Electric Patents (Class 273/460)
  • Patent number: 8333660
    Abstract: In this program, a regulation command for controlling the movement of a first character is recognized by a control unit. After the regulation command for the first character is recognized by the control unit, a movement command for operating a second character is recognized by the control unit. Then, the state that the second character is moving based on the movement command is displayed on an image displaying unit using image data. The first character with movement controlled based on the regulation command is displayed on the image displaying unit using image data. And, if the receiving of commands related to movements for the first character and the second character is terminated by the control unit, a process for changing the ability data of the first character is executed by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Uno
  • Patent number: 8323099
    Abstract: Embodiments of a portable wagering game machine and a stationary wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of portable wagering game machines are associated with a stationary wagering game machine. Group wagering game data is displayed on the stationary wagering game machine. The group wagering game data includes wagering content for viewing by multiple players. At each of the plurality of portable wagering game machines, individual wagering game data is displayed. The individual wagering game data and the group wagering game data relate to a wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Larry J. Pacey, James M. Rasmussen, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 8317615
    Abstract: An example game system includes a home-console type game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The portable display device includes an infrared emitter capable of emitting infrared light. The controller device wirelessly transmits to the game device operation image data from an image-capturing section, inertia sensor data, and operation button data. The game device receives the operation data from the controller device, and performs game processes based on the operation data. Moreover, the game device compresses first game images, which are generated based on the game processes, to generate compressed image data. The compressed image data is wirelessly transmitted to the portable display device. The portable display device receives the compressed image data from the game device, expands the compressed image data to obtain the game images, and displays the game images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Eizi Kawai
  • Patent number: 8308573
    Abstract: The present Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games provides the end user with a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, to optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group. The Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games comprises a content display for displaying content that is transmitted to the plurality of end users on the unidirectional forward path, a plurality of controls for enabling an end user to generate data for transmission to at least one of the multicasting system and the plurality of end users, and a message display for displaying end user private communications received at the end user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lava Two, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Bernard McKenna, James Michael Graziano, George Kauss
  • Patent number: 8308572
    Abstract: The Gaming System With End User Feedback enables a reverse path feedback architecture wherein the forward path multicasted gaming content transmitted by a gaming site can be dynamically modified as a result of end user interaction or feedback, wherein each end user has a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lava Two, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Bernard McKenna, James Michael Graziano
  • Patent number: 8303398
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The processor has a plurality of power consumption levels. A power regulator is operative to alter the power consumption level of the processor amongst the plurality of power consumption levels. In an embodiment, the power regulator comprises application software stored on a memory device in communication with the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado
  • Patent number: 8272947
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing of cashless wagering game systems. An apparatus comprises a first cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a first cashless wagering game medium associated with a first cashless wagering system; a second cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a second cashless wagering game medium associated with a second cashless wagering system; and a control module operable to: receive a transfer amount, the transfer amount associated with the first cashless wagering game medium and to be debited from the first cashless wagering system; and credit at least a portion of the transfer amount to the second cashless wagering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Erhard W. Rathsack, Jorge L. Shimabukuro
  • Patent number: 8267405
    Abstract: A game machine includes a main frame, a partition front slantingly mounted on a middle portion of the main frame. A collecting device is mounted onto an underside of the partition and multiple falling ball sensing units are mounted onto an upside of the partition. Multiple prize dispensing devices are mounted onto an internal panel of the main frame and electrically connected to a corresponding one of the falling ball sensing units. A control unit is secured on the main frame and an operational unit is disposed to an upper portion of the main frame, wherein the operational unit is electrically connected to the control unit. When starting a game, the operational unit firstly catches a ball and targets a selected falling ball sense unit, and then releasing the ball to the targeted falling ball sensing units for driving the prize the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8256770
