Skill Level Adjustment (e.g., Speed Change, Complexity, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/23)
  • Patent number: 7371170
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Patent number: 7367882
    Abstract: The preset invention provides a game system wherein data is prepared for each stage to execute plural stages separately. When a user has made a predetermined result in one stage, the user progresses to the next stage. The game executes each stage in a predetermined sequence. When a predetermined condition for ability improvement is satisfied, a parameter specifying the ability of a game character is increased. The game allows the user to select one stage from the plural stages out of the predetermined sequence, and the selected stage is executed with the parameter specifying the character ability set to a value below that which would be expected for the selected stage, for example, an initial value for a first stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Fukutome
  • Patent number: 7364510
    Abstract: A method for team play of slot machines, including determining a first result corresponding to a first player on a team, determining a second result corresponding to a second player, determining whether the second player is on the team, and determining a result based on the first result and the second result if the second player is on the team. Various embodiments further include awarding comp points to the team based on the play of the first player and the second player. Various embodiments further include joint participation in a bonus round by members of a team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7364509
    Abstract: Methods and systems of facilitating a wager include, a computer implemented method of facilitating a wager between players. The method may include receiving an initial offer from an initial player and a challenging offer from a challenging player. The initial and challenging offers may include a fantasy team, and a wager amount. The method also may include calculating a score for the initial fantasy team and the challenging fantasy teams. The score may be determined based on the performance of fantasy team members of the initial fantasy team in at least one external event. Awarding a pay-off amount to the initiating player if the score for the initial fantasy team is higher than the score for the challenging fantasy team also may be a part of the method, where the pay-off amount is determined based on the total initial wager amount and the challenging wager amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Flagship Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Burnham Slade
  • Publication number: 20080096643
    Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that as a player becomes uncomfortable, visually observable aspects of the player's physiological state, such as the frequency of eye blinks, may change. By analyzing such changes and/or other image changes, as obtained from signals generated by an input device, the system is able to determine changes in a player's comfort level and change the game accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shalini Venkatesh, Srinivasan Laksmanan
  • Patent number: 7361091
    Abstract: The present invention senses a player's coordination and reaction time levels while operating a video game, or a video game of chance, and automatically adjusts various parameters affecting the game play, to minimize or eliminate the effect that said player's skill has on a game outcome. In certain circumstances, the present invention may actually provide an element of control over the game outcome, but the intent of the invention is to bridge the entertainment gap that currently exists between skill based video game entertainment and the traditional formats of video games of chance—resulting in a much broader demographic appeal for video games of chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Howard Letovsky
  • Publication number: 20080081689
    Abstract: A gaming device allows a player to play a game. A controller is in communication with the gaming device. The controller is configured to receive a wager and allow a player to play several games. The controller records at least one variable about the games played. The controller determines a play level for the player from several play levels based upon the recorded variable or variables. Several pay-tables are provided. Each of the pay-tables is associated with a play level. The controller can change the pay-table used by the gaming device to the pay-table associated with the player's play level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: ATLANTIC CITY COIN & SLOT SERVICE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7351148
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method of game play for an electronic sequence matching game the may include a pair of elongated stick member that may be operatively coupled together by an electrical cord so the game play for the electronic matching game may be coordinated between the elongated stick members. During the electronic sequence matching game, the elongated stick members may illuminate different colored lights and generate corresponding sounds in particular sequences, and a player must manipulate the sticks to repeat the sequences generated by the elongated stick members. Depending on the mode of game play, the elongated stick members may repeat the sequence with an additional light being added to the sequence each time the player successfully matches the sequence, or the elongated stick members may generate a new sequence that may be longer or played faster than the previous sequence each time the player successfully matches a sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignees: Hasbro, Inc., R.R Design and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Omri Rothschild, Roni Raviv, Darrell M. Merino
  • Patent number: 7347781
    Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium are provided for facilitating a multiplayer game over a wireless network. According to the method, a request to transfer information between two of the wireless devices is received during the multiplayer game (e.g., 804), with the information being at least one of text, audio, and image information. It is determined whether the requested transfer is permitted according to a set of predefined rules for the multiplayer game (808), and the information is transferred between the two wireless devices only if it is determined that the predefined rules permit the requested transfer (810). Also provided are a wireless device (e.g., 106) for use with a multiplayer game and a server (e.g., 102) for facilitating a multiplayer game over a wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7341518
    Abstract: A slot machine gaming device and method which targets a monetary ticket to operate in selected gaming devices. A video poker game can also provide a player with an improved paytable. The slot machine can also pay a player using a special ticket instead of cash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Jon Muskin
  • Patent number: 7335105
    Abstract: A soccer game apparatus includes a game processor, and the game processor allows at least a character of a soccer ball to be displayed on a television monitor screen. An signal outputting device is attached to a player's leg, and when the player moves the leg, an acceleration correlation signal correlated with an acceleration as of that time is output from the signal outputting device. Upon receipt of the acceleration correlation signal by an infrared signal, for example, the game processor causes a change to the character of the soccer ball displayed on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: SSD Company Limited
    Inventor: Hiromu Ueshima
  • Publication number: 20080045328
    Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that as a player tires, the high frequency components of the player's movement typically decreases in comparison with the low frequency components of the player's movement. By analyzing the frequency components of the player's motion, as obtained from signals generated by the motion input device, the system is able to determine changes in a player's response level and change the game accordingly. In one embodiment, wavelet analysis of an input device signal is used to control or adjust a program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Nobutaka Itagaki
  • Patent number: 7331870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus in which a biometric information relating to a player is used to facilitate game play in multiplayer game environments. In particular, the present invention provides a game platform, a biofeedback sensor, and a biofeedback signal interface connection between the game platform and the biofeedback sensor. The biofeedback signal interface converts the biofeedback sensor information into a signal input usable by the game platform, which executes multimedia events as determined, in part, by the biometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Healing Rhythms, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Smith, Crowin Bell
  • Patent number: 7331857
    Abstract: A gaming system for use with a media player and one or more output devices, where the media player is configured to receive user signals, to read and execute information from a game medium, and to present portions of the information on the one or more output devices. The gaming system includes a first remote unit configured to transmit signals corresponding to a first user and a second remote unit configured to transmit signals corresponding to a second user. The gaming system also includes a game medium having information readable by the media player that, when executed, causes the media player to produce a game having a plurality of scenes. Each scene causes the media player to selectively respond to the reception of user signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter MacIver
  • Patent number: 7329184
    Abstract: A game machine includes, an operating portion, a signal detector, a prompter, a determination receiver and a speed changer. The operating portion outputs a signal in accordance with a player's operation for proceeding a game. The signal detector detects either a consecutive signal within a predetermined period of time or an intermittent signal within a predetermined period of time from the operating portion. The prompter prompts a player to determine whether to change a speed of progress in the game when either the consecutive signal or the intermittent signal is detected. The determination receiver receives a player's determination regarding the change of the speed of progress in the game. The speed changer changes the speed of progress in the game in accordance with the player's determination when the player's determination is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Keiri Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7311601
    Abstract: The invention provides a gaming machine having manufacturer-limited parameter values or parameter value combinations selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up. The parameter values preferably include different maximum pay lines associated with different denominations and are limited to those which have been determined by the manufacturer to provide optimum game play. The different maximum pay lines may be associated with different math models having substantially the same payback percentage values. Subsequent operator selection of the parameter values during gaming machine therefore setup allows the gaming machine having a single game theme or a gaming machine having multiple game themes to be configured with different maximum pay lines for each single game theme. As a result, the player can play a single theme wagering game with a first maximum pay line value and with a second maximum pay line value where the second maximum pay line value differs from the first maximum pay line value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brandon C. Estes, Christian P. Gyrling, William A. Hoefferle, Shridhar P. Joshi
  • Patent number: 7300345
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to deploy soccer players in optimum positions in a soccer game. As means for achieving this object, a base position and ability parameters of player characters are stored in memory as attribute data. Player character/formation selection means obtain an operating signal from a controller and thereby obtain player character and formation information. Player character deployment means reference the attribute data to determine the optimum positions for the player characters on a soccer field. Game execution means execute the game on the basis of the determined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Satoshi Mifune, Yutaka Ito
