Abstract: In a game device (301) for showing to a player the directions in which movement may be possible in a game where a character is moved between objects in a virtual world, an input receiving unit (305) receives an instruction input for moving a character within the object where the character is located or to another object, an index calculation unit (303) calculates an index indicating the degree to which movement will fail in a case where movement from the object where the character is located to another object is presumed, an image display unit (304) that displays an image associated with the calculated index in a location associated with the direction of the other object, and a character moving unit (306) that moves the character on the object where the character is located, or moves the character to another object, or fails to move the character to another object.

Abstract: A squad command interface for a squad-based shooter video game maps character selection and command selection to actuators on a game controller. Players can select squad characters and issue a single order to multiple characters with few controller actuations.

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 gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a mechanical input device and a display mechanism. The input device is manually moved by a player in a first plurality of directions and at a first velocity. In response to the player's movement of the input device, the display mechanism moves in a second plurality of directions and at a second velocity. The second plurality of directions and the second velocity have predetermined associations with the first plurality of directions and the first velocity, respectively. The display mechanism displays an outcome of the wagering game, wherein the outcome is preferably unaffected by the player's movement of the input device.

Abstract: A brandable thumbstick cover for video game controllers includes a thumbstick cap and an adapter ring meant to cover the thumbstick on the game controller. The thumbstick cap is the primary location for branding or inclusion of video game related images and text, which may appear on any surface of the thumbstick cap. The adapter ring is used to provide removable attachment between the thumbstick cap and the thumbstick itself and allows for a single sized thumbstick cap to be used across differently sized thumbsticks. The bottom cavity portion of the adapter ring is sized appropriately so as to receive the upper portion of the thumbstick and snap into place or be held by friction and/or pressure. The upper portion of the adapter ring provides a mechanism for attachment of the thumbstick cap. Alternative embodiments include the elimination of the adapter ring and the direct attachment of the thumbstick cap to the thumbstick.

Abstract: An impact emulator that provides impact effects to a player of a video game system is provided. The video game system has a magnetic field generator that is able to produce magnetic field to generate a force on a magnet on a remote controller. The amount of magnetic field to be produced is depending on the relative movement of the remote controller and a target element.

Abstract: The present invention is related to reducing difference between a period of time elapsing until a first moving object moving in conjunction with a motion of a first character passes through a plane and a period of time elapsing until a second moving object released by a second character passes through he plane. A first moving object moving in conjunction with a motion of a first character is displayed on an image display unit with image data for the first moving object. Then, arrival time elapsing since a second moving object is released by a second character until the second moving object arrives at a predicted passage plane is computed based on velocity of the second moving object and distance from a position of the second moving object when the first moving object starts performing a motion to the predicted passage plane. Next, a control unit executes processing of correcting base arrival time for reducing absolute value of difference between the base arrival time and the arrival time.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device that physically stimulates an input device of the gaming device to stimulate a player. The input device, includes a component stimulator and an actuation member. The input devices sends a signal or plurality of signals to a processor upon actuation of the actuation member of the input device. The processor sends an electronic signal to the component stimulator. The component stimulator causes the physical stimulation of the actuation member. The player feels this movement, which may be in correlation to the image being displayed by a display device. This physical stimulation of an input device may be employed in any suitable manner in relation to a game in a wagering gaming device.

Abstract: A CPU (511) of game device (50) generates bullet trajectory information when a bullet is fired at an opponent character by a player by operating a gun unit (56), and it transmits the bullet trajectory information to an echo server. The CPU (511), upon receiving the bullet trajectory information from the echo server, generates information showing a result of a determination as to whether the bullet has hit the opponent character based on the position information of a player character and the received bullet trajectory information. In a case in which a game device (50) is specified as the echo server, a game information set generated at game device (50) and a game information set received from an opponent game device are sent to opponent game devices (50) in an order in which game information sets are received.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention use haptic feedback to deliver status information to users in environments and situations where sight and/or sound is too overt from a privacy perspective. In one embodiment, localized haptic sensations can be delivered to a user through a tactile element that is positioned on a region of a housing of the electronic device that is engaged by a user.

Abstract: Methods of interacting with a mixed reality are presented. A mobile device captures an image of a real-world object where the image has content information that can be used to control a mixed reality object through an offered command set. The mixed reality object can be real, virtual, or a mixture of both real and virtual.

