Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes techniques for modifying the game space of a video game displayed on a display screen by inserting structural elements which become part of the game space and can interact with various game characters.

Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.

Abstract: Provided is an operation device which allows various kinds of operation information to be input to a main body thereof as needed without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the operation device. The operation device includes: the main body having a shape elongated from one end to another end; a light emitting member provided to the one end of the main body; and a connection portion provided to the other end of the main body, to which an arbitrary one of a plurality of other operation devices is to be connected.

Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A throwing gesture of the computer user is identified and an aiming vector is calculated from a path of a hand during the throwing gesture. An interface action is directed along the aiming vector within an interactive interface.

Abstract: Provided is a game device with strong entertainment value which realizes a sensory input operation (sign operations for a baseball game, or the like) while reducing the processing load. The game device includes instructing character display unit (31) for displaying the instructing character on a screen, selectable parts setting unit (32) for setting, as selectable parts, a plurality of predetermined areas of the instructing character, instruction storage unit for storing, in a storage device, associated information related to a selected order and an instruction; and a sign identification unit (36) for identifying an instruction corresponding to a selected order or a combination of the selectable parts based on the associated information when a plurality of selectable parts of the instructing character are selectively operated, and a game advancement unit (50) for advancing the game by reflecting the instruction identified by the sign.

Abstract: A game device is provided with an input reception unit that receives an operating input from a player, a control unit that controls a game in accordance with the timing of the operating input, and a screen generation unit that displays a screen of the game, wherein the screen generation unit generates and displays a screen of a player's character in the motion of making a shot, and a power determination unit and an impact determination unit determine the power or impact of a shot in accordance with the degree of the progress of the motion of making the shot at the point when the operating input is received.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a handheld device coupled to a fixed structure. The handheld device includes a sensor configured to detect inputs. The handheld device is positionable in a base predefined zone and a first predefined zone. The base predefined zone is defined as a base volumetric space and the first predefined zone is defined as a first volumetric space. A memory device stores instructions that, when executed, by at least one of one or more processors of the gaming system, cause the gaming system to (i) detect a first input from the handheld device, (ii) perform a first function in response to the first input being detected in the base predefined zone, and (iii) perform a second function in response to the first input being detected in the first predefined zone, the second function being different from the first function.

Abstract: A video game apparatus as a sound output apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU detects acceleration data included in input information data transmitted from a controller. The acceleration data is numerical value data for accelerations in three axial directions set to the controller. For example, a swinging motion of the controller in a right direction or a left direction is determined based on the acceleration in a direction of one axis (x-axis) out of three axes. In addition, a downward swinging motion of the controller and a posture of the controller at the time of end of swing are determined based on the acceleration in directions of two axes (y-axis and z-axis) other than the one axis. Accordingly, for example, a performance of a musical instrument displayed on a game screen is individually instructed.

Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion, protective case, and one or more controls. The connection portion is configured to provide a removable physical connection to a computing device. The protective case is coupled to the connection portion and configured to support rotational movement of the protective case in relation to the computing device when the connection portion is physically connected to the computing device. The one or more controls are disposed on the protective case such that at least one control is accessible to a user when the protective case is positioned behind the computing device and the computing device and the input device are grasped by one or more hands of a user.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed comprising a console unit having a processor and transceiver circuitry. The transceiver circuitry couples to the processor and includes respective receiver and transmitter circuits. A first phased array antenna interface is employed to transmit and receive directional signals in response to the processor. The system employs a mobile game controller including a second phased array antenna interface to receive and redirect the directional signals back to the first phased array antenna interface. The processor generates proximity data based at least in part on a parameter associated with the directional signals, the proximity data representing the proximity of the mobile game controller with respect to the game console unit.

Abstract: A game controller is disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a handheld user input device, a processor for receiving input data from the handheld user input device and a gaming application for receiving data from the processor based on the received input data from the handheld user input device. The handheld user input device emulates one of a plurality of different devices associated with the gaming application. Each of the plurality of different devices have a set of input commands associated therewith. The set of input commands associated with the one of a plurality of different devices includes a command based on one of motion and orientation of the handheld device.

