Simulated Game Patents (Class 273/317.1)
  • Patent number: 11992760
    Abstract: A virtual object control method is performed at a computing device. The method includes: displaying a user interface (UI); receiving a touch operation signal corresponding to an operation control by a user of the computing device; obtaining attribute information of the touch operation signal; determining, according to a first posture of a virtual object and the attribute information, a second posture to which the virtual object is to be switched, wherein the first posture is a current posture of the virtual object in the virtual environment; and switching the virtual object from the first posture to the second posture. In the technical solutions, a virtual object is controlled to switch between different postures through different operations on the same operation control, which removes the limitation that one operation control can only control switching of one posture, thereby helping to make the UI more concise and user-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Zhihong Liu
  • Patent number: 11794096
    Abstract: An information processing method is provided. The method includes: a motion control including an area object and an operation object is provided on the GUI, and an initial position of the operation object is within a range of the area object; a first sliding touch operation is detected on the motion area, and the operation object is moved within a predetermined range according to a movement of a touch point of the first sliding touch operation; the position of the operation object is detected on the GUI, and in response to a staying duration of the operation object in a preset area on the GUI exceeding a preset duration, the operation object is controlled to enter a position-locked state; and, under the position-locked state, the virtual character is controlled to continuously move in the game scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: NETEASE (HANGZHOU) NETWORK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qingbo Miao
  • Patent number: 11521388
    Abstract: This ball game video analysis device: receives movie frames captured by cameras; computes the trajectory of the three-dimensional positions of a ball using the received multiple movie frames; determines, on the basis of a change in the ball trajectory, whether or not any action has been made by a player with respect to the ball; in the case when there has been such an action, selects, as an action frame, the movie frame corresponding to the timing at which said action was made; and identifies, from the action frame, a player who made that action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junko Ueda, Yuma Katayama, Masamoto Tanabiki
  • Patent number: 11132067
    Abstract: A method for generating a simulation with a simulation device is disclosed. The method includes receiving from a simulation adapter, a characteristics profile associated with a physical object connected to the simulation adapter; generating a simulation experience based on the characteristics profile of the physical object; receiving movement data from the simulation adapter corresponding to movement of the physical object; modifying a physical object representation in the simulation experience based on the movement data; and generating a simulation event including the modified physical object representation in the simulation experience based on the movement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Benjamin F. Havey, Edward Drake, Alexander C. Chen
  • Patent number: 10421019
    Abstract: Players are enabled to participate in competitive challenges within a videogame. The challenges may provide for interactive play between players while the players play the videogame in an asynchronous manner. The challenges may be based on actual performances of one or more tasks by the players within the videogame. The tasks may include, for example, one or more of a race, a battle, a fight, a musical performance (or simulated music performance), a puzzle, and/or other objectives or tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charnjit Singh Bansi, Paul Kerby
  • Patent number: 10286322
    Abstract: A system and method for determining and executing actions in an online game. An instance of an online game may be executed and participation of the users in the online game may be facilitated through a client game application implemented on the client computing platforms. The gameplay of the users may be monitored in the instance of the online game to determine gameplay information. User accounts comprising user information, which may include gameplay information and/or user presence information, may be managed. Occurrences in the online game may be identified. One or more actions to be executed in the online game may be determined. The actions may be determined based on the gameplay information and/or in response to the occurrences identified. The one or more determined actions may be executed in the online game without launching the client game application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, David Hernandez-Cerpa, Tyler Gee
  • Patent number: 10025974
    Abstract: Boxing video game and monitor system for one or more players. In this system, video game/platform has interactive tutorial software on sport of boxing configured to simulate boxing movements of past and present boxing champions. One or more body sensors in this system attach to one or more body parts of one or more players. One or more body sensors evaluate player video directed movements and make suggestions to improve movements of one or more players when one or more players are replicating the boxing movements of past and present boxing champions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: William Felder, Elizabeth Felder
  • Patent number: 9990816
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects includes a virtual environment having environmental properties, virtual objects, and object property information. A programmatic virtual sensor is placed on a virtual object in the virtual environment. A rendering engine for the virtual environment renders the virtual environment. A module for the virtual sensor receives virtual sensor data including position and time for the sensor and calculates sensor output data including acceleration data and object interaction data for the virtual sensor. A haptic track generator generates a haptic track based on the sensor output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Rihn
  • Patent number: 9682324
    Abstract: Players are enabled to participate in competitive challenges within a videogame. The challenges may provide for interactive play between players while the players play the videogame in an asynchronous manner. The challenges may be based on actual performances of one or more tasks by the players within the videogame. The tasks may include, for example, one or more of a race, a battle, a fight, a musical performance (or simulated music performance), a puzzle, and/or other objectives or tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charnjit Singh Bansi, Paul Kerby
