Abstract: An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.

Abstract: A game playing device having a housing with a card holding member, the card holding member being configured to receive a plurality of cards; a plurality of switches located on a surface of the housing each of the plurality of switches being capable of being illuminated; and a controller for selectively illuminating each of the plurality of switches, the illumination of at least one of the plurality of switches indicating a turn for playing the game playing device.

Abstract: A plurality of regions are set for a target, and target information for specifying information relating to a second movable object, which is set to be moveable toward a first movable object for each region, is stored. The game controller judges, in response to the operation of the operator, in which region the first movable object, at an arrival position, which has started movement from the reference position, is located, refers to the target information, and arranges the second movable object in a virtual space based on the information relating to the second movable object corresponding to the region in which the first movable object is located.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay with a virtual character on a computing device. The player can access at least one video game and interact with the video game via a virtual character. The computing device detects or receives and stores at least one vital sign of the player. This vital sign is used to retrieve a storyline for the virtual character to interact with, which is related to the at least one vital sign.

Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A first gesture of the computer user is identified as one of a plurality of different action selection gestures, each action selection gesture associated with a different action performable within an interactive interface controlled by gestures of the computer user. A second gesture is identified as a triggering gesture that causes performance of the action associated with the action selection gesture.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers. The systems and methods may include scrape away functionality.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for modifying signals of a three-dimensional graphics application program based on a tracking algorithm. In operation, a plurality of signals are received from a three-dimensional graphics application program. Additionally, the signals, or a derivative thereof, are modified based on an algorithm that tracks at least a portion of an upper body of a person. Furthermore, the modified signals are output.

Abstract: An exemplary motion sensing controller includes an infrared light detection module, a spherical light output member, and a processing unit. The infrared light detection module is configured for detecting infrared light and includes a lens module. The spherical light output member is configured for outputting infrared light. The infrared light detection module has a sensing surface configured for capturing images of the spherical light output member. The processing unit is electrically connected with the infrared light detection module. The processing unit is configured for receiving signals of the images of the spherical light output member, computing dimensions and positions of the images of the spherical light output member on the sensing surface, and computing positions of the spherical light output member with respect to the lens module based on the dimensions and the positions of the images of the spherical light output member on the sensing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments related to calibrating a game controller including a magnetometer during game play are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method comprising sampling magnetic information received from the magnetometer, and outputting, to a computing device, an initial game controller orientation signal derived from a first sample of a plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from directional offset data. The method further comprises identifying a valid minimum observed value and a valid maximum observed value from the plurality of samples of the magnetic information, and calculating updated directional offset data based on the valid minimum observed value and the valid maximum observed value. The method further comprises outputting to the computing device a calibrated game controller orientation signal derived from a second sample of the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from the updated directional offset data.

Abstract: Embodiments related to calibrating a game controller including a magnetometer during game play are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method comprising sampling magnetic information received from the magnetometer, and outputting, to a computing device, an initial game controller orientation signal derived from a first sample of a plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from directional offset data. The method further comprises calculating updated directional offset data based on the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and on the directional offset data, and outputting to the computing device a calibrated game controller orientation signal derived from a second sample of the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and the updated directional offset data.

Abstract: A video control system has an accelerometer sensor connected to a microcontroller for imparting motion and orientation information to the microcontroller. An encoder/transmitter is connected to the microcontroller and converts a plurality of parallel signals from the microcontroller into a serial data stream which is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver/decoder which converts the serial data back to the original parallel signals. The receiver/decoder is connected to a keyboard encoder that is connected to the keyboard port of personal computer. The accelerometer sensor, microcontroller and encoder transmitter are adapted to be worn on a video player's person. The system allows for a realistic experience in a video environment in which movement of the video player is replicated and appreciated on a video screen.

Abstract: An electronic question and answer game device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing that has several side walls or surfaces. A display screen is disposed on one of the sides. The display screen is configured to present a question to the user of the electronic device. The electronic game device includes several mechanisms that vary the methods in which a user can play the game.

Abstract: Operation data acquisition means acquires operation data at least including motion data, which is data representing a motion of a predetermined input device, from the input device. Amount-of-change calculation means calculates an amount of change of the input device in a predetermined period of time, based on the motion data. Position orientation calculation means calculates a position and an orientation of a player object in a virtual game space. Degree-of-contact calculation means calculates a degree of contact, which represents a degree of the player object and a field object contacting each other in the virtual game space. Orientation change means changes the orientation of the player object, based on the amount of change and the degree of contact.

