Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing system, including an information processing apparatus for executing a program by reading a program recorded in a recording medium, and a peripheral apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, wherein the peripheral apparatus stores a security code and operation of the peripheral apparatus stops unless the same security code as the security code recorded in a recording medium is sent from the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing unit is provided that is configured so that it can display one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so that it can move relative to such object or objects. A processing unit is comprised that is configured so that, when a character has met a certain condition (such as entering or leaving a building) relative to an object (the building), of the display elements configuring an object deployed in an area related to the movement of the character, the display density of at least some specific display elements (such as a wall existing in front of the building) can be gradually altered. It is possible, with such processing, to provide roll-playing games that feature a high sense of realism.

Abstract: Provides a game processing apparatus capable of getting players more excited about playing games. For that reason, the game processing apparatus of the present invention processes games on the basis of players' operating signals, and is equipped with processing circuits (10), which process the above-mentioned games on the basis of operating signals supplied from input devices (2b) operated by the players, and which generate the image data for these games. When an operating signal equivalent to a player's victory declaration is input from an input device (2b), the processing circuits (10) process subsequent operating signals input by the player as invalid signals until a prescribed condition is achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention assist a user's ability to control a game such that the user's proficiency is largely independent of prior experience with the game. Disparities between users arising from differences in experience or unfavorable viewing perspective can be compensated by appropriately modifying the speed of the movement of actions taking place within the game. Additional embodiments are also provided which enhance the realism of the game display by improving the presentation of shadows.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a parent game apparatus and at least one child game apparatus which is connectable to the parent game apparatus. A main game program executes on the parent game apparatus and is ordinarily controlled by player actions on the parent game apparatus. When the main game reaches a predetermined state, the parent gain apparatus downloads a subgame to a child game apparatus connected to the parent game apparatus. The subgame executes on the child game apparatus and transfers a result of the subgame to the parent game apparatus. The result of the subgame affects the state of the main game.

Abstract: An image displaying device 13 comprising a display unit for displaying images produced when a three-dimensional model is viewed from a predetermined observing point, and an input means provided along the display surface of the display unit, characterized in that the display unit is constituted by a plasma display device and can control images by operating the input means. An image processing device which displays on a display means images produced when a plurality of moving bodies (such as fish) moving in a virtual three-dimensional space are viewed from a predetermined observing point, and which determines the above observing point position based on a status of one or a group of moving bodies moving together uniformly selected from among the plurality of moving bodies, thereby providing a high-playing-level playing device in a viewing amusement device or the like which produces viewing images indicating the behaviors of a plurality of moving bodies.

Abstract: A game system and method is disclosed that has at least one game display, an input controller, and a device executing a game program, wherein a controller for displaying the progress of a game as a real time image on the game display, in response to information input through the input controller is provided. The invention includes data storage for replaying a predetermined scene of the real time image and a replay controller for displaying the replay sequence in response in response to predetermined criteria. The replay is displayed on a replay display window that appears on the game display and replay display is shown along with a part of or the entire said real time image. Furthermore, the replay display and the real time image are simultaneously displayed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide special effects which will make a video game more realistic. When a virtual light source exists in a three-dimensional virtual space, if a light from the light source extends toward a camera, a flare is generated on a screen because of incidence of the ray of light into a camera lens, thereby forming a dazzling picture in accordance with the state of backlight.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a method of expressing, in an easily visible manner, a game proceeded in a plurality of game fields formed hierarchically.

Abstract: A virtual three-dimensional sound pattern generator is provided. A player character may move within a virtual three-dimensional space using a sound source object and a sound marker. The player character may use the sound source object to shoot sound signals at the sound marker. The sound marker may then provide sound information based on the relative position of the sound source object for the player character, and based on materials of virtual objects. Audible sounds at prescribed positions and in prescribed directions within the virtual three-dimensional space are then provided.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: An expansion unit 50, 60 or 70 is connected to a controller body 10 including an analog direction key 12, a digital direction key 14, command buttons 20a-20z, command levers 22l, 22r, etc. An expansion unit 50 including a photo emitting unit 52 is connected to thereby make the controller cordless. An expansion unit 60 including a photo detecting unit 65, whereby shooting games in which an enemy on a monitor screen can be shot can be played. An expansion unit 70 including a vibration unit 75 is connected, whereby a vibration is given to the controller body 10 to make a shooting game more realistic. New functions can be added to the conventional controller, and the new functions can be added freely without making no change to the controller body.

Abstract: In the present invention, the appearance frequency of all image information items to be encoded is determined, short code words are allocated from predetermined code words in accordance with leaves of a bifurcating scheme to image information items having an appearance frequency up to a predetermined ranking, in sequential fashion starting from the image information item having the highest appearance frequency, and a predetermined identifier is appended to the beginning of each of the remaining image information items, the resulting codes being taken as the respective code words allocated to said remaining image information items. Thereby, it is possible to provide an image information encoding method whereby decoding by hardware can be performed readily.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus which can provide an experience of vibrations similar to a real experience. The game apparatus relating to the present invention executes a game program to display displayed bodies on a screen and comprises means for simulating vibrations generated by the displayed bodies in a state of motion for the player operating the game apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention assist a user's ability to control a game such that the user's proficiency is largely independent of prior experience with the game. Disparities between users arising from differences in experience or unfavorable viewing perspective can be compensated by appropriately modifying the speed of the movement of actions taking place within the game. Additional embodiments are also provided which enhance the realism of the game display by improving the presentation of shadows.

Abstract: An image processing device for realizing more realistic pictures of explosions in video game devices and the like. Objects displaying such pictures of explosions are formed of spherical polygons (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and planar polygons (S1, S2, S3, . . . ). Pictures of explosions are realized by alternately arranging these spherical polygons and planar polygons with the lapse in time. Preferably, pictures of polygons are realized by arranging the spherical polygons in layers on the boundary of the planar polygons.

Abstract: An image processing method, and apparatus therefor, for implementing volume representation in real time are disclosed. The image processing method is one wherein a volume is defined by volume polygon, the depth difference between the volume polygon and a delineation subject polygon is detected, and the attributes of the volume polygon are modulated from the depth difference. Image data are also generated for each pixel from the modulated volume polygon and the delineation subject polygon. Thus volume representation can be realized by real time polygon delineation.