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: A swing analysis device includes a sensor section including a motion sensor adapted to detect a swing of sports equipment, a swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate swing characteristic information of the swing based on output data of the motion sensor, the output data corresponding to the swing, a swing selection section adapted to select the swing characteristic information, and a reference swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate reference swing characteristic information used as a reference based on the swing characteristic information selected, and store the reference swing characteristic information into a storage section.

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: According to the present invention, an electronic handheld device is provided for receiving information related to a broadcasted sporting contest, and calculating a score based upon the received information. The information is entered into the electronic handheld device via a controller having plurality of buttons, each button having an associated score. The controller includes a display for displaying team information, which may include the team name and the score for each team. The controller further includes circuit board having circuitry operatively connected to the controller for processing the entered information and outputting the processed information to the controller display.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system, method and computer program product for simulating movement of a projectile in a virtual environment. Primary data comprising a plurality of sets of position values and a plurality of time values for a projectile is received, with each time value in the primary data being associated with one of the sets of position values. The primary data is processed to generate secondary data that represents at least two consecutive sets of positions. Each set of positions includes a start position and an end position for the projectile, and the secondary data further represents a velocity of the projectile associated with each start position. The secondary data is used to simulate movement of the projectile in the virtual environment.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses an improved pinball machine and a method of updating existing pinball machines by replacing existing internal gas tube graphic displays with bright, large LED dot matrix or plasma dot matrix displays. These bright and large displays may be attached to a pinball machine within the backbox, external to the backbox or both. These large graphic displays contain multiple display circuit boards that can be separately removed and replaced devices for cheaper maintenance. This method allows any existing pinball machine to be updated with large, bright displays that can illuminate in a variety of colors with adjustable brightness.

Abstract: A system for measuring the performance of participant in a game, wherein the game is comprised of a series of discrete trials where for each trial the participant receives a score selected from one of a finite set of discrete scores based on the participant's performance for each trial. The system may be configured to receive over the network a set of counts corresponding to the numbers of each score from the discrete set received by the participant for each trial during the game. The system may compute a weighted score based on an assigned set of weight factors for each type of score and an entered set of counts. Users of the system may be entered into a tournament based on the users' weighted score rankings and a winner is determined based on the weighted score. A method for ranking golf courses by their level difficulty is provided.

Abstract: An Arena Baseball Game system and method for playing an electronic interactive spectator participation game incorporating many aspects of Rounders, Knickerbocker rules and Negro League baseball innovation “Night Baseball.” The method of play is disclosed, involving some of the same rules as American baseball with virtual interplay. Time is regulated by a game clock and balls may be deflected back as playable by a rebounding assembly that surrounds the arena field. The Arena method of play includes monitored base force out zones and means for ball game conclusion by predetermined “aces” or “runs” and time duration. The arena has a playing area surrounded by a wall structure such as pad and or panel walls and spectator protective vision enabled side covering. A baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game method of play rules and facility are designed for fast paced action.

Abstract: In a game apparatus, a game control method and a game control program, if a baseball game proceeds without all the pitches in one at-bat being made, a virtual pitch sequence history is presented, and the sizes of a pitching mark and a batting mark of pitcher and batter sides are changed in relation to this pitch sequence history upon designating a pitching position and a batting position. Since the sizes of the pitching mark and the batting mark are changed based on the pitch sequence history in this way, a more interesting game with more importance attached to the strategic characteristic thereof can be provided.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for managing a fantasy league are disclosed to incorporate one or more reality factors, equity lines, luxury tax, and/or revenue sharing policies into administration of the fantasy league. A reality factor may influence real life scenarios between at least one of a real player, a real team, and/or a real league, for example. Accordingly, the reality factor may be applied to at least one of a corresponding fantasy player, fantasy team, and/or fantasy league to create a fantasy rule configured to enable a fantasy environment (e.g., the fantasy player, fantasy team, fantasy league, and/or relationships thereof) to more closely emulate the real player, real team, real league, and/or corresponding relationships.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation device and a method for the same are disclosed. The virtual golf simulation device includes a sensor for sensing flight of a ball hit by a golfer, an image processor for processing a simulated image of a virtual golf course and a simulated image of a flight trajectory of the ball sensed by the sensor, a caddy voice guide for providing a golfer logged in to a system with customized voice guidance through a virtual caddy selected for the golfer from among a plurality of virtual caddies, and a controller for identifying the logged-in golfer and controlling the caddy voice guide to provide the logged-in golfer with the customized voice guidance through the selected virtual caddy.

Abstract: To provide a game system capable of preferably producing a picture in which a first game character loses sight of a second game character having moved so as to disappear from the view of the first game character. The present invention relates to a game system for displaying on a display unit (82a) a picture of a display target area in a common game space where a first game character corresponding to a game machine A (10a) and a second game character corresponding to a game machine B (10b) are placed. A position condition determination unit (78a) determines whether or not a position of the second game character included in the display target area satisfies a position condition based on the position and orientation of at least one of the first game characters. A display control unit (80a; display restriction means) restricts display output of the second game character included in the display target area on the display unit (82a), based on a result of determination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sports game called Tricket™, which is similar to cricket with a set of rules that include three teams, each team having six players and an optional seventh player; a cricket field where Tricket™ is played; at least two umpires; and scoring rules wherein points are given to bowlers and fielders as well as batters.

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

Abstract: A data collection and analysis system tracks motion of ball for analysis of a competitor's performance in a sport, such as golf or baseball. The data collection and analysis system comprises a ball equipped with a positioning receiver and a transmitter to acquire and transmit position data, and a handheld unit to receive and process the position data.

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: An entertainment content personalization system is described. A method may comprise receiving fantasy data; generating rankings of event content based on the fantasy data and content data associated with the event content; and presenting event content selected based on the rankings on a user interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motion trainer for improving a person's movement of an implement by allowing the person to visualize the path of the implement during the movement. The motion trainer comprises an implement having a plurality of motion characteristic sensors located thereon for determining, among other things, the direction of the movement and the orientation of the implement during the movement. Biofeedback devices provide the person information regarding the positioning of the implement during the movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of progressing a mobile baseball game capable of changing a game mode, and more specifically, to a method of progressing a mobile baseball game capable of changing a game mode, in which when the baseball game is played at a user terminal such as a smart phone, the game mode can be selected among an owner mode in which the game is entirely progressed by artificial intelligence (AI) of a game server, a manager mode in which only details of pitching and hitting are progressed by the AI of the game server, and a player mode in which a user performs the entire handling of the game.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation device and a method for the same are disclosed. The virtual golf simulation device includes a sensor for sensing flight of a ball hit by a golfer, an image processor for processing a simulated image of a virtual golf course and a simulated image of a flight trajectory of the ball sensed by the sensor, a database including a text storing part for storing text data corresponding to predetermined voice guides to determined text data among the text data stored in the text storing part to voice, and a controller for identifying a situation to trigger voice guidance to the golfer, extracting or extracting and combining the predetermined text data, and outputting the extracted or combined text data to the voice converter.

Abstract: Acceleration data which is output from an acceleration sensor included in an input device is obtained, and a support position coordinate set, in a virtual game space, of a support provided on an object is calculated based on the obtained acceleration data. An inclination of the input device in the real space is calculated based on the obtained acceleration data. A parameter representing an object inclination at which the object is inclined in the virtual game space is calculated in accordance with the calculated inclination of the input device. Using the support position coordinate set and the parameter representing the object inclination, the object is located in the virtual game space and displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A system that includes a processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit or receive a selection to fill a coach position on a fantasy team, wherein the selection comprises a selection of a coach of a sports team, a member of the sports team, or a unit of the sports team to fill the coach position on the fantasy team, and determine a coach's score based on at least one on-field or off-field action or statistic of the sports team, the member of the sports team, or the unit of the sports team.

