Abstract: A system for use in playing a video game, the system acting to measure the movement, motion, acceleration, orientation, and/or position of transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback. A bidirectional communication link to a processing system supporting the video game provides functional movement assessment.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an angling joystick includes a body, an orientation indicating unit, an imitation fishing reel and a transceiver unit. The orientation indicating unit is attached to the body and is configured for indicating an orientation of the body. The imitation fishing reel is attached to the body and includes a lever and a force-adjusting device. The lever is rotatably connected to the force-adjusting device. The transceiver unit is electrically connected to the force-adjusting device and is configured for receiving control signals. The force-adjusting device is configured for adjusting a rotating resistance to the lever according to the control signals.

Abstract: “Fusion” gestures that transition from air to surface or surface to air and interactions with graphical objects displayed on one or more display devices. Surface-to-air gestures are captured on a surface of a touch-based sensing device, and the gesture leaves the surface and enters a volumetric space adjacent to the surface, where a 3D gesture sensing system captures the gesture in 3D space. One or more objects displayed on the display device(s) are graphically shown to be manipulated by the gesture. Air-to-surface gestures are captured in the reverse manner. Different devices housed in separate housings can detect the different types of gestures. For example, a gaming terminal can detect surface gestures made on a single- or multi-touch sensitive surface while a portable electronic device in communication with the gaming terminal can detect air gestures made in a volumetric space in front of the gaming terminal.

Abstract: Designated coordinates in a coordinate system are set based on coordinate information outputted from a pointing device, and a drag direction from the designated coordinates having been previously set toward the designated coordinates being currently set is set, and an input direction is updated, based on both an input direction being currently stored and the drag direction, to be stored, and a game is controlled based on the input direction being currently stored.

Abstract: A wireless wagering system includes a wireless game control and a video wagering terminal. The wireless game control can include a button configured to receive game-play input from a game player, a battery configured to supply power to the wireless game control, and a first transceiver configured to transmit a master data packet from the wireless game control to a video wagering terminal, wherein the master data packet has a payload which includes information related to a voltage and a charging status of the battery.

Abstract: A technology of realizing wireless communication between a parent station and child stations with efficiency. In a game system according to the present invention, a game apparatus sets the maximum number of times of transmission for wireless game controllers, in accordance with the number of wireless game controllers that are communicating at a predetermined communication cycle. Here, time for establishing connection with a new wireless game controller is reserved within each communication cycle, thereby allowing new users to join the game. The maximum number of times of transmission is re-set when the number of wireless game controllers connected changes.

Abstract: A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between two kinds of maps, namely, a narrow-range map and a broad-range map game, and arbitrarily change the displayed state of at least one of the broad-range map and the narrow-range map by manipulating a touch panel which is mounted on a liquid crystal display section for displaying the broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, thus designating a scroll direction, the broad-range map is moved (scrolled).

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity. The electronic game apparatus may include a base unit with a game processor adapted to receive a plurality of input signals including an actuator signal and a plurality of directional signals. The game processor may be adapted to determine the game activity based upon the input signals and to transmit output signals representative of the game activity to a monitor device. The apparatus may also include a handle element extending transversely from the base unit in a substantially fixed position relative to the base unit, and may include an actuator that is configured to be manipulated in order to transmit the actuator signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a direction element, which may be movable in two dimensions relative to the base unit and adapted to transmit the directional signals, extending transversely from the base unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a realistic drum experience in a video game. It operates in the context of a video game platform in communication with a display and a drum controller having at least one cymbal and at least one drum pad. It involves determining if a cue to be displayed on the display in a particular sub-lane should be a cue indicating a cymbal input or a cue indicating a pad input. Then, the cue is displayed in the particular sub-lane, indicating the cymbal input or pad input (dependent on the previous determination). Then, input is received from the player via the drum controller; and the input is given a first score if the input was a cymbal input associated with the particular sub-lane and the input is given a second score if the input was an input other than a cymbal input associated with the particular sub-lane.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus. The apparatus may include at least a first player input device and a second player input device. Each player input device may have a plurality of buttons adapted to be manipulated by a player, thereby producing player input signals for moving one or more characters within the game environment. The apparatus may also include a base unit coupled to the player input devices. The base unit may include a game processor adapted to receive the plurality of player input signals and to determine therefrom a game simulation. The game processor may transmit output signals representative of the game simulation to a monitor device. Optionally the game simulation may include movements of at least one of the first player and the second player character based upon input signals from the corresponding player input device. Each player character may be selectable from different groups of player characters.

