Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus which can provide an experience of vibrations similar to a real experience. The game apparatus relating to the present invention executes a game program to display displayed bodies on a screen and comprises means for simulating vibrations generated by the displayed bodies in a state of motion for the player operating the game apparatus.

Abstract: A method of measuring the aura of a human body is provided wherein the method comprises putting a system for measuring aura of a human body to an initial status by first selecting from a program a mode of operating said system, wherein the mode comprises a camera-using mode and a camera non-using mode. The system is capable of measuring physiological signals of a human body. According to the method, a timer function is selected on the system to use a timer through a program that delays the reading of the physiological signals of the person tested for about 5-10 seconds, two palms are contacted on aura sensing part for measuring physiological signals of a human body, the physiological signals of the human body are read from the sensors with the system, and the aura image of the physiological signals is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A system for using computer input devices with software applications is disclosed. The system includes an input device mapper, which uses a language of semantics as an interface between input devices and software applications. The input device mapper receives information about which semantics the devices connected to the computer are able to implement, and which semantics correspond to actions that a user can request the software to perform. The input device mapper maps controls on the available devices into user-requestable software actions by matching, as closely as possible, device controls and software actions that correspond to the same semantic. An input device manager employing the disclosed input device mapper translates device operation events into the software's input dialect to direct the software to perform the action into which an operated control has been mapped.

Abstract: Since an outer casing having an opening, an operating lever being pivotably supported by a stick controller disposed in the outer casing, encoders for detecting the amount of pivotal movement and the direction of pivotal movement of the operating lever, and motors for imparting a desired external force to the operating lever are provided, the outer casing is formed with a projecting shoulder of a square shape in plan view, four outer surfaces of the projecting shoulder constitute fingerhooks respectively, and the operating lever is projected from the opening formed at the center of the projecting shoulder, when the operator pivots the operating lever, he/she can pivot the operating lever with his/her finger in a state in which his/her other fingers are placed on any one of fingerhooks of the projecting shoulder.

Abstract: A wireless control unit includes a controller having wireless transmitter circuitry for transmitting game information, and a console interface/adapter for converting one of the communication ports of the game console into a wireless receiver/transmitter. The console interface/adapter also includes an additional communication port so as to provide the user with access to the used communication port while the interface/adapter is operably disposed within the communication port of the game console.

Abstract: A game performing method realizable of finer and easier operational input with a joy stick. The game performing method for an apparatus comprising an input section having an operating handle capable of inputting an inclination of a desired angle in a desired direction, has: controlling a virtual handle of a player character according to operation inputted through the operating handle; detecting an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the operating handle; and changing a handle angle of the virtual handle in a direction according to change in the inclined direction when the change in the inclined direction is detected by detecting the inclined direction and the inclined angle of the operating handle.

Abstract: A manual controller has a main body and a pair of grips detachably mounted on the main body. The grips are made of a shape memory synthetic resin and can be deformed into a shape which is complementary to the palms of the user of the manual controller.

Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.

Abstract: An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body portion of the operating device and first and second grip portions protruding from one side on respective end parts of the main body portion. A first operating unit is mounted on one end of the main body portion and a second operating unit is mounted on the opposite end of the main body portion. The first and second operating units are provided with a plurality of thrusting operators protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion and a plurality of signal input elements actuated by the thrusting operators. A third operating unit and a fourth operating unit are arranged facing each other on the proximal ends of the first and second grip portions. Each of the third and fourth operating units has a rotation member and a plurality of signal input devices actuated by the rotation member.

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.

Abstract: In a game system such as a television game system, a television game machine main unit includes a protocol controller and each game operation device connected to the television game machine unit via a serial port also has a protocol controller. The television game machine main unit when connected to a game operation device which has a unique identifier, combines a communication protocol that transmits and receives data for each character with a communication protocol which transmits or receives data for two or more characters in a row and switches the communication protocol which corresponds to that game operation device based on the identifier thereof to minimize the amount of information required between the television game machine main unit and the game operation device.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus constituting a body 101, comprising legs 103, and being capable of placement on an arbitrary surface. Further, a portion of the switches 102 of an operating portion are arranged in a location that differs from the surface on which a display panel 100 is provided, making operation easy.

Abstract: In a laptop computer having a display, a matrix of touch-sensitive keys, and a TrackPoint® device for generating cursor and function selection on display is embedded centrally among the keys. The TrackPoint® has a removable cap into which the joystick can be mechanically and electrically coupled. This permits stable platform joystick operation, especially where the computer executes programs involving a joystick as an element of a simulated control interface.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a game apparatus body and a manual controller for entering an operation command signal from a game player into the game apparatus body. The manual controller is provided therein with a vibrating motor. The game apparatus body calculates virtual damage of a player character caused by an attack from an enemy character, and determines a vibration interval based on the calculated damage. The game apparatus body drives the vibrating motor of the manual controller according to the determined vibration interval so that the manual controller is vibrated at the determined vibration interval.