Abstract: A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; a display part that displays characters related to a content of a game; a character determining part configured to determine a character to be displayed on the display; a stopper plate that holds the entertainment button in the protruding position; and a protruding position detecting part that detects the entertainment button being held in the protruding position by the stopper plate. When the protruding position detecting part detects the entertainment button not being held in the protruding position after having detected the entertainment button being held in the protruding position, the character detecting part recognizes that the entertainment button held in the protruding position is pushed down, and therefore determines a predetermined character. When the character determining part determines the character, the display part displays the determined character.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing a game action sweep mechanic are presented. A virtual game environment that includes a first virtual object and a second virtual object may be generated for a user. User interactions involving a game pointer and a selection input are then monitored. In response to detecting the selection input being activated while the game pointer is located proximate to the first virtual object, a game action is then performed on the first virtual object. A game action sweep mode is then activated. While the game action sweep mode is active, the game action is then performed on the second virtual game object in response to detecting the game pointer is located proximate to the second virtual object.

Abstract: Techniques for providing compatibility between two different game controllers are disclosed. When a new or more advanced controller is introduced, it is important that such a new controller works with a system originally configured for an existing or old controller. The new controller may provide more functionalities than the old one does. In some cases, the new controller provides more sensing signals than the old one does. The new controller is configured to work with the system to transform the sensing signals therefrom to masquerade as though they were coming from the old controller. The transforming of the sensing signals comprises: replicating operational characteristics of the old controller, and relocating virtually the sensing signals to appear as though the sensing signals were generated from inertial sensors located in a certain location in the new controller responsive to a certain location of the inertial sensors in the old controller.

Abstract: A personal control mechanism is disclosed. The personal control mechanism includes at least one controller with full functionalities in a sense that the controller does not need any attachment and is operable with one hand to fully control an interactive environment being shown. According to one embodiment of the controller, the controller has a top surface including a number of buttons and a joystick operable by a finger of one hand, and a bottom surface including a trigger operable by another finger of the hand. A housing of the controller is sized comfortably to fit into either hand of a user and has a holding portion designed in a way that the trigger, the buttons and the joystick are readily operated when the holding portion is being held in either hand.

Abstract: The present invention claims a gun-shaped game input handle of a multi-functional mobile electronic device comprising a gun-shaped housing, wherein it further comprises buttons and a direction control joystick fixed to the gun-shaped housing and used to control the actions and movements of a virtual character in a mobile electronic device game, a main control circuit built in the gun-shaped housing, and a data interface for communicating with the mobile electronic device; the data interface transmits signals to the mobile electronic device in wired or wireless way. The shape of the handle is similar to that of a gun, thus meeting the special game input requirements of First-Person Shooter games, and improving game operation verisimilitude.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a safety scheme for a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system may include detecting a presence of at least one first obstacle between a first distance from a player and a second distance from the player that is less than the first distance, and determining a recommended position for the player based at least in part on a location of the detected first obstacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an electromechanical hybrid game.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and a touchscreen device manipulating user-input elements are provided. Generally, manipulation includes identifying a predefined configuration associated with a request received from a user and/or application, deriving configuration settings from the predefined configuration, and transmitting the configuration settings to an electromechanical device that adjusts a portion of user-input elements to an extended orientation and activates a portion of user-input elements. In embodiments, the extended user-input elements positioned in the extended orientation are activated, while the remainder are set to an idle condition. Typically, the extended user-input elements produce outwardly-extending protrusions expressed at a flexible touchpad incorporated in the touchscreen device. These outwardly-extending protrusions may replicate keys of a standard keyboard and correspond with the presently-running application implemented on the touchscreen device.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to a combination tablet computer and game controller. The tablet computer provides a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer. The computer game controller provides side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer. The computer game controller further preferably providing input module apertures and a camera. Preferably, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and the camera communicates with each the electronic game controller and the tablet computer, the camera selectively captures either still or video images. The electronic game controller further provides an integrated transaction card input feature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to meter video game play are disclosed. An example method includes detecting media identifying information corresponding to media presented in an environment including a video game system capable of executing a plurality of video games; identifying which of the plurality of video games is being played via a video game controller based on the media identifying information, wherein the video game controller is coupled to a sensor to detect motion data related to movement of the video game controller and to transmit the motion data without affecting operation of the video game system; and combining, via a processor, the media identifying information with the motion data received from the sensor.

Abstract: The embodiment of present invention relates to a game controller for a resistive touch screen, the controller comprising one or more direction control key and one or more function button, the undersurfaces of which are provided with pressing touch pins; and the direction control key and the function button are securely attached to the resistive touch screen when the game controller is in use.

