Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the game controller ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.

Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the communication ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.

Abstract: Data are sent and received between a video game machine as a data processing apparatus with no radio communication function and an external device with a radio communication function. A portable computer is removably connected to the video game machine which processes data. A communication application and a radio communication driver for enabling radio communications between the portable computer and the external device are supplied from the video game machine to the portable computer, and stored into a memory of the portable computer. The portable computer supplied with the communication application and the radio communication driver enables the video game machine and the external device to send and receive data therebetween via the portable computer.

Abstract: A video game control adapter includes a reception adapter that attaches to a connector of a video game device that displays a game image on a video display; and a transmission adapter that transmits a control signal toward the reception adapter when a switch built into a toy to which the transmission adapter attaches is switched ON.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing an interface to and customizing an interactive application for one or more players is provided. The interactive game of the presently preferred embodiment is played in a wireless environment using a mobile station as a user interface with commands entered via a keyboard or via voice. The game is tracked and controlled using a game center and a game server, which is typically at a location remote from the mobile station. Communication between the game server and the mobile station is typically performed using a base station connected to a telecommunications network. The game server executes a software application, which runs a game center. Individual games are managed within the context of this application.

Abstract: To prevent calculation errors and fraudulent acts and reduce cost by automatic monitoring, a wirelessly communicable game monitoring system 1 is provided, comprising: an identifying information recording device 2, attached to playing cards or the like, for recording their own identifying information, an identifying information reading device 3 for reading wirelessly the information recorded in the identifying information recording device 2; a control device 4 for performing various kinds of calculation or judgment required in the process of games on the basis of identifying information read with the identifying information reading device 3; and a display device 6 for displaying the results of the calculation or judgment made with the control device 4.

Abstract: To reduce monitoring staff and reduce cost by automating monitoring, a card game monitoring system is provided comprising: a wirelessly communicable, identifying information recording device 2 embedded in a card 7 for recording information for identifying a self; identifying information reading devices 3 provided at the card takeout slot 16 of a card distributor 15 in contact with the card 7 at the start of a game and in card distribution areas 18 of a card game table 17 in contact with the card 7 in the middle of the game, for reading by wireless communication the identifying information; a control device 4 for monitoring consistency between the identifying information read with the identifying information reading device 3 at the start of the game and the identifying information read likewise in the middle of the game by comparing both pieces of the identifying information; a notifying lamp 5 for issuing a notice of information inconsistency, if any; a recording device 6 for recording identifying information

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless game player that presents a game of chance executed on a gaming machine in communication with the wireless game player. In one embodiment, the wireless game player is a hand-held mobile device, electronically linked to a licensed gaming machine via a wireless connection. All random number generation (RNG) events, game outcomes, meter information, game related information, and all cash transactions are maintained in the licensed (controlled) gaming machine and not the wireless game player. The wireless game player may be used anywhere within the legal areas of the casino and it has the capability of identifying who is using it. For example, a biometric input device, such as a finger print reader may be used on the wireless game player to identify the player. Thus, the issue of under-age or excluded players is addressed.

Abstract: A system and a method for the customization of an interactive game based on mobile station activity. The interactive game is played in a virtual space using a wireless mobile station as a user interface. The game is tracked and controlled using a game center and a game server. The game server executes a software application that runs a game center. A command set is provided for each state within the game. The choice of a command from the command set changes the game state. Games are designed to be customizable based on, for example, current location of the mobile station, call usage on the mobile station, or wireless services utilized by the mobile station.

Abstract: A remote controller for a toy vehicle includes a toggle switch on a hand controller for selectively enabling one of two sets of vehicle functions, and a reduced signal set integrated circuit for transmitting control signals to the vehicles. A group of function keys on the hand controller activates a function from each function set. The combined settings of the toggle switch and function key cause a unique combination of toggle switch signal and function key signal to be transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle decodes the toggle switch and function key signal to determine which control function is to be performed. In addition, the vehicle may have a center steering controller which automatically sets a center steering course for the vehicle when no turn signal is being received.

