Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing a drift in a game played on a computing platform with a touch-sensitive interface. In some implementations, the system may facilitate a drift input control. In some implementations, the drift input control may be the player tapping the touch-sensitive surface. The drift may depend on one or more parameters (e.g., the speed, the pressure, and/or other parameters) of the tapping on the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A method is described for indicating an outcome of a sports action by determining a trajectory of a game-object. In football, the trajectory of the football determines the outcome of a field goal attempt. A television viewer has difficulty seeing if the ball passes between the uprights or not, especially if the ball is kicked higher than the uprights. By tracking the trajectory, virtual insertions such as extended goal posts, or goal posts colored to reflect the success or not of the attempt, can be inserted in a video feed. By tracking the flight of the ball from the time it is set in motion, the balls future trajectory is predicted after a short elapsed time, and the television audience is informed of the outcome before it has happened.

Abstract: Video server systems and methods for providing video streams to a plurality of remote clients are described. In one implementation, the video streams are based on game states received from a remote game server. The game states are dependent on game commands received by the video server system from the remote clients and forwarded to the remote game server. The video server system is configured to appear, from the point of view of the game server, as more than one client. For example, the video server system may receive game states from the remote game server at more than one different Internet Protocol address and each of these Internet Protocol addresses may be associated with a different game session.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game apparatus in which the variation width of a computation result in a battle between a player character and an enemy character is increased, and a difference in result can be brought about even with the same attack by a player's operation, and furthermore, a player can play a game while he/she feels the sense of realism and tension where he/she manipulates the character that is difficult to manipulate as intended. A chain used by a main character to manipulate a dragon is displayed on a display screen. A player manipulates the dragon by loosening or tightening the chain by performing an operation on a touch panel. The control level of the dragon is represented by an uncontrollability parameter. A status such as the offensive power of the dragon changes according to the uncontrollability parameter.

Abstract: Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring.

Abstract: A game device is provided with an input reception unit that receives an operating input from a player, a control unit that controls a game in accordance with the timing of the operating input, and a screen generation unit that displays a screen of the game, wherein the screen generation unit generates and displays a screen of a player's character in the motion of making a shot, and a power determination unit and an impact determination unit determine the power or impact of a shot in accordance with the degree of the progress of the motion of making the shot at the point when the operating input is received.

Abstract: In order to attain the object described above, a game apparatus is able to use a touch panel 13 and operation means, executes a shooting game, and positions an aim G3 representing a shooting direction at a predetermined position. When sliding operation is received on the touch panel, the aim G3 is displaced from the predetermined position by a moving distance based on change of a touch position (input coordinate position). Shooting is virtually performed in a direction based on the position of the aim according to an operation on the operation means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.

Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a golf swing analyzing apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic section operating to process the output of a first inertial sensor and the output of a second inertial sensor to calculate a relative angle between a forearm of a golfer and a golf club, the first inertial sensor being attached to a portion of the upper body of the golfer, the second inertial sensor being attached to the golf club.

Abstract: Trajectory-based games of chance are described that are, in certain embodiments, implemented on a video gaming machine. In one embodiment of a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object is generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager is made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory occurs according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance is proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring.

Abstract: An apparatus (36) includes a motion amplification structure (52), an actuator (54), and a sense electrode (50) in proximity to the structure (52). The actuator (54) induces an axial force (88) upon the structure (52), which causes a relatively large amount of in-plane motion (108) in one or more beams (58, 60) of the structure (52). When sidewalls (98) of the beams (58, 60) exhibit a skew angle (28), the in-plane motion (108) of the beams (58, 60) produces out-of-plane motion (110) of a paddle element (62) connected to the end of the beams (58, 60). The skew angle (28), which results from an etch process, defines a degree to which the sidewalls (98) of beams (58, 60) are offset or tilted from their design orientation. The out-of-plane motion (110) of element (62) is sensed at the electrode (50), and is utilized to determine an estimated skew angle (126).