  • Patent number: 9550126
    Abstract: An information processing device that is connected via a network to a terminal device operated by a player, and provides a game space to the terminal device, has a memory component for storing item information related to items that the player can purchase with virtual currency and that allow the player to gain an advantage in a game, and player information related to the items possessed by the player and to the status of the player in the game; an item provision component that receives item purchase requests from the terminal device and updates the item information and player information; and a game processor that receives player input to the terminal device and executes processing to move the game forward on the basis of the item information and the player information, and the power of an item is changed according to the number of players who have purchased that item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sho Kohigashi, Ryota Katsura
  • Patent number: 9539517
    Abstract: A social game and the like that can increase the fun and amusement of a team battle and enhance players' motivation to participate in or continue a game by suppressing an occurrence of any non-participation team not participating in the battle are provided. A guild status determination unit determines, for each guild, whether the guild is in an inactive state or an active state, based on a result of detecting a login state of each player. A guild integrated control unit forcibly disbands a guild (i.e. an inactive guild) determined to be in the inactive state, based on guild activity information notified from the status determination unit. A disbandment notification unit notifies each player belonging to the inactive guild, of the disbandment of the guild.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9478109
    Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects includes a virtual environment having environmental properties, virtual objects, and object property information. A programmatic virtual sensor is placed on a virtual object in the virtual environment. A rendering engine for the virtual environment renders the virtual environment. A module for the virtual sensor receives virtual sensor data including position and time for the sensor and calculates sensor output data including acceleration data and object interaction data for the virtual sensor. A haptic track generator generates a haptic track based on the sensor output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Rihn
  • Patent number: 8542105
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Erin Ramsay, David M. Birnbaum, Hendrik Bartel, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Robert W. Heubel
  • Patent number: 8523184
    Abstract: The invention relates to table or floor games based on throwing a ball into the game field, and can be used in organizing leisure and entertainment for both children and adults. The game comprises a game field with a plurality of holes and at least one movable trap for the ball outside the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is slidably mounted on a bar, said bar being attached to the sidewall, which limits the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is mounted on a movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod
    Inventors: Sergei Nikolaevich Ershov, Aleksandr Igorevich Malyshev
  • Patent number: 8506398
    Abstract: A game apparatus that includes a CPU and in which a plurality of players participate and play a game on a display screen displayed on a common display device. A display area is divided by the number of participating players, and the divided areas are allotted to each player. In addition, an evaluating value is set according to a superiority or inferiority situation of a play content of each player, a size of the divided areas are changed based on the evaluating value, and the display screen in correspondence with a change of the divided areas is generated and displayed. Furthermore, when there is a player who reaches game-over, the display area is re-divided by the number of remaining players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130130759
    Abstract: Ball games apparatus for use by two or more players, comprises a playing wall with a plurality of targets arranged across at least one face of said playing wall, each target having a particular value associated therewith. In use, a player aims by kicking or throwing a ball or the like at the playing wall and scores points to the value of the target that is struck. The targets may correspond to balls of a conventional pool or snooker game, providing a similar scoring system to the table-based game but at the same time encouraging participation in physical activity. Added complexity is provided by means of ground markers randomly selected to denote which of a series of positions relative to the playing wall from which a player takes aim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: PLAYINNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Marco Boi
  • Patent number: 8403326
    Abstract: A game table comprises a playing surface, two ramps, and two target boards arranged along a longitudinal axis of the game table. The two ramps are disposed between the two target boards, and the playing surface is disposed between the two ramps. The playing surface is substantially flat, and each of the two ramps rises upward away from the playing surface. Each of the two target boards, in turn, defines a respective set of openings therein. Two sidewalls are disposed on opposing sides of the playing surface and rise up therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy D. Flanagan, Benjamin I. Cohen, Andrew M. Trachta
  • Patent number: 8393966
    Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. One of the game apparatuses functions as a parent apparatus, and at least one other game apparatus functions as a child apparatus. The parent apparatus transmits transmission verification data a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, the child apparatus receives the transmission verification data from the parent apparatus, and transmits to the parent apparatus the same number of pieces of reception verification data as those of the received transmission verification data. The parent apparatus receives the reception verification data from the child apparatus, and detects the number of the received pieces of reception verification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Minoru Narita
  • Patent number: 8360856