    Abstract: Skill game apparatuses include one or more game piece guiding elements configured to influence movement of game pieces within a game piece path in a manner that is dependent at least in part upon the skill of the player. In one embodiment, the back portion of a skill game apparatus is provided with one or more guide channels configured to limit horizontal movement by a game piece as it moves from the top of the back portion to a base portion of the skill game apparatus. In another embodiment, the skill game apparatus includes one or more player-repositionable guide members along a game piece path that are moveable in response to inputs provided by one or more player-operated controller devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Treasure Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Osama Ibrahim Mohamad Mousa, Joselito Santiago DeGuzman
  • Patent number: 8221237
    Abstract: A first sound volume calculation unit (251) obtains a length of a straight line connecting a sound emitting object and a sound detection object, and calculates a first sound volume attenuated from a predetermined reference sound volume in accordance with the length. A second volume calculation unit (252), in a case where on the straight line there is an other object that is an obstacle, calculates a second sound volume attenuated from the first sound volume by a predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • 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: 8167311
    Abstract: A game machine includes a cabinet-type main frame. A rack and a movement assembly respectively mounted in the main frame. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein for receiving prizes. An operational unit is mounted on a front panel of the main frame for user to operate the movement assembly. A drive device is mounted on the movement assembly and reciprocally moved relative to the rack. Multiple driven devices are mounted on the rack. Each driven device aligns with a corresponding one of the rooms. Each driven device has a shaft extending into the corresponding room and reciprocally moved to push a prized received in the room when the drive device is engaged to and pushes the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8079597
    Abstract: A striking device for a prize-winning game machine is disclosed, primarily comprising a striking head, an X-Z axis moving mechanism, and a Y-axis striking mechanism. The moving mechanism comprises two symmetrically disposed X-axis guiding rails and a Z-axis guiding rail where both ends of the Z-axis guiding rail are movably connected at X-axis guiding rails. The Y-axis striking mechanism can movably connected at the Z-axis guiding rail and comprises a Y-axis guiding rail and a striking rod moving along and disposed on the Y-axis guiding rail. The striking rod is off-axis aligned and connected to a back surface of the striking head for striking the targets in the prize-winning game machine. Therefore, the Y-axis striking mechanism will not be tilted or shifted during numerous striking operations to greatly increase the durations of the striking head and the striking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wei
  • Patent number: 8033916
    Abstract: Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Theodore Caldwell, Ning Chen
  • Patent number: 8029368
    Abstract: A method for entertaining event attendees involves installing electronic equipment in a mobile entertainment environment and then transporting the mobile electronic environment to an event location. At the event location, event attendees are provided with temporary authorization and access to the mobile entertainment environment and subsequently entertained. At the conclusion of the entertainment, temporary authorization and access is revoked and the mobile electronic environment is removed from the event location. For storage, electronic equipment can be removed from the entertainment environment and placed in a secure location. The mobile entertainment environment preferably is a trailer pulled by a delivery vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The trailer has multiple entry points and contains comfortable seating for event attendees and multiple entertainment stations. At each entertainment station attendees can play games or watch DVDs using one of several gaming systems and their corresponding peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Game Truck Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Scott R. Novis
  • Publication number: 20110223980
    Abstract: An improved sportsbook room is disclosed. The sportsbook room allows an individual to place wagers on the sports competitions shown in the sportsbook room from a gaming terminal in his/her carrel and to also play other casino games on the same gaming terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Bill Stearns, Jim Gladney
  • Patent number: 8016679
    Abstract: Two-way communications between casino games and diverse master controllers using a universal game module there between allows routing event messages with standard protocols. The universal game module with a computer processor, circuitry, connection ports, interfaces and protocols allows the communications by evaluating, prioritizing, polling and routing communications. A jackpot group of differing games is possible because the win cycles of the various games can be equalized. The volatility of the games in the group is increased by randomly segregating a percentage of the machines to be eligible to win the progressive jackpot for a limited time period. A life changing jackpot is thus payable for a variety of games in a casino on a relatively frequent basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rolland Steil, Clyde Ruckle, John Lord
  • Patent number: 8016668