Abstract: Wireless interactive gaming system where users can engage in a solo play mode to collect components to build warriors. The user uses the collected components to build a warrior that can be used to attack other game units. Communication can occur with or without handshaking. Warriors are created from a head, body, and tail with varying abilities and with a pre-programmed attack sequence.

Abstract: A multi-player game system using a mobile telephone and a game unit is disclosed. The present invention links multiple users having game units with mobile phones using a low power radio link. The present invention includes at least one mobile phone having a first transceiver for providing connections to a cellular network and a second transceiver for providing short-haul connectivity, and a plurality of game units for interfacing with a plurality of players, each of the game units having a third transceiver for providing short-haul connectivity, wherein the mobile phones and the game units are linked by the second and third transceivers therein to enable a game to be played on the game units by the plurality of players. In at least one of the mobile phones, the second transceiver is a short range wireless transceiver. At least one mobile phone is used to download a game to the game units and the game units include a group selection interface for choosing players to include in a gaming group.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mixed reality presentation apparatus which generates and displays a three-dimensional virtual image on a see-through display device so as to allow a plurality of players to play a multi-player game in a mixed reality environment. The apparatus has a CCD camera for detecting the mallet positions of the plurality of players, and a sensor for detecting the view point position of each player in the environment of the multi-player game. The apparatus generates a three-dimensional virtual image that represents a game result of the multi-player game that has progressed in accordance with changes in mallet position detected by the CCD camera and is viewed from the view point position of each player detected by the sensor, and outputs the generated image to the corresponding see-through display device. The apparatus determines the motion of each player by detecting infrared rays output from the corresponding mallet on the basis of an image captured by the CCD camera.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game system having a detection unit for detecting a position of a spot moved from a start spot, a measurement unit for measuring time, and a decision unit for deciding whether or not spots measured by the detection unit have enclosed an area within a set time measured from the start spot by the measurement unit. The game system further has a computation unit for computing a size of a distance between the measured spots, or a size of the area enclosed with the measured spots, when the decision unit decides that there has been enclosure. The victory or defeat of a game player is determined by the size of the length or the size of the area, computed by the computation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a terminal for providing a common virtual environment to a plurality of users, for example a game environment. According to the method, each user is provided with an actuator allowing for receiving mechanical input from the user as well as for outputting mechanical feedback to the user. The user controls with the mechanical input a position of a corresponding user object (102) with respect to the virtual environment, and receives tactual cues as originating from tactual environment objects (130, 132, 134) and from distant user objects (104) that are present in the virtual environment. According to the invention, the user can position at least one of the tactual environment objects (130, 132, 134) by appropriate positioning actions.

Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the game controller ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.

Abstract: A portable wireless transceiver device (22) is carried by an individual (24) during the normal course of daily activities. The device (22) receives and records load instructions (84) from other transmitter devices (22, 26) at difference locations and at different instants in time through the day. Later, the device (22) interfaces a fixed-location platform (58) and the load instructions (84) are downloaded from the device (22) to the platform (58). A game application (64), executable from the fixed-location platform (58), is updated in response to the downloaded load instructions (84) to affect an outcome of the game application (64).

Abstract: A method of inputting one or more items of information to a data destination (21). The method comprises generating the item(s) of information at one or more data sources (25-28); and for each item of information transmitting the item of information to the data destination in a data packet; calculating a time stamp value in accordance with the time delay between generating the item of information and transmitting the data packet; encoding the time stamp value in the data packet; decoding the data packet at the data destination to retrieve the time stamp value; and calculating the time delay associated with the data packet in accordance with the retrieved time stamp value.

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

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

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each of the first vehicles is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams, all of them having the same construction, and by intercoupling the male detents on the beams to female detents on blocks, all having an identical construction. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure formed by intercoupling beams and blocks of the same type as the b3eams and blocks in the first structure. The second structure defines a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., monorail) addressable in the same manner as the first vehicles is movable in first and second opposite directions.