Abstract: Acceleration data which is output from an acceleration sensor included in an input device is obtained, and a support position coordinate set, in a virtual game space, of a support provided on an object is calculated based on the obtained acceleration data. An inclination of the input device in the real space is calculated based on the obtained acceleration data. A parameter representing an object inclination at which the object is inclined in the virtual game space is calculated in accordance with the calculated inclination of the input device. Using the support position coordinate set and the parameter representing the object inclination, the object is located in the virtual game space and displayed on a display device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a controller attachment apparatus is provided, comprising: a handle portion configured to accept and hold a controller; and an attachment portion affixed to the handle portion such that it allows a covering to be diposed over the handle portion once the controller is placed into the handle portion. For such an embodiment, the attachment portion may be in the shape of a sporting good or a weapon. For example, with respect to sporting goods, the attachment portion may take the shape of a tennis racket, paddle tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, hockey stick, lacrosse stick, or fishing rod. Alternatively, with respect to weapons, the head portion may take the shape of a sword, dagger, blade, a light saber, a gun, or a phaser.

Abstract: A controller includes a housing and at least one key provided for protruding and retreating movement on the housing. The key includes: a body formed in a transversely elongated configuration elongated in a first direction; and a first stem positioned on one end side of the body in the first direction and extending along a third direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and a second direction which is a protruding direction of the key from the housing. The housing includes: a biasing member for biasing the key in the second direction; and a first restricting portion positioned on the second direction side with respect to the first stem for engaging with the first stem biased by the biasing member.

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, analyzing 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 keyboard includes allotment keys to which the functions of operation buttons of a game controller are assigned, a pointing stick, and an Fn key. When the pointing stick is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an analog stick of the game controller. When an allotment key is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an operation button of the game controller.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting that a gaming system has presented a first of a plurality of gaming venue states of a game, presenting a first of a plurality of screen shots at a touch screen display responsive to detecting the first gaming venue state, detecting that the gaming system has transitioned to a presentation of a second of the plurality of venue states, and presenting a second of the plurality of screen shots at the touch screen display responsive to detecting the second gaming venue state. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for playing browser based game with alternative controls and interfaces are presented. One method includes an operation for detecting an alternate device for playing the game. The alternate device generates alternate inputs, and the game is not predefined to be played with the alternate device. A query for information to map the alternate inputs to play the game is sent to a server, and a mapping of alternate inputs to native inputs is generated with the information received from the server. The game is predefined to be played with a native device that provides the native inputs to the game. Further, the method includes an operation for translating the alternate inputs generated with the alternate device to corresponding native inputs according to the mapping to cause corresponding actions in the game.

Abstract: A trackball control device for a game console includes a base, a trackball and a face panel. The base includes three bearing rollers thereon. Two of the bearing rollers are perpendicular to one another and respectively provided with a decoder. The other bearing roller not having the decoder is located between the two bearing rollers having the decoder. The base includes pillars at four corners thereof. The trackball is disposed between the three bearing rollers. The face panel is locked to the pillars. A portion of the trackball is exposed out of an opening of the face panel. The three bearing rollers are to receive and position the trackball. The trackball is operated smoothly to lower resistance when the trackball is operated. When the trackball is operated, the two sensors detect the displacement of the X-axis and Y-axis for operation of the screen of the game console.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a first peripheral device having a controller to store operational settings tailored for a gaming application, interact with the gaming application using the operational settings and user inputs, and share the operational settings with a second peripheral device for use with the gaming application. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A control docking unit can be coupled with a portable processing unit to provide alternate control operation for the portable unit. The control docking unit can be configured to position a display on the portable processing unit to facilitate use of one or more controls provided on the control docking unit. The control docking unit can position the display of the portable processing unit in a fixed or variable position. The controls from the docking unit can be coupled to the portable processing unit using an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical interface. The electrical interface can be a wired or wireless communication link. The controls on the control docking unit can be configured to be substantially in the same configuration as a control unit for a similar fixed device. The portable processing unit can be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhanced operation when coupled to the control docking unit.

Abstract: An interactive computerized game system including a visual display, one or more user input devices, and a processor executing software that interacts with the display and input device(s) is disclosed. The software displays images of avatars. At least one of the user input devices is a touchscreen. During gameplay, the gameplayer may touch the touchscreen to provide input. An animation is displayed in response to user input matching a predefined input.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game by displaying an object on a display screen of a display device is provided. The video game processing apparatus includes a plurality of touch panels respectively provided on a plurality of surfaces of all of surfaces on a housing of the video game processing apparatus. The video game processing apparatus receives a touch operation for any one of the plurality of touch panels, and determines which surface of the housing contains the touch panel for which the touch operation is received. The video game processing apparatus carries out a predetermined representation against the object displayed on the display screen from a side of the determined surface. The predetermined representation includes a representation indicating an attack against the object from the side of the determined surface.