    Abstract: An entertainment device comprises communication means for communicating with a remote device over a network; program code and resources for running a full version of the program, the program code being operable to interact with remote devices also running a full version of the program; and program resource classification means, and in which when communication with a remote device indicates that the remote device is running a demonstration version of the program code; the program code on the entertainment device restricts the use of program resources to those identified by the program resource classification means as being available to or compatible with the demonstration version of the program, thereby restricting the full version of the program to operate substantially as a demo version of the program for the purposes of interaction with a demo version of the program being run on the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Ralph Ealey
  • Patent number: 8353769
    Abstract: The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 8353749
    Abstract: The “Vehicle Tracking System and Game” integrates a GPS navigation system with invention specific hardware and software. A user installs a mobile unit on his race vehicle which features software allowing a processor connected to the electronics of the user's vehicle to communicate with an inertial navigation system which collects racing information, with a remote database which features software for various interactive real-time or virtual GPS Racing Games and processing the racing information of all users, and with a GPS system in real time. The mobile unit collects, processes, saves and transmits user specific racing information continuously throughout the game. This racing information is data of racing performance parameters specific to the game subscribed for by the user. The database processes and evaluates the received racing information, offsets this information with the users' basic input data and compares the information of all users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Sanders
  • Patent number: 8348734
    Abstract: A game system moves a player character in a virtual game space in accordance with an operation by a player. Further, the player character's moving amount per predetermined unit time is detected at each predetermined time interval. A predetermined parameter (gage amount) value is calculated at each predetermined time interval based on the moving amount detected at each predetermined time interval. Also, the game system adds the predetermined parameter value calculated at each predetermined time interval for accumulation. In response to a predetermined operation performed by the player, the game system causes the player character to perform a predetermined motion (e.g., special shot) on a condition such that a value obtained as a result of the addition reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Shugo Takahashi, Haruki Kodera, Yusuke Sugimoto, Toru Takamatsu, Toshiharu Izuno
  • Patent number: 8342951
    Abstract: A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: World Golf Tour, Inc.
    Inventor: YuChiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8339371
    Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Soto, Paul Rymarz, Rachel Bautista, Joe MacCarthy
  • Patent number: 8303412
    Abstract: The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 8292746
    Abstract: A game system for reliably realizing synchronization of timings at which a common event in a plurality of game machines start. The game system includes a plan management server that measures lapse of system time common in the game system and with the time measurement, updates plan information indicative of remaining time until the system time reaches a process start stage at which a process for the common event starts. Each of the game machines includes an obtaining device to obtain the plan information from the plan management server, a stage determining device to determine whether the system time has reached the process start stage or not on the basis of laps of time of the system time measured in the game machine, and a process executing device to start a process for the common event when it is determined that the system time has reached the process start stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomaru, Takuya Ando, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Yaku Hiranabe
  • Patent number: 8287382
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of providing role based game play on a social computer network. User inputs are received via a computer network from user computers. These inputs are stored in a memory, and at least a portion of the memory is located away from the user computers. A group of two or more characters for a single user are created based on inputs from a user. One or more of these characters is associated with a friend user on the social computer network. At least a portion of information related to an outcome from the game is displayed on a device of the single user. Finally, the single user controls all the inputs for the actions of their characters during the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Face It Applications, LLC
    Inventors: Jason S. Holloway, David Jon Castor, Oleg Tsiupka, Dmytro Kobylokha, Thorpe A. Mayes, III, Adrienne Marie Hunter, Conrad Thomas Spotts, Brian Hensel
  • Patent number: 8246050
    Abstract: A game manager receives a request from a user to play a cue sport, which includes a table and a plurality of balls. The game manager retrieves user attributes corresponding to the user that include a user skill level. Next, the game manager detects ball locations for each of the plurality of balls, and determines one or more beginning shot opportunities based upon the user skill level and the plurality of ball locations. In turn, the game manager provides the beginning shot opportunities to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lydia Mai Do, Pamela Ann Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 8226477
    Abstract: An exemplary method for automatically simulating calling scenarios comprises the steps of receiving, from a user, information relating to a call center scenario, automatically obtaining at least one calling scenario template based on the information, automatically merging code modules specific to the scenario with the template to generate a simulation program, executing the simulation program, and providing simulation results to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: LiveOps, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Machado, Markus Hahn
  • Patent number: 8197338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content signal associated with regulated operations. The method can also include determining whether an enable signal is detected. Additionally, if the enable signal is not detected, the method can call for prohibiting performance of the regulated operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Steven J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8187090
    Abstract: The invention provides a conjuring assisting toy which can make a viewer feel the supernatural force and interestedness which are inherent in a conjuring trick by displaying the result of a conjuring trick through simple operations, there is provided a conjuring assisting toy including a display means for displaying an image, a coordinate inputting means for designating coordinates relative to a display area of the display means, and a central control means, wherein the central control means includes a main control unit, a conjuring data storage unit, an input analyzing unit and an operation unit, an operation result storage unit, an inputted diagram storage unit, and an image data forming and outputting unit, an inputted position signal is analyzed by the input analyzing unit, the main control unit causes position information based on the inputted position signal to be stored in the inputted diagram storage unit, causes the display means to display a line image, determines specific feature information from i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Tenyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8172680
    Abstract: An information processing system includes an input section that inputs movement information of an object on which a user performed an operation in an operation environment, and an output section that holds another object in a remote site remote from the operation environment and reproduces a movement of the object on which the user performed the operation on the basis of the movement information received from the input section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yasuoka, Tetsujiro Kondo, Ryuhei Sakanoue
  • Patent number: 8167712
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for replacing players in an online game are described. Replacing players in an online game includes associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and associating the first online identity with a third player that is registered with the first online identity. Replacing players in an online game can also include associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and the second play so that the second player is associated with the first online identity and the first player is associated with the second online identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaswar Bhanu Sarkar, Ben Choorut
  • Patent number: 8157630
    Abstract: A game of skill and chance is provided in which a random element selection device is used to indicate an element a player or computer is to remove from a grid of objects. When a predetermined outcome in the game is obtained, then the player is a winner if the outcome is attained within a predetermined period. A player may play against the odds or may play against other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8147331
    Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8029359
    Abstract: A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: World Golf Tour, Inc.
    Inventor: YuChiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8021220
    Abstract: A shooting game apparatus includes an LCD for displaying a target and an operating button for a player to perform an operation for shooting the target. For example, an enemy character is switched between an ineffective state in which it is never damaged even if an attack hits it, and an effective state in which it is damaged if an attack hits it. Different images are displayed depending on whether the target is in the ineffective state or in the effective state. In a case where the target is in the effective state, when a player character enters into a state of being continuously damaged because it is positioned an area where it receives continuous damage, for example, the target is switched into the ineffective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Sakamoto, Katsuya Yamano
  • Patent number: 8002633
    Abstract: A game apparatus that includes a CPU and in which a plurality of players participate and play a game on a display screen displayed on a common display device. A display area is divided by the number of participating players, and the divided areas are allotted to each player. In addition, an evaluating value is set according to a superiority or inferiority situation of a play content of each player, a size of the divided areas are changed based on the evaluating value, and the display screen in correspondence with a change of the divided areas is generated and displayed. Furthermore, when there is a player who reaches game-over, the display area is re-divided by the number of remaining players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7993190
    Abstract: An interactive computerized game system including a visual display, one or more user input devices, and a processor executing software that interacts with the display and input device(s) is disclosed. The software displays images avatars. At least one of the user input devices is a touchscreen. During gameplay, the gameplayer may select at least one avatar using the touchscreen and initiate a skill-based action sub-game. The gameplayer may provide additional input using the touchscreen. An animation is displayed in response to user input satisfying an objective of the sub-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gosztyla, Jason Ablett, Richard Ablett, legal representative, Devon Hargraves
  • Patent number: 7972206
    Abstract: A gaming machine capable of maintaining the interest of a player even when the gaming machine does not work normally. For, example, a slot machine (10) comprises a display device (30) for displaying an image, and an image state control unit for controlling the display device (30) to display an image relating to a game. The slot machine (10) may be characterized in that the image state control unit controls the display device into a predetermined state upon determination that an image signal relating to the image provided to the display device fails to satisfy a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 7967670
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for a video game system where a player tile is a part of a moving grid or grid-like display and also moves through it. Moves of the player tile may be allowed or disallowed according to the relationship between the design of the player tile and that of other identifiable areas of the display. The designs displayed may have special significance in the field of education or advertising or entertainment. In a variation of the game the objective is to change areas of the display to the same state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Felix Andrew Burbidge
  • Patent number: 7955175
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of providing role based game play on a social computer network. User inputs are received via a computer network from user computers. These inputs are stored in a memory, and at least a portion of the memory is located away from the user computers. A group of two or more characters for a single user are created based on inputs from a user. One or more of these characters is associated with a friend user on the social computer network. At least a portion of information related to an outcome from the game is displayed on a device of the single user. Finally, the single user controls all the inputs for the actions of their characters during the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Face It Applications LLC