  • Patent number: 7285050
    Abstract: In a gaming system provided with a plurality of terminals operable by the respective plurality of the players; and a gaming server communicating with the plurality of the terminals, the gaming server comprises a controller executing a computer program and controlling the plurality of the terminals, the controller generates a special interval for stopping a progress of the game in a special mode, and the controller generates a dummy interval in a normal mode during the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kuwana
  • Patent number: 7281976
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a game board 3 formed from a light-transparent member; a projecting device 42 for projecting a game medium onto the game board; a plurality of entrances 10 adapted to receive the game medium projected onto the game board; a display device 4 having a game proceeding/result display area 18 for displaying a plurality of first identification information items in a predetermined mode and entrance number display areas 17a to 17p adapted to display respective second identification information items corresponding to the entrances 10a to 10p, the display device being disposed such that the display areas are viewable through the game board 3; an online number arrangement changing button 7 for making an instruction to change the display of the display areas; and online number arrangement determining means 58 for receiving the instruction from the online number arrangement changing button 7 for a predetermined period, and changing the display of the display areas according to thus received inst
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Aruze Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Jun Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7204758
    Abstract: A video game determines a reward acquired by a player character that has won a battle. If the player character inflicts damage of at least a predetermined value on an enemy character and kills the enemy character, the experience points acquired by the player character increase and the number of acquired items is also increased. If damage inflicted by the player character on the enemy character, immediately before the player character defeats the enemy character, is at least the predetermined value, then the reward of the battle is thus modified favorably for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Tsuchida, Takatsugu Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7198569
    Abstract: A gaming device which displays to a player the mathematically optimal or best way to play a game with minimal processing and memory usage. The game can be any version of video poker, slot game with a hold-a-reel feature, blackjack or other game with a finite number of outcomes after requiring the player to make choice of how to proceed. The present invention also includes the methods of how to make and use the auto-hold tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bryan D. Wolf, Christopher T. Brune, Dwayne R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7192346
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing awards to players of skill games where the awards are selected, based upon various factors, prior to playing the skill game. The method includes paying, by the player, a buy-in fee, selecting an award, playing the skill game, and providing the award to a player if the player successfully completes the skill game. The award may be randomly selected, may be selected from a predetermined table of awards, may be adjusted based upon an adjustment pool, may be adjusted based upon the difficulty of the skill game and may be adjusted as play progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Richard M. Mathis
  • Patent number: 7128649
    Abstract: A music-oriented game machine with a feature to increase a feeling of competitiveness between players. Based on an evaluation of a performance of the first and second players based on their steps, the number of times step timing is presented as guidance is varied. Specifically, while reference arrows (46, 48) are displayed, a plurality of timing guidance arrows (50, 62) approaching the reference arrows (46, 48) are also displayed on a game screen image (40). As a result, guidance as to where step timing is arriving is shown to the player. Then, a speed at which the reference arrows (46, 48) approach the timing guidance arrows (50, 62), respectively, is changed from a default speed to speeds of half, twice, and three-times the default speed based on the result of evaluation on the respective player's stepping performances, to thereby change the guidance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignees: Konami Corporation, KCE Tokyo, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nobe, Shinichiro Niide
  • Patent number: 7086946
    Abstract: On a server, face image is registered and updated according to the player's skill-level. Specifically, as personal information, not only registration of user's address, name, or pen name, but also face information is registered and changed according to the game result. Therefore, this permits a quick visual recognition of the previous game result. As the result, when performing a battle game between terminals, the player can understand the competitor's skill-level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Aruze Co., LTD
    Inventor: Shuichiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7066815
    Abstract: A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. A player enters play preferences at a remote wagering terminal. The remote wagering terminal transmits the play preferences to a slot network server that stores the play preferences. Based upon the play preferences, the slot network server identifies one or more slot machines and transmits outcome data from those slot machines to the remote wagering terminal. The outcome data may be live or historical. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slot network service generates simulated outcome data to the remote wagering terminal. The slot network server keeps track of the player's wins and losses based upon the outcome data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 6964610