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to casino frequent player programs, and more specifically to providing special incentives for remote entry of casino affiliation or membership cards. The special incentives may include providing a prize or award to frequent player program members that remotely use his or her membership. The member may or may not be told of any winnings upon entry. In one example, the player is provided an indication of winning an incentive during play of an online game. In another example, the player may be required to obtain the winnings at the casino to encourage players to return to the casino. Also, the player may be required to redeem any winnings within a specified period of time. Further, the player incentives may be offered periodically, encouraging the player to periodically check their status remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8016292
    Abstract: A game machine includes a main frame standing on a supporting surface, a move assembly and a rack respectively disposed in the main frame. An operating unit and a slot unit are respectively disposed on the main frame. A prize dispensing hole is defined in the main frame. The moving assembly includes an X-axis drive unit, a Y-axis drive unit and a Z-axis push unit. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein and each room has a prize received therein. The player can control the X-axis drive unit and the Y-axis drive unit to make the Z-axis push unit linearly corresponding to one of the rooms for pushing the prize in the corresponding room such that the pushed prize falls into the prize dispensing hole and the player can take the fallen prize from the prize dispensing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen, Wen-Ren Yang
  • Patent number: 8002284
    Abstract: A doll-based game machine includes a frame, a doll-hanging unit, a displacement unit, a string-cutting unit and an operation unit. The frame includes an opening defined therein. The doll-hanging unit is located in the frame and used to hang dolls. The displacement unit includes an X-axis displacement unit located in the frame, a Y-axis displacement unit connected to the X-axis displacement unit, and a cutter-carrying unit connected to the Y-axis displacement unit. The string-cutting unit is carried by the cutter-carrying unit. The operation unit is located on the frame and operable to cause the X-axis displacement unit to move the Y-axis displacement unit along an X-axis, to cause the Y-axis displacement unit to move the cutter-carrying unit along a Y-axis, and to turn the string-cutting unit into a cutting mode from an idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Hung Hsieh, Yi-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 7973234
    Abstract: A video game controller includes: a string instrument-shaped housing comprising a body portion and a neck portion, said body portion including a opening; a console interface for coupling with a game console; and a strum interface coupled to the console interface. The strum interface includes: a pin having a central portion and distal end portions; a pin support structure for supporting the distal end portions of the pin; a strum bar comprising a body portion rotatably coupled to the central portion of the pin and a flange portion protruding from the opening in the housing; a compressible liner provided between at least a portion of the strum bar and the pin; an upper button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a first direction; and a lower button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Jien-Mei Yang, Johnnie Tam
  • 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: 7959510
    Abstract: A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Takahashi, Masahiko Kami
  • Patent number: 7946910
    Abstract: Provided, inter alia, is a type of contest in which, at various intervals, geographically dispersed players attempt to answer the identical problem at substantially the same time. In representative embodiments, problems (typically, questions) are made available at seemingly random times throughout the day (or throughout some specified time interval), and players have the opportunity either to respond to the problem or (e.g., in the event that a given player is occupied when a particular problem arises) to pass on the current problem and wait for another one. In such embodiments, more questions are made available than the players are permitted to answer in accordance with the rules of the game, so that players have flexibility as to when they participate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Vergence Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Feeney, Brent W. Barkley, Jeff E. Haas, Gregory J. Pinter
  • Patent number: 7938727
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing interactive content for multiple networked users in a shared venue. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a game server, a display system in data communication with the game server, the display system including a shared screen, and a plurality of game pads in data communication with the game server, each game pad including a local game pad display device and a plurality of input devices to convey command selections to the game server, each game pad including functionality to initiate a game, at least a portion of the game being displayed on both the shared screen and the local game pad display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Tim Konkle
  • Patent number: 7934723
    Abstract: A pusher game machine 1 includes: a medal feeder 9 which feeds a medal on an upper game board 20; and an upper pushing member 22 which is arranged on the upper game board 20, and performs reciprocating movement, wherein a medal feedable region 61 by the medal feeder 9 is set on the deep side of the upper pushing member, viewing from the medal feeding side by the medal feeding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryu Sasaki, Atsushi Inoue, Motoki Imanishi, Etsushi Torii
  • Patent number: 7896345
    Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A playing area with one or more holes that allow game pieces to fall through the playing area into a mechanism that collects the game pieces until the weight of the pieces is greater than the counter weight and allowing the rocker arm to rotate and dispense the game pieces into the receiving mechanism or reward the player a prize by another method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Clay Thomas Cacas
  • Patent number: 7846025
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Marcus Randall Whitten, Christopher M. Pirich
  • Publication number: 20100295244
    Abstract: A system and a method are described for determining a stress level of a person based on the performance of the person in a game or puzzle. First, in a calibration phase the person is asked to judge his/her currently experienced stress level (120) and the person is asked to play (130) a game or puzzle resulting in a certain performance score. Subsequently in this calibration phase, the system links (150) the indicated stress level and the performance score. By repeating these steps a number of times, the system builds a table linking game performance scores and stress levels. The calibration phase will be executed initially and once every while to keep the system calibrated. Subsequently, in an operational phase, the person is occasionally asked (220) to play a game. Then, based on the current performance score and on the table assembled in the calibration phase, the system determines (250) the current stress level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Stut, Petronella Hendrika Pelgrim, Privender Kaur Saini, Richard Vdovjak, Joanne Henriette Monique Westerink, Evert Jan Van Loenen, Frank Wartena
  • Patent number: 7837560
    Abstract: A computer gaming system and method of operation thereof are provided that both drastically reduce the cost of gaming stations and allow contemporaneous access to multiple game programs from a single gaming station. The computer gaming system of the present invention allows for transparent modifications and upgrades to the gaming programs by executing gaming programs on a server/host computer connected to a plurality of client/terminal computers via communication pathways. Each client/terminal computer comprises a client/terminal program that allows input and output streams of the gaming program executed on the server/host computer to be separated and redirected to the client/terminal computers. Since the gaming programs are executed entirely on the server/host computer, with only wagering input and display output operations being executed on the client/terminal computers, the cost of the hardware and software required for each client/terminal computer is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael S. Wiltshire, James J. Lisenbee, Jayant S. Karmarkar, Timothy A. Wiltshire
  • Publication number: 20100279799
    Abstract: A golf-related game includes obtaining an instruction relating to at least one golf-related task; attempting the at least one golf-related task, and rewarding a player upon successful completion of the attempted golf-related task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Geoffrey Roy Chapman
  • Patent number: 7824264
    Abstract: A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert P. Bartholomew, Erik B. Petersen, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
  • Patent number: 7754961
    Abstract: A video game controller includes: a string instrument-shaped housing comprising a body portion and a neck portion, said body portion including a opening; a console interface for coupling with a game console; and a strum interface coupled to the console interface. The strum interface includes: a pin having a central portion and distal end portions; a pin support structure for supporting the distal end portions of the pin; a strum bar comprising a body portion rotatably coupled to the central portion of the pin and a flange portion protruding from the opening in the housing; a compressible liner provided between at least a portion of the strum bar and the pin; an upper button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a first direction; and a lower button positioned adjacent the strum bar so as to be depressed when the strum bar is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Jien-Mei Yang, Johnnie Tam
  • Patent number: 7722467
    Abstract: When usage command information is received from any one of player terminals, an integrated attack determiner determines whether or not an attack action by an attack command is to be an integrated attack action, in which the attack actions by the attack commands included in a usage history are integrated, on the basis of a current position of the user terminal. The integrated attack determiner also determines attack power specification information capable of specifying the attack power in the case where it is determined that the attack action is to be the integrated attack action. An attack instruction information transmitter transmits attack instruction information indicating a determination result of the integrated attack determiner to the player terminal. A usage history information updater updates the usage history information by adding the received usage command information to the usage history of the attack commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushi Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventor: Hajime Tabata
  • Patent number: 7717791
    Abstract: Methods and systems that enable cashless gaming dispense with the need to set up and operate a complex centrally controlled system or dispense with the need to distribute expensive smart cards. The patrons' gaming session meters (including, for example, a measure of winning and/or available credit) are distributed amongst an estate of peer networked gaming machines and are stored in redundant storage for fault tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Gatto, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Patent number: 7628404
    Abstract: The apparatus (10) compares the ability of multiple players to perform a physical task, and administers a disincentive, for example a measured electric shock to one or more unsuccessful players. In an example, the apparatus comprises a number of handsets (14) with input devices (22). The apparatus compares reaction time of a plurality of players from a start signal, and administers an electric shock to the players with slower, or the slowest, of reaction times via the handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Blue Sky Designs, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Elvidge
  • Patent number: 7618325
    Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. Link strength is detected for wireless communication between a parent apparatus and a child apparatus selected as a communication partner thereof. If the link strength is not equal to or more than a predetermined value, the image of a rare item piece is not displayed and the image of a normal item piece alone is displayed even though the partner has the rare item pieces in its possession, for example. Also, the use of the rare item is not permitted. On the other hand, if the link strength is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the use of the rare item is permitted and, if the combination of rare item pieces is successful, for example, the rare item is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Minoru Narita
  • Patent number: 7618322
    Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus, and the game apparatus is connected with a monitor and a percussion-type controller. When a game player beats a first beating operation surface or a second beating operation surface, first operation data is input from the controller to the game apparatus. Furthermore, when a microphone detects an operation sound generated at a time that a beating operation is performed, second operation data including volume data is input from the controller to the game apparatus. In the game apparatus, when a magnitude of the volume data is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value, an ability value as to an action of the player object to be executed according to a command indicated by the first operation data is changed to execute the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Shimizu, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Takeshi Hayakawa, Koichi Hayashida
  • Publication number: 20090096159
    Abstract: A game playing device having a housing with a card holding member, the card holding member being configured to receive a plurality of cards; a plurality of switches located on a surface of the housing each of the plurality of switches being capable of being illuminated; and a controller for selectively illuminating each of the plurality of switches, the illumination of at least one of the plurality of switches indicating a turn for playing the game playing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Tyler B. Kenney, Brian M. Yu
  • Publication number: 20090029756
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a multimedia poker table and a deck of playing cards having machine readable indicia for use in teaching a player to improve card playing skills and reviewing the entirety of a previously played game including collected and analyzed video, audio, cards, wagers, and odds of winning information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Guest
  • Patent number: 7427980
    Abstract: A method of identifying a specific object representation in a computer simulation is presented. A computer simulation of a physical room is generated and displayed by a game console. A game controller is integrated with a laser rangefinder to create a laser-integrated game controller that is capable of determining and transmitting, to the game console, a real-time location and spatial orientation of a real physical object that is represented by a computer-generated object representation in the computer simulation. The game controller and laser-integrated game controller are able to identify a specific object representation, which corresponds with the real physical object, based on the real-time location of the laser-integrated game controller, the spatial orientation of the laser-integrated game controller, and the range signal from the laser rangefinder in the laser-integrated game controller to the real physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Partridge, Adam J. Pilkington, Simon C. E. Rowland
  • Patent number: 7360762
    Abstract: When dice are rolled inside the box, the images of the eyes on the lower face of the dice are captured. The CPU determines the eye number based upon the determination condition of at least one of the feature, the number, and the location state of the eyes in a predetermined area in the image-captured face according to the image information by the image-capturing section, as well as the programs stored in the ROM. The determined eye number is displayed on the display section through the display control section or the voice synthesized by the audio processing section is outputted from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Itagaki, Satoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7303193
    Abstract: An amusement device in the form of a balancing tube game is described. In typical use, the balancing tube is balanced in a vertical orientation on a user's palm, finger, head, elbow, foot or wherever they wish to balance it. The balancing tube game comprises an elongated cylindrical tube with built-in tilt-sensing electronics and audible, visual and tactile feedback. The tilt-sensing electronics are adapted to sense whenever the tube tilts off-vertical by more than a predetermined critical angle. The built-in electronics comprise a microprocessor, tilt sensor, lights, a noise-generating element, such as a speaker, and a vibrator. Optionally, a motion sensor can be added so that game can confirm that it is being manipulated (rather than simply fixed in a vertical orientation). While playing the game, the user progresses through a predetermined series of game levels, each level being characterized by a specific set of lights, sounds and/or vibrations emanating from the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jack W. Miletich
  • Patent number: 7264242
    Abstract: A board-type game to be played by two or more players. The game includes lasers where players selectively divert the path of the laser beams. The board apparatus comprises a surface, bounded by a frame, over which laser beams are directed down symbolic rows and columns which constitute a matrix of squares. Each square is a subregion of the surface piece, and is bounded along its four sides by raised edges which are parallel and perpendicular rows and columns of the board. The raised edges, creating recessed squares, assist in orienting the playing pieces. Playing pieces may contain no mirror, one mirror, or two mirrors (oriented back-to-back to produce separate surfaces reflecting in opposite directions). Playing pieces are placed in a predetermined “starting” configuration on the squares of the gridded surface piece. Depending on whether a playing piece contains a mirror or not, said piece may reflect an incident laser beam from a row to a column or from a column to a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Innovention Toys, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Luke Jackson Hooper, Del Alan Segura, Michael Charles Larson
  • Patent number: 7128644
    Abstract: A coin rolled from a first end of a surface to a second end of a surface is detected by a sensing device. The sensing device causes a video screen to display a coin generated video object in response to the detection of the coin near the second end of the surface. The video screen may also display at least one target video object. The coin generated object may be displayed by the video screen in a manner so that it appears that the coin generated object moves on the video screen in a direction related to the direction of the physically rolling coin. The target video object may change from a first state to a second state on the video screen when the coin generated object is within a specified range of the target video object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen Linzey
  • Patent number: 6773016
    Abstract: Game apparatus that enables players themselves to bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion, and that enables satisfying curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations. The game apparatus is composed of: a holding section (6) for holding a plurality of grab articles (7); a ride apparatus (10) for players (Y) to board, adapted to be shiftable and/or rotatable; and a fetching device (25) attached onto the ride apparatus (10), for fetching grab articles (7) from the holding section (6) by player (Y) manipulations. By actions that manipulate the fetching device (25), a player (Y) can satisfy curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations, and can enjoy an amusement brimming with appeal. By boarding and traveling with the ride apparatus (10), the players (Y) themselves can bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 6764402
    Abstract: An image-display game system which can attract players for a long time to play a game can be implemented by presenting helping data of a0 to a63, and b1 to b5 beneficial in the course of a game to friends, and accordingly communications accompanying therewith can be stimulated and activated thereamong, and the game can be effectively utilized as a communications tool. Such image-display game system is so structured that the players' ID data IDn is communicable or exchangeable therein. With the other player's ID received, items beneficial in the course of the game or the helping data of 10 to 163, and b1 to b5 is generated based on the ID data, and is presented to the player. As a result, exchanging of the ID data IDn is activated among the players. The items presented based on the ID data IDn are determined by operating the ID data using an equation in FIG. 17 which is based on a predetermined rule, or in an operation processing by combining the ID data IDn and a random number R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Game Freak Inc., Creatures Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tajiri, Tsunekazu Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20040080107
    Abstract: A light projection assembly includes a laser, particularly a diode laser, positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser. The trigger is repeatedly and rapidly moved up and down to oscillate the laser in approximately a five degree arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. Mirrors can be positioned on the arena surface to reflect the light emitting from the laser to create a plurality of continuous visible lines of light on the arena surface. A variety of entertaining games can be played in conjunction with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: B. Keith Triplette
  • Patent number: 6725107
    Abstract: An electronic scorekeeping device is disclosed which allows a user to electronically document data relating to events of a sports game. This data is transferred in real-time in a system according to the invention via a communications means to a central database. The central database may be coupled to a server computer which presents a web site whereby public users may access statistical information relating to a given sports game while the game is still in progress, as well as at and following the conclusion of the game. The web site may present archives of previously played games, and access thereto may be restricted by the use of a username and/or password. The data transfer to the database may be a live feed, or automatic transfers may be scheduled at predetermined time intervals. The device itself is customizable such that the data being gathered can be tailored to suit the specific sport being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hockeyline Inc.
    Inventor: Ray MacPherson
  • Patent number: RE40340
    Abstract: An electronic game, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes individually operable electric switches to control the device, and electric light emitting means to provide multi-color displays. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches until all multi-color displays indicate the same color. The device functions by matching electrical operating codes, transmitted from its left and bottom edges, with electrical operating codes stored at its top and right edges, to generate electrical color codes. The electric switches control the routing of the operating codes within the device, and the distribution of the color codes to the multi-color displays. In the preferred embodiment, the device utilizes a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, monitor the position of electric switches, and control the display of multi-color indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly