more effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kojiro Miyamoto, Masaki Namikoshi
  • Method for displaying and controlling plural characters operated by a player on a video game apparatus
    Patent number: 6175366
    Abstract: In a video game on which plural players operate different characters, a method for displaying and controlling a character makes players not lose their interest to continue a video game even when a difference according to the player's technique is generated. The method for displaying and controlling the plural characters, includes the steps of judging a condition operated by a player for one of the first and second characters to be displayed according to a game program, and controlling a displayed position for the one of the first and second characters according to the judging result; and loosing the condition of the judgement for the one of the first and second characters when a virtual distance between the first and second characters is more than a predetermined value according to the game program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Watanabe, Junichi Tsuchiya, Takatoshi Katahata, Katsumoto Tatsukawa
  • Video game device and storage medium on which video game program is stored
    Patent number: 6171189
    Abstract: A video game machine, which comprises a CPU for executing a program and a memory in which, based on the control provided by the CPU consonant with the execution of the program, are stored data that are read from the program and concern a plurality of characters to be displayed on a display device, provides a pseudo-sense of reality, as though a character projected on a display were a living entity. In such a video game machine, inheritance probabilities are defined for individual portions, of the data concerning a plurality of characters, that constitute the characters, and under a predesignated condition available during the execution of the program, a portion constituting one character, of portions constituting two characters, is maintained at a predetermined inheritance probability that has been defined, and data for new characters are prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd
    Inventors: Tetsu Katano, Yuji Saito, Yukifumi Makino
  • Video game table
    Patent number: D436634
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Cooper-Hart
  • Disc drive
    Patent number: D442586
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kato, Hiroki Goto