Abstract: A plurality of players operate player characters using controllers. The player characters form a friend team to attack enemy characters. The player characters make attacks on the enemy characters by firing bullets into a game space using guns, in accordance with the operations of the respective players. If one of the player characters attacks another one of the player characters, a life of the attacked player character decreases, and a life item for restoring a life also appears in the game space. The attacked player character can restore a life by acquiring the life item.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU sets a moving direction, that is, a position and an orientation of a moving object within a game space on the basis of angular velocity data transmitted from a first controller, that is, an attitude of a gyro sensor unit (gyro sensor). Then, when a second controller is drawn toward a near side in a state that a C button and a Z button thereof are simultaneously pressed, and the C button and the Z button are simultaneously released in that state, the moving object is shot.

Abstract: An image control device includes a display control section that performs a normal display control process that controls an image based on a first designation position, and controls the image based on a second designation position, and performs a special display control process that controls the image based on the first designation position and the second designation position based on a given condition.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.

Abstract: Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether.

Abstract: A system for indicating to a user a clear shot along a projectile trajectory to a target wherein one of the trajectory path indicators indicates a height of the projectile trajectory at a predetermined intermediate range to the target whereby the user is informed regarding whether or not an obstacle is in the projectile trajectory. The system facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The system may indicate a calibrated aiming point, which is the maximum height of the projectile trajectory. Enhanced rangefinders have digital cameras and high-resolution displays. Some embodiments include a weapon scope, a simulation game device, and a mobile smart phone. A method of using the system.

Abstract: A battle volleyball or other sports game having both sports and battle game aspects is played between opposing teams. A game object, having at least one associated characteristic, is used in the game. An associated characteristic of the game object is altered based on properly timed player input, the input being timed to coincide with one or more action indicators displayed along a game object movement path. The game object may also negatively affect a health or other game character related parameter of a game character towards which the game object is directed.

Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: A method in a video gaming system including a processor, a memory and a sensor system for capturing body motion is described. In one embodiment, the body motion can be associated with a person pretending to hit or launch an object, such as an object used in a sporting activity. In general, body motion can be associated with any activity involving similar body motions that are repeated during the activity. In a video game generated by the video gaming system, a consistency with which the repeated body motions are made over time can be used to determine an outcome for a single instance of the body motion. In a particular embodiment, a probability of a more desirable outcome resulting from the single instance of the body motion can increase as the consistency with which the repeated body motions are made increases.

Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: Provided is a game device for executing a game of a sport to be played by using a moving object including: a position acquiring section for acquiring an initial position of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in a game space; a direction acquiring section for acquiring an initial direction of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in the game space; and a movement control section for causing the moving object to start to move based on the initial position acquired by the position acquiring section and the initial direction acquired by the direction acquiring section, to thereby move the moving object, in which the movement control section changes a moving direction of the moving object a plurality of times to a moving direction determined based on an original moving direction of the moving object and a random number.

Abstract: In a shooting game device capable of having more than one player play a game, stop control module (M1), generates first stop information (ST1) upon detecting that a first gun unit (30) points out of the screen, and generates second stop information (ST2) upon detecting that a first gun unit (40) points out of the screen. A virtual view position movement module (M2) moves a first virtual view position for a first player and a second virtual view position for a second player at the predetermined speed, but stops the movement of the first virtual view position upon detecting first stop information (ST1) and stops the movement of the second virtual view position upon detecting second stop information (ST2). An image generation module (M4) generates a first image (GD1) for the first player and a second image (GD2) for the second player in a virtual space based on first position information (PS1) showing the first virtual view position and second position information (PS2) showing the second virtual view position.

Abstract: A plane defining unit (241) defines a horizontal plane in the field of view, within whose bounds an own character exists. A block division unit (242) divides the defined plane into a plurality of blocks. An aiming position selecting unit (243) randomly selects a predetermined number of aiming positions, which are arbitrary positions in each of the blocks thus divided. An reaching determining unit (244) determines whether a bullet can reach each of the target positions thus selected, based on a positional relationship with an opponent character, who conducts shooting, and the like. An aiming position deciding unit (245) randomly decides one target position from among the target positions determined to be reachable. An image generating unit (250) generates a game image including the own character attacked by a bullet shoot at the decided target position.

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.

Abstract: An approach for providing virtual throwing of objects is described. Execution of virtually throwing an object as represented by a first application on a first mobile device is detected. Throwing data for the object using sensor information and location information of the first mobile device is determined. A second mobile device is selected as a candidate to virtually catch the object as represented by a second application on the second mobile device based on the throwing data and location information of the second mobile device. A successful catch of the object by the second mobile device is determined based on the throwing data and the location information of the second mobile device.

Abstract: A game machine is provided that displays an attack direction in a 3D virtual game space when a player character is attacked, such that the human player can readily recognize the attack direction. In the game machine that activates the player character and an enemy character that attacks the player character in a 3D virtual game space, the direction of the attack received by the player character from the enemy character is acquired based on player position information indicating the position of the player character and enemy position information indicating the position of the enemy character in the game space. Damage marks which are objects that indicate the attack direction are generated at positions corresponding to the attack direction in a player region set around the player character, and at least a part of the game space, including the player character and the damage marks, is displayed.

Abstract: A game machine is provided that displays an attack direction in a 3D virtual game space when a player character is attacked, such that the human player can readily recognize the attack direction. In the game machine that activates the player character and an enemy character that attacks the player character in a 3D virtual game space, the direction of the attack received by the player character from the enemy character is acquired based on player position information indicating the position of the player character and enemy position information indicating the position of the enemy character in the game space. Damage marks which are objects that indicate the attack direction are generated at positions corresponding to the attack direction in a player region set around the player character, and at least a part of the game space, including the player character and the damage marks, is displayed.

Abstract: A method in a video gaming system including a processor, a memory and a sensor system for capturing body motion is described. In one embodiment, the body motion can be associated with a person pretending to hit or launch an object, such as an object used in a sporting activity. In general, body motion can be associated with any activity involving similar body motions that are repeated during the activity. In a video game generated by the video gaming system, a consistency with which the repeated body motions are made over time can be used to determine an outcome for a single instance of the body motion. In a particular embodiment, a probability of a more desirable outcome resulting from the single instance of the body motion can increase as the consistency with which the repeated body motions are made increases.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager.

Abstract: An interactive video game is provided on a video gaming system in which one or more sports teams having individual players compete in a simulated sporting event that has a set of rules enforceable by an official. A method of operating the video game includes allowing a user to control the actions of the official in enforcing the set of rules by manipulating a controller to provide input data, processing the input data and comparing the input data against a reference set of appropriate actions of the official, and assigning a performance grade to the user based on the comparison of the input data against said reference set of appropriate actions of the official. In this manner, the officiating skills of the user may be evaluated against a reference set of appropriate officiating calls or rulings involving the actions of the individuals in the simulated sporting event.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method and related apparatus that simulates planned athletic plays. A device such as a touchscreen tablet or mobile device can use a simulation platform that produces a visualization of one or more athletes in a planned scenario. The platform can then display and/or animate the one or more athletes as they progress through multiple stages of a simulated athletic play. The simulated athletic play can be edited, saved, and sent to other devices, which may also play back the simulated athletic play. In some embodiments, a user can capture video or load saved video clips and associate such videos with the simulated athletic play or steps comprising part of the simulated athletic play. In some embodiments, a user can pause a simulated athletic play during playback to add and edit steps that comprise the play.

Abstract: An electronic sensing device includes a blanket, at least a sensor unit, and a display unit. The blanket has a circuit unit thereon and a plurality of couplers electrically connected to the circuit unit. The sensor unit is detachably fastened to the blanket and electrically connected to the couplers. The sensor unit has an impact surface. The display unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit of the blanket to show a message when the impact surface of the sensor unit receives an external force.

Abstract: In the computer data security field, cryptographic hash function processes embodied in a computer system and which are typically keyless, but are highly secure. The processes are based on the type of randomness exhibited by well known table “cue sports” games such as billiards, snooker, and pool played on a billiards table involving the players striking one of a plurality of balls with a cue, the struck ball then hitting other balls, the raised sides of the table, and in some cases one or more balls going into pockets in the corners and/or sides of the table. Computation of the hash value (digest) is the result of providing a model (such as expressed in computer code) of such a game algorithm and using the message as an input to the game algorithm, then executing the game algorithm. A state of the game after one or several “shots” gives the hash digest value of the message.

Abstract: Systems and methods of simulated objects in simulated environments for marketplaces, gaming, sporting events and/or performance events are disclosed herein. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method to control a simulated object that is associated with a physical location in a real world environment. One embodiment includes enabling access of the simulated object in a simulated environment by a user via a device responsive to determining that a location data or timing data satisfies a criterion. The simulated environment can include a marketplace associated with the physical location in the real world environment where the simulated object represents virtual goods or real goods associated with the marketplace.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to propose image processing technology whereby even a player with a low skill level can enjoy a shooting game with more excitement. To achieve this object, according to the present invention, if a player outputs a slow regeneration request signal when processing transits to the status where an enemy-character is about to fire a bullet, the enemy-character and the bullet fired by the enemy-character are regenerated slowly. By this, the player can aim at the bullet with extra time.

Abstract: A toy system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A toy vehicle or mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the toy vehicle and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the toy vehicle can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the toy vehicle, whereupon the microcontroller of the toy vehicle controls detailed movement of the toy vehicle on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the toy vehicle to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: Methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location.

Abstract: Provided is a game machine allowing a game player to give an instruction to perform predetermined game processing to the game machine and an instruction of the condition of when the predetermined game processing is started. The game machine performs game processing at given time intervals, updates one or more game-related parameters, and causes the update to be reflected on a game screen. A storage unit (50) stores a parameter condition representing the condition of parameters in correspondence with each of a plurality of items of operation information indicating details of an operation for making the game machine execute given game processing. A judging unit (56) judges whether or not the one or more parameters satisfy the parameter condition corresponding to operation information indicating details of a game player's operation. A game processing executing unit (58) starts executing the given game processing in accordance with a judgment made by the judging unit (56).

Abstract: A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.

Abstract: A system for targeting and attack of one or more enemies in a game environment is provided. A player may designate an enemy or enemies on a display screen as a target and subsequently initiate an attack of the targeted enemy or enemies. The display allows for flexibility in choosing which enemies to attack.

Abstract: An object control device includes an action control unit configured to control an action of a first object, an action of a second object, and an action of an item, in a virtual space. The object control device also includes an item/object storing unit configured to store first object identification information and item identification information in association with each other, when the action control unit controls the first object to possess the item. The object control device also includes a collision determining unit configured to determine whether the item and the second object have collided. When the collision determining unit determines that the item and the second object have collided, the action control unit acquires the first object identification information stored in association with the item identification information and controls the second object to perform a first action based on the first object identification information.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach. A system comprising a communications module to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach, and a processor module to determine a coach's score based on at least one action of at least one member of a team. A method comprising using a processor to perform at least a portion of one or more of the following: soliciting at least one selection of at least one coach, monitoring at least one action of at least one member of a team, and determining a coach's score based on the at least one action.

Abstract: A switching section switches an operation subject of a user among a plurality of game characters. A first control section causes the game character that is set as the operation subject of the user among the plurality of game characters to behave based on a direction acquired based on an operation state of a first operation member. A second control section causes the game character that is not set as the operation subject of the user among the plurality of game characters to behave based on an operation of a computer. A selection section selects any one of the game characters controlled by the second control section based on a direction acquired based on an operation state of a second operation member. The switching section switches the operation subject of the user to the game character selected by the selection section.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game apparatus, a game progressing method, and a recording medium that remove dissatisfaction of a player generated when an operation is not reflected on a progressing result of a game in spite of the operation being made at an appropriate timing and enhance entertaining potentialities. If an operation instruction on a player character is received from a player, a time period that has elapsed since a previous state has changed to a current state is measured. When the elapsed time is within a predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state and the previous state are inquired. When the elapsed time is not within the predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state are inquire. Based on an inquiry result, it is determined whether the operation instruction from the player is an allowable action.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for virtual golf simulation that is capable of providing various contents based on user history information of a user who has previously played golf through the virtual golf simulation apparatus during a virtual golf procedure through virtual golf simulation and enabling a user to play golf with the user, another user, or a virtual user acquired based on play information of a celebrity, thereby improving user convenience and inducing interest in virtual golf.

Abstract: The present invention is related to controlling a video game in which ability of a game character is adjusted on the basis of events in the video game. For example, in a baseball video game, if the game player operating a pitcher character keeps selecting a pitching trajectory that a batter character is bad at hitting the ball object, the extent that the batter character is bad at hitting the ball object in the pitching trajectory will be gradually reduced. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the pitcher character to make the batter character out. Accordingly, advantageous level for the pitcher character will be reduced. Therefore, imbalance of the baseball video game is to be solved between the pitcher character and the batter character.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for building online games. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a user interface that facilitates user selection of parts, and placing a set of parts selected by a user in a three-dimensional (3D) world. The method may also include joining parts within the set based on their proximity to each other in the 3D world to form one or more models for a game, and sending a model file for each of these models to a server via a network for use by various users.

Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. Such information facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The improved display provides one or more path indicators shown over the cross hairs. In some embodiments the highest point in the projectile trajectory (being a true aim point) is indicated in relation to the visualized target and possible obstacles. An improved rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine an accurate projectile trajectory based on the first range and the determined angle.

Abstract: An information storage medium storing a program that generates an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual camera, an operation object and a non-operation object being disposed in the virtual space.

Abstract: A method for playing a video game on a mobile device by starting up the mobile device for enabling the mobile device to select a predetermined game program and to execute the selected game program so that the user can give an instruction to the mobile device by hand gesture, voice or touch control, controlling the processor of the mobile device to run the boosted game program and to display the video on a display screen of the mobile device after a recognition step by comparing the inputted signal with multiple 3D space hand gesture signal data in a database of the mobile device by the processor.

Abstract: A game apparatus controls a game in which a user-controlled character and an opponent character hit a ball. A serve control unit receives the first input operation from a user and makes the character perform an action of tossing the ball when the character performs a serve. The serve control unit receives the second input operation from the user and makes the character perform an action of the serve. The serve control unit determines a ball power or ball speed in the serve based on the first input operation, and determines a shot type in the serve based on the second input operation. The serve control unit makes the character perform the serve according to the determined ball power or ball speed and the determined shot type.

Abstract: Provided are a massively multiplayer online first person shooting (MMOFPS) game service system and method, more particularly, an MMOFPS game service system and method providing various online game modes and capable of promoting teamwork, bonding, and solidarity with peers. The MMOFPS game service method includes preparing for an MMOFPS game service, checking whether teams accessing the game service are three or more, starting the game when the accessing teams are three or more, regarding all users except for allies as enemies, checking whether a user is in a normal state, checking whether an adjacent user is an ally when the user is in the normal state, coming close to the adjacent user to help the user recover when the adjacent user is an ally, and defeating the adjacent user by an execution including melee attack and execution actions such as curb stomp when the adjacent user is a knocked-down enemy.

Abstract: A method, including defining an interaction surface containing an interaction region in space, capturing a sequence of depth maps over time of at least a part of a body of a human subject, and processing the depth maps in order to detect a direction and speed of movement of the part of the body as the part of the body passes through the interaction region. A software application, selected from a group of software applications consisting of a flight simulation and an interactive tennis game, is controlled responsively to the detected direction and speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing pool on a pool table is disclosed. A plurality of target raised pockets is located on the pool table and pool balls are hit into an indentation on the raised pocket. For example, a plurality of pool balls is arranged in a starting position on the playing surface of the pool table. Players alternate turns wherein each player attempts to hit balls from a set of pool balls assigned to that player onto the target raised pockets on the pool table using a pool cue. The game ends when the player has hit all of his assigned balls onto an indentation on a top level of the target raised pocket.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation apparatus and method are provided. In the apparatus and method, a golfer is allowed to selectively or arbitrarily set a hole-cup position on a green during a simulation procedure of a virtual golf course and a hole-cup is generated at the set position to provide virtual golf simulation environments meeting various needs of golfers who enjoy virtual golf games while arousing their interest. The virtual golf simulation apparatus for a golf course includes a setting unit for setting a hole-cup position on a putting green and an image processing unit for generating and rendering a hole-cup at the set hole-cup position on the putting green.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a fantasy sports league. A video game provided with all of the teams and their active rosters for a particular sport and season would be used to simulate the play of the game for an actual or projected season for that sport. Team owners, coaches or managers would draft players off the active roster for that sport and matchups between the teams in the fantasy league would utilize statistics generated during the simulated play of a schedule of games to determine comprehensive performance points for each team which would be utilized to determine the winner of matchups between fantasy league teams.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a remotely controlled toy having a video camera operable to capture video images of a real environment and an entertainment device operable to communicate using a data communications link with the remotely controlled toy, in which the device comprises transmitting means operable to transmit, via the data communications link, control data to the remotely controlled toy that relates to the control of the remotely controlled toy, receiving means operable to receive, from the data communications link, video images captured by the video camera—of the remotely controlled toy, detecting means operable to detect a real environment feature within the real environment, processing means operable to generate a virtual image feature in dependence upon the detected real environment feature, and displaying means operable to generate a combined display of the captured video images and the virtual image feature such that the virtual image feature is arranged with respect to the video images s