Abstract: A golf club head has structure for assisting a golfer, and a head cover has structure for supporting the golfer-assisting structure. In one aspect, the golfer-assisting structure provides a visual indicator, such as an alignment marker, a ball impact indicator, a temperature indicator, or the like. In another aspect, the golfer-assisting structure includes sensor(s) and/or other electronic components for measuring swing characteristics, course conditions, global position, or the like. The supporting structure may provide a source of energy, such as a power source, a light source, or a heat source. In some aspects, the supporting structure may include a processor for receiving data from the golfer-assisting structure, and may transmit data to a display on the head cover and/or to an external source.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment sets the game background image with surface objects (bricks, coins, item closed box baffles, monsters, and the like) arranged therein in the middle of the tennis court within a virtual space for executing a tennis game containing the motion of hitting the tennis ball according to an operation by the player, and scrolls the surface objects arranged in the game background image. Then, there is provided an effect corresponding to the type of the surface object (benefit object, the hit map switching object, scoring object, or the like) arranged in a position of the game background image, where the tennis ball shot in response to a player-operation has reached.

Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.

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: Embodiments of a baseball or softball pitching and training device and methods of teaching a student pitcher the art of intelligent pitching are disclosed. An embodiment of a device comprises a vertically planar display surface having an image and dimensions of an average strike zone, the display surface further comprising, a plurality of areas of generally rectangular target shapes for receiving pitched balls; the generally rectangular target shapes indicating graded locations of effectiveness of pitches; and the device furthermore comprising, pitch location information, which is controlled by pitch count of “balls” and “strikes”. Furthermore, an embodiment of a method includes the steps of (1) providing the device disclosed above; and (2) providing pitch location and pitch selection information, which are controlled by pitch count of “balls” and “strikes”.

Abstract: Provided is a game device for executing a game of a sport to be played by using a moving object including: a position acquiring section for acquiring an initial position of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in a game space; a direction acquiring section for acquiring an initial direction of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in the game space; and a movement control section for causing the moving object to start to move based on the initial position acquired by the position acquiring section and the initial direction acquired by the direction acquiring section, to thereby move the moving object, in which the movement control section changes a moving direction of the moving object a plurality of times to a moving direction determined based on an original moving direction of the moving object and a random number.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to sports and event betting, and more specifically to the use of the Internet in land-based casino sports and event betting. A bettor signs onto an Internet website to find what bets are being accepted and the bettor then places and registers a bet. The player then goes and places pays for the bet at a land-based casino prior to the start of the event. Further, follow-up rounds of making a wager may then be performed over a network such as, for example, the Internet.

Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.

Abstract: A posture analyzing system has a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of a sports apparatus and is configured to collect and transmit data of the sports apparatus. A mobile terminal is configured to read the data and to draw a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus. Further, a posture analyzing system collects and sends data of the sports apparatus by a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of the sports apparatus and receives the data and draws a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus by a mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method in a video gaming system including a processor, a memory and a sensor system for capturing body motion is described. In one embodiment, the body motion can be associated with a person pretending to hit or launch an object, such as an object used in a sporting activity. In general, body motion can be associated with any activity involving similar body motions that are repeated during the activity. In a video game generated by the video gaming system, a consistency with which the repeated body motions are made over time can be used to determine an outcome for a single instance of the body motion. In a particular embodiment, a probability of a more desirable outcome resulting from the single instance of the body motion can increase as the consistency with which the repeated body motions are made increases.

Abstract: System, method, network, applications, devices, non-transient computer readable medium are provided that implement next generation fantasy sports feature in particular application to fantasy football.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, display device support assemblies, and methods of mounting a display device to a gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, an input device for receiving wagers to play the wagering game, and a display device for displaying information related to the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a mounting assembly which affixes the display device proximate the top of the cabinet. The mounting assembly pivotably supports the display device such that a lateral side of the display device can be selectively swung from a first position over the top of the cabinet to a second position over a front of the cabinet where the display device is removable from the cabinet.