Abstract: First, a moving direction of an input device is calculated based on motion information obtained from predetermined detection means for detecting attitude or motion of the input device operated by a user. Then, the object in a virtual three-dimensional space is caused to move to a position which is obtained by hypothetically moving a position of the object based on the direction in which the input device has been moved and then by correcting the position of the object hypothetically moved, only in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the input device has been moved.

Abstract: Software displays a virtual game space for an online game. The virtual game space is associated with a first player of the online game and includes at least one terraformed feature created by a first player. The software receives a modification from a second player of the online game. The modification changes one of the at least one terraformed features into another terraformed feature. Then the software displays the virtual game space with the modification. At least one virtual object is associated with each of the at least one terraformed features.

Abstract: An aiming cursor display unit 221 displays, in an aiming cursor display region DM1 on a display unit 211, an aiming cursor for determining a position where an action is to be applied to a ball object BL in a game space. A manipulation icon display unit 222 displays a manipulation icon CM for manipulating an aiming cursor K in a manipulation icon display region DM2 that is separate from the aiming cursor display region DM1 on the display unit 211. An aiming cursor linking control unit 224 moves and displays the aiming cursor K in the display unit 211 such that the aiming cursor K is linked with a movement of the manipulation icon CM that is moved and displayed by the manipulation icon display unit 222.

Abstract: An example non-limiting game system includes a game apparatus to which a television is connected. There is provided with an input terminal device which functions as an input device of the game apparatus. The television is displayed with an information presenting screen, and an input screen in which a part of objects is omitted from the information presenting screen is displayed on an LCD of the input terminal device. A player inputs in the input screen a moving path for a player character such that an object to be acquired can be acquired and an object not to be acquired can be evaded. The player character moves according to the moving path that is input on the information presenting screen.

Abstract: A sensing baseball game apparatus (10) has a game machine (12) connected to a television monitor (18). A bat input device (32) is provided with an acceleration sensor. An acceleration signal is transmitted by an infrared-ray LED (34) to an infrared-ray receiving part of the game machine (12) whereby the game machine (12) determines a moving speed of the bat input device (32) to calculate a moving parameter of a ball to be batted. Accordingly, a batted ball is moved in the game scene according to the parameter.

Abstract: One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for game play using virtual players, sometimes referred to herein as vBots, is disclosed. In one aspect, a method for game play involves the use of the system electronic system environment described herein, wherein one or more virtual players are displayed to the player of the game, preferably, the virtual players have differing play characteristics, receiving from the user association with a selection of a virtual player, displaying a simulated game using the virtual players, identifying a subset of the virtual players as being winners of the simulated game, and awarding a win to the lottery user if the selected virtual player is in the subset of virtual players.