    Inventors: Jason S. Holloway, David Jon Castor, Oleg Tsiupka, Dmytro Kobylokha, Thorpe A. Mayes, III, Adrienne Marie Hunter, Conrad Thomas Spotts, Brian Hensel
  • Patent number: 7938725
    Abstract: Operation data is obtained from an input device and is stored into a memory, and initial state data indicating an attitude or a position of an object in a virtual game world is calculated with predetermined start timing using acceleration data included in the obtained operation data. Depending on acceleration data included in operation data sequentially obtained on and after the start timing, change amount data for sequentially changing the attitude or position of the object over time is calculated. Thereafter, the attitude or position of the object disposed in the virtual game world, depending on the initial state data, is changed, depending on the change amount data, to perform a game process of controlling a motion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 7934996
    Abstract: An online video game controlling server includes an online game information storage database for storing game information on an online video game that includes player information on player characters and area information on a game area of the online video game, and a control section for controlling the progress of the video game on the basis of the game information. A shared area and an unshared area are provided in the game area of the online video game. When one player character moves to the unshared area, the control section creates instance information including area specifying information, character identification information and instance creating necessary object information. In addition, the control section server breaks communication between the one player character and the other belonging player character to update the instance information whenever the progress state of the instance creating necessary object changes due to the action of the one player character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Koji Aoyama, Tomoaki Murata
  • Patent number: 7887402
    Abstract: To provide a game device for presenting to a player inputting the amount of operation while utilizing a gauge, the length of a gauge which corresponds to a desired amount of operation. In a game device in which an object placed in a virtual three dimensional space is moved by a distance according to the displayed length of the gauge when the player carries out a predetermined operation, a target position to which the object is going to be moved is obtained (S102), a distance between the target movement position and the present position of the object is calculated (S103), and the length of the gauge corresponding to the calculated distance L is calculated based on the distance L (S104). Then, the target length of the gauge is presented based on the calculated length of the gauge (S105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Tadakatsu Izumi, Ippei Kondo, Atsushi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7883402
    Abstract: A golf game operable by data processing apparatus by one or more players comprising a video golf game having various scoring features emulating a corresponding feature of a golf game played on an actual golf course; a rank-assigning element for responsively assigning a virtual military ranking for each of the one or more players for each scoring feature of the video golf game as playing of the video golf game progresses; and an interface element interconnecting the rank-assigning element in communication with the video golf game. The virtual military ranking of each of the one or more players playing the video golf game is promoted or demoted based on his golfing scores as playing of the video golf game progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: William E. Peiser
  • Patent number: 7845644
    Abstract: A game playing apparatus configured to facilitate playing a game is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a plurality of sides. The body includes a plurality of receptacles, wherein each receptacle has an ingress with an inclined surface extending downward from the ingress to facilitate return of a game playing member, and a plurality of indentations in at least one side. The apparatus further includes a game surface coupled to the body. The game surface includes a return surface beneath the plurality of receptacles to further facilitate return of the game playing member, and a plurality of holders. The plurality of holders and the plurality of receptacles are configured to receive a plurality of cups therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Soarex, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Constantine, David James Constantine, Carrie Ann Constantine
  • Patent number: 7815485
    Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil William Moothedath, Russell G. Rasmussen, Paul S. Rago, David B. Small
  • Patent number: 7785200
    Abstract: An object is provided with a plurality of vectors each having a direction and an end position assigned to the object in a fixed manner. The game device moves the object in a three-dimensional game space, and determines whether a part of the object has contacted a predetermined surface or not. When it is determined that a part of the object has contacted the predetermined surface, a vector among the plurality of vectors, the vector having an end located at a position closest to a predetermined direction is specified. Also, when it is determined that a part of the object has contacted the predetermined surface, the game device lands the object on the predetermined surface in a position such that the specified vector faces toward the predetermined surface, and is perpendicular to the predetermined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Souichi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7775525
    Abstract: A manual game is provided which simulates American football. The game has a playing surface with multiple openings having indicia associated with football activities, and players toss game pieces at the surface in order to achieve football action determined by the indicia of the opening into which a game piece drops. The game includes a goal the structure with a pair of uprights, and players attempt to score field goals and points after touchdown by tossing a game piece between the uprights. A plurality of template plates are provided to effect different games, and each template plate has a subset of the openings and covers at least one of them. As a result, different games are available with different patterns of openings. A blank, planar form is provided which can be folded and assembled into a game chassis which includes the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: CS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Staver, Lance White