Abstract: The game apparatus (1) has a fixed main unit (100) and a movable operating device (8) that is held by a player and is capable of detecting the body motion of the player and of transmitting a signal to, receiving from, the main unit (100). The operating device (8) has an acceleration sensor (86) for detecting acceleration, a light source (85), and a transmitter (87) for transmitting a value detected by the acceleration sensor (86) to the main unit (100). The main unit (100) has light receiving units (9L,9R) that receive the light emitted from the light source (85) to detect the intensity of the received light, a RAM (14), and a processor (16).

Abstract: A game device includes an input receiving unit for receiving the input of user's operations, a control unit for controlling a game where a player's character plays golf, according to the input of the user's operation, and a screen generating unit for displaying a game screen. The control unit includes an impact determining unit for acquiring the position of an input device at the start of a shot and the position of the input device at the time of an impact, when the user swings the input device while holding it and then comparing the respective positions with each other so as to determine the impact position, and a ball path calculating unit for calculating the path of a ball hit in the impact.

Abstract: The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

Abstract: A game system moves a player character in a virtual game space in accordance with an operation by a player. Further, the player character's moving amount per predetermined unit time is detected at each predetermined time interval. A predetermined parameter (gage amount) value is calculated at each predetermined time interval based on the moving amount detected at each predetermined time interval. Also, the game system adds the predetermined parameter value calculated at each predetermined time interval for accumulation. In response to a predetermined operation performed by the player, the game system causes the player character to perform a predetermined motion (e.g., special shot) on a condition such that a value obtained as a result of the addition reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is a game machine allowing a game player to give an instruction to perform predetermined game processing to the game machine and an instruction of the condition of when the predetermined game processing is started. The game machine performs game processing at given time intervals, updates one or more game-related parameters, and causes the update to be reflected on a game screen. A storage unit (50) stores a parameter condition representing the condition of parameters in correspondence with each of a plurality of items of operation information indicating details of an operation for making the game machine execute given game processing. A judging unit (56) judges whether or not the one or more parameters satisfy the parameter condition corresponding to operation information indicating details of a game player's operation. A game processing executing unit (58) starts executing the given game processing in accordance with a judgment made by the judging unit (56).

Abstract: A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.

Abstract: A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event.

Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach. A system comprising a communications module to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach, and a processor module to determine a coach's score based on at least one action of at least one member of a team. A method comprising using a processor to perform at least a portion of one or more of the following: soliciting at least one selection of at least one coach, monitoring at least one action of at least one member of a team, and determining a coach's score based on the at least one action.

Abstract: In this program, a regulation command for controlling the movement of a first character is recognized by a control unit. After the regulation command for the first character is recognized by the control unit, a movement command for operating a second character is recognized by the control unit. Then, the state that the second character is moving based on the movement command is displayed on an image displaying unit using image data. The first character with movement controlled based on the regulation command is displayed on the image displaying unit using image data. And, if the receiving of commands related to movements for the first character and the second character is terminated by the control unit, a process for changing the ability data of the first character is executed by the control unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a practice swing ball flight to a user in a virtual golf game. The practice swing ball flight illustrates to the user a ball flight resulting from a practice swing, had the practice swing instead been an actual swing intended to strike a virtual golf ball.

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 game device which executes a baseball game where a batter character hits a ball object that is pitched by a pitcher character stores, for each batter character, first evaluation information showing an evaluation of battering power in each segment showing a region within a strike zone, and displays the region of the strike zone corresponding to respective segments after increasing transparency, as divergence from the first reference data of the first evaluation information increases, based on the first evaluation information of the batter character at bat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game apparatus, a game progressing method, and a recording medium that remove dissatisfaction of a player generated when an operation is not reflected on a progressing result of a game in spite of the operation being made at an appropriate timing and enhance entertaining potentialities. If an operation instruction on a player character is received from a player, a time period that has elapsed since a previous state has changed to a current state is measured. When the elapsed time is within a predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state and the previous state are inquired. When the elapsed time is not within the predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state are inquire. Based on an inquiry result, it is determined whether the operation instruction from the player is an allowable action.