Abstract: An example device includes a touchscreen and a processing system in communication with the touchscreen. The processing system is configured to perform operations including detecting a touch-on position on the touchscreen, setting a reference position based on the touch-on position, continuously detecting subsequent touch positions on the touchscreen after detecting the touch-on, and continuously performing operations based on one or both of a direction and a distance from the reference position to the subsequent touch positions.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices are described herein. In various embodiments, a system for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices includes two gripping controllers. Each gripping controller includes a top portion having a face with an input controller arranged to receive input from a user, a bottom portion coupled to the top portion, and a radio antenna. Each gripping controller clamps onto a side of the portable computing device. At least one gripping controller communicates the received input from one or both gripping controllers to the portable computing device via the radio antenna using a wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: A game controller for controlling video games or other electronic interactive systems, having an adjustable trigger system for calibration or customized control of trigger action. The game controller includes a controller chassis and an actuator system, which includes a trigger body, a trigger mechanism chassis, a strike plate coupled to the trigger body, a first trigger adjustment control screw received in a screw thread disposed within the controller chassis, and a second trigger adjustment control screw received in a screw thread disposed within the controller chassis, wherein a portion of each of the first trigger adjustment control screw and second trigger adjustment control screw engages with a respective portion of the strike plate, and said portion of each of the first trigger adjustment control screw and second trigger adjustment control screw each create an end stop to limit the actuator movement of the trigger body.

Abstract: A game controller for controlling video games or other electronic interactive systems, having an adjustable trigger system for calibration or customized control of trigger action. The game controller includes a controller chassis and an actuator system, which includes a trigger body, a trigger mechanism chassis, a strike plate coupled to the trigger body, a first trigger adjustment control screw received in a screw thread disposed within the controller chassis, and a second trigger adjustment control screw received in a screw thread disposed within the controller chassis, wherein a portion of each of the first trigger adjustment control screw and second trigger adjustment control screw engages with a respective portion of the strike plate, and said portion of each of the first trigger adjustment control screw and second trigger adjustment control screw each create an end stop to limit the actuator movement of the trigger body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing thermal feedback are presented. In one embodiment, a controller for interfacing with an interactive program includes an outer surface having a plurality of first surface regions and one or more second surface regions. The second surface regions are arranged in an alternating and adjacent fashion with the first surface regions. A heating source is coupled to the plurality of first surface regions, and a cooling source is coupled to the second surface regions. A thermal controller is provided for determining when to activate the heating source to heat the first surface regions and when to activate the cooling source to cool the second surface regions, based on thermal trigger data generated by the interactive program.

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.

Abstract: A compact game controller incorporates an efficient and compact force feedback mechanism. Forces are generated at one of the controls of the controller in reaction to an action in a video game. The type of controller that can be held with two hands is limited in terms of size and internal space and in wireless versions is limited in terms of battery power. Efficient power consumption in the controller enables considerable usage time between battery replacement or recharging in wireless versions. The force feedback mechanism incorporates a double reduction gear system with a unique geometry which enables usage of a compact and energy efficient motor. The efficient force feedback mechanism and assembly can therefore be packaged within a compact ergonomic controller.

Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the gaming system, the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The gaming system also enables use of a card that is encoded or encrypted with a tag (such as an radio frequency tag) that the cameras or readers of the game table can detect. The card interacts with the display/input device of the game table.

Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.

Abstract: An example game system accepts, as a first input, a predetermined game operation performed before the game control process. The attitude of the controller device when the first input was made is set as the tentative reference attitude. After the first input, the game system further accepts, as an additional input, a predetermined game operation performed in a state where the attitude of the controller device is within a predetermined range defined by the tentative reference attitude. In response to a predetermined number of additional inputs, the reference attitude is determined using at least one of the tentative reference attitude and attitudes of the controller device when the predetermined number of additional inputs were made. The game control process is executed based on the attitude of the controller device and the reference attitude.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting wagering game content via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine during a wagering game session. The wagering game session is associated with a player account. The operations can further include detecting a user input via one or more input devices of the wagering game machine. The user input indicates a selection of the wagering game content. The operations can further include storing an aspect of the wagering game content in a data store associated with the player account. The aspect of the wagering game content is accessible from the data store via the player account after the wagering game session.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving an erasure gesture input and accordingly deleting content in a viewable area of a multi-touch input display device are disclosed. A touch gesture can be detected on a touch screen. One or more direction changes associated with the touch gesture can be detected and the angle of each of the direction changes can be determined to meet a predetermined threshold. The touch gesture can be detected as no longer touching the touch screen and a polygon can be generated based on each of the direction changes associated with the touch gesture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video game controller and apparatus that may be used by two or more players. The users physically manipulate the control device cooperatively to the kinesthetic feedback of the other player(s) to control the events of the video game. By working together through orientation of the controller, the players can jointly move the video game object on the screen and/or govern the play of the game.