Abstract: A controller for use with an operated object such as a model vehicle contains therein a memory. The movement of the model vehicle is stored in advance into the memory with each of push buttons in a keyboard unit of the controller. Once a “GO” button is pushed even during a manual operation, a signal to cause to perform the procedure stored in the memory is transmitted from an antenna which is provided in the controller. In this arrangement, the model vehicle can be subject to complicated operations even by an unskilled operator.

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

Abstract: Game playing apparatus is disclosed comprising a game controller arranged to be held by a game player and a base station connected to or forming part of a game console, the controller and base station communicating over a wireless link and wherein the base station is provided with a loop aerial and the game controller is provided with either a dipole aerial or a loop aerial.

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

Abstract: A receiver unit for use with an electronic device such as a games player, digital video disc player or the like having a port for connection of a peripheral control device comprises: first connection means (18) allowing releasable electrical connection of the unit with the port of the electronic device; second connection means (20) allowing releasable connection of a peripheral control device, such as games pad or joystick; signal detection means (26) for receiving a signal from a remote transmitter such as a hand-held remote control device; and processing means (24) connected to said first and second connection means and to said signal detection means (26) to process received signals and supply them to said first connection means (18).

Abstract: The photo-receiving unit stores the commands sent from the remote controller into a buffer memory, the main unit of the entertainment device incorporates the stored commands at regular intervals such as once in every vertical synchronization period, and the individual portions of the main unit or the peripheral devices connected to the main device are controlled based on the incorporated command, whereby the user can operate the main unit or peripheral devices with a sense of using a remote controller.

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

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams, all of an identical construction, and by intercoupling the male detents to female detents on blocks, all of an identical construction. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure formed by intercoupling beams and blocks of the same types as the beams and blocks in the first structure. The second structure defines a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) addressable as discussed above is movable in first and second opposite directions. The additional vehicle has rollers for driving the vehicle on the track and has guides (e.g.

Abstract: A wireless data system (200) and a method (400) of communicating digital data to one or more handheld wireless devices (202) are provided. The method (400) comprise the steps of removing (402) at least one data segment from the digital data to form a first digital data portion (300) and replacing (406) the at least one data segment with an at least one position holder (303, 305) embedded into the first digital data portion. The method further includes forming (409) at least one second digital data portion including the at least one data segment, communicating (413) the first digital data portion (300) to a wireless network (209), and communicating (419) the at least one second digital data portion to a broadcast transmitter (215). The method broadcasts (422) the first digital data portion (300) from the wireless network (209) and broadcasts (425) the at least one second digital data portion from the broadcast transmitter (215).

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming table managing system and method thereof for determining the performance of dealers and also estimating the revenue for each gaming table. The system employs a wireless communications network and includes: an identification card; a table module having a plurality of service call buttons, a chip sensing mechanism and a card reader, for generating service call data, dealer-associated data and chip-associated data; a host computer for receiving the dealer-associated data and the chip-associated data and determining the performance of the dealer and estimating the revenue of the gaming facility, using received data; and a service call processing unit for receiving the service call data and displaying same on a screen.

Abstract: A transmitter together with appropriate software are configured in the shape and form of a remote control unit for use with a handheld game player device. The transmitter may use a conventional radio frequency link to transmit commands to a radio controlled device such as a toy car. The remote control unit, consisting of the transmitter and a game cartridge, is inserted into the game device so that the game player device provides control input and display functionalities to and for the remote control unit. The game player may support synthesis, simulation and testing of a route to be traversed by the radio controlled device.

Abstract: A method for providing interactive audience participation at live spectator events. The method includes providing each spectator with an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the spectator through the interactive device, querying the spectators, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by spectators via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as spectator data, processing the spectator data into results, storing the results of the processing of the spectator data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the spectator data.

Abstract: A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.