    Abstract: A video game device allows a game player to set a degree of difficulty of a technique to be performed by a play character by continuously hitting a pair of buttons in a controller. A command guiding unit guides the input of a command which causes the play character to perform a technique corresponding to the set degree of difficulty, and a stick-shaped controller allows the game player to input commands in accordance with the guide given by the command guiding unit. Upon completion of the performance of the technique by the play character, an evaluating unit evaluates the technique performed in accordance with the commands inputted by the game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Madoka Yamauchi, Katsuma Kashiwagi, Kazuhiro Hiruo
  • Patent number: 6962527
    Abstract: A game progress control program, game progress control method, and video game device, which reflect the player strategy in the video game and have excellent game properties, are provided. A procedure storage unit 51 stores a plurality of operation procedures of a controller 19; an operation reception unit 401 receives operations from the controller 19 performed within a prescribed time interval; an operation decision unit 402 selects one operation procedure from among operation procedures stored in the procedure storage unit 51 as an operation procedure equivalent to operations from the controller 19; a time calculation unit 404 calculates the holding time over which the final operation performed in the operation procedure selected by the operation decision unit 402 is held; and a point-awarding unit 406 awards points based on the decision result of the operation decision unit 402 and the holding time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Konami Computer Entertainment
    Inventor: Kenji Baba
  • Patent number: 6942565
    Abstract: An electronic card game playable in an amusement device having a display includes an electronic deck of cards having a plurality of cards that each have an associated face value. A first layer of cards is disposed on a playing area and a second layer of cards is disposed in overlying relationship thereto. The rules include scoring points based upon a run of play which is a duration of time when the player can selectively remove cards that are one face value higher or lower than the face value of the last card in the shoe, permitting a card in the first layer to become playable when all the cards of the second layer which were partially covering the card in the first layer have been removed, and allowing three or more cards in the first layer to become playable when one card of the second layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Merit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Karn, Chris Walsh
  • Patent number: 6923723
    Abstract: To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31, it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31, the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Takeshi Goden, Shigeyuki Iwase, Kimio Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6923717
    Abstract: A method for controlling game play for use in a video game, wherein a plurality of possible animated actions can be taken by a game character in response to an input from a user provided through a game controller. The method includes: detecting user input from the game controller requesting an animated action by the player; reading an adrenaline value from a control element on the controller indicating a level of aggression desired by the user for the animated action; selecting an animated action from the plurality of possible animated actions based at least in part on the adrenaline value; and performing the selected animated action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Nintendo of America Inc.
    Inventors: Umrao Mayer, Bob Baker, John Brandwood, Mike Knauer, Colin Palmer
  • Patent number: 6918833
    Abstract: The present invention resides in an electronic gaming system comprising gaming parameters defining one or more gaming characters or entities, the system providing means whereby at least one skill type attribute is associated with a gaming character/entity, the system providing means whereby a changing aptitude level value is associated with the skill type attribute, the system providing for means, responsive to the gaming character electing to execute a gaming move using skill type attribute, reducing the aptitude level value by a predetermined amount. The present invention makes efficient use of memory, which in a mobile gaming platform such as a mobile phone is often limited by allowing for more involved and enhanced gameplay without substantially increasing the requirement for memory or processing power. Furthermore, the gaming system of the present invention provides for a compact and manageable gaming solution particularly suitable for mobile gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Emmerson, David Westwater
  • Patent number: 6913536
    Abstract: Game machines automatically change the difficulty level of the game operation in the middle of the game based on an evaluation made on a player's game operation. A game machine determines, at least in terms of timing and type, whether the player's inputted button operation matches with the button operation designated by the game. If there is a match, the game machine determines it as an operation success. If not, the game machine determines it as an operation error. Based on the degree of operation success or operation error, the game machine dynamically changes the difficulty level of the game operation in the middle of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Tomizawa, Nobuo Matsumiya
  • Patent number: 6902484
