Patents by Inventor Kazuo Koshima

Kazuo Koshima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6609977
    Abstract: An advantageous set of external interfaces for home video game platform provide modularity and expandability while maintaining and preserving the proprietary nature of the platform. A disk drive interface provides flexible communications with an internal disk drive. Various serial bus interfaces provide expandability and interconnectability with a variety of internal and external devices including, for example, flash memory, broadband adapters, modems, and various other devices. A 4-port game controller interface provides serial interconnectability with handheld game controllers and various other input/output device. Power supply, digital and analog audio/video connections, and parallel memory expansion connections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Shimizu, Genyo Takeda, Ko Shiota, Munehito Oira, Kazuo Koshima, Satoshi Nishiumi
  • Patent number: 6590578
    Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Takumi Kawagoe
  • Publication number: 20030087698
    Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6497618
    Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Nintendo Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Publication number: 20020155868
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller (1), and a game machine (2) to which the controller (1) is connected, and from at least one of a plurality of switches provided on the controller (1), a digital output or an analog output is obtained in accordance with an operating state of the switches thereof. A CPU of the game machine (2) carries out a first processing operation of game information in response to the analog output, and also carries out a second processing operation associated with the first processing operation in response to the digital output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuo Koshima, Kazunori Koshiishi, Shin?apos;ichi Sasamoto, Tomotsugu Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 6421056
    Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Publication number: 20020082082
    Abstract: A video/computer game machine is disclosed that maps external images onto animated game players in a game program. An image of a person's face may be mapped onto the head of an animated game player. The person may then play the game using the animated game player having a face that appears to be that of the person. Similarly, images of other persons can be mapped on other animated game players that appear in the video game program. Accordingly, the invention improves the realism of video games by enabling individuals to create animated game players that have features, e.g., a facial image, of the individual or that were selected and imported by the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Timothy John Stamper, Timothy David Joseph Stamper, Mark Alexis Edmonds, Russell William Irwin, Beau Ner Chesluk, Hirokazu Tanaka, Takashi Onho, Noriaki Teramoto, Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Publication number: 20020057274
    Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Takumi Kawagoe
  • Patent number: 6334815
    Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6332840
    Abstract: A video processing system is described including a video processing device which generates a sequence of video display frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program, and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to the video processing device and which supplies signals in response to an operator's manipulation, to change the video data generated by the video processing device. The video processing device includes a replaceable program memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processing unit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generation circuitry. The operation controlling device may include various operation controlling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signal generation circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry and second sending circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ninetendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6325718
    Abstract: A video processing system is described including a video processing device which generates a sequence of video display frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program, and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to the video processing device and which supplies signals in response to an operator's manipulation, to change the video data generated by the video processing device. The video processing device includes a replaceable program memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processing unit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generation circuitry. The operation controlling device may include various operation controlling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signal generation circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry and second sending circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6307486
    Abstract: A joystick device includes a case so that first and second rocking members are respectively supported in a overlapped manner by first and second bearings formed in the case with their first and second elongate holes positioned perpendicular to each other. The operation of the lever inserted through the first and second elongate holes causes tilt movement in at least one of the rocking members so that the movement of the rocking member is supplied as a pulse signal by a detecting device. The lever includes an engaging portion engaged with the rocking member on the upper side, and a spherical portion formed at a position above the same rocking member. The cover has a hole having an inner peripheral edge with which contacted is an outer peripheral surface of the spherical portion so that the lever is supported operable in every direction. A spring is provided with the case, which acts to press down the rocking member thereby returning the lever to a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Hoshiden Corporation
    Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Junji Takamoto, Kazuo Koshima, Masahiko Nakamura, Toshiharu Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20010021670
    Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Publication number: 20010016518
    Abstract: A video game system includes a video game machine, a memory medium and a controller. A CPU included in the video game machine detects a vibration generating condition that a player object comes into collision or contact with an enemy object or a stationary object. If the vibration generating condition is detected, the CPU drives a vibration source included in the controller, thereby generating vibration on the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Keizo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20010016517
    Abstract: A video game system includes a video game machine, a memory medium and a controller. A CPU included in the video game machine detects a vibration generating condition that a player object comes into collision or contact with an enemy object or a stationary object. If the vibration generating condition is detected, the CPU drives a vibration source included in the controller, thereby generating vibration on the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Keizo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20010013868
    Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Takumi Kawagoe
  • Publication number: 20010012802
    Abstract: A video game system includes hand-held player controllers operable by players to generate video game control signals, each hand-held player controller having a selectively driven vibration source arranged to generate vibrations for vibrating a housing thereof. A video game program executing system executes a video game program. The video game program executing system includes controller connectors which, in use, connect to the hand-held player controllers and a controller control circuit including a transmission circuit which transmits data to hand-held player controllers connected to the controller connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Nintendo Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Nobuyuki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 6264558
    Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima
  • Patent number: 6239806
    Abstract: Three-dimensional image display game system and method for use with a display for displaying an object in a three-dimensional space, including an operation controlling device including an operating member having a base end rotatably supported and a free end operable by an operator. The operation controlling device includes an inclination amount data output detector which detects an inclination amount of the operating member to output inclination amount data. The system further includes direction determining circuitry operable to determine a direction that corresponds to an inclination direction of the operating member based on the inclination amount data, and moving object direction determining circuitry which determines a moving direction of the object in three-dimensional space based upon the direction determined by the direction determining circuitry and a point of view angle at which the object is being viewed by the operator in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima, Shigeru Miyamoto, Yasunari Nishida
  • Patent number: 6220964
    Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Nishiumi, Kazuo Koshima