Abstract: A hand-held input device provides a directional force feedback that acts on a housing of the device. The input device includes a threaded shaft that is rotatably driven by an electric motor. The motor causes a mass to move in response to a control signal received from a host computing device, such as personal computer that is executing a game or simulation. When the mass is rapidly accelerated or abruptly stopped in response to the control signal, the change in momentum of the mass imparts a directional reactive force to the housing, and an operator holding the housing feels the haptic force.

Abstract: A video game system includes a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: In a game machine for causing exhibited prizes such as stuffed toys to be acquired with game characteristics, the reliability of the game machine can be ensured, and a new game characteristic can be obtained. A prize acquisition game machine includes a prize exhibit portion for exhibiting a plurality of prizes provided with ID tags 3a having machine readable arbitrary identification marks, a prize selection unit for selecting desired prizes from the prize exhibit portion, an ID tag reading device 16 for reading the identification marks from the ID tags of the prizes selected by the prize selection unit, a judgement unit (e.g., a CPU) for comparing and judging whether or not the identification marks of the plurality of prizes selected by the prize selection unit 4 are identical to each other, and a control portion (e.g., a CPU) for driving a prize release unit in a case where a judgement result of the judgement means is YES, to release the plurality of prizes.

Abstract: A joystick controller for a portable radio communication device in which a ring of elasto-resistive material which when relaxed acts as an insulator, and when stressed acts as a conductor is positioned below the joystick lever of the controller and above four pairs of contact pads arranged in a circle, and the elasto-resistive material is used to transduce the movement of the joystick lever so as to provide an electrical signal output indicative of the amount of movement of the joystick lever.

Abstract: A joystick structure includes an ergonomic handle, a base on which is mounted the handle, and a mini joystick fitted in a cavity of the handle and including a button and a direction control unit, the direction control unit being provided with a control rod which is movable in two perpendicular directions, the control rod being able to return to an original position thereof when released for controlling direction, the control rod being able to stop at any position for controlling acceleration, whereby the direction control unit and acceleration control unit can be operated synchronously.

Abstract: An improved passing feature for sports videogames that enables passing of, for example, a virtual ball, in a direction that is different than the direction in which the virtual player is moving on the virtual playing field. In accordance with the instant invention, the moving direction for a virtual player and the passing direction for that player are made independent, thereby providing more fluid passing and greatly enhancing gameplay. The passing feature can be implemented on a game controller having one or two analog joysticks.

Abstract: An input device may operate with a variety of different host processor-based systems running a variety of different applications by providing a translation module which translates input commands in one format to a format compatible with one or more applications that may run on a given processor-based system. A table may be provided, for example, in software, which enables a variety of different input device formats to be converted into a variety of formats utilized by an application. In this way, contention between an application and an input device may be resolved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual axis articulated computer input device. Position sensors are configured to provide position information indicative of a position of two handle members relative to one another.

Abstract: An operating device which enables various input operations. A two-direction input device is provided in front of a flat input member. When an operation button is moved in a Y1 or Y2 direction, a switch device is turned ON. In a case where one of the switch devices is ON, the operation button can be pressed, and at this time, a press switch device is turned ON. In use of this two-direction input device, a series of operations such as selection and determination of menu displayed on a display screen can be quickly performed.

Abstract: This invention is a kind of “HANDHELD JOYSTICK TYPE OR MONITOR DEVICE ON THE WHEEL”, in particular, means by using the LCD monitor installed and fixed on the handheld joystick or the wheel of the video game, so the player can just carry the main body and software of the video game to play anytime and anyplace, while he won't have to sit in front of TV screen to play with video game, this will increase its convenience and entertainment.

Abstract: An input device for a game machine for inputting signals to a game machine using a computer, including: at least one control member projecting to the outside of a casing; a movement-transmitting member formed around the control member and operatively associated with the movement of an operating point of the control member, the movement-transmitting member being provided with a plurality of conductive elastic members; and a board provided in the casing and having formed thereon resistors corresponding to the conductive elastic members, the conductive elastic members changing the area of contact between the conductive elastic members and the resistors according to a direction of movement and a tilt angle of the operating point of the control member so as to vary the amount of resistance; wherein, by moving the operating point of the control member, analog signals corresponding to the movement are input to the game machine.

Abstract: By transmitting function information indicative of functions of a game machine manipulation device CT10, previously stored therein, to a game machine main body 27 with a command from the game machine main body 27, it is possible to retrieve functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 required for the game machine main body 27 and to set the retrieved functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 in the game machine manipulation device CT10.

