Abstract: A dance game system includes a host and a motion sensor. The host includes a prompting unit using indicators to prompt dance step directions. The motion sensor includes an acceleration sensor sensing user's dance step directions and communicating with the host wirelessly. The dance game system can operate without using a display unit (such as TV) or dance pads. Therefore, the dance game system is safer and easy to carry about, and the operation thereof is not limited by dance pads.

Abstract: A game system includes a game machine in which first and second cartridges can be simultaneously inserted. In a ROM of the first cartridge, a first game program is stored. When data is stored in a reserved area in a flash memory of the first cartridge, the first game program can be executed using the data. For example, when both of the cartridges are inserted simultaneously in the game machine, according to an instruction of a player, a writing program stored in the ROM of one of the cartridges is executed, and additional data stored in the ROM of the second cartridge, for example, image data used for generating a game screen is written into the flash memory of the first cartridge.

Abstract: A game machine includes a CPU and, when a game cartridge is loaded in the game machine, the CPU is electrically connected to a ROM in the game cartridge and an electronically erasable non-volatile flash memory having at least two game data storage backup areas. Game data generated during the progress of a game is maintained in a volatile work memory and, in response to an instruction provided by a user, an attempt to save this data (referred to herein as “last” game data or as the “latest” game data) in an appropriate backup storage area of a non-volatile flash memory is made. Whenever the user instructs the game machine to save a game, the CPU compares the write age of each backup area and selects a game data backup area that is stored with game data having an oldest write age.

Abstract: A moving character and a background image are displayed on a display screen with a touch panel thereon. When the player operates the touch panel to draw a line in an intended path extending between a start point and an end point along which the player wishes to guide the moving character, an operation trace image having the shape of the line drawn is displayed on the display screen. Then, the moving character moves along or in parallel to the operation trace image. The operation trace image is gradually erased after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Thus, it is possible to provide a video game device and a video game program in which the player can influence the moving path or the moving direction of the player (moving) character based on the shape and/or the direction of the line drawn by the player.

Abstract: A game apparatus stores input positions detected by the input device at predetermined time intervals, in order of detection, into a memory of the game apparatus. Next, a trail vector indicating at least a portion of a trail drawn by the player on the input surface is calculated from the input positions. Further, a reference vector whose starting point is a predetermined position on the input surface and whose ending point is a position determined by the trail vector is calculated. An action of a player's character is determined based on an angle between the trail vector and the reference vector.

Abstract: An automated method of configuring a gaming machine using a storage medium such as a paper ticket containing gaming machine configuration parameter data. The storage medium is read by a gaming machine peripheral device, such as a bill validator, which transmits the data to the gaming machine's central processing unit. The central processing unit stores and implements the new configuration parameters. The storage medium is encoded with a machine-readable indicium such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or any other format including magnetic storage, holograms, etc. An alternate embodiment uses a computer in communication with the gaming machine's central processing unit to download configuration parameters by electronically simulating the gaming machine's pushbutton controls.

Abstract: An example portable, handheld game console includes a main body incorporating a first display screen, and a cover body incorporating a second display screen. The main body is hingedly connected to the cover body along adjacent forward and rearward edges, respectively, such that the cover body is movable between closed and open positions. The main body is provided with a plurality of control buttons and a pair of game card slots for receiving game cards of different dimensions. One of the game cards is substantially square and comprises a substantially flat card body having a plurality of electrically conductive terminal strips adjacent the forward edge. One of the side edges of the card has a single continuous step configuration along substantially the entire length dimension of the card.

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

Abstract: A hand-held video gaming device comprises a games console comprising a disc reader module configured to load a game stored on a disc; a printer module configured to print game information on print media, the printer module being hingedly mounted above the games console, and functioning as a pivotable cover for the game console; and a controller module releasably engaged with the printer module, and configured to communicate wirelessly with the games console to enable control of the games console.

Abstract: The player proceeds with a game while operating a touch panel to slant a game stage with a perception that the touch panel is a plane present in a game space and capable of freely slanting. The object moves in accordance with the slant of the game stage, and the viewing direction moves in accordance with the slant to such a position that the game stage appears slanting. Thus, a game allowing the player to input the slant of the game stage in the game space intuitively and easily can be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that documents and authenticates cap removal data. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus measures a parameter indicative of the number of times that a cap has been removed by a user. The apparatus also encodes at least the parameter indicative of the cap removal data, thereby deriving encoded cap removal data. The apparatus outputs the encoded cap removal data to a user. According to a second aspect of the present invention, another apparatus receives the encoded cap removal data and decodes it to authenticate the cap removal data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a medicine container is operable to output a result of a game based on cap removal data associated with the medicine container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that documents and authenticates cap removal data. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus measures a parameter indicative of the number of times that a cap has been removed by a user. The apparatus also encodes at least the parameter indicative of the cap removal data, thereby deriving encoded cap removal data. The apparatus outputs the encoded cap removal data to a user. According to a second aspect of the present invention, another apparatus receives the encoded cap removal data and decodes it to authenticate the cap removal data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a medicine container is operable to output a result of a game based on cap removal data associated with the medicine container.