Abstract: A control lever device includes: a control lever unit including an inner frame, a control lever supported by the inner frame in a manner to be movable about a fulcrum along a first direction, and a positioning roller attached in the inner frame and allowing the control lever to be positioned at first and second displacement positions located on a straight line by allowing an end of the control lever to pass over the positioning roller; an outer frame supporting the control lever unit so that the control lever unit is movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction at right angles; and a moving path control section controlling a moving path of the control lever. The control lever unit includes a lever position detection section detecting a position of the control lever. The outer frame includes a unit position detection section detecting movement of the control lever unit.

Abstract: The present invention is related to controlling a video game in which ability of a game character is adjusted on the basis of events in the video game. For example, in a baseball video game, if the game player operating a pitcher character keeps selecting a pitching trajectory that a batter character is bad at hitting the ball object, the extent that the batter character is bad at hitting the ball object in the pitching trajectory will be gradually reduced. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the pitcher character to make the batter character out. Accordingly, advantageous level for the pitcher character will be reduced. Therefore, imbalance of the baseball video game is to be solved between the pitcher character and the batter character.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a video game controller with a fan. In one example, the fan may be controlled to blow air on the game player based at least in part upon action taking place in the video game.

Abstract: A control apparatus with a balance feedback function includes a direction control module for outputting several direction signals of different directions; an operation control module outputting several control signals of different operations; a balance control module for detecting the control apparatus and presetting a tilting angle between horizontal planes to generate a horizontal shift vector signal or detecting a vertical shift in the vertical direction of the control apparatus to generate a corresponding vertical vector signal; a processing module coupled to the balance control module for receiving the direction signal to produce a corresponding direction data, for receiving the operation control signal to produce a corresponding operation control data, for receiving the horizontal shift vector signal to produce a horizontal vector data, and for receiving the vertical vector signal to produce vertical vector data; and a transmission module provided for transmitting any one of the data to an electronic de

Abstract: An input apparatus compact and superior in operability is disclosed wherein, in either a folded or unfolded position, a joystick control can exhibit the same operations and an optical signal from a transmission section can be transmitted with certainty. The input apparatus includes first and second operation housings each having a plurality of input buttons, the first and second operation housings being connected for folding motion by a hinge section. The joystick control is disposed on an axis of the hinge section and has an outer circumferential portion on which input buttons are provided. The joystick control is exposed in both the folded and unfolded positions so that the same input operations can be performed. Also, a signal is transmitted from the input apparatus in both the folded and unfolded positions of the second operation housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movements of an avatar in a virtual environment 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 virtual environment (VE) software that includes an avatar moving through the VE; and a control mapping algorithm. The algorithm maps the gamepad, tracker, and optional sliding foot pedal outputs to the avatar's course, heading, displacement, and view, with the joysticks mapped to provide open loop directional control over the course and heading of the avatar, the tracker providing open loop control over the view, and the optional sliding foot pedals providing open loop control over displacement. The operator-controlled movement of the avatar in the virtual environment is displayed to the operator on a computer desktop display or a head mounted display.

Abstract: Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of an apparatus comprises a first element comprising a first surface, a second element comprising a second surface, and an actuator configured vary a force between the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the second element may be configured to be displaced relative to first element in a degree of freedom. In another embodiment, at least one of the first surface and the second surface may comprise a thermoplastic polymer.

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: Disclosed is a joystick apparatus for a portable terminal of which a housing can be used as a joystick apparatus.

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 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 small and thin pressing direction sensor that can continually detect pressing directions in the angle range of 360 degrees is provided. This pressing direction sensor includes a ring-like resistive film pattern, a first electrode pattern, and a conductive member that electrically connects the resistive film pattern and the first electrode pattern when pressed. The voltage of the first electrode pattern represents the pressing direction. This pressing direction sensor may further include a second electrode pattern. A signal representing the pressing force can be obtained from the second electrode pattern when the pressed conductive member is brought into contact with the second electrode pattern.

Abstract: A video game controller that can be configured using a set of video game control switch modules for single hand usage (left or right). The controller is comprised of a controller housing having a base receptacle containing circuitry and a top enclosure which contains several module slots in which removable video game control switch modules can to be inserted and connected to the game controller circuitry via a parallel bus. The removable video game control switch modules which contain the game controls themselves, such as analog joysticks and triggers, can be inserted into any module slot allowing a game player to arrange the controller as desired and have a high level of customization on a per-game or per-user basis.

Abstract: Plane position coordinates indicating a position of a player object in a plane game field is updated based on an action which is performed by the player object on the plane game field and is determined according to an input signal. The plane position coordinates in a coordinate system based on the plane game field are converted into coordinates in a coordinate system based on a game field of a curved surface, thereby obtaining curved surface position coordinates. Based on the curved surface position coordinates, the player object is positioned in the game field of the curved surface and displayed on a display screen.

Abstract: A haptic feedback input device includes a pair of driving levers journaled at a frame such that rotary shafts thereof are perpendicular to each other, an operating lever coupled to an intersection of the two driving levers such that it can rock, and a pair of rotary motors that apply feedback force to the operating lever via the two driving levers. In the haptic feedback input device, a pair of rotary encoders detect the relative dislocation amount of the operating level, and an absolute position detecting unit is composed of swing arms fixed to the two driving levers and photo interrupters that detect the existence of blocking portions formed at the swing arms and that output ON/OFF signals. A control unit calculates a reference position of the operating lever based on ON/OFF switching signals of the photo interrupters.

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 device and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the device comprises a primary display unit, a base unit coupled to the primary display unit, and a touch-sensitive secondary display unit, coupled to the base unit, operable to receive input from a user and display information for the user.

Abstract: In a device (1) for generating control signals that can be evaluated electrically, which are generated by the manual actuation of a joystick (4) inserted in a housing (3) of the device (1) and which can be deflected in various movement directions, it is intended to ensure that exclusively intended control movements of the joystick are transferred without imposing any physical strain on the user when the user operates the joystick. Furthermore, the operating safety of the device or the electrical circuit should be capable of being checked and guaranteed throughout the entire service life. This task is accomplished in that one or more sensor switches (11) are integrated in the outer jacket surface of the joystick (4), each of these can trigger a check signal (13) and the device (1) can be activated by the check signal (13) or check signals (13).

Abstract: A joystick input device includes a casing having a tiltable-component supporter, a tiltable component held in the tiltable-component supporter, tilt-detecting means for detecting a state of tilting of the tiltable component, a pushable component held in the tiltable component, push-detecting means for detecting a state of pushing of the pushable component, and an operation component for performing a tilt operation of the tiltable component and a push operation of the pushable component. The tiltable-component supporter has a pushable-component through-hole through which the leading edge of the pushable component can pass. The tiltable-component supporter regulates a tilt operation of the tiltable component when the leading edge of the pushable component passes through the pushable-component through-hole. A pushable-component stopping portion is formed around the pushable-component through-hole to regulate a push operation of the pushable component when the tiltable component is tilted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

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: A video game controller and a method of operating the controller are provided. The controller includes: a guitar-shaped housing comprising a body portion and a neck portion; a console interface for coupling with a game console; a tremolo arm extending from the body portion of the housing, said tremolo arm being rotatable about a first axis; and an angular detector coupled to the console interface for detecting angular rotation of the tremolo arm.

Abstract: The interface apparatus includes a base, a shaft installed on the base in a moveable way, a detecting module for detecting movement of the shaft, and a display panel with at least a handle installed on the shaft. When a user holds the handle to move the display panel/shaft, a detecting signal, accordingly generated by the detecting module, can be transmitted to a mainframe of the computer system as an input of the computer system.

Abstract: The prize arrangement is limited in many conventional prize-winning game machines, in which the usable area is only the floor. In a crane game machine of the present invention for grasping a prize, an object grasping system (grasping arms) grasping a prize is suspended by a first and a second wire which are respectively controlled in length by a first and a second Z mechanisms. Thus, the object grasping system can be moved in the longitudinal and the vertical direction, and a direction of the grasping arms can be rotated up-and-down by a predetermined angle. As a result, the grasping arms are capable of grasping the prize disposed on a self provided on the back wall face side of the game machine.

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 multidirectional control unit includes a lower body of main axis A, an intermediate part which is mounted to move relative to the body in a radial plane, radial displacement guidance means for the intermediate part, a handle of secondary axis B, which is supported by the intermediate part and which is linked to it in radial displacement, between a neutral central position and a plurality of radial actuation positions. The handle may be mounted to slide axially on the secondary axis B, between a top idle axial position and a bottom active axial position. At least one electrical switch may be able to change state when the handle is displaced towards its bottom active axial position. The handle is mounted to rotate freely, about the secondary axis B, relative to the body of the multidirectional control unit.

Abstract: A steering wheel-shaped joystick of an arcade game machine is provided. The steering wheel-shaped joystick is rotated to generate a direction signal and send it to the arcade game machine. The steering wheel-shaped joystick includes a plurality of rods which are radiantly distributed, and includes at least one button at the end of the rods. The button is used to generate a function signal and send it to the arcade game machine so as to control ship-related electronic games of the arcade game machine.

