Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device which allows character aspects to be changed continuously. The present device is capable of displaying a cursor point and a character in standard aspect on a screen, and by transforming and displaying character aspect in accordance with parameters for defining characters, moving the cursor point in line with movement commands from peripheral devices, and continuously changing the parameters which define the character in line with the movement of the cursor point, serves continuously to transform and display character aspect.

Abstract: An image processing system enables the manipulation of individual anonymous laser pointers in interactive visual games. The system includes a display system that displays an image on a display screen. A camera acquires a sequence of images of the display screen. Participants in the game aim individual laser pointers at the screen; the laser pointers form dots on the display screen. A warp module corrects the acquired images for distortion. A registration module registers the corrected sequence of images with the displayed image, and modifies the displayed image in response to a distribution of the laser dots on the display screen.

Abstract: Players can quickly and easily determine the sequence of play following the player character in the current turn, and can flexibly use the characteristics applied to each of multiple characters to strategically advance the game. When a battle scene is detected, information preset according to the actions that the player characters are to perform, information preset according to the characteristics assigned individually to multiple characters, and information preset according to the status derived from game progress for each of the multiple characters is used in a calculation to determine the action sequence of the multiple characters. The determined action sequence is displayed according to the selection of actions each player character is to perform. If the player then performs a specific operation, the selected actions and the action sequence of the multiple characters corresponding to those actions are accepted.

Abstract: To provide a game system which can lighten the burden imposed on a player and even the third person can enjoy, when a gun shooting game is played using a rifle equipped with a scope, a proximity sensor section (210) is provided on a gun device 200, for changing an image from a long-distance image to a short-distance image, using an image changing section (130) when it is judged that the player has come close to the proximity sensor section (210) and looks into the scope section (220), to thereby display the short-distance image on the display section (140).

Abstract: A virtual computer monitor is described which enables instantaneous and intuitive visual access to large amounts of visual data by providing the user with a large display projected virtually in front of the user. The user wears a head-mounted display containing a head-tracker, which together allow the user to position an instantaneous viewport provided by the head-mounted display at any position within the large virtual display by turning to look in the desired direction. The instantaneous viewport further includes a mouse pointer, which may be positioned by turning the user's head, and which may be further positioned using a mouse or analogous control device. A particular advantage of the virtual computer monitor is intuitive access to enlarged computer output for visually-impaired individuals.

Abstract: Loss-less data compression/decompression especially useful in a limited resource environment such as a handheld portable video game system allows graphics and/or attribute data to be efficiently and quickly decompressed on an as-needed basis in real time response to interactive user inputs. A two-level run-length-encoding is used to encode redundant patterns and redundant symbols. A common sentinel field format encodes whether data following the field is non-redundant data, a symbol run, or a pattern run. Compression ratios of 60% for representative symbol-mapped video display graphics/attribute files can be achieved.

Abstract: An image generation device and an information storage medium that make it possible to increase the virtual realism and dramatic effect of a shooting, game in an efficient manner. A plurality of objects such as target objects are set within an object space, and a hit check is performed on shots from 1P and 2P players and the target objects. First and second viewpoints for the 1P and 2P players are controlled and images as seen from those first and second viewpoints are output to first and second display screens, respectively. Although the viewpoints of the 1P and 2P players are the same in the prior art, they can be made different in this game. The first and second viewpoints move along first and second movement paths, and the first and second viewpoints are controlled in such a manner that the first and second movement paths diverge when a given circumstance occurs.

Abstract: When S=0, and a user waves his or her hand five times or more from side to side (S1502), the head of a dolphin appears from the water, and the number L1 of times of status changes is increased by 1 (S1504). When the user waves his or her hand twice or more up and down (S1503), the dolphin jumps from the water, and the number L1 is increased by 1 (S1505). When S=1, and a user waves his or her hand three times or more from side to side, the dolphin disappears into the water, and the number L1 is increased by 1 (S1507). When S=2, and the dolphin jumps into the water, then S=0 (S1509). If S=3, and the dolphin disappears into the water, then S=0 (S1511). Then, it is determined whether or not L1≧3 (S1512). If yes, the process is passed to the communications level 2 (S1513).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus allowing for an accurate determination of a collision of a player's moving object traveling at high speed with an obstacle. A relative coordinate calculation section 21 calculates the relative coordinates of another movable object by using the position of the player's movable object as the origin. A relative speed calculation section 22 calculates the relative speed of the player's moving object and the other movable object. If the relative speed exceeds a predetermined value, a hit check position decision section 23 equally divides a distance traveled by the player's moving object at the relative speed in {fraction (1/60)} seconds into segments, each of the segments not exceeding the length L of the player's moving object, to determine the number of hit checks, and sets one or more hit check positions between the player's moving object and the other movable object on their trajectory.

Abstract: The game scene reproducing machine includes a reproducing unit for reproducing a game scene of a game machine having an instruction unit for instructing output of the game scene while a game is being executed, and outputting game scene reproducing information is outputted, which includes game history information having timing information of output instruction, and control information and manipulation information of the game and a receiving unit for receiving the game scene reproducing information, wherein image data of the game scene that has been reproduced in accordance with the game history information, is outputted. The game scene reproducing system includes the game scene reproducing machine, the game machine or machines and a communication network in which the reproducing machine and the game machine or machines are connected.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enable to provide with a image display method which displays a high-quality picture without making any disorder on the screen even when the processing load increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device. Particularly, it relates to a video game device which alternately performs a shooting game and a role-playing game. The aim of the present invention is to provide an image processing device to make the operation of a character easier by limiting the movement range of the character to a certain field in a shooting game. The image processing device of the present invention places virtual objects in a virtual space formed within a computer system, proceeds a game while controlling the movement of said virtual objects according to input operations and certain rules, and displays the state within said virtual space as a screen seen from a certain viewpoint, wherein said image processing device sets a movement field of a certain shape 202 surrounding at least one of said virtual objects 100A and limits the movement range of other virtual objects 100A based on this movement field.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method enabling a participant to control the multi-dimensional kinetics of their avatar in a virtual environment. The participant accomplishes this control by selectably transitioning among various movements (“motion states”) from which are derived avatar motions and motion-related positions. The participant's motion states not only comprise interaction data and are correlated to avatar motion, but also are associated with selected, minimal actual motion in the participant's physical surroundings. The apparatus comprises a mount, a motion base and a support: the mount interfaces with the participant, enabling the participant to have a selected range of motion; the motion base is disposed relative to the mount so as to enable contact with the participant and, associated with such contact, provides for detection of the motion states; and the support couples the mount and the motion base so as to provide the relative disposition thereof.

Abstract: The present Invention provides image generating technology capable of expressing a complex yet natural movement of the characters with less image data regardless of the playback speed.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily updatable, or alternately, retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a panel, an electronics system, and a video display. The playfield is mounted in the cabinet with the panel mounted to the cabinet and overlaying at least a portion of the playfield. The video display is mounted generally above the cabinet and is disposed to project video images onto the panel for viewing by the player. The electronics system includes a control unit and a plurality of input/output elements which are mounted to the playfield. The control unit, which includes a controller and memory for storing game instructions and video images, is coupled to the plurality of input/output elements. The controller executes the game instructions to cause the video images to be displayed upon the video display.

Abstract: A CPU of a control system controls a signal processor to effect various calculations to move a player's spaceship on a projection display screen, orient the player's spaceship toward a shooting direction, move a camera position at a rear viewpoint toward the player's spaceship, and orient the shooting direction outside of the projection display screen, based on shooting game data including image data, audio data, and program data stored in recording medium. The CPU also controls an image processor to write image data and audio data into a RAM based on the calculated results from the signal processor. The image data thus written in the RAM is displayed on a television monitor and projected onto the projection display screen.

Abstract: In a video game on which plural players operate different characters, a method for displaying and controlling a character makes players not lose their interest to continue a video game even when a difference according to the player's technique is generated. The method for displaying and controlling the plural characters, includes the steps of judging a condition operated by a player for one of the first and second characters to be displayed according to a game program, and controlling a displayed position for the one of the first and second characters according to the judging result; and loosing the condition of the judgement for the one of the first and second characters when a virtual distance between the first and second characters is more than a predetermined value according to the game program.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a panel, an electronics system, and a video display. The playfield is mounted in the cabinet with the panel mounted to the cabinet and overlaying at least a portion of the playfield. The video display is mounted generally above the cabinet and is disposed to project video images onto the panel for viewing by the player. The electronics system includes a control unit and a plurality of input/output elements which are mounted to the playfield. The control unit, which includes a controller and memory for storing game instructions and video images, is coupled to the plurality of input/output elements. The controller executes the game instructions to cause the video images to be displayed upon the video display.

Abstract: This invention relates to a game system. The game system has a window image including an action command frame and a non-action command frame. When it is a player's turn to designate an action parameter, the window image including the action command frame and the non-action command frame is displayed on a display plane of display means of the game player to enable the game player to select a command in the action command frame or the non-action command frame and accept the selected command. Concurrently, a window image solely including the non-action command frame is displayed on a display plane of display means of the game player who is not assigned with the turn to enable the non-assigned game player to designate the command in the non-action command frame on the window image and accept the designated command while allowing the game player to see an overall image in a game space through the window image.

Abstract: A game player is allowed to punch a punching ball and the shape of a captured image is transformed in conformity with the punching force applied to the ball. An image is captured by a camera or memory card reader. The player punches the punching ball, causing the shape of the captured image to be transformed. The larger the acceleration of the punching ball when it is punched, the greater the transformation in the shape of the captured image. The transformed image is displayed on a display unit and may be printed if desired. The player can experience a game more realistic than one in which the shape of a computer-graphics image is transformed.

Abstract: In a video game machine, a character's action is scored according to whether or not a game player operates an operation unit at a suitable timing. An action selecting control function urges the game player to select an action. A command specifying control function specifies a command representing a combination of operations to be performed by the game player when a competitor reaches a predetermined distance from a course lip of a half-pipe course and causes a display unit to display the specified combination of operations corresponding to the selected action. A command input determining function determines whether the specified command has been input before the competitor reaches the course lip. An action conducting control function causes the competitor to conduct the selected action when the specified command is input. A scoring control function scores the competitor's action in view of five performance elements.

Abstract: A game which comprises a plurality of play devices and a panel for prohibiting access of a player to the plurality of play devices. The panel includes at least two optically distinct portions. A first optically distinct portion is substantially transparent for viewing at least one of the play devices and a second optically distinct portion is partially transparent for viewing at least another of the plurality of the play devices and partially reflective for reflecting a virtual image to be viewed by the player. The second optically distinct portion having a higher reflectivity than the first optically distinct portion.

Abstract: An amusement game which comprises a playfield having a game piece and a plurality of play features, and an apparatus for projecting a changeable virtual image in association with the playfield.

Abstract: LED arrays where a plurality of LEDs are vertically arranged are lit up in luminance corresponding to tone values on digital image data. Light beams in line emitted from the LED arrays are scanned in a horizontal direction to display a two-dimensional image. Clocks A, B, C are selectively gated according to the tone values D0, D1 on the digital image data to generate a drive pulse for driving each of the LEDs on the LED arrays. Each LED thus emits light in luminance corresponding to the tone value on the digital image data. Pulse widths of the clocks A, B, C are changed by one screen. Luminance of each light emitting element corresponding to the tone data on the digital image data is thus changed to increase the substantially representable number of tones.

Abstract: An interactive game apparatus in which players throw projectiles, such as soft balls, against a display panel on which a target image is projected and contact sensitive elements aligned with target areas in the projected image are activated by a hit from the thrown projectile to initiate a change in the projected image uniquely associated with the target area hit and the player who threw the projectile. An embodiment in the context of a tic-tac-toe game is described. A number of embodiments for identifying specific projectiles with a player responsible for throwing the projectile are described.

Abstract: A roulette-like ball game machine has a rotary disk with a plurality of pockets arranged in a peripheral direction and assigned a number respectively, and a guide circle provided around the rotary disk at a somewhat higher position and joining to the rotary disk through an inclined surface. While the rotary disk is turned, a ball rolled along the guide circle falls inside and enters one of the pockets to decide a prize number. In such a ball game machine, a plurality of operation stands are arranged around the guide circle, the rotary disk is formed in an annular shape having a large inner diameter, a large-sized picture surface is provided within the central space of the rotary disk and various pictures are projected on the picture surface by an image projector.

Abstract: A compact virtual image electronic display system including a beamsplitting magnification optic on which a source object is projected, the beamsplitting magnification optic having a refractive surface and a partially reflective surface for magnifying and reflecting the source object as a magnified virtual image, and a reflective element positioned for receiving and reflecting the magnified virtual image back to the beamsplitting magnification optic. The beamsplitting magnification optic receives the reflected magnified virtual image and magnifies and transmits it through the beamsplitting magnification optic as a compound magnified image of the magnified virtual image to an observer.

Abstract: An aerial toy is disclosed that is adapted to be launched into the air using an elastomeric band. The toy includes a nose portion that is generally in the shape of an elongate ellipsoid that has a front end and a rear end. An elongate rib depends from the rear end of the nose portion in a direction generally along the long axis of the nose portion. This rib has a first end adjacent to the nose portion and a second end. The aerial toy also includes a pair of generally planar wing portions which are arranged so that the plane of the first wing portion is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of the second wing portion. The first wing portion depends from the rear end of the nose portion and from the rib, and has a tapered outer edge. The second wing portion depends from the rib and has a surface area approximately 20-80% as large as the surface area of the first wing portion.

Abstract: Device for the successive exposure of images in amusement machines, made up of a structure (1) that supports two consecutive synchronized dragging rollers (3 and 4), at least two consecutive fixed position guiding rollers (5 and 6) and two non consecutive, removable, adjustable position guiding rollers (7 and 8), upon which rollers is mounted a flexible continuous strip (22), bearing images that pass in front of a viewing window, near which are fitted lighting means (23), including furthermore means (30, 31, 32, 35) used to control the position of the images.

Abstract: A hand held computer game including a housing, game controls located on an outer surface of the housing, a light source disposed within the housing and being operative to direct light along a light path, an at least partially transparent image surface disposed along the light path and a non-transparent reflective viewing surface having optical power, mounted on the housing and arranged to display an enlarged image of the transparent image surface to a user.

Abstract: A video game cabinet has an identical configuration on opposite sides. That is, each side has a video monitor display for displaying the contents of a game and an operation panel for entering player instructions for operating the game. Each side also has a speaker for generating effect sounds for the game play as well as a coin slot. Each side has a second display for showing a winner indication that is displayed when the player has continuously won the game, a third display for displaying the current number of wins, and a fourth display for maintaining/updating and displaying the maximum number of wins over a specified time period. A removable game processing circuit can execute the game play and drive the first display. A display control circuit can independently drive the second, third, and fourth display.

Abstract: A new Roulette apparatus comprises multiple balls and separate tracks for launching each of the balls. In a preferred embodiment there are two balls and two tracks. Also in a preferred embodiment special apparatus is provided for launching the balls. In one embodiment the launching apparatus is air powered, and in another the apparatus is mechanical with the balls accelerated by contact with a spinning wheel. In either case the launching apparatus may be hand-held or mounted to a frame and positioned to propel the balls into the tracks. In another aspect of the invention the wheel of the Roulette apparatus is provided as a dynamic display, which may be of several different types, such as LCD and dynamic holographic displays, and electronic player stations are provided wherein players may customize and place bets. In many embodiments the games are enhanced by audio effects including such sounds as balls being launched, balls rolling in Roulette apparatus, thunder strikes, and music.

Abstract: There is provided a game system in which a virtual object such as a car is moved in virtual surroundings on a screen of a display. The system comprises an input device for providing from a player operating information concerning an expected motion of the object and an element for simulating the motion of the object in response to the provided information and in consideration of interaction forces between the object and the surroundings. The interaction forces are operated at least two positions of the object. The simulated results of the object Is displayed on the screen of the display.

Abstract: A modular electronic game system, mountable on the head of a user or contained in a console, including a viewing surface, an image projection assembly and an image generating module which has a transparent image screen.

Abstract: A hunting simulator having a projection of a moving target in life-size as in a natural environment is provided for practice shooting of a missile such as an arrow, dart, bullet, etc. The missile is detected in-flight in a detection plane set apart from a projection screen so the missile is detected undisturbed before impacting on the screen. The primary detector includes a continuously-illuminating LED emitter and a CCD camera sensor collocated with the emitter with a field of view in a detection area within the plane. Retroreflective tape on a perimeter about the detection area efficiently returns emitter radiation to the sensor. Detection is when a missile causes a shadow on the tape with an interruption of reflected light to the sensor, although in an alternative embodiment, the retroreflective tape is installed on the missile instead of the detection plane perimeter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instructional game in which participants may be exposed to a multitude of careers or occupations and also participants may be exposed to a variety of predicaments which are to be encountered in a working life.