Abstract: Characters are easily input using a direction indicating device. The device provides a direction indicating device which outputs a rotated direction of lowering, or the direction inclination and its strength, a display device, a key input means, a memory that stores a plurality of character sets, and a control means which selects characters a character set and characters comprising this character set which are stored in memory according to the output of the direction indicating device, and displays them on the display device, and which accepts the output of the direction indicating device as circumferential position information, and selects a specified character from a chart of characters that associates the previously provided position information with the output of the direction indicating device.

Abstract: A maze-based game of chance for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The maze-based game includes an award-generating indicator movable along a plurality of different intersecting paths. The plurality of paths contain a plurality of consumable elements. The award-generating indicator generates an award based on a randomly selected outcome as the award-generating indicator visually consumes the elements.

Abstract: A method and a video game device are provided which makes a game character perform different actions according to a moving range or a moving speed of an analog button manipulated by a game player. When the analog button is moved to an adjacent point, the game character is controlled to change a posture of holding a sword. When the analog button is moved to a non-adjacent point, the game character is controlled to change a posture of holding the sword or attack enemies by slashing the sword, according to the moving speed of the analog button.

Abstract: A video game system including a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configuring an input device. The input device includes a first housing, and a moveable member disposed within the first housing and extending a predetermined distance from the housing. A shaft is disposed in part within the first housing and is coupled with the moveable member. The shaft has a first portion extending a distance from the first housing, and the shaft moves as a function of movement of the moveable member. An interchangeable performance pack is coupled with the first housing and with the first portion of the shaft. The interchangeable performance pack includes a second housing and exerts one of several influences on the shaft.

Abstract: A haptic gaming device includes an integral internal power supply adapted to be connected directly to alternating current (AC) line power. The haptic gaming device, a disclosed example of which is a force feedback joystick, provides a feedback force to a user gripping a control handle of the device. The force on the control handle is produced by one or more electrical motors within the base of the device. Electrical power for the motors is provided by the integral internal power supply and is regulated to accommodate a relatively wide range of input AC line voltage. The power supply includes a pulse width modulated switching control that produces pulses of direct current (DC), which are applied to a first primary winding of a transformer in the power supply.

Abstract: The time required to perform communications between an entertainment apparatus and a manual controller having complex and sophisticated functions which is connected to the entertainment apparatus is reduced. A type of control data to be outputted from a manual controller when control units including direction keys are operated is defined (limited) according to an application program that is recorded in an optical disk and read by the entertainment apparatus. The manual controller has a setting register for setting such a type of control data. After a type of control data is defined in the setting register of the manual controller from the entertainment apparatus, a CPU of the manual controller transmits only control data of the type set in the setting register for each frame of image. By thus limiting types of control data to be transmitted, the time required to perform communications between the entertainment apparatus and the manual controller is shortened.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an operating system may assign a product ID to the game controller that matches the product ID provided with or for the game controller.

Abstract: A game machine input device for inputting signals to a game machine using a computer includes a sticklike controller, a first bevel gear disposed on the side of one end of the controller, a pair of second bevel gears placed opposed to each other with teeth thereof meshed with teeth of the first bevel gear, and a pair of driving sources respectively connected to the second bevel gears to independently turn the second bevel gears.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology features camera perspective or point of view control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment. The control keys allow the user at any time to move in for a close up or pull back for a wide view or pan the camera to the right and left to change the apparent camera angle.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises story developing means for allowing a player to a virtually experience a cocking operation in a kitchen of a restaurant registered with a restaurant information table from opening time to closing time of the restaurant, three-minute cooking processing means for allowing a player to virtually experience a cooking operation in a kitchen of a restaurant registered with the restaurant information table for a predetermined time period (for example, three minutes), and competition processing means for allowing a player to virtually experience a cooking operation in a kitchen of a restaurant registered with the restaurant information table, while playing a match game with a plurality of other players.

Abstract: In order to reduce the number of parts and to provide sufficient direct tactile sensation transmitted to the finger tip, there is provided a tactile-force generating apparatus for generating in an input section which can be displaced from a predetermined position of an input unit for inputting information to a game machine main unit a tactile force for returning to the predetermined position, the tactile-force generating apparatus including: a coil spring for generating a tactile force independently of game information in a control pad; and a permanent magnet and an electromagnet for generating a tactile force corresponding to the game information in the control pad.

Abstract: An operating device for use with an image processing apparatus which displays an image on a display screen and controls the image includes a hand-holdable housing having a shape capable of being grasped by a left hand and a right hand. A first operating device and a second operating device are formed on the housing. One of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as a first moving direction designation input device which designates a moving direction of the image and the other of the first operating device and the second operating device is operable for use as an action designation input device which designates other actions of the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joystick having a hand-grip, which is mounted with two degrees of freedom in a mounting in a housing and which may be deflected in different directions out of an initial position, the grip being biased by a spring mechanism towards its initial position and sensor apparatus being provided to sense the different positions of the grip and to generate an output signal which may be used to control machine and/or vehicle functions. A housing cover (5) is provided having its upper side directed towards the grip, while on the underside, there is pivotally mounted a cardan joint center portion (6) on whose underside there is pivotally mounted a cardan joint inner portion (7), whose underside is provided with spherical segments, which are mounted in complementary bearing cup-portions provided on a receiving support (8).

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game operated by a steering wheel type of device comprises a base having an arcuate hand grip on an upper edge and a steering disc rotatably mounted on the front surface of the base adjacent the upper edge, such that the disc can be rotated with the operator's thumbs. The steering disc is connected to a variable output electronic signal generator, preferably a potentiometer, for transmitting a turning signal to a video game in response to rotation of the disc. Other controls, such as controls for acceleration, braking, clutch and gear shifting, are mounted on the back of the base plate and operated with the fingers. An offset weight mounted on the steering mechanism for rotation with the steering disc provides progressive gravitational feedback that urges the steering disc to return to a neutral position after a turn is completed.

Abstract: A joystick design or a joystick attachment which is easier to use by a player by providing the benefit of reducing soreness in the thumb of the player and by providing better control by preventing a player's thumb from slipping from the joystick. The joystick design and attachment for a conventional joystick includes at least partial side and top portions which surround the players' thumb.

Abstract: An external storage device connected to an entertainment system for storing game information is provided. Even if there are plural types of entertainment systems, and the correspondence between the types of entertainment systems and the kind of the external storage device cannot be grasped, the external storage device can be readily connected to the entertainment system without any trouble. The external storage device 230 connected to the entertainment system to receive information from the entertainment system and store the information therein has a portion to-be-mounted to engage with a receiving portion 603 of the entertainment system for electrical connection with the entertainment system. The portion to-be-mounted 603 has a shape preventing itself from engaging with the receiving portion of a predetermined particular type of entertainment system out of the entertainment systems in systematized series, for preventing a connection with the predetermined particular type of the entertainment system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating the control authority (i.e., control function) of a computer simulation or game input device (e.g., joystick, button control) using physiological information so as to affect the user's ability to impact or control the simulation or game with the input device. One aspect is to use the present invention, along with a computer simulation or game, to affect physiological state or physiological self-regulation according to some programmed criterion (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) in order to perform better at the game task. When the affected physiological state or physiological self-regulation is the target of self-regulation or biofeedback training, the simulation or game play reinforces therapeutic changes in the physiological signal(s).

Abstract: A game system, comprising a gaming device having a mechanical activator, a player position associated with the gaming device, and an intermediate linkage between the gaming device and the player position. The intermediate linkage has a first end disposed adjacent to the activator, and a second end with a remote input device, for allowing a player in the player position to remotely mechanically engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional position sensor includes at least three curved triangular-shaped sense inductors and a movable shaft that incorporates a conductive material. The distance of the movable shaft from the sense inductors varies as the shaft is moved in a two-dimensional plane. The variation in distance causes a variation in the inductance of each of the triangular-shaped inductors and this variation in inductance may be used to determine the physical position of the movable shaft through means of triangulation calculations.

Abstract: A cursor key case is idly held in a cylindrical holder of a controller case, so as to movable in a predetermined number of plural directions extending from a center point while keeping point symmetry. The cursor key case is provided on a polygonal flange having the predetermined number of plural side end faces, each associated with each of the movable directions. An outer diameter of the cylindrical holder is larger than a dimension between opposing side end faces of the polygonal flange. A top face of the polygonal flange is abutted against a lower end face of the cylindrical holder when the cursor key case is placed in a neutral position. One side end face of the polygonal flange is moved down by operating the cursor key case in one movable direction so that an opposite side end face of the polygonal flange is brought into at least two-point contact with the lower end face of the cylindrical holder.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a housing supporting a pair of handles and a pivotable turn table. A model bulldozer is supported upon the turntable while each handle supports a moveable squeeze activated control lever. A liquid crystal display is positioned upon the housing and includes a miniature bulldozer image element together with a scrolling background image set. A microprocessor control circuit within the game unit responds to the actuation of the control levers to scroll the image display appropriately. A mechanical linkage mechanism coupled to the turntable is operated by the control levers to appropriately pivot the turntable and model bulldozer thereon to further simulate steering of the bulldozer.