    Abstract: A game player who faces a game machine is captured by a camera, and the game player is individually identified based on the image. Personal information of the identified game player (information regarding a skill level of the player, information regarding the progress status of the game, information regarding the number of acquired tokens, and information regarding the growth status in raising games) is read out from data storage. Based on the personal information which has been read out, a game environment in accordance with the personal information of the game player is automatically set up. During the game the game status is monitored, and based on the monitoring information, personal information of the game player is automatically generated and stored in the data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhira Idaka
  • Patent number: 6899628
    Abstract: A system for managing game events comprises a first server, a second server, a processor remotely coupled to the first server and the second server, and a memory coupled to the processor. The first server executes a first gaming application, and monitors a first plurality of game events during the execution of the first gaming application. The first server further communicates first event information associated with at least one of the first plurality of game events. The second server executes a second gaming application, and monitors a second plurality of game events during the execution of the second gaming application. The second server further communicates second event information associated with at least one of the second plurality of game events. The processor receives the first event information and the second event information. The memory stores at least a portion of the first event information and the second event information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Game Account Limited
    Inventors: Fergus A. Leen, Sam B. Lawrence, David G. McNally, Clive Hetherington, David M. McDowell, Kevin R. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 6884168
    Abstract: A player makes a wager and a starting video poker hand is displayed to the player. The gaming machine calculates the highest expected value for the five card hand displayed. The gaming machine then calculates the expected value of the hand as played by the player. The difference between the highest expected value and the player expected value is also calculated and multiplied by the amount of the player's wager. The resultant amount is the error made by the player. The resultant amount may be returned to the player in a variety of ways, either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Michael W. Wood, Terry L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6843726
    Abstract: A game system is provided with a converting means including a voice input member, such as a microphone, for allowing the game player or his/her friend to input voices and for converting the inputted voices into electrical signal data, a sound data storage for storing the electrical signal data obtained by the conversion together with predetermined sound-relating data corresponding to contents of instructions, a sound generator for generating voices from the corresponding electrical signal data when a game player makes a motion in response to the content of instruction, and a device for evaluating a game result based on the content of instruction. Accordingly, a sound output type game system which can provide more interesting and enjoyable games can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nomi, Satoshi Ueno, Yasuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6827645
    Abstract: Provides a game processing apparatus capable of getting players more excited about playing games. For that reason, the game processing apparatus of the present invention processes games on the basis of players' operating signals, and is equipped with processing circuits (10), which process the above-mentioned games on the basis of operating signals supplied from input devices (2b) operated by the players, and which generate the image data for these games. When an operating signal equivalent to a player's victory declaration is input from an input device (2b), the processing circuits (10) process subsequent operating signals input by the player as invalid signals until a prescribed condition is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Masamoto Morita, Akiyoshi Shinpo, Akira Nishino, Tooru Ohara, Shuntarou Tanaka, Yuuichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6821205
    Abstract: The present invention provides a server device for net games which can increase the acquaintances of the user through net games, give sufficient excitement to the user, and can run net games smoothly by improving the enthusiasm of users to participate in these games. A lobby server 13 stores profile information for each member when each member accesses using a client computer 2, and at the end of the encounter league, in which profile information is invariably exchanged, the lobby server 13 enables the stored profile information of one member to be read at the client computer 2 of the other member, and enables the stored profile information of the other member to be read at the client computer 2 of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidehisa Takahashi, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Kazuhiro Namba
  • Patent number: 6811486
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's enhanced game play state in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore enhanced game play states from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device, the enhanced game play states typically being enhancements to casino games and including reel nudges, alternate pay table use, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6808267
    Abstract: A method for automatically screening for visual dysfunctions in preliterate or pre-school test subjects incorporates collecting personal profile and background information and transferring the information to a local storage system. The information is retrieved into a PC system and a test procedure is initiated with a test subject by establishing an exclusive dialog between the test subject and the PC system. The test procedure is in the form of a game selectively attractive and readily understood by preliterate or school-age test subjects. The test results are printed for presentation to the test subject and are also transmitted together with the background information to an off-site repository for storage with test results and information of other test subjects. An epidemiological analysis is made of the stored test results and information in accordance with a predetermined analysis protocol. A report is generated representing the results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Childsplay Vision Systems
