Abstract: A sports videogame such as a baseball videogame allows a user to control the release time of a pitch in order to control the timing of a break on the pitched ball. Other implementations of a baseball videogame allow a user to put extra spin on a pitched ball to thereby create a greater break on the pitch or allow the user to play in a hero mode which enables the user to control a videogame character in a series of specific game play scenarios designed to allow the user to immediately control the videogame character to perform unique skills. Game play may also be customized by allowing the user to incorporate user-created images into screens of game play and/or allow the user to incorporate recorded audio messages into game play.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the management of glucose levels in the body of patient featuring user interface input mechanisms configured to provide haptic feedback to the user are provided.

Abstract: Based on operation information obtained from an operating device for pointing to a position on a screen of a display device, a pointing position to which the operating device points is repeatedly calculated. Next, a change amount of the pointing position is calculated. Then, whether or not the change amount of the pointing position meets a first condition is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition, predetermined processing is executed for the pointing position or a position specified based on the pointing position.

Abstract: A handle returning apparatus includes an input member rotating in conjunction with an operation handle operated to rotate in first and second directions including a neutral position, and a spring member including a plurality of spring portions integrally formed and including different spring forces, each of the spring portions including first and second spring end portions separating from each other in a circumferential direction and being configured to generate a returning force for returning the operation handle to the neutral position by being resiliently deformed on a basis of the rotation operation of the operation handle to bias the input member in a state where one of the first and second spring end portions engages with the input member and the other engages with a fixation member. The plurality of spring portions is selectively switchable therebetween to generate the returning force depending on a condition of the rotation operation.

Abstract: A controller for interfacing with an interactive application is provided, including: a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively; an input device positioned along a top surface of the main body; a touch-sensitive panel defined along the top surface of the main body.

Abstract: Extremity control in a video game such as a skateboarding video game is provided through use of a video game controller. In some embodiments multi-axis controls of the video game controller are used to control extremities of a skateboarder character and to move a skateboard used by the skateboarder character responsive to movement of the extremities. For example, the skateboarder character's hands may grab the skateboard to perform a grab trick, or the skateboarder character may shift weight to perform a manual or similar trick.

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

Abstract: A game operating device (controller) includes a longitudinal housing, and a holding portion held by hand to be wrapped by its palm it is formed in the housing. A direction switch is provided on an upper surface at a position where it can be operated by thumb of the hand holding the holding portion, and a start switch and a select switch are provided backward thereof. An X button 46 and a Y button are further arranged in line on the upper surface of the housing. An imaging information arithmetic unit is provided at a front end of the housing in a longitudinal direction in such a manner that an imaging device thereof is exposed from a front-end surface. A concave portion is formed on a lower surface at a position corresponding to the direction switch. The concave portion includes a valley and two inclined surfaces. An A button capable of being operated by index finger of the hand holding the holding portion is provided on the backward inclined surface.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Abstract: A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.

Abstract: A gaming accessory is provided herein to enhance the playability of video games. A motion actuated controller is provided wherein the controller provides for enhanced realism and simplicity in interacting with the game. Additionally, a proximity sensor may be provided wherein the motion actuated controller actuates a feature of the video game based on the proximity of a player relative to the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A tactile force sense presenting device of the present invention includes: an operation unit which includes an operation lever to be operated by an operator, and a movement guide surface which guides an input of a slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and an input of a push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction at a specific position on the XY-plane; a detection unit which detects the input of the slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and the input of the push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction; a calculation control unit which calculates a force corresponding to an operation of the operation lever, based on detection results of the detection unit; and a drive transmission unit which includes a driving unit including at least one actuator, and which causes, based on calculation results of the calculation control unit, the driving unit to generate a resistive force of the operation lever with respect to the input of the

Abstract: A game apparatus executes game processing on the basis of microphone input information input through a microphone. The CPU of the game apparatus executes an imaging step for imaging a user with a camera, a detection determining step for determining whether or not a user is detected on the basis of image data indicating the image obtained by imaging through the imaging step, and a performing step for performing the game processing on the basis of the microphone input information when the detection determining step determines that the user is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote play device for an interactive entertainment system and may include a class D amplifier and at least one motion detection device. The remote play device may also include a processor to adapt sound effects played through the class D amplifier based upon the at least one motion detection device. A battery may also be included powering at least the class D amplifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to control interactivity with a video gaming system. The system includes a game console and a controller that is configured to be held in a plurality of handhold orientations. The controller further includes a handle that extends between a first end and a second end along a length axis and an input feature disposed at the first end. The input feature includes sensors to detect manipulations that cause a relative movement between the input feature and the handle. The manipulations that are detected include torque applied to the input feature about the length axis. Where the detected manipulation are relayed to the game console where the game console correlates the detected manipulation into control of the video game. The gaming system can be primarily executed through a local game console, or the game console (or computing device), can communicate to remote servers, over the internet, to processes primary execution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibration and biasing are described herein. In one example, a method for determining a playing height of a user is described. The method includes receiving an identification of a first corner of a display screen from the user by associating a first position of a tracked object with the first corner using image data from a capture device, receiving an identification of a second corner of the display screen from the user by associating a second position of the tracked object with the second corner using image data from the capture device, and triangulating between the first and second corners and the tracked object to define a range of movement made by the user. The tracked object is held by the user. The method further includes defining a height at which the tracked object is held by the user based on the range of movement.

Abstract: An operating device has an operating shaft, engagement protrusions, and a movable body. The movable body can rotate relative to the operating shaft. The movable body engages with the engagement protrusions at positions separate from its rotation center. The movable body rotates relative to the operating shaft through the engagement with the engagement protrusions according to the translation of the operating shaft. A base abuts against the movable body in the rotational direction of this movable body and receives a force due to the movement of the operating shaft from the movable body. Sensors detect the force acting on the base. According to this, an operating device having a novel structure allowing detection of the translation of the operating shaft is implemented.

Abstract: An operating device includes an operating shaft, a movable body that supports the operating shaft, and a base body. The base body includes a contact surface that is in contact with the movable body so as to receive, from the movable body, forces along the plane vertical to the axial direction of the operating shaft. Further, the operating device includes a plurality of sensors adapted to detect forces acting on the base body. The operating device allows the motion of the operating shaft on the plane vertical to the axial direction of the operating shaft and the detection of the motion.

Abstract: A dual pivot game controller including two rotating assemblies, one for each of a user's two hands, is described. Each of the two rotating assemblies is coupled to a base by a pivoting coupling, and each pivoting coupling includes an axis of rotation about which its respective rotating assembly rotates. Accordingly, each rotating assembly and pivoting coupling share an axes of rotation, and each rotating assembly is thus configured to rotate relative to the base to which it is coupled. The axes of rotation usually reside in a common plane and are substantially non-parallel, such that they intersect at an axes intersection angle. An axes intersection angle of about 52° is typical. The two rotating assemblies are usually operationally coupled to each other such that they rotate in tandem during use.

Abstract: An assembly block (20) including an LED element (51), a control unit (52) that controls the LED element (51), and a housing (30) that holds the LED element (51) and the control unit (52) is provided. The housing (30) includes mechanical interfaces (32, 33) for mechanically connecting to the outside and is at least partially translucent. The control unit (52) includes a first functional unit (111) that stores, on receiving first data sets (D1) that include data for controlling the color of light to be outputted from the LED element (51) and a transfer command via the first electrical interface (79a) associated with the first mechanical interface (32), the first data set (D1) in a buffer (121) and outputs the stored first data set (DS1) in the buffer (121) together with the transfer command via a second electrical interface (79b) associated with the mechanical interface (33) on the second side.

Abstract: A game controller includes a control circuit and first and second buttons positioned proximate to upper and lower portions, respectively, of the controller. The first and second buttons are in communication with an input of the control circuit. The first button is activated by the user's thumb and the second button is not activated by the user's thumb. The control circuit outputs a control signal in response to the first or second buttons being activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing various forms of feedback are provided and can be implemented in a system, for example, between a gamer and a gaming system. One or more embodiments might be included and directed toward providing feedback between a gamer and the gaming system by way of one or more various forms of controllers that might be used by a gamer in playing a game or in setting up or configuring the game. Various bio-feedback mechanisms might be implemented to provide feedback from the game controller to the game in response to the condition, state, or behavior or the user. For example, in one embodiment, heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, or other biological or physiological sensors can be included with, incorporated in or integrated into the controller to sense a gamer's biological or physiological sensors condition.

Abstract: A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space position of a user interface and locks the hand to a handle of the user interface if world space parameters of the hand overcome a grab threshold of the handle. When the hand is locked to the handle, the computing system translates a world space position of the hand to a screen space handle position that is constrained along one or more interface guides. The hand is unlocked from the handle at a release position of the handle if world space parameters of the hand overcome a release threshold of the handle. The handle is retained at the release position after the hand is unlocked from the handle.

Abstract: The invention has for object a game controller having an actuator (2, 102) mobile in rotation in relation to a fixed part (3, 103), in such a way as to simulate a control of the rotation of a steering column of a simulated vehicle. According to the invention, the game controller implements means for detecting the displacement in rotation of the actuator (2, 102) comprising at least one Hall effect or magnetoresistive effect detecting unit, constituted of at least two elements, of which a permanent magnet and a magnetic sensor (24, 124). At least during the rotation of the actuator (2, 102), a first element is integral in rotation with the actuator (2, 102) and a second element is integral in rotation with said fixed part (3, 103).

Abstract: Force feedback in a gaming controller is provided by a motion induction device having an untethered mass. The mass is accelerated and decelerated to provide directional force feedback to a user of the gaming controller. The forces may be applied in a game controller shaped to simulate a tennis racquet, baseball bat, gun, steering wheel, or golf club. A sensor may be included in the game controller to provide information for adapting the force feedback. For example, in a game controller simulating a golf club an accelerometer may measure the speed and motion of the golf club, and the game controller provides force feedback through the motion induction device to simulate impact with a golf club or train a user to swing in a desired motion.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone that receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.

Abstract: A videogame controller device with a videogame controller housing, the housing having a firearm accessory exterior contour one or more firearm mounts on the videogame controller housing, the one or more mounts for connecting the videogame controller housing to a firearm; and a trigger switch jack for operating a button to simulate firing in a videogame.

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 game controller arrangement includes a first control unit generating first operation data including linear acceleration sensed within a first control unit body. A second control unit generates second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player. One of the first control unit and the second control unit includes a transmission section for wirelessly transmitting the first operation data and the second operation data to a computer.

Abstract: A controller for interfacing with an interactive application is provided. The controller includes a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively. The controller also includes an input device positioned along a top surface of the main body, and a touch-sensitive panel defined along a first side surface of the main body.

Abstract: A haptic peripheral comprising a housing, a user input element, a position sensor coupled to the user input element, and an actuator located within the housing and coupled to the user input element. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the user input element and is configured to send the position to a processor. The actuator is configured to receive a haptic effect drive signal from the processor and is configured to output a force in response to the haptic effect drive signal from the processor. The force is transmitted to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The haptic peripheral may include a mechanical amplification system coupled to the actuator and configured to increase the force output by the actuator. In such an embodiment, the increased force is transmitted from the mechanical amplification system to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect.

Abstract: A racing car steering wheel assembly provides an input/output interface for a participant in a multimedia interactive electronic game. Two primary paddles on the underside of the wheel control throttle and braking functions, respectively. Secondary paddles or buttons may be included on either the side of the wheel for optionally controlling gear selection. Integral accelerometers are included for determining wheel rotation. Steering inputs are caused either by rotation about a fixed point to which the wheel may be affixed or by rotation in free air. A wired or wireless interface to a PC or game console provides communication with game software and optional wired or wireless communication between the user and other individuals. Switches and buttons may be included to emulate controls on real race cars and for inputting game information. A panel display and/or a decorative logo plate may be included on the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for a game interface on a wireless communication device with projector capability. In one example, an apparatus has an integrated projector lens on a casing of a wireless communication device and a dedicated game interface with a directional control and a fire button. In another example, an apparatus has a dedicated game interface with at least one directional control, a fire button, and a projector body with a projector lens which can extend from, retract to, or dock with a casing of a wireless communication device. Furthermore, this apparatus may include a novel hardware and/or software module which can invert, adjust, and/or re-orient a desired image before a corrected orientation of the desired image is projected from the integrated projector lens, depending on frontal, rear, or another surface usage of the wireless communication device by the user.

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

Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A trace gesture of the computer user is identified and an action performable within an interactive interface is selected based on the shape of the trace gesture.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a single touch or multiple touches is disclosed. A touch related sensing information with a single zero-crossing is used for determining a pair of values, and the locations of a pair of centroids are calculated depending on the pair of values. The distance between the locations of the pair of centroids can be used to determine whether the number of touches is one or more.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for electronic trading is provided. The system includes an interface application having an associated mapping module that defines a plurality of controller signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship associates a game controller signal with a trading system command associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments. The interface application is operable to receive a particular game controller signal, determine the trading system command associated with the particular game controller signal using the mapping module, and communicate the determined trading system command such that the trading system command is executed.

Abstract: A method and a device provide a tactile sensation. Devices include a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for electronic trading is provided. The system includes an interface application having an associated mapping module that defines a plurality of controller signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship associates a game controller signal with a trading system command associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments. The interface application is operable to receive a particular game controller signal, determine the trading system command associated with the particular game controller signal using the mapping module, and communicate the determined trading system command such that the trading system command is executed.

Abstract: A first control unit includes a first operation data generation section for generating first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first control unit body included in the first control unit. A second control unit includes a second operation data generation section for generating second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player or a motion of a second control unit body included in the second control unit. Further, one of the first control unit and the second control unit includes a transmission section for transmitting the first operation data and the second operation data to a computer at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises one or more display devices, a configurable joystick, and one or more memory devices. The memory devices store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the machine to dispose the joystick in a first joystick state during a first game part and, responsive to a trigger, dynamically reconfigure the joystick to a second joystick state for use during a second game part. A method comprises receiving an input to play a game, providing a configurable joystick in a first joystick state, conducting a first game part with the joystick in the first joystick state, dynamically reconfiguring the joystick from the first joystick state to a second joystick state responsive to a trigger, and conducting a second wagering game part with the joystick in the second joystick state.

Abstract: A music video game provides a guitar shaped video game controller with an analog control device with touch sensor. In some embodiments the analog control device is in the form of a touch sensitive pad on a neck of a guitar shaped video game compeller. In some embodiments, the analog control device may resemble additional buttons on a neck of a guitar shaped video game controller. The analog control device may be used to simulate various techniques which may be performed on strings of a guitar.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention an adapter apparatus is provided that is combinable with a computer or video game controller. In accordance with one embodiment, the adapter apparatus is a controller adapter, comprising: a housing configured to attach to a controller having a controller input, wherein the housing at least partially covers the controller input when the housing is attached to the controller, the housing comprising: a holding mechanism configured to secure the housing to the controller when the housing is attached to the controller; an adapter input disposed on an exterior surface of the housing opposite the controller input; and a translation element positioned between the adapter input and the controller input such that a user input to the adapter input translates to a corresponding user input to the controller input.

Abstract: A pointing device (10, 50, 70, 90) is provided for use on an interactive surface (21). The pointing device (10, 50, 70, 90) comprises a grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) and a shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92). The grip portion can be manipulated into different positions by a user. The shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92) has a contact surface for making contact with the interactive surface (21). The grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) is coupled to the shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92) in such a way that the manipulation of the grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) causes a footprint (30, 60, 80, 100) of the contact surface on the interactive surface (21) to take a shape corresponding to the respective different positions of the grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91).

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting with a virtual space, in which a mobile device is used to electronically capture image data of a real-world object, the image data is used to identify information related to the real-world object, and the information is used to interact with software to control at least one of: (a) an aspect of an electronic game; and (b) a second device local to the mobile device. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to gaming, in which the image data can be used to identify a name of the real-world object, to classify the real-world object, identify the real-world object as a player in the game, to identify the real-world object as a goal object or as having some other value in the game, to use the image data to identify the real-world object as a goal object in the game.

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: Apparatus for controlling gaming analog sticks, comprising an upwardly generally concave thumb support, and attachment means underlying the thumb support for adjustably attaching the support to upper extent of a gaming analog stick.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer is configured with a housing, a display supported in the housing, and computing electronics supported in the housing and configured to communicate with the display. The handheld computer disclosed also includes an integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld computer. The input device provides different input signals to the computing electronics dependent upon a directional movement provided by a user. The input device is configured to communicate more than four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing electronics. Further, the handheld computer disclosed may include a joystick coupler which is integrated into a joypad. The joypad coupler is configured to receive at least a portion of the stylus which is configured to act as a joystick.