Abstract: An interactive gaming device capable of perceiving user movement includes a controller connected to a display for providing user interaction with a game being played on the gaming device. The controller is further connected to a user input consisting of a light emitter and a light detector. The input may include a plurality of light emitters for emitting light at a plurality of locations and a single light detector for detecting light, or a single light emitter for emitting light, and a plurality of light detectors for detecting light at a plurality of locations, or a plurality of light emitters for emitting light at a plurality of locations, and a plurality of light detectors each being positioned in proximity to one of the plurality of light emitters for detecting light at a plurality of locations, or a game piece having a light emitter for emitting light, and a plurality of light detectors for detecting light at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A disclosed hand held device provides a game service system having a wire-less communication interface, a display screen and a microprocessor which generates a number of game service interfaces on the display screen. The hand-held device may input ticket voucher information and communicate with a remote transaction server such that a ticket voucher may be validated. Additionally, the hand-held device may be used to provide a variety of gaming services using different game service interfaces provided on the device. These hand-held devices may be checked out by a game service representative in a secure manner such that the game service representative may roam a game playing area and provide various game services to game players in the game playing area using the hand-held device. These game services may include ticket validation, a prize validation, food services, accommodation services or a gaming operations services.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable wireless network game apparatus which comprises: a display device displaying graphics; a game program pack including a storage device which stores the game program; a function key unit generating control signals to control operations of the game program; a microprocessor loading the game program stored in the game program pack for executing the game, generating and outputting the graphics signals and audio signals of the game program, transmitting the graphics signals to the display device, receiving the control signals of the function key unit to execute the operations of the game program, and outputting control signals to transmit/receive data of the operations of the game program to/from opponents' game apparatuses; a base band wave generator generating base band carrier waves to transmit the data of the operations of the game program; a transmitter receiving the base band carrier waves and game executing data of the microprocessor, converting the base band carrier waves into c

Abstract: An image generation device and an information storage medium that make it possible to increase the virtual realism and dramatic effect of a shooting, game in an efficient manner. A plurality of objects such as target objects are set within an object space, and a hit check is performed on shots from 1P and 2P players and the target objects. First and second viewpoints for the 1P and 2P players are controlled and images as seen from those first and second viewpoints are output to first and second display screens, respectively. Although the viewpoints of the 1P and 2P players are the same in the prior art, they can be made different in this game. The first and second viewpoints move along first and second movement paths, and the first and second viewpoints are controlled in such a manner that the first and second movement paths diverge when a given circumstance occurs.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for tracking one or more objects (22) within a region of interest, including at least one electromagnetic field generator (20), fixed with respect to an external frame of reference, at least one passive transponder (30), fixed to an object (22) being tracked, wherein an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator (20) causes the transponder (30) to generate electromagnetic signals and at least one electromagnetic sensor (24), fixed with respect to the external frame of reference, which receives electromagnetic signals generated by the transponder (30) and determines the three-dimensional position and three-axis rotational orientation of the object (20) using these signals. A method of tracking translation and rotation of one or more objects within a region of interest is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive game is disclosed which may take the form of a board game, a hand held game or a yard game. It includes a series of printed circuits or devices which may be concealed within a playing surface and an electronic detector for the circuits. Easily as many as 8 or 16 different discrete device may be detected and distinguished. Stored messages associated with each device or combinations of devices is displayed or audibly reproduce the messages. This invention is also applied to interactive books and games which have multiple layers with superimposed pages or boards. Interference between superimposed pages or boards is eliminated by surrounding each concealed device with a conductive pattern which has no resonant frequency in the range of detection of the electronic detector or probe. Likewise, concealed devices are not located on immediately following pages or boards at the same location on the page. The method of manufacturing such interactive games or books is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable game controller for operating an electronic game device. The controller communicates between a person and the game device with a radio frequency sender and receiver. Signal transmission is communicated over the same channel with time domain multiplexing, and can be sent over one or more channels to expand the number of controllers operable in a system. Signal transmission can be delivered in short intervals to conserve battery power. Multiple persons can deliver signals through multiple senders or through a common radio frequency sender, and signals can be transmitted from the radio frequency receiver to the radio frequency sender.