Abstract: A game device for controlling a game in which a function is applied to a movable object by moving an aiming cursor to be superimposed on the movable object, includes a cursor moving unit for moving the aiming cursor according to a user's operation; a specific region setting unit for setting a specific region on a screen, in which the aiming cursor is movable; a cursor within region setting unit for setting a size of the aiming cursor within the specific region so as to change the size of the aiming cursor according to a location within the specific region; and a specific region moving unit for moving the specific region according to a user's operation before a movement of the movable object is started.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation apparatus and method are provided. In the apparatus and method, a golfer is allowed to selectively or arbitrarily set a hole-cup position on a green during a simulation procedure of a virtual golf course and a hole-cup is generated at the set position to provide virtual golf simulation environments meeting various needs of golfers who enjoy virtual golf games while arousing their interest. The virtual golf simulation apparatus for a golf course includes a setting unit for setting a hole-cup position on a putting green and an image processing unit for generating and rendering a hole-cup at the set hole-cup position on the putting green.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing an accumulation-type game service, and more specifically to a system for providing an accumulation-type game service using an offline golf game wherein: golfers playing an offline golf game at a country club, a screen golf game room, a par 3 hole, and the like participate in the accumulation-type game using an accumulation-type game device provided at each location before each golfer plays the golf game; and reserve money pre-assigned to each event are distributed to each golfer playing the offline golf game if events such as a hole-in-one, albatross, cycling birdie, eagle, and the like are achieved, thereby increasing interest in the golf game.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes instructing a human player to perform a plurality of different actions in a determined order with a physical basketball, including actions of bouncing the physical basketball, and obtaining, with one or more electronic sensors, data that characterizes motion of the physical basketball being handled by the human player who is performing the instructed actions at a location. The method also includes communicating the data from the sensors to a console videogame system that is proximate to the location, and graphically representing, in a videogame displayed on a display device, performance by the human player, the performance being affected by the captured data, the representation of performance by the human player being compared against a standard of performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus of providing a ball game. In the method, an available hitting area for enabling the input of a hitting point is displayed in the form of a rotation animation that dynamically rotates the available hitting area in the estimated direction of rotation of the ball based on the location of the hitting point. An impact icon for enabling the determination of impact is displayed in the form of a variation animation that dynamically varies the impact icon. If an input indicative of the stopping of the variation of the impact icon has been received, an impact value is determined based on the impact icon whose variation has been stopped at the time at which the input indicative of the stopping is received. The ball is moved across the virtual space based on the input hitting point and the impact value.

Abstract: The disclosed game control device is a device executing a game that simulates a sport or an amusement in the real world. The device includes: a setter configured to set a situation in a sport or an amusement before an event on the game; an event generator configured to generate the event based on information of an operational input under the situation set by the setter; and a result generator configured to generate a game result based on the situation set by the setter and the event generated by the event generator.

Abstract: An interactive sports-themed game is disclosed. The virtual game is associated with a real game, such as a baseball or golf game. Users play the virtual game, which is based on events in a real game that is followed by the users simultaneously as they play the virtual game. In one embodiment, the real game is a baseball game. In another embodiment, the real game is a golf game. A server communicates with clients to allow multiple users to compete in the virtual game via the use of client devices. In one embodiment, the game involves generating a list of predicted outcomes of the next play of a live sporting event, ranking the list, selecting one or more of the predicted outcomes to form a subset list. The outcome of the next play of the live sporting event is then compared to the subset list, and the player of the interactive sports-themed game is awarded points if the outcome of the play of the live sporting event matches one of the predictions in the subset list.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method. The virtual golf simulation apparatus includes an image processing unit, a manipulation unit, and a green setting unit. The image processing unit provides an image of a basic set green on which a user will perform putting. The manipulation unit provides an interface that enables the user to set the lie of the basic set green. The green setting unit generates a user-set green by processing received setting information via the manipulation unit. The image processing unit provides the image of the user-set green.

Abstract: A broadcasting method for broadcasting images with augmented motion data, which may utilize a system having at least one camera, a computer and a wireless communication interface. The system obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and optionally stores data in database for use in broadcasting applications, virtual reality applications and/or data mining. The system also recognizes at least one motion capture data element associated with a user or piece of equipment, and receives data associated with the motion capture element via the wireless communication interface. The system also enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings, compliance, ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed, for example on a map or timeline or both. Furthermore, the system enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a specific sound detecting section which detects a specific sound generated during motion of a specific motion conducted by a target object included in an image group including a plurality of images which continues in a time-series manner; a synthetic image generating section which generates a synthetic image representing transitions of the specific motion; a determination range setting section which sets, as a determination range, a range in the time axis for determination on the generation of the synthetic image on the basis of a user manipulation; and a control section which controls the synthetic image generating section to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is detected in the set determination range, and not to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is not detected in the set determination range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an interactive sports gaming device and methods of manufacturing and utilizing same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an interactive sports gaming device simulating the feel of an authentic sports accessory, capable of providing a cost-effective training device for actual sports play. In one embodiment of the present invention, an interactive sports gaming device comprises a housing for supporting a motion detection controller, the motion detection controller for wirelessly communicating with a video game system, and an authentic handle projecting from a first end of the housing, wherein the interactive sports gaming device simulates the feel of an authentic sports accessory.

Abstract: A game device includes: a screen image generating unit that generates and displays an image of a golf course, a landing point control unit that displays a marker indicating a predicted landing point of a ball, and a shot control unit operative to control a shot. Upon receiving an input instruction for moving the position of the marker, the landing point control unit moves the position of the marker by, changing the azimuth angle of the marker in a continuous manner along with a movement of an indicated position and by changing the radius of the marker discretely, when the position of the marker is represented by a two-dimensional polar coordinate system of which the origin point is a current ball position.

Abstract: A heads-up display associated with a user manipulated object in a gaming environment, particularly a racing game. According to one aspect the heads-up display may reduce the distance a user's eye travels between a focal area and the heads-up display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player.

Abstract: A method for performing pitch classification includes receiving, at a computing device, one or more pitch properties corresponding to a ball thrown by a pitcher. Pitcher information corresponding to the pitcher is also received. The pitcher information includes at least an identification of one or more pitches that are in a repertoire of the pitcher. A classification of the pitch is determined using at least a pitch classification algorithm, where the classification of the pitch is based at least in part on the one or more pitch properties and at least in part on the pitcher information.

Abstract: A system is generally described which includes a sports system. The sports system includes a wind profile detector, a reference location, and a user interface device. Among other information the user interface device may provide information based on the wind profile from the wind profile detector and the reference location.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a virtual game is disclosed. The virtual game is associated with a real game, such as a baseball or golf game. Users play the virtual game which is based on events in a real game that is followed by the users simultaneously as they play the virtual game. In one embodiment, the real game is a baseball game. In another embodiment, the real game is a golf game. A server communicates with clients to allow multiple users to compete in the virtual game via the use of client devices.

Abstract: A method for simulating a game of baseball via a computer network is playable by opposing managers running game application logic at remote computers communicating with an event outcome server. The server executes steps for receiving selected pitcher data and a pitcher control value from a first remote computer, and receiving, for an engagement with the selected pitcher data, selected batter data from a second remote computer. The server optionally modifies the pitcher control value according to the batter data, and generates a first random number for comparison to the pitcher control value. Based on the comparison, the server selects a set of probabilities representing possible outcomes of the engagement, where one selectable set favors the pitcher and another selectable set favors the batter.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable recording medium, and a computer system for use in playing a ricochet game are presented. One variant of the method includes shooting cue balls against pool table rails and subsequently earning points by knocking over various pylons or even knocking billiard balls into pockets. The method can include the operational steps of fabdicating, acquiring, adding, amassing, deducting, garnering, getting, loosing, obtaining, positioning, putting, receiving, relinquishing, setting, shooting, starting, subtracting, surrendering, winning, and yielding. The computer readable recording medium includes coded instructions for the operational method steps. The computer system capable of simulating the play of the ricochet game is also described in which computer system includes a CPU, a memory, the computer readable recording medium, a display terminal and an input device.

Abstract: A game device is provided with an input reception unit that receives an operating input from a player, a control unit that controls a game in accordance with the timing of the operating input, and a screen generation unit that displays a screen of the game, wherein the screen generation unit generates and displays a screen of a player's character in the motion of making a shot, and a power determination unit and an impact determination unit determine the power or impact of a shot in accordance with the degree of the progress of the motion of making the shot at the point when the operating input is received.

Abstract: A sports simulator calculates the rotational and translational velocity of a sports object. The rotational velocity is calculated using image analysis. The translational velocity is calculated using image analysis and a set of emitters and sensors. The simulator then computes the future trajectory of the sports object based on the rotational and translational velocity. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.

Abstract: A device includes circuitry configured to receive, from a position sensor, a geospatial position of the device. The circuitry is configured to receive, from a memory, image data corresponding to one or more golf courses, wherein the image data is received when the circuitry determines that the geospatial position of the device corresponds to a current golf course, of the at least one golf courses. The circuitry is configured to control a display such that the image data corresponding to the current golf course is output on the display. The circuitry is configured to receive a simulated shot input representing a simulated golf stroke taken at the geospatial location of the device. The circuitry is configured to calculate a simulated shot trajectory based on the simulated shot input. The circuitry is configured to control the display to output a result of the simulated golf stroke.

Abstract: To provide a game device capable of preferably producing an image of a picture in which a first game character loses sight of a second game character having moved so as to disappear from view of the first game character, and thus delays in responding to the second game character. An operation target selection unit (72) selects an operation target character from among the plurality of first game characters. An operation target control unit (74a) changes a state of the first game character selected by the operation target selection unit (72), in the game space, based on a signal input from an operation unit. A selection restriction unit (72b) restricts, in the case where it is determined by the determination unit (72a) that the position of the second game character is included in a determination target area determined based on the position and orientation of the first game character, selection of that first game character by the operation target selection unit (72).

Abstract: Provided is a game device which sets a batter parameter of a batter character in relation to the batting of that batter character, and sets a first range where a ball-meeting cursor is positioned at the center, and moreover displaces and vibrates the ball-meeting cursor within the first range based on the batter parameter.

Abstract: A game device includes: a screen image generating unit that generates and displays an image of a golf course, a landing point control unit that displays a marker indicating a predicted landing point of a ball, and a shot control unit operative to control a shot. Upon receiving an input instruction for moving the position of the marker, the landing point control unit moves the position of the marker by, changing the azimuth angle of the marker in a continuous manner along with a movement of an indicated position and by changing the radius of the marker discretely, when the position of the marker is represented by a two-dimensional polar coordinate system of which the origin point is a current ball position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a virtual sport system for acquiring a good image of a ball by controlling a camera according to the surrounding brightness. One embodiment of the present invention provides a virtual sport system which comprises a photographing unit, having a camera for acquiring an image of a ball, and a simulator, for calculating the physical quantity of the ball on the basis of the image of the ball; and which further comprises a control unit that extracts image information from at least one image acquired by the photographing unit by means of the camera, and determining, on the basis of the image information, a control signal for adjusting the image gain or the exposure time of the camera.

Abstract: A game device is provided with an input reception unit that receives an operating input from a player, a control unit that controls a game in accordance with the timing of the operating input, and a screen generation unit that displays a screen of the game, wherein the screen generation unit generates and displays a screen of a player's character in the motion of making a shot, and a power determination unit and an impact determination unit determine the power or impact of a shot in accordance with the degree of the progress of the motion of making the shot at the point when the operating input is received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a virtual sport system using a start sensor. One embodiment of the present invention provides a virtual sport system comprising: a hitting section from which a ball is hit; a start sensor unit which determines the physical quantity of the ball at the stage when the ball starts moving; and a simulation unit which receives, from the start sensor unit, information on the physical quantity, and simulates the motion of the ball on the basis of the information received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hockey themed hybrid game are disclosed. Hockey themed hybrid games can include a hybrid themed entertainment game in which a user controls a controllable element to maneuver a hockey puck into an opponent's goal. Events within the entertainment portion of the hockey themed entertainment game can trigger wagers in a real world game of chance. The outcome of the wagers can result in payouts of real world credit and can also affect gameplay within the hockey themed entertainment game.

Abstract: A game program according to an embodiment enhances playability of a game wherein user objects strike target objects. The game program includes: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection; a ball selection module for receiving selection of ball objects; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating owned point information; an injection module for injecting ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers; an appearance module for causing a level-up item to appear when a predetermined appearance condition is satisfied; a game progress module for providing the user with a score when the ball object strikes the scoring target object, and providing the user with the level-up item when the ball object strikes the level-up item; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects.