Abstract: A gaming method for playing an interactive slot game is implemented by a gaming apparatus. The gaming method includes the steps of: randomly generating a game symbol combination; determining whether the game symbol combination includes a changeable game symbol; when the game symbol combination includes a changeable game symbol, determining a corresponding position of the changeable game symbol; allowing player manipulation to generate a response signal indicating a player-selected position; receiving the response signal and determining whether the player-selected position is the corresponding position; randomly changing the changeable game symbol when the determination made in the last step is affirmative; determining whether a revised game symbol combination including the changed game symbol conforms with a predetermined winning condition; and granting an award when the determination made in the last step is affirmative.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair system, includes a user interface that includes a user input and a display for displaying information to the user and a control unit that includes a data processor and a memory. The data processor is responsive to the user entering information into the personal mobility vehicle, where the information indicates a user selection of a game function integrated into the personal mobility vehicle, to enable the user play a game via the user interface. The operation of playing the game includes a preliminary step of switching at least a portion of the user interface from a normal mode of controlling some function, such as mobility, of the personal mobility vehicle to a game playing function.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining input for controlling execution of a game program are disclosed. Controller input information can identify a current position of a user-movable control stick in relation to a rest position of the control stick. Supplementary input information from an environment can indicate a three-dimensional motion of a user-movable object. A combined input for controlling the execution of the game program can be obtained by processing the controller input information and the supplementary input information. The combined input can be obtained by assigning the value of the controller input information representative of a position of the control stick as coarse control information and assigning the value of the supplementary input information representative of the orientation of the user-movable object as fine control information.

Abstract: Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a controller for a dual analog controller games system, the controller being provided in the form of an action figure having a base, a torso and at least one member connected to the torso, wherein a first analog stick input is obtained by detecting tilting motion of the torso relative to the base and where a second analog stick input is partially obtained by detecting rotational movement relative to the torso.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, the device comprising a housing and a retractable handle, the device being arranged to allow the handle to be retracted into the housing along a sliding axis to provide a retracted handle position and extended out of the housing along the sliding axis to provide an extended handle position, and wherein the handle is arranged to be formable to be held by a user in the extended position such that the holding axis of the handle in the extended position is offset from the sliding axis.

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: A video game device displays a reference image (an image of a fishing rod 54) at a predetermined position on the screen of a display device. The video game device displays a pointer image (a cursor 55) at a position on the screen being pointed at by a control device. The pointer image is erased when the pointer image reaches within a predetermined area defined based on the position of the reference image. The video game device controls the controlled object to act according to a position of a marker object in a captured image based on control data, after the pointer image reaches inside the predetermined area defined based on the position of the reference image.

Abstract: A video game system and method is described in which map scenes and battle scenes are used. A player character may move through the map scene, and upon encountering enemies to battle, an encounter area may be generated and displayed to show the user which enemies will be included in the subsequent battle scene, and which enemies will not be initially included in the battle scene.

Abstract: A game controller and system for operating the game controller. The game controller has a central hub and a pair of wings. The pair of wings are coupled to the central hub and configured to pivot about at least one axis with respect to the central hub. A method of operating a game controller includes connecting the game controller to at least one of a computer and a game console. Parameters are monitored including at least one of button presses, time, and wing position. A drive mechanism is activated based on the parameters, the drive mechanism varying a position of at least one of the pair of wings and the at least one button.

Abstract: An origin which is set by a pointing device is drawn and moved according to a player's operation in order to carry out an operation in which a joystick is emulated, and therefore the operation in which the pointing device is used can be carried out in accordance with the player's controllability, and further a distance between the origin and a point at which the player operates the pointing device does not become longer than is necessary, and therefore the response to the operation can be improved.

Abstract: A twist amount is calculated based on an angular velocity around a Z-axis of an input device when a player performs a shoot operation. Based on a value of a difficulty level stored in an external main memory, a minimum successful twist amount and a maximum successful twist amount are determined. As a result, the higher the difficulty level is, the narrower a successful range of the twist amount becomes. Further, the twist amount of the input device, which is obtained when the player performs the shoot operation for a first to a fourth shots, is stored in the external main memory. When the player performs the shoot operation for a fifth shot or thereafter, the twist amount of the input device at the time of the shoot operation for the fifth shot and thereafter is corrected with the use of the twist amount of the first to fourth shots.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to provide a game system utilizing a normal household DVD player. The apparatus typically uses multiple remote controls and a game disc to provide an interactive game such as a quiz game. The game disc manipulates the address locations within the DVD to provide movement throughout the disc and the remote controls similarly at an offset to the address locations to source particular media files on the disc to be displayed on an associated television or similar device. The remote controls are also provided with a mechanism to avoid conflict between near simultaneous signals that include receivers within the remote controls to receive the signals, resolve the first remote control operated and only allow an operational code from that remote control to be received by the DVD player.

Abstract: A compact, portable joystick comprised of a sturdy base housing the electronics, removable joystick handle, and removable throttle handle. In addition, there is a USB port provided for a USB cable of appropriate length for the application. The removable joystick and throttle handles facilitates the portability of the unit for carrying in a standard laptop computer bag. The portable control system can be assembled in seconds, and can be placed next to, or on top of, the laptop computer for flight simulation or other gaming applications in a very confined environment as in a commercial aircraft seat. In addition to axis and throttle control, several buttons are provided to assign to various tasks within the flight simulator or gaming software.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a display and a touch panel provided thereon. A CPU core displays a game screen on the display. A user draw a circular arc path on the touch panel by continuously touching the touch panel with a stick or the like. In either case of continuous inputs so as to draw a clockwise circular arc path in a right-hander mode or continuous inputs so as to draw a counterclockwise circular arc path in a left-hander mode, it is concluded that the same input operations have been carried out. Accordingly, a user character is moved to the right in proportion to a predetermined angle in the right-hander mode, and the user character is moved to the left in proportion to the predetermined angle in the left-hander mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a game controller. The game controller particularly has two movable handles. The two movable handles can be rotated to any angle for users' holding customs and can be received for saving space. Moreover, the game controller is further integrated with functions of game control and home-use remote control, corresponding to a plurality of game control buttons and home-use remote control buttons. Thus, the game controller at least has advantages of providing two control functions.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.

Abstract: A mouse is provided with function buttons being aligned back and forth on its surface. Thus, the width is narrower than in a general mouse to make the mouse slim. Furthermore, the back-and-forth function buttons can be pressed by a finger tip put on the upper surface of the mouse to operate the mouse.

Abstract: Acceleration data which is output from an acceleration sensor is obtained. A rotation motion of an input device around a predetermined direction as a rotation axis is determined by comparing a start point in a two-dimensional coordinate system which is represented by the first acceleration data obtained in a predetermined period, and an end point in the two-dimensional coordinate system which is represented by the last acceleration data obtained in the predetermined period. Coordinate axes of the two-dimensional coordinate system are defined based on components of the two axial directions of the acceleration data, and an origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system represents a value of the acceleration data in the state where no acceleration including the acceleration of gravity acts upon the acceleration sensor. Motion data including at least the determined rotation motion is output.

Abstract: A character input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and one or more mode-altering keys. Each character input key is associated with multiple characters. By activating only the character input keys, primary characters may be input. By activating the character input keys in conjunction with the mode-altering keys, however, various secondary, tertiary, and quaternary characters may be input. The mode-altering keys may be utilized in a temporary mode, wherein only one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input. Alternately, the mode-altering keys may be utilized in a base mode, wherein a series of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input.

Abstract: An improved user input device is disclosed whereby the device is equipped with a trackball in addition to other control devices, such as an analog stick controller (e.g., thumbstick or joystick). The trackball is mounted in such a way that it projects both upwardly and downwardly from the device body in the vertical plane. The user is able to touch and use the trackball from both the upper and lower directions. In a preferred embodiment, the trackball is clickable, affording greater control and ease of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to Hall effect joysticks, and accessories incorporating a Hall effect joystick of a smaller scale. The Hall effect joystick includes a handle which can be moved in relation to a base, in rotation along at least two axes. Said rotation is ensured by way of at least one ball joint including two ball joint elements of roughly the same radius, namely a head and a cup, one being able to pivot around the center of the other. A first of said ball joint elements is fixed in relation to said base and features an opening into which penetrates an extension of said handle, and a second of said ball joint elements is attached to said handle. The extension of said handle includes, in proximity to its lower extremity, at least one sensor and/or at least one magnet of a Hall effect movement detection set.

Abstract: A remote-control switch in which finger dirt can be infallibly prevented from adhering to a display unit. A remote touch pad 4 capable of performing selection operation is provided separately from a navigation body 2 and the navigation body 2 can be remote-controlled by practicing a touch input through an input panel 11. Hence, the same operating feeling as if touching a touch panel 5 can be given a user via the input panel 11, thus allowing the finger dirt to be infallibly prevented from adhering to a monitor 6 and further enabling operation excellent in usability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make a game player comfortably watch moving pictures when a camera's line-of-sight tracks a moving object. In a program of the present invention, a control unit recognizes point-of-sight position data for indicating a position of a camera's point-of-sight. Then, the control unit recognizes a view-frustum region and an intra-view-frustum region. Next, the control unit decides whether or not a moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region. When the control unit decides that the moving object is located outside the intra-view-frustum region, the control unit executes processing of moving at least one of the camera's point-of-sight and a camera's point-of-target so that the moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling the movements of a vehicle includes a user input means, such as a gamepad with a plurality of joystick-controlled and button-controlled outputs, a tracker, and optional sliding foot pedals; a processor for running a control mapping algorithm; and a remote vehicle controller. A control mapping algorithm maps the outputs to the remote-controlled vehicle's course, heading, displacement, and camera view, with the joysticks mapped to provide open loop directional control over the vehicle's course and heading, the tracker providing open loop control over the camera view, and the optional sliding foot pedals providing open loop control over the vehicle's displacement. The remote vehicle controller sends commands to on-board controls to direct the vehicle's movement. A video stream from an on-board camera is transmitted back to the operator station for viewing on a computer desktop display or a head mountable display.

Abstract: A server to host a multi-player game is disclosed. The server includes a network interface coupled to an Internet Protocol (IP) network to send and receive data related to a multi-player game. The server includes a game play data module to receive multi-player game play data from a plurality of end user gaming devices via the network interface. The multi-player game play data is received via a plurality of unicast transmissions. The server includes an assembly module to assemble the multi-player game play data received from the plurality of end user gaming devices to generate aggregated game update data. The server also includes a transmission module to transmit the aggregated game update data as a single IP multicast transmission via the network interface.

Abstract: Input devices for interfacing with a game console to interact with a computer program are disclosed. In one example, the input device includes a controller with a handle and a spherical object that is connected to a first end of the handle. The controller further includes a circuit that identifies the position of the handle. The circuit further includes communication logic to communicate the identified position to the game console during interaction with the computer program. The controller further includes control inputs connected to a second end of the handle, wherein the spherical object is placed in contact with a surface when held by the handle and the circuit updates the identified position of the handle as the handle is pivoted on the surface. The control inputs providing commands that are exchanged with the game console to further interact with the computer program.

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

Abstract: A game controller includes an image-capturing section, and outputs, as control data, a captured image itself or a result of performing a predetermined operation on the captured image. Using the control data obtained from the game controller, distance data regarding the distance between the game controller and the imaging target is calculated. A predetermined game process is performed on a virtual game world based on the calculated distance data. Then, the virtual game world after the game process is displayed as an image on a display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for peer to peer network communication. In one implementation, a method of communicating between a first client system and a second client system includes: discovering first address information for a first client system connected to a first network address translation device; sharing the first address information with a second client system; receiving second address information for the second client system; and establishing communication between the first client system and the second client system using the second address information.

Abstract: A game that uses a source of compressed gas, such as compressed air, to provide gas to move a play object across a play surface. The compressed gas source is capable of providing compressed gas to jets in communication with the play surface for directing the gas to move the play object across the play surface. A triggering device allows the player to select one or more jets and selectively trigger the flow of gas from a selected jet.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a voice command game controlling apparatus and method which can activate the game commands user predetermine by voice command. The device in present invention also allows user to create and configure their user-customized hot keys for video game playing. The voice command game controlling apparatus in present invention may allow users to edit and save their hot key list therein by using corresponding game controller or keyboard and output the game command signals to the game console connected therewith. The editable hot key content includes the designated hot key, controller used, command order, corresponding game title and game consoles. It is compatible with all kind of game platform including game consoles, PCs and their peripherals, thus it can accommodate to all existing video games. The apparatus also supports voice recognition function to allow user rapidly inputting their desire sentence for player interaction and communication.

Abstract: An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.

Abstract: A joystick device includes a base, an upright joystick handle disposed pivotally on the base and operable to generate a first input signal, and a mouse unit disposed on a top end of the joystick handle and operable to generate a second input signal. An output unit is disposed on the base. A control unit is disposed on the base and connected to the joystick handle, the mouse unit, and the output unit. When the joystick handle is operated, the control unit receives the first input signal from the joystick handle so as to output a first output signal via the output unit. When the mouse unit is operated, the control unit receives the second input signal from the mouse unit so as to output a second output signal via the output unit. A power source supplies electric power to the control unit.

Abstract: A device with spatially unrestricted force feedback is disclosed, which comprises: a base, a gyro assembly including a first actuator and a flywheel; the first actuator connecting and driving the flywheel by a first shaft, and a second actuator fixed on the base and connecting and exerting a torque to the gyro assembly by a second shaft; wherein the first shaft and second shaft are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area.

Abstract: A dispute resolution model for next generation action/skill casino games comprising a variety of friendly onscreen methods to demonstrate the fairness of a disputed game or simply to allow the player to eliminate confusion created by fast action wagering. Such methods may include running on-demand instant replays of segments of wagered games to allow both players and operators to verify those games' fairness and providing the player with historical information regarding the operation of the casino game and/or the gaming machine. The historical information includes historical win information to demonstrate the distribution of previous wins; Skill vs. luck historical information to demonstrate the exact role both luck and skill played in a player's game outcome; and peer comparison historical information to enable the player to compare the recent payback history of a given game to identical games on the casino floor, and to show the player which machines have been the luckiest over a given period of time.

Abstract: The device according to the invention ensures accurate and in particular sensitive navigation of the probe, which can be inserted into a body, despite the fact that the remote control uses simple means, by means of a movement (MR;MB;MP) corresponding intuitively to the navigation of a probe using the control device (1). Intuitive operation can be converted in particular using an inventive U-shaped embodiment of the control device (1). Sensitive controllability can be increased by transmitting the mechanical interaction between the probe and an environment under examination to the control device (1) and thus directly to the operating hand (3) by means of inventive feedback.

Abstract: A pointing device including a base section, an operating section shiftably supported on the base section, a magnet carried on one of the base section and the operating section, and a magneto-electro transducer carried on the other of the base section and the operating section at a location close to the magnet. The operating section includes a first part securely holding one of the magnet and the magneto-electro transducer and supported on the base section shiftably in a desired horizontal direction relative to the base section, and a second part connected to the first part and elastically biasing the first part toward a home position in a horizontal shifting range during a period when the first part is horizontally shifted along the base section.