Abstract: A digital video and audio collectible sports card which combines electronic media stored on the card with the outward appearance of a sports card or collectible, which allows the creation of an interactive, multi-media message complete with video, audio, still pictures and text is described.

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

Abstract: A system for multifunctional remote control is disclosed. The system comprises a remote control (100) for connecting mechanically and electrically with a cartridge (200), reading data stored in the cartridge through the first connection unit (110), storing the read data, and setting the registration of use; and a cartridge (200) for mechanically and electronically connecting with the remote control (100), receiving data from a user computer (10), storing the received data, and transmitting/receiving infrared signal to/from a controlled product.

Abstract: By setting the player's recording medium in the game device, the continuity of the previous game and current game of the player is maintained, and the game parameter of a non-player character is set with a used recording medium.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing digital game content to a portable game system may include a digital content source and an authentication system in communication with the portable game system. The portable game system may receive a digital game content from the digital content source. The digital game content may be stored in a storage component in the portable game system. The digital game content may be activated by a user of the portable game system, for example. After activating, the digital game content may be changed from a demonstration version when an electronic credential may be present in the portable game system.

Abstract: An electronic game card and a method are disclosed for playing an instant lottery game which may provide a novel game experience as well as a game card which is cost effective to produce. In at least one embodiment, the game card includes a control chip, a start button, a random value generator and a display, which are each arranged on a flexible support of the game card, and the outcome of the lottery game is determined by said random number generator.

Abstract: A memory cartridge having an entertainment application is inserted in an interface connected to a host device. The host device is automatically instructed or requested to play the entertainment application residing on the memory cartridge. The instruction may be generated in the host device itself or by the memory cartridge. In response to the instruction, the host device plays the application.

Abstract: A removable game or video cartridge programmed specifically to play on a device having a display such, for example, as a mobile phone, digital camera, PDA, or handheld game machine includes a small bootstrap or start-up program that launches, without any interaction on the part of the operator, a game application or video. The game application or video causes the player device to display a user interface that changes solely in response to user input. In an alternate configuration, the game application or video causes the game or video to display a preset initialization screen representative of a board game (e.g., “Monopoly”) or a set of video controls, (e.g., “Play, Pause, Stop, Forward, Reverse, FF, FR and Esq.”) without any further changes in the display except those which are solely driven by input governed by a set of rules and directions known to the user and not pre-specified by the application itself.

Abstract: A video game on a computer readable media that has a plurality of team characters under a single control is disclosed. Action Points (an activity parameter) are assigned to each team character. The Action Points can be combined together and can be used by one or more of the team characters. The Action Points will decrease if a team character moves, fights against an enemy character or performs another activity. Following the turn and use of the Action Points by one of the team characters, the remaining Action Points can be passed on to the next team character during their turn for use at that time. After the next team character has completed their turn, then the remaining Action Points can be passed on to the further team character during their turn for use at that time. When the amount of Action Points of the team becomes zero (0), no team character can move any further during their team's turn.

Abstract: To improve game performance, in a three-dimensional video game in which a viewpoint position changes in accordance with a movement of a player character, considering an aspect of how to show a player an activation of a prescribed effect at a second object, forming a pair with a first object, for which the effect is set. In a case in which an action source object 201 and an action target object 202 are displayed, within a display range which changes in accordance with a movement of a player character, on a second LCD 12, on a front surface of which a touch panel is disposed, when a line drawing operation is carried out on the touch panel from a display position of the action source object 201 to a display position of the action target object 202, a speed at which the line drawing operation is being carried out is calculated.

Abstract: A portable data processing system comprises a cartridge and a main apparatus, wherein the cartridge with a processing unit computes a plurality of control signals generated from the main apparatus and outputs a plurality of output signals to the main apparatus according to the control signals when the cartridge is combined with the main apparatus. Furthermore, the main apparatus eliminating the computing function will be lighter, cheaper, and easier to be manufactured than the traditionally main apparatus with the processing unit.

Abstract: A housing of a game controller is capable of being held with one hand of a player. A direction instruction section is provided in the housing for performing a direction instruction input. Movement detection means is means for detecting movement of the housing. Movement direction control means of a game apparatus is means for determining a movement direction of an object, which appears in a virtual game world, in accordance with an operation of the direction instruction section. Posture control means is means for determining a posture of the object in the virtual game world in accordance with detection by the movement detection means.

Abstract: A player performs an input operation so as to draw a predetermined graphic on a touch panel. A type of attack against an enemy character may be determined based at least on a graphical shape of an input trajectory. An effectiveness of attack against the enemy character may be determined at least based on the size of the graphical shape of the input trajectory. Damage caused by attack to the enemy character may be determined based at least on the style and effectiveness of attack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for saving data. A system automatically or manually saves data. The system saves two copies of the data. When a user reaches a point of achievement, the system saves a new copy of data over one of the previous copies. If the new copy of data is unsatisfactory, then the system maintains the other previous copy of the data. If the new copy of the data is satisfactory, then the system copies the new data over the previous data.

Abstract: When a character is lent from a first game device to a second game device, clocks of those two game devices are synchronized, a shared lending/borrowing expiration time is set, the use of the character is temporarily disabled in the first game device, and the use of the character is temporarily enabled in the second game device. Then, a character return timing is determined, based on a time of the clock and the lending/borrowing expiration time, in the respective game devices. In accordance with the determined timing, the use of the character is enabled in the first game device, and the use of the character is disabled in the second game device. Thus, it is possible to lend/borrow a character as an item in the real world without generating a copy thereof, and the lent character is sure to be returned at the expiration of a predetermined lending/borrowing period.

Abstract: A portable game system that uses polygon graphics to generate a 3-D player character, or body part such as a hand, moving through a 3-D simulated game space for display on an LCD screen in the portable game system. Overlaying an LCD screen is a touch screen that senses the variable locations of a physical object, such as the player's finger, moving on the touchscreen so that motions of the displayed player character follow the motions of the touching object. Whenever the player character collides with a second object, motion of the player character deviates from the touchscreen-controlled motion in response to the collision.

Abstract: When there is an instruction for rotation during a game in a first field, a CPU core of a game apparatus obtains central coordinates in a second field after the rotation and coordinates (central coordinates) of a player object and BG object in steps S53 and S55. Then, the CPU core executes a rotation process in a hardware calculation circuit, for example, in steps S57 to S61. When detecting end of the rotation in a step S63, the CPU core executes a map switch process in a step S65. In the map switch process, the CPU core generates a second field according to second area data. Then, after generating the second field, the CPU core makes a hit determination according to the second area data in a step S7, for example.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game program stored in a game cartridge. During a game, the CPU corrects an ultraviolet ray value detected by an ultraviolet ray sensor in such a manner as to render equal or approximate to a setting value of the ultraviolet ray value in the game, and uses a corrected ultraviolet ray value for the game. In addition, the CPU detects an accumulated value of the ultraviolet ray to which a player is exposed during the game, and when the accumulated value is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount (dangerous level), prohibits a game process.

Abstract: A video game machine is provided with wireless functionality. The wireless functionality may be built-into the video game machine or may be provided by a device that is removably attachable to the video game machine. The wireless functionality enables, among other things, enhanced multi-player capabilities, the ability to receive video game updates, new game levels and new games.

Abstract: An interchangeable Gametenna used in conjunction with a wireless telephone to play a game. The Gametenna includes an antenna having at least one radiating element for receiving and transmitting wireless signals, and a memory device which is physically coupled to the radiating element by at least one non-conductive mount which electrically isolates the memory device from the radiating element. The wireless telephone includes a transceiver, a first external interface electrically coupled to the transceiver, a processor and a second external interface electrically coupled to the processor. The Gametenna expands the capabilities of the wireless telephone when connected to the first and second external interfaces. The transceiver receives and transmits wireless signals via the first external interface and the radiating element of the antenna. The processor accesses data stored in the memory device via the second external interface. The data may include instructions for playing a game.

Abstract: A fully programmable, graphics microprocessor is disclosed which is designed to be embodied in a removable external memory unit for connection with a host information processing system. In an exemplary embodiment, a video game system is described including a host video game system and a pluggable video game cartridge housing the graphics microprocessor. The game cartridge also includes a read-only program memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The graphics coprocessor operates in conjunction with a three bus architecture embodied on the game cartridge. The graphics processor using this bus architecture may execute programs from either the program ROM, external RAM or its own internal cache RAM.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of starting up an information processing apparatus which is capable of introducing a variety of elements into an image that is displayed when the information processing apparatus is started up according to a boot sequence. A memory card comprises a flash memory for storing boot data to be executed according to a boot sequence of the information processing apparatus, and a CPU having a transmitting function to transmit the boot data from the flash memory to the information processing apparatus and a control function to manage data. The boot data comprises a startup image display program for displaying a startup image when the information processing apparatus is started up, or its startup image data.

Abstract: A colorizing method for a display system involves accessing a memory storing monochrome display data for a video game program. User input designates one of a plurality of different color palettes and a color display is generated based on the monochrome display data and the designated palette.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a high-speed processor, and the high-speed processor processes a game program restored in a memory cartridge. A power control routine is then executed, and capacitors (C4, C5) included in a charge pump circuit is repeatedly charged and discharged. If an error occurs in the high-speed processor and then the power control routine is not properly executed, a difference in electric potential (VC) between one end