    Inventors: James W. O'Neil, Richard S. Tirendi, Charles D. Tardibuono
  • Patent number: 6805631
    Abstract: A game system executes a game in which game elements appear in a progress of the game based on a predetermined appearing rates determined for each game element and the game elements are collected. The game system includes: a condition judging unit for judging a certain condition associated with the game at the time of starting the game; and an appearing rate varying unit for varying the predetermined appearing rate only for specific game element based on a result of the judgment by the condition judging unit and for permitting the specific game element to appear in a progress of the game based on the varied appearing rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Tadakatsu Izumi
  • Patent number: 6800027
    Abstract: A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Giobbi, Larry J. Pacey
  • Patent number: 6796899
    Abstract: The present invention includes a gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device. The gaming device of the present invention includes a processor, a display device adapted to communicate with the processor, several sets displayed by a display device and at least one component associated with each set. Several selections are displayed by the display device and a prize is awarded to a player when a set is completed. A player completes a set and receives a prize for that set when the player picks selections and generates each component associated with a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 6764397
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of calculating a payout for a machine based game, comprising choosing a time period over which a measurement will occur, measuring a playing characteristic of a player during the time period, calculating a rate of play based on the measuring step, and adjusting a payout of a gaming machine based on the calculating step. The method allows a degree of skill to be used in a purely or partially chance-based game, making such games more attractive to potential players. Games which may be susceptible to this invention include any games that are all or partially based on chance or luck, such as slot machines, roulette, wheel of fortune, keno, etc. Games of skill may also benefit from the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Skill Safari, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Robb
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6763273
    Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Sarah C. Chudley, Philip Snape
  • Patent number: 6758754
    Abstract: A method and system for providing on-line game competition are provided. Players select their favorite teams, join with other fans of the team, and compete against players on the opposite team. Teams compete against each other in matches, where matches are based on schedules of real-life events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules. Players are grouped with other players associated with their favorite teams, and matches are organized. Various trivia questions may be presented, and players have a predetermined period of time to answer the questions. Points may be awarded based on a player's success in competition and the overall teams success in matches. Further, prizes are awarded based on points received by a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: ACTV, Inc
    Inventors: Eric Robert Lavanchy, Anthony Frank Zito, Richard Edward Lamb
  • Patent number: 6755654
    Abstract: A system and method for computerized competition useful for rewarding a player. The system and method may be utilized in arcade games, personal computer games, dedicated video games, networked games, and simulators. The method may include selecting a target reward level or threshold such as by selecting a score from a list of past scores, and dynamically adjusting the reward level according to the ability of the players of the system. The method may further include adjusting the playback of a previous competition sequence according to the adjusted reward level. In one embodiment, a previous vehicle race sequence is stored and played back as a ghost or phantom vehicle simultaneously with a present vehicle of a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Midway Games West
    Inventor: Aaron Hightower
  • Patent number: 6755740
    Abstract: A method and a system for implementing a multi-way game are disclosed, wherein a combination of a learning software and a game software is used, and the user can still perform the game playing procedure. The present invention first divides the game software into a number of game stages, according to the difficulty level or the procedure property of the game software. Then, a source weight for each of a number of game sources needed by each of the game stages is determined, so that a game evaluating module is set up. According to the difficulty level and content of the learning software, a learning weight is respectively determined, so that a learning evaluating module is set up. Next, a related database is set up according to the source weight, the learning evaluating weight, and a transformation function, so that the source weight and the learning evaluating weight can be exchanged to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Say-Ling Wen, Hua-Feng Mai, David Ho
  • Patent number: 6749505
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate game play. According to one embodiment, game information associated with a game to be played by a player is determined. For example, a putting green contour may be determined for a computer-based golf game. It is the arranged for altered game information to be indicated to the player and for the player to play the game in accordance with the game information, wherein the altered game information alters game play by an automated game playing device more than game play by a human player. For example, the contour of the putting green may be altered before being transmitted to a remote player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian E. Kunzle, V. Maximillian Garcia