Abstract: A video game machine has a mechanism extracting balls, a display unit having a display area which displays a matrix composed of boxes, and a CPU. The CPU implements a function enabling the player to appoint a ball type in terms of color and number to boxes of a second line of the matrix. A function is provided for automatically displaying, in the first and third lines of the matrix, ball marks correlated to the ball marks displayed in the second line, such that the color sequences of the ball marks in the first and third lines are the same as that in the second line and such that numerals greater and smaller by one than a numeral in a box of the second line appear in the third and the first lines in each column of the matrix. Further provided is a function for determining whether or not the numeral of the extracted ball coincides with the numeral of any ball mark on the display and a function for changing the mode of display of the box having the coincident numeral.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of using speech to control a game program of a game machine and a game machine controller for the application of the method, through the method and the game machine controller, the operator can control special function keys of the game program (for example, special actions or the so-called knack of different roles in the game program) by speech or control keys as desired.

Abstract: The systems, methods and apparatus of preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated instructional system directed to learning a specific task or concept. Some embodiments are particularly suited for language instruction and some embodiments will accommodate a group of students with differing native languages. This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment through the use of a template and database system wherein computer activity templates are programmed to perform a task or carry out an exercise. An activity template accesses data stored in a multilingual language database according to a student's needs or preferences. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a review method and system which optimize study efficiency by managing the content of review sessions according to each student's individual familiarity with those concepts.

Abstract: A reconfigurable video game controller for use with a video game program running on a personal computer platform, wherein the controller may be reconfigured or reprogrammed directly by the user so that user-defined keycodes are obtained from a local memory and transmitted to the computer while playing the video game. The controller is reconfigured by selecting desired input switches and then entering keycodes via an attached computer keyboard while in a setup mode, and the keycodes and selected input switch codes are transmitted to the computer for display to the user under the supervision of a reconfiguration window program. The controller is also capable of storing local codes for use in controlling operation of the controller during the video game play mode. One type of local code is a delay code useful in controlling delay of individual keycode transmissions in a multi-keycode playback sequence.

Abstract: A hand held quiz computer and educational device which includes an optical scanner in conjunction with a microprocessor, which scans a portion of preprinted quiz or educational cards that present questions or information, with the correct answers to the questions or verification information on the bottom, which is inputted to the microprocessor and compared with the user's responses.

Abstract: A game device and method for simulating the motion of an object such as a vehicle in a realistic manner, thereby allowing the operator to sense highly realistic motions of the object in at least one dimension. In one aspect of the invention, the game device includes a vehicle simulator for an operator to ride and drive; a motion control mechanism for moving the vehicle simulator; a storage means for retaining a plurality of control data for moving the vehicle simulator in various patterns by assigning the control data respectively to a plurality of flag signals; a basic control means for setting a flag signal which corresponds to an event occurring in accordance with the development of a game by the operator; and a motion control means for reading from the storage means the control data corresponding to the flag signal which has been set, and for giving the control data to the motion control mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention comprises at least a serial data interface unit, a data buffer unit, a data processing unit, and a serial/parallel data interface unit. It is designed for compressing and transferring recorded data signals stored in the memory card employed by various game players currently available in the market; and acting as a data-transfer device for compressing and transferring data signals and for transmitting control signals between the specific game player and the non-specific memory card.

Abstract: In a communications control system which conducts communications 200 between a plurality of communications control devices, one of the plurality of communications control devices A, B forming a master device A has the right to determine environmental conditions in preference to the other communications control device B. The slave communications control device B is able to transmit the environmental conditions desired by the user of that device to the master communications control device A, and the environmental conditions determined by the master communications control device A are set as the environmental conditions for the slave device, regardless of whether or not these coincide with the environmental conditions desired by the user of the slave device. It is possible to provide communications control technology whereby, if there exist environmental conditions which affect both communications control devices jointly, these conditions can be determined in a rational manner.

Abstract: An inverted polygon data memory stores inverted polygon data generated in advance, among models to be considered for reflection on a water surface, of those models whose polygon data are stored in a polygon data memory. Based on an image display graphic command from a CPU, an image display processor processes graphics data and sends image data to a frame buffer. The image display graphic command comprises data generated by a graphics data generator based on the data stored in the inverted polygon data memory and the polygon data memory. An image including models of the inverted polygon data as being reflected on the water surface is displayed in real-time in a three-dimensional game space on a display monitor so as to be quickly movable in response to movement of the viewpoint of a game character that is also displayed in the three-dimensional game space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for verifying honest gaming transactions over a communications network includes structure and process whereby a host processor receives a random number from a satellite processor over the communications network. The host processor generates a game seed based on the random number. The host processor also receives an arbitrary game input from the satellite processor and generates a game result based on the game input, the game seed, and predetermined game rules. The satellite processor provides the random number and the arbitrary game input to the host processor over the communications network, and receives data corresponding to the game seed and the game result from the host processor. The satellite processor verifies the honesty of the transaction by (i) generating a game result based on the game input, the data corresponding to the game seed, and the predetermined game rules, and (ii) compares the generated game result with the received game result.

Abstract: A new bowling game has as its objective, to knock down sets of predetermined pin fall objectives. Each pin fall objective may comprise first and second pin fall counts. Score grids may be used to keep track of game objectives and results. Computer control and coordination may be used to achieve higher efficiencies and degrees of automation. The family of bowling games provided by this invention are games of skill that are fun and exciting to play, provide frequent winners, allow less experienced bowlers to win even when they play against more experienced bowlers, and provide strategic decisions and interest. The games are compatible with bowling lane equipment operating based on standard bowling 2-ball frames.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to novel systems and methods for displaying an interactive event, such as a race car video game. Numerous display devices are disclosed for displaying video and audio elements of the video game to both current players and to individuals not currently playing the video game. The race car video game further has seating for two occupants, a driver and a crew member and has a separate video monitor for the crew member, through which the crew member can selectively view the race from different viewpoints and can obtain race information. The display of the race car game to individuals not currently playing the game varies according to several factors to enhance the attraction and interest in the race car video game.

Abstract: This invention relates to a home game machine, and more particularly, to a game machine control module having a plurality of operation buttons, which is connected to a game machine body through a cable. The game machine control module comprises a control member for transmitting the operation data obtained by a plurality of operation buttons through the cable to the game machine body and for receiving the data from the game machine body through the cable, and a response member positioned at a predetermined place on the game machine control module and controlled by the control member based on a predetermined dynamic transmission data which is contained in the data transmitted from the game machine body. Therefore, this makes it possible to enjoy games giving the feeling of being at a live performance comparing to the conventional one.

Abstract: Sound processing technology is provided whereby sound can be changed to correspond to changes in the viewpoint for generating a virtual image. The sound processing device generates sound corresponding to a virtual image obtained by observing a virtual space from any one of a plurality of viewpoints set inside this space. It comprises sound generation conditions determining means for identifying the viewpoint of the virtual image currently being generated and determining sound generation conditions for the sound corresponding to the identified viewpoint, and sound generating means for generating sound based on sound signals in accordance with the determined sound generation conditions determined by the sound generation conditions determining means. A very realistic environment is provided to a player viewing the image.

Abstract: Recovery from a game server termination allows continuation of a multi-user game in a distributed network using a Lobby. The Lobby provides a central place in which users can post a game with a game server address for others to see and join. Users of the game continue to play even if the server should prematurely terminate.

Abstract: A slot machine has a first reel group and a second reel group. The second reel group is constituted of auxiliary reels, on a peripheral surface of which re-rotation symbols are arranged. The auxiliary reels are respectively provided so as to correspond to each reel constituting the first reel group. After all the reels of the first reel group have stopped, any of the reels thereof is re-rotated and stopped if the corresponding auxiliary reel stops the re-rotation symbol at a predetermined position. Thus, a symbol combination displayed by the first reel group is changed in accordance with the auxiliary reel. It is preferable that the re-rotation symbol represents a rotational direction and a rotational amount of the re-rotated reel of the first reel group.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method are disclosed in which there is a primary game and a secondary game that are dynamically linked, and the primary game can be won independently of the secondary game. The primary game may be won on each play of the game, and the secondary game may be won over a plurality of plays of the primary game. Primary game symbols appearing during plays of the primary game may cause: (i) movement of primary game symbols to secondary game display positions; (ii) primary game symbols directing play options of secondary game symbols; (iii) changing the options open to the player in his or her attempt to win the secondary game; (iv) symbols in the primary game being used as soft buttons to affect movement of game symbols from the primary game to the secondary game, and between symbol display positions in the secondary game; and (v) secondary game symbols persisting to subsequent plays of the primary game to help the player to win at the secondary game.

Abstract: A traveling simulator capable of controlling in real time the movements of model traveling members, irrespective of a traveling speed of a carrier, is disclosed. The model traveling members, modeled after actual traveling objects, are placed moveably on a traveling plate, and the moveable carrier is disposed below the traveling plate. These model traveling members are tracted by the carrier via the attractive force between magnets provided on a lower surface of the traveling members and magnets provided on an upper surface of the carrier. The magnets on the side of the carrier and those, which are opposed to the magnets on the side of the model traveling members consist of magnets rotatable around vertical shafts. These magnets are provided on the sides of the model traveling members and carrier, two each respectively, so that each set of magnets are spaced from each other.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer game that is played over a computer network and is capable of accommodating a large number of players. When the game is play on the Internet, players are able to input moves and be apprised of the state of the game using the basic input/output functions of their Web browser. Consequently, the game can be played with substantially no other game related software, plug-ins or add-ons. Another embodiment of the invention relates to the management of a game data base so as to compensate for the lack of game resources that a newer player has relative to older players that are likely to possess significantly greater game resources. Further, the virtual space of the game is highly expandable and updatable. In another embodiment of the invention a game is provided that couples game playing and advertising via a game currency that an advertiser can provide to a player and which can be used by the player in playing the game.

Abstract: A computer selected "quick pick" wagering system uses keys in the form of random numbers to serve as seed numbers in a pseudo-random number generating algorithm. A sales agent's terminal uses the algorithm and seed to produce random number combinations for each play from a pool, assigning the number combinations sequentially and printing them, together with a sequential serial number, onto lottery tickets. By storing the algorithm and seed at both the host computer and remote agent terminal, the remote terminal can transmit all pertinent wagering information by only transmitting the actual count of plays sold, thereby reducing the amount of data exchanged by several orders of magnitude. The host computer can then reconstruct the wagers and compare them to winning number combinations. Liability information for each terminal is transmitted back to the agent together with new seed numbers, so the agent terminal may begin selling plays for a new pool while also verifying accurate data exchange.