Abstract: A video game system is described which includes a wireless game controller which stores information about the user of the controller. The controller includes a memory for storing the information. The information is communicated through wireless transmissions to a processor which can operate a video game. The personalized information can include, for example, the user's name, skill level, preferred characters, handicaps, limitations, and/or historical game scores. The game controllers can include a wireless receiver for receiving communications from the processor to update information stored in the controller. Several different communication operations and protocols are described, including storing a user identification code in the controller with corresponding detailed information stored in the processor, or storing detailed information in the hand held controller and down loading the information to the processor.

Abstract: A system for remote control of a model airplane or similar by an operator has the following characteristics: an image-capturing device which is fitted to the model airplane; a device which is visible to the operator, to display the image information which is captured by the image-capturing device; a device to transmit the image information which is captured by the image-capturing device to the display device; and a device for remote control of the model airplane or similar by the operator.

Abstract: A wireless personal computer game includes a headset receiver unit and a handheld or foot operated transmitter unit which are intercoupled in a wireless arrangement, preferably using infrared or low power radio frequency. The headset includes a stereo optical receiver unit with an image enhancing lens system to provide a 3D virtual reality effect. The optical receiver unit extends forward from the user's face, and the receiving element may be mounted at the outer end of the optical unit to enhance transfer of information from the front of the handheld or foot operated transmitter unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for a wireless computer controlled toy system is disclosed, the apparatus including a computer system operative to transmit a first transmission via a first wireless transmitter and at least one toy including a first wireless receiver, the toy receiving the first transmission via the first wireless receiver and operative to carry out at least one action based on said first transmission. A method for controlling the toy system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple participants can play a virtual game with each other utilizing respective mobile devices, regardless of location of the players. The virtual game can be implemented by a radio frequency protocol, such that the virtual game is played by multiple players determined to be within a radio frequency range of a requesting mobile device in accordance with a radio frequency protocol, or the virtual game can be implemented by a wireless application protocol (WAP) whereby the players can be located anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A wireless control unit includes a controller having at least one user operable switch and wireless transmitter circuitry for transmitting game information, including a auto activate start information, and a console interface having wireless receiver circuitry for receiving the game information, including the auto activate start information, form the controller and for modifying the game information so that an activate signal is continuously sent from the console interface to the console and at least one object in a game being played with the video game system is continuously activated.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method enabling a participant to control the multi-dimensional kinetics of their avatar in a virtual environment. The participant accomplishes this control by selectably transitioning among various movements (“motion states”) from which are derived avatar motions and motion-related positions. The participant's motion states not only comprise interaction data and are correlated to avatar motion, but also are associated with selected, minimal actual motion in the participant's physical surroundings. The apparatus comprises a mount, a motion base and a support: the mount interfaces with the participant, enabling the participant to have a selected range of motion; the motion base is disposed relative to the mount so as to enable contact with the participant and, associated with such contact, provides for detection of the motion states; and the support couples the mount and the motion base so as to provide the relative disposition thereof.

Abstract: Token including a plastic cover having an external surface and a base engaging surface. A plastic base has an external surface and a cover engaging surface, the base being attached to the cover. An axial spacing projection maintains a space between the base and the cover, the axial spacing projection being disposed on the cover engaging surface of the base and including a first height. The axial spacing projection further includes one of a continuous ring and a discontinuous ring. A closure ring disposed on the base engaging surface of the cover comprises one of a continuous ring and a discontinuous ring. A peripheral annular region includes a space having a second height and is disposed adjacent an edge of the token, the peripheral annular region being defined by the axial spacing projection. The first height is approximately equal to the second height.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling toy vehicles has a plurality of pads coupled to a central station. Switches in the pads may be closed to select toy vehicles and the operation of motors for moving the vehicles forwardly, rearwardly, to the left and to the right and moving upwardly and downwardly a receptacle or bin for holding transportable elements (e.g. marbles). The pads may be set in a mode to allow sharing of a vehicle by more than one pad. The pads are connected by wires to the central station, and may be interrogated selectively, sequentially or simultaneously by the central station. The central station forms packets of signals representative of the switch closures of the interrogated pads, and transmits the packets over a modulated carrier frequency to receivers in the vehicles. Each of the packets includes a binary signal addressing the vehicle selected by the pad whose switch closures are represented by the packet of data.