Abstract: A game machine which can be connected with a plurality of wireless controllers is proposed. A game machine according to the present invention holds identification information of wireless terminal equipment in the periphery as a list. The list may be a blacklist specifying equipment not to be connected or, on the contrary, may be a call candidate list specifying equipment to be connected. By using such a list, the establishment of connection with a plurality of wireless controllers can be realized within a short period of time.

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 game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. The controller is furnished with an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations in at least two axis directions. Game processing corresponding to the kind of an acceleration input by means of the controller is executed. For determining the kind, reference timing when acceleration in a first-axis direction is below a threshold value to take on a minimum value is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not an angle between acceleration change vectors before and after the reference timing is equal to or more than a predetermined angle. When the angle is not equal to or more than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the acceleration input is an acceleration input in any one of the two-axis directions, and when the angle is equal to or more than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the acceleration input is an acceleration input in a direction including the two-axis directions as components.

Abstract: A game controller system for electronic games includes a two-hand operated game pad that has a pair of pistol-like grips extending from opposed ends of a central housing bearing player input buttons, triggers analog sticks, and digital pad. A wrist support panel extends laterally from the bottom of each grip to provide a rest for the blade portion of the gripping hand. A plug connector disposed on the housing releasably connects to any one of several modules, such as mouse, joystick, and steering units to enable a user to reconfigure the assembly for different games and purposes.

Abstract: A system for using computer input devices with software applications is disclosed. The system includes an input device mapper API, 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. The system thus makes input devices and software applications transparent to each other, and permits a software application to be designed to operate without regard to which input device is being used to control its actions.

Abstract: A scroll wheel device with a thin film type command switch mainly replaces conventional optical grating switch during rotation of a wheel for outputting a signal. The thin film type command switch is a flexible circuit board, and is provided with a circuit arrangement corresponding to a rotating trajectory of the wheel. The wheel is provided with a pressing portion which is simultaneously driven during rotation of the wheel and pressing the thin film type command switch for outputting different command signals. The thin film type command switch of the present invention can decrease the manufacturing cost and save the installation space of the scroll wheel device.

Abstract: A control system which provides directional control over various real and virtual vehicles, craft and moveable subjects. The control system includes a housing, a controller in the housing having an electronic radio control PC board or an electronic video control PC board and tilt switches which are fixed relative to the housing at preferred orientations. The switches are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. With the tilt switches fixed relative to the housing, orientation of the housing can result in the electronic control PC board transmitting signals to a remote vehicle, craft or virtual subject. Rather than tilt switches, the control system can include pots having shafts orthogonally arranged relative to the housing. The pots are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. Pendulums are fixed to the shafts of the pots.

Abstract: A durable input arrangement for a video game terminal uses a joystick controller protected by a player actuating a control assembly. This assembly protects the joystick controller from abusive forces that would otherwise render the controller inoperative.

Abstract: A joystick control system includes a first pair and a second pair of fluid enclosed resilient tubes with each pair of tubes having generally parallel spaced pressure sensing portions confined within a support housing with one pair of sensing portions disposed perpendicular to the other pair of sensing portions. A control stick extends between the spaced sensing portions of both pairs of tubes and is supported for slight lateral or universal tilting movement. Each pair of tubes is connected to a corresponding sensing transducer which varies electrical output signals according to the pressure applied to the sensing portions of the tubes by the control stick.

Abstract: An adjustable control apparatus for a video game pad that enables a user to adjust the tension of the apparatus to enhance the comfort and control of the apparatus and the video game pad. The assembly of the control apparatus includes a positioning member or stick which is nested inside a housing. The assembly also includes a clutch member and a tension member assembled between the stick and housing. The positioning member and housing are connected or otherwise held together using a support member such as a C-ring. The C-ring fits into a groove on the shaft of the stick. A flexible member is positioned between the stick and the housing. Additionally, a signal transfer member is connected to or assembled to a circuit board such as a PC board to transfer electrical signals or the like from the control apparatus to the circuit board.

Abstract: A controller of a portable game machine comprises a steering wheel having a body and a rotary unit; a base for locating a portable game machine; a supporting frame for supporting the seat to the steering wheel; and a steering wheel seat for supporting the rotary unit of the steering wheel to a body. The piezoelectric switch is placed on the base, by mechanic linear power transfer, functions of the portable game machine is controlled by operation the steering wheel. By levers to transfer power, the function keys of the steering wheel are corresponding to function keys of the portable game machine.

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.