Abstract: A controller is provided. The controller includes at least one button, an object integrated with a body, and the object defined from a translucent plastic material. Further included is an inertial sensor, an LED device defined to illuminate the object, and a circuit for interpreting input data from the at least one button and the inertial sensor and for communicating data wirelessly. The circuit further configured to interface with the LED device to trigger illumination of the LED to switch from an un-illuminated state to an illuminated color. The LED device is activated depending on data received from a computing system. The activation occurring in response to a state interpreted by the computer program during execution.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and displays on a monitor a scene viewed from a virtual camera moving in a virtual game space. In the game apparatus, an aspect ratio of an image to be displayed on the monitor is acquired, and a moving speed of the virtual camera is set based on the aspect ratio. For example, a visual field of the virtual camera is set based on the aspect ratio, and as the image is laterally longer with respect to a longitudinal thereof, the visual field in a crosswise direction is made wider, and therefore a crosswise moving speed of the virtual camera is made smaller.

Abstract: A video game program and a video game device are disclosed. If there is no move instruction from the player through a touch panel, the game image displayed on the display screen is scrolled if the position indicated by an input position from the touch panel is included within a first peripheral area along the periphery of the display screen. If there is a move instruction from the player through the touch panel, the game image displayed on the display screen is scrolled if the position indicated by the input position from the touch panel is included within a second peripheral area, larger than the first peripheral area, along the periphery of the display screen. Thus, in a video game device using a touch panel, an appropriate scroll process according to the status of the game is established, thereby improving the operability of the device.

Abstract: A control method of a brain computer interface (BCI) with a stepping delay flickering sequence is provided. First, a plurality of different flickering sequence signals are generated by encoding a static flashing segment and a plurality of stepping delay flashing segments divided in different time sequences. Then, a plurality of target images corresponding to the flickering sequence signals are displayed. Thereafter, a response signal generated by an organism evoked by the target images is acquired. Then, signal processing is performed on the response signal by using a mathematic method to distinguish which one of the target images is gazed by the organism. Thereafter, a controlling command corresponding to one of the target images is generated. A control system of a BCI with a stepping delay flickering sequence is also provided herein.

Abstract: A game-interactive customizable companion object includes a body, a communication subsystem housed within the body, and a behavior subsystem configured to control movement of the body. The behavior subsystem may include an initiation module configured to set initial behavioral characteristics of the companion object in accordance with the companion object profile, and an update module configured to change behavioral characteristics of the companion object responsive to control commands received from the entertainment system via the communication subsystem.

Abstract: A display control unit of a game device displays an image expressing a contact subject on a game screen. A determination unit determines, based on a first position designated by a user and a second position designated by the user, which of a right hand or a right foot and a left hand or a left foot the contact subject is to be touched with in a game. A contact control unit executes predetermined processing for the contact subject based on a determination result from the determination unit.

Abstract: An improved controller (10) for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1), which has controls on the front operable by the thumbs (2), (3), (4), (5), and has two additional controls (11) located on the back in positions to be operated by the middle fingers of a user.

Abstract: A method for controlling a graphics design application executing on a computing device is disclosed. A user interface touch sensor is configured to be responsive to at least one angle of contact with at least one finger. A change in an angle of the finger with respect to the surface of the touch sensor is measured by the touch sensor to produce measured data. Real-time calculations on the measured data are performed to produce a measured-angle value. The measured-angle value is used to control the value of at least one user interface parameter of the graphics design application. At least one aspect of the graphics design application changes in response to the angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touch sensor.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for enabling a mobile station to control a virtual world being executed on a console system are described. The method can include establishing a communication link between the mobile station and a console system, identifying user interface characteristics of the mobile station, and providing a game controller application to the mobile station, the game controller application being based on the identified user interface characteristics and configured to transform user interface inputs into game controller commands. The method can further include receiving signals containing data representing the game controller commands from the mobile station over the communication link and determining game results based on the received game controller commands. In one aspect, the system includes a controller application server storing multiple game controller applications for mobile stations characterized by different user interfaces.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for instructing students and players to read music notation and to play an instrument. The method includes presenting an interactive display including a graphical representation of at least a portion of a musical instrument and a plurality of lines having spaces therebetween. The plurality of lines and spaces represent a staff of musical notation. The method includes associating the lines and spaces with placement of at least one of a student's fingers to the instrument. The method further includes presenting, on the interactive display, a musical score including a plurality of notes by streaming each of the notes on one of the lines and spaces such that when each of the notes meets a portion of the graphical representation of the musical instrument the student, in response, manipulates a corresponding one of their fingers to play the instrument.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a touch panel is placed on a top surface of the LCD. A player instructs an enemy character displayed on the LCD by use of a stick to attack the enemy character. For example, in a case that the enemy character exists at a depth of a game screen, little damage is applied to the enemy character, and a weak vibration is applied to the game apparatus. Conversely, in a case that the enemy character exists at a front of the game screen, much damage is applied to the character, and a strong vibration is applied to the game apparatus. In either case, the vibrations are transmitted to the fingers or hands of the payer via the stick.

Abstract: A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.

Abstract: An instrument gathers and processes data from one or more capture devices. The data can thereafter be processed using one or more classification techniques to properly detect and/or reproduce motions for an application. The present invention can be used both outdoors and indoors.

Abstract: A method for controlling a file browser executing on a computing device is disclosed. A user interface touch sensor is configured to be responsive to at least one angle of contact with at least one finger. A change in an angle of the finger with respect to the surface of the touch sensor is measured by the touch sensor to produce measured data. Real-time calculations on the measured data are performed to produce a measured-angle value. The measured-angle value is used to control the value of at least one user interface parameter of the file browser. At least one aspect of the file browser changes in response to the angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touch sensor.

Abstract: A shooting equipment shooting direction control system includes a base unit including a circuit module, a transmission mechanism and a driver controllable by a first micro switch and a second micro switch of the circuit module to rotate the transmission mechanism horizontally left and right, a rotary holder shell coupled and rotatable by the transmission mechanism to move a baffle between the first micro switch and the second micro switch, and a shooting equipment including an equipment base, a power drive unit controllable by the circuit module through a third micro switch and a fourth micro switch in the rotary holder shell to rotate the equipment base vertically up and down relative to the rotary holder shell and a dogleg-shaped trigger movable with the equipment base relative to the rotary holder shell between the third micro switch and the fourth micro switch.

Abstract: Novel response games provide participants with opportunities to receive response points and subsequent prizes, awards, fortune, and frame. Correct responses are generally determined by a television producer's and sponsor's targeted viewers (e.g. a designated response game point controller). Players receiving a highest response point total for a plurality of response sessions are identified as highly in-sync with a response point controller and qualify to be selected to star on television as viewer/controller representatives. Viewer/controller representatives are presented with various producer's and sponsor's business element options associated with a future television promotion, production, and program provided. The representatives are shown evaluating each business element and selecting a number of most suitable elements to become future response game elements.

Abstract: In a game program for a multi-player 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 system is disclosed for detecting or confirming gestures performed by a user by identifying a vector formed by non-adjacent joints and identifying the angle the vector forms with a reference point. Thus, the system skips one or more intermediate joints between an end joint and a proximal joint closer to the body core of a user. Skipping one or more intermediate joints results in a more reliable indication of the position or movement performed by the user, and consequently a more reliable indication of a given gesture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for setting a locking state for a gaming machine include receiving a command to set the locking state for the gaming machine, providing a signal to enter the locking state for the gaming machine, determining an interval of time to enter the locking state for the gaming machine; and releasing the gaming machine from the locking state.

Abstract: A method of user interaction with an entertainment device comprises generating an audio-visual output for use with audio-visual reproduction equipment, initiating an audio-visual event as part of the generated audio-visual output, receiving input data from one or more game control devices associated with the entertainment device, analysing the received input data to evaluate an involuntary physical response by a user interacting with the or each game control device occurring within a predetermined period associated with the initiation of the audio-visual event, and adjusting subsequently generated audio-visual output responsive to the evaluation of the user's involuntary physical response.

Abstract: A method and a device for adjusting an output frame are provided. The present disclosure is suitable for an electronic device with a display. In the present disclosure, a relative position between a user and the display is obtained first. Then, an output frame which will be outputted by the display later is adjusted according to the relative position. As a result, the output frame is adjusted in advance to fit the present position of the user, so that the user views the output frame more easily and enjoys the best display result.

Abstract: A controller interface processor of a user interface apparatus acquires the tilt of a game controller as a rotational value from a sensor built in the game controller. An operation amount determining unit selects a sensitivity characteristic pattern from a plurality of sensitivity characteristic patterns different in the reaction sensitivity of an operation amount with respect to the rotational value in accordance with the width of a range of the rotational value, refers to the selected sensitivity characteristic pattern, and determines the operation amount corresponding to the rotational value acquired.

Abstract: A determination is made that a player's avatar has performed an action while an audio signal representing a narrative of a non-player character is being produced. The action is mapped to an impression, which is mapped to a response. The audio signal is stopped before it is completed and the response is played by providing audio for the non-player character and/or animating the non-player character. After the response is played, steps ensure that critical information in the narrative has been provided to the player.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electronic dart game using an internet communication network, which notifies users of various competitions and provides a method of participating in the various competitions using a plurality of electronic dart game apparatuses connected to an internet communication network without a separate homepage. A method of participating in a competition using a plurality of dart game apparatuses connected with a server through a network including inputting information on players who desire to participate in a competition and information on a competition in which players desire to participate, by using a dart game apparatus; transmitting information including player information and competition information to the server by the dart game apparatus; processing payment by registering that a competition entry fee corresponding to the competition information is paid, by the server; and registering a player as a player participating in the competition, by the server.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided that enables virtual gameplay with a character on a computing device. Access is provided to at least one video game in which a player is able to interact via a character. The player's emotive state is detected and stored. In response to the detected emotive state, the computing device retrieves a storyline for the character that is related to the emotive state of the player.

Abstract: Separate active and passive controllers each detect a generated magnetic field. The active controller phase corrects the detected magnetic field information transmitted from the passive controller and uses that to calculate the position and orientation of the passive controller. The active controller also phase corrects its own detected magnetic field information and uses that to calculate its position and orientation. The active controller transmits each of these calculated positions and orientations to a video game system directly or indirectly through the source of the generated magnetic field. The video game system is thus informed of the position and orientation of each of the active and passive controllers. Alternatively, the active controller creates a signal matrix using the phase corrected information and the position and orientation of a controller is calculated by either the source of the generated magnetic field or the video game system using the signal matrix.

Abstract: In various implementations, a remote transmits a first signal to a currently controlled first content player of a network of content players and a second signal to a proximate content player. If the first player is notified that a second player received the second signal, the first player may command the remote to activate a display associated with the second player. However, if the first player is not notified, the first player may command the remote to activate all known displays. In addition, the first player may also instruct the remote to configure which player the remote controls. In some implementations, the remote stores a table transmitted by a player of the network of players including entries corresponding to players and including commands for associated components. In such implementations, control configuration may include configuring which entry of the table is utilized.

Abstract: Techniques for multiple frame distributed rendering of interactive content are described. In implementations, interactive content includes various types of visual content, such as video games, interactive videos, interactive applications, and so forth. Interactive content includes scene objects, such as graphical renderings of visual scenery and background images. Interactive content also includes interactive objects, such as avatars and/or other visuals that can be displayed in the context of scene objects and that can be manipulated in response to user input. In at least some embodiments, scene objects can be rendered over multiple frames of interactive content prior to being displayed, and interactive objects can be rendered and displayed more frequently, e.g., with each frame.

Abstract: A system that enables player character interactions in an interactive multiplayer game or story including a user interface that enables a user to control a player character in the interactive multiplayer game or story and a processor, in communication with the user interface, that i) tracks the actions of the player character within the interactive multiplayer game or story, and ii) transfers control of the player character from the user to the processor during an interaction event with a second player character in response to an interaction condition.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to toys and games that are enhanced with encoded information. One claim recites a method of playing a computerized game including: receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object; utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to: analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein; interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more audible communications made during a wagering game session, evaluating the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information associated with the wagering game session; and presenting an automated response to the one or more audible communications based on the evaluating of the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information.

Abstract: A music based video game provides an auxiliary palm input on an associated guitar shaped video game controller. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input is positioned near a strum input on a body of the guitar shaped video game controller, allowing for simultaneous operation of both the strum input and the auxiliary palm input with one hand. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input modifies audio outputs generated in the music based video game. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input triggers an alternate game mode, for example, a bonus mode, during video game play of the music based video game.

Abstract: A lens accessory for a video game sensor device and a method of adjusting a sensing distance of a video game sensor device. A lens accessory for a video game sensor device includes a first lens configured to cover an infrared light emitter of the video game sensor device, a second lens configured to cover an infrared light receiver of the video game sensor device, and a body portion coupling the first lens and the second lens together, the body portion being removably attachable to the video game sensor device, and the first lens and the second lens having a magnification for adjusting a sensing distance of the video game sensor device.

Abstract: A container (100) is disclosed comprising a compartment (110); a controller (120) for controlling access to the compartment (110); a near-field communication device (130) for providing the controller (120) with identification information, said controller (120) being responsive to said identification information, wherein the near-field communication device (130) comprises a plurality of antennae (132), each of said antennae being accessible in a different surface area of the container (100). The container (100) may be used in games using near-field communication (NFC) technology, such as a NFC-based version of pass the parcel. An electronic game system (300) comprising such a container and a game controller (200) for use in such an electronic game system (100) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for a video game controller including electrical circuitry and a plurality of buttons. The connector includes: a plurality of contacts for receiving and transmitting electrical signals; and a plurality of pins electrically coupled to the plurality of contacts for communicating the electrical signals with the electrical circuitry of the video game controller. The plurality of contacts includes at least one contact for receiving an electrical signal that corresponds to pressing one of the plurality of buttons from among the plurality of electrical signals.