Abstract: A handheld projection gaming system includes a projection gaming device having a control portion and a projector portion, and an external user input device. The control portion is configured to be held in a handheld position, and includes control devices configured for manipulation by a user. The projector portion is configured to project a video image. The external user input device is configured to operably couple to and support the handheld gaming device and includes at least one control device configured for interactive manipulation by the user.

Abstract: A highly amusing game apparatus is achieved. A game apparatus controls a game where a character operated by a user and an opponent character play ball to compete against each other by hitting a ball. When the user instructs the hitting of the ball by pressing a button of a controller, a hit control unit determines the timing at which the ball is hit by the character and the type of shot according to which button has been pressed by the user. When a parameter indicating the timing of hitting the ball, height of the ball, balance of the character, position of the character and distance between the character and the ball, or athletic ability of the character lies outside a predetermined range in which normal hitting is performable, the hit control unit changes the type of shot from the determined type of shot to another type of shot favorable to the opponent character.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a game controller that enhances a prize won from a game outcome when a first special symbol occurs in the game outcome. The appearance of the first special symbol in the game outcome causes the game controller to further enhance the game prize if a second special symbol also appears in the game outcome. The first or second special symbols may further be used to substitute for another symbol in the game outcome, so as to create a winning game outcome.

Abstract: A link mechanism of a game controller connecting a user-activated control to an analogue input device located a distance away. The link mechanism is adapted to provide linear or near linear rotational characteristics between the user-activated control and the analogue input device. The link mechanism can be curved, or curved over a portion of its length. Or, a slot disposed in the link mechanism to slidably engage a post of the user-activated control can be curved to facilitate desired linearity. Or, the slot can be angled. Or, the slot can be aligned so that its longitudinal axis does not intersect a pivot point of the analogue input device. Or, a distance between a pivot point of the user-activated control and the post can equal a distance between the post and a rotational pivot point of the analogue input device. Or, any combination of the above characteristics could be employed.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.

Abstract: A roller device including a roller wheel configured to control scrolling of a graphical object along a first axis if the roller wheel is rotated by a user; a first sensor adjacent to a first side of the roller wheel; and a second sensor adjacent to a second side of the roller wheel; wherein the first and second sensors are configured to control a scrolling rate of the graphical object along a second axis.

Abstract: An image generation method and computer-readable information storage medium which stores a program in which a processing causes a first object to perform a motion based on control data from a first control lever which is tilted in an arbitrary direction and of which tilt angle is detectable. The processing also causes the first object to move based on control data from a second control lever which is tilted in an arbitrary direction and of which tilt angle is detectable. The processing further generates an image including an image of the first object and in which the first object is caused to perform an attack motion toward an attack direction which corresponds to a tilting direction of the first control lever, when the first control lever is tilted by a given angle. The attack motion of the first object changes according to at least one of a distance between the first and second object and an angle between a direction to which the first object faces and a direction in which the second object exists.

Abstract: A game apparatus controls a game in which a user-controlled character and an opponent character hit a ball. When the user gives an instruction for hitting the ball with a button of a controller, a hit control unit determines on the basis of the type of the button which is pressed by the user a shot when the character hits the ball, calculates the trajectory of the ball hit based on the shot, and displays the flying ball on a screen. A shot display control unit displays the figure marked on the button close to the ball on the screen, as information for specifying the shot.

Abstract: A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. The sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g. tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g. tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a game apparatus for moving a moving object on a road in a virtual world and changing influence received by the moving object from the road based on movement history, wherein an input reception unit receives operational input from a player, a storage unit stores position and velocity of the moving object and road condition, a calculation unit calculates the acceleration of the moving object based on the received operational input, a stored current position of the moving object, and the road condition at this position, an update unit updates the stored position and velocity of the moving object in accordance with the calculated acceleration and updates the stored road condition in accordance with a change in at least one of position, velocity, and acceleration of the moving object, and a display unit displays at least one of the stored position and velocity of the moving object.