Abstract: Haptic stimulus associated with other sensory content is generated for conveyance to one or more users with the other sensory content. This may enhance the experience provided to the one or more users by the content. The sensory content may include video content, video game content, audio content, and/or other content. The haptic stimulus may be varied based on position information. Such position information may include information related to the position of the one or more users, the position of a controller (e.g., a game controller), the position of an actuator delivering the haptic stimulus, and/or other position information.

Abstract: A method for electronic board game play by producing on a display surface a first image which is a field of play image that senses at least one object on the display surface. The object is proximate or in contact with the display surface thus forming on a table-top horizontal display surface, at least one game piece image overlaid on the field of play image, and determined by sensing a position of the object on the display surface.

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 video game system is operable to receive user touch location information while a first user is holding a game controller and to determine a first user ID for the first user based upon the user touch location information. Thereafter, the video game system is operable to measure an instant acceleration of the game controller, to compare the instant acceleration to a first threshold value and to lock the game controller for use by the first user corresponding to the first user ID based on the comparison of the instant acceleration and the first threshold value.

Abstract: Various implementations of virtual device button simulation are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating an interactive space viewable through at least a first and a second device are presented. The method includes an operation for detecting from the first device a location of the second device or vice versa. Further, synchronization information data is exchanged between the first and the second device to identify a reference point in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the physical location of the devices in the 3D space. The devices establish the physical location in the 3D space of the other device when setting the reference point. The method further includes an operation for generating views of an interactive scene in the displays of the first and second devices. The interactive scene is tied to the reference point and includes virtual objects. The view in the display shows the interactive scene as observed from the current location of the corresponding device.

Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.

Abstract: A game controller with a communications interface includes a touch sensitive pad having a plurality of touch sensitive elements, and processing circuitry coupled to the communications interface and the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry enacts touch pad configuration settings that correlate subsets of the plurality of touch sensitive elements to produce distinct user input locations. The processing circuitry receives touch pad input from the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry processes the touch pad input to determine user input directions based upon the touch pad configuration settings, and then transmits the touch pad input directions via the communications interface for use as gaming input.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a controller operatively coupled to a display unit and a value input device. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, and may be programmed to cause the display unit to generate a game display. The display unit may include an optically sensitive control panel operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller may be programmed to cause the optically sensitive control panel to read an image and to cause the optically sensitive control panel to generate a display of one or more game controls. An optically sensitive video display screen, and the controller may be programmed to cause the display unit to read an image via the optically sensitive video display screen and to cause the display unit to generate the game display on the optically sensitive video display screen.

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. The computer game controller provides side structures adjacent the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides. 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 electronic game controller further provides an integrated transaction card input feature.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes: a display plate having a plurality of display sections; an electrostatic touch panel provided at a lower face of the display plate; an operation body on which the display plate and the electrostatic touch panel are placed; a plurality of light-emitting elements for illuminating the plurality of display sections of the display plate from a lower side of the display plate through the electrostatic touch panel; and a control section that is electrically connected to the electrostatic touch panel and the plurality of light-emitting elements, and that controls light emission of the plurality of light-emitting elements in accordance with touch operation to the electrostatic touch panel.

Abstract: One aspect is directed to a system whereby a live gaming table system is provided with one or more handheld user input devices which, for example, may allow multiple different players to simultaneously or concurrently provide wager input data and/or other data to the gaming table system. In at least one embodiment, the handheld user input devices may form part of a multi-player touch input interface system which is operable to identify or determine where, who, and what transactions are taking place at a multi-player gaming table and/or multi-player gaming system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an interactive toy or gaming device for actuating various interactive play effects within a compatible play environment. The gaming device comprises a portable housing having an internal cavity configured to receive one or more batteries or other power sources for powering the device. Optional lighting, laser or sound effects may be provided as well as one or more optionally-powered infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) wireless communications devices. The interactive toy or gaming device may also comprise an optional RFID (radio frequency identification device) transponder that is operable to provide relatively short-range non-battery-powered RF communications with one or more receivers or transceivers provided within a compatible play environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of utilizing a mobile communication device as a gaming controller, applicable to a game system with the mobile communication device and a computing device. The mobile communication device is configured to produce a sensing signal upon sensing the mobile communication device's state of being positioned. The sensing signal is analyzed to obtain a control signal including a control instruction corresponding to a control key code produced by an input device connected to the computing device. After receiving a transmitting packet to which the control signal is converted, the computing device derives a version of the control signal from the transmitting packet and then performs an operation in a game process, corresponding to the control key code, according to the control instruction obtained from the version of the control signal, and the frequency of the obtained control instruction.