Abstract: Targeting control may be facilitated in a simulated environment. In an example embodiment, a method includes acts of monitoring, generating, moving, and firing. A button input and a directional input are monitored. If a press and hold of the button input is detected, a fine aiming mode is generated. If movement of the directional input is detected during the fine aiming mode, a location of a target indicator is moved responsive to the detected movement. When a release of the button input is detected, a ranged weapon is fired based on the location of the target indicator.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for a gesture recognizer system architecture. A recognizer engine is provided, which receives user motion data and provides that data to a plurality of filters. A filter corresponds to a gesture, that may then be tuned by an application receiving information from the gesture recognizer so that the specific parameters of the gesture—such as an arm acceleration for a throwing gesture—may be set on a per-application level, or multiple times within a single application. Each filter may output to an application using it a confidence level that the corresponding gesture occurred, as well as further details about the user motion data.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for communicating information regarding movement of a gaming device are presented herein. A gaming device can include at least one sensor configured to measure information associated with at least one of a position of the gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device. Further, a communications interface component can be configured to communicate the information to a controller. A method can detect, via sensors of a handheld gaming device, information related to a movement of the handheld gaming device; and transfer the information to a controller communicatively coupled to the handheld gaming device. A system can include means for receiving information related to a position of a gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device, and means for predicting an anticipated position of the gaming device based on the means for receiving the information.

Abstract: A controller cover includes a main body portion attached to an outer surface of a controller, and the main body portion includes a contacted portion where a contacted inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of the controller and a non-contacted portion where a non-contacted inner surface is not in contact with the outer surface of the controller. Elastic deforming protrusions are formed on the non-contacted inner surface. When the controller attached with the cover interferes with other thing, and the non-contacted portion of the cover is subjected to shock, the elastic deforming protrusion of the non-contacted portion is deformed to ease the shock, so that the controller and the interfering other thing are protected.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling gameplay with a character in a game environment on a mobile device. In the game environment, a player can play a game via a character. When there is an expectation of action from the character in the game, a touch gesture input is received on the mobile device. The fidelity of the touch gesture input is calculated with reference to an optimal gesture in a reference gesture table. If the fidelity is within a predefined range associated with the optimal gesture, the touch gesture input is matched to the optimal gesture and an associated game script is called wherein the character would be shown as having successfully completed the expectation.

Abstract: A method for use in obtaining input data from an object includes capturing a live image of the object with an image capture device, receiving information related to a tilt angle of the object from one or more sensors other than the image capture device, using the information related to a tilt angle of the object to obtain at least one rotated reference image of the object, comparing the live image of the object with the rotated reference image of the object, and generating an indication in response to the live image matching the rotated reference image. An apparatus and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.

Abstract: A game machine includes: a monitor (2) that displays and outputs a game screen (40R); a control panel (3) that includes volume controllers (9) operated so as to change a position of an outer circumferential portion (SP) of a knob portion (9T); a external storage device (20) that stores sequence data (30) in which a reference timing at which the volume controllers (9) are operated during a game is associated with a reference position at which the outer circumferential portion (SP) is to be positioned at the reference timing. And, the game machine teaches information of the reference timing and the reference position to a player, based on the sequence data (30).

Abstract: A system and method relating to, in one aspect, detecting the position or orientation of a device, in the physical domain, during a processor-implemented game, and displaying the game substantially simultaneously with displaying a graphic representing the position or orientation of the device.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.

Abstract: A game controller includes a controller housing, a management module and a locating device, wherein the body has a left handle and a right handle, the management module is fixed in the body for processing the data which is generated by a plurality of function buttons and the locating device, and processing communication with a game platform, the locating device links with the management module, the locating device provides for locating precise to the game character of the game.

Abstract: An example game device arranges, in a game space, a plurality of first characters corresponding to a plurality of controllers and a second character corresponding to a portable display device. The second character is caused to move in the game space based on an input operation performed on an analog stick. An orientation of the second character is changed based on an input operation performed on the analog stick and an input operation performed on a change in an attitude of the portable display device. On the other hand, the first character is caused to normally automatically move along a predetermined path, and to move toward an enemy character when the enemy character is present within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. It is determined whether a predetermined command is effectively received for a predetermined number of times or more or not when a predetermined period of time is measured from a time when a time measuring start condition is satisfied. A specific process corresponding to the fact that the predetermined command is effectively received for the predetermined number of times is carried out in a case where the predetermined command is effectively received for the predetermined number of times. In this case, it is confirmed whether an effective reception number reaches the effective reception upper limit number or more when the predetermined command is received, and it is determined that the predetermined command is effectively received in a case where the effective reception number does not reach the effective reception upper limit number.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone (e.g., a smart phone, etc.), a portable media player or a tablet computer, includes at least one game control element for use in playing a game on the portable electronic device. In addition to the game control element, the protective case may include a receptacle and a base, which may be part of the receptacle or operatively associated with the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive or otherwise carry the portable electronic device, and may be configured to protect the portable electronic device. The receptacle may be configured to move relative to the base in a manner that enables a user to select an orientation of a display of the portable electronic device relative to the at least one game control element.

Abstract: Respective orientations (a pitch angle, a roll angle, and a yaw angle) of the input device are detected based on angular velocity data outputted from a gyro sensor unit of an input device. Then, it is determined whether the pitch angle is within a first range or within a second range. When it has been determined that the pitch angle is within the first range, a posture of an object is updated based on the roll angle. When it has been determined that the pitch angle is within the second range, the posture of the object is updated based on the yaw angle. Accordingly, operability can be improved in a game executed in accordance with an orientation of the input device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactive TV camera based games in which position or orientation of points on a player or of an object held by a player are determined and used to control a video display. Both single camera and stereo camera pair based embodiments are disclosed, preferably using stereo photogrammetry where multi-degree of freedom information is desired. Large video displays, preferably life-size may be used where utmost realism of the game experience is desired.

Abstract: An interactive device for improving image processing. The interactive device includes a processing module and a controller. The processing module includes a substrate, an image sensor formed on the substrate for generating a plurality of pixel signals, a calculation unit formed on the substrate for calculating at least one motion vector based on the plurality of pixel signals, and a transmission interface formed on the substrate for serially outputting the motion vector. The controller is used for controlling operation of the interactive device based on the motion vector output by the transmission interface.

Abstract: A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; a display part that displays characters associated with a game; a character determining part that determines a character to be displayed on the display part; a stopper plate that holds the entertainment button in the protruding position; a protruding position detecting part that detects the entertainment button being held in the protruding position by the stopper plate; a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down; and a time interval measuring part that measures, when the protruding position detecting part detects the entertainment button being held in the protruding position, a time interval until the push operation detecting part detects the entertainment button being pushed since the protruding position detecting part no longer has detect the entertainment button being held in the protruding position.

Abstract: A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.

Abstract: In an example game device, a second character is caused to rotate based on an input operation performed on a stick of a terminal device and a change in an attitude of the terminal device. In the game device, when an enemy character is present behind the second character, a rotation angle based on an input operation performed on the stick is adjusted so that the second character is easily caused to face the enemy character. In the game device, when an orientation of the second character is changed based on the change in the attitude of the terminal device, a rotation angle based on the change in the attitude of the terminal device is adjusted so that the second character is easily caused to face the enemy character. In the game device, the second character is caused to rotate based the adjusted rotation angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed controller, in particular for video games, capable of operating according to a sequential mode and a manual mode comprising: a support casing (1), a lever (2) hingeably mounted on said support casing and capable of pivoting from a neutral position, in a longitudinal direction around a transversal axis and in a transversal direction around a longitudinal axis, and detection means for detecting, in the manual mode, at least two different positions of the lever obtained by the pivoting thereof in at least the longitudinal direction from the neutral position and, in the sequential mode, at least two different positions of the lever, characterized in that the detection means are capable of detecting, in the sequential mode, at least two different positions of the lever obtained by the pivoting thereof in the transversal direction from the neutral position.

Abstract: A rapid fire game controller which is configured to be operatively connected to a video game includes a rapid fire shot rate component; a shot rate preset component, and a display for showing a user information about rapid fire rate and preset selection.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely operating a computer using a combination of voice commands and finger movements. The apparatus includes a microphone and a plurality of control elements in the form of touch-sensitive touchpads and/or motion-sensitive elements that are used to operate the computer and to move an on-screen cursor. At least one touchpad is used to selectively switch between a command-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words as commands for operating the computer and any software applications being used, and a text-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words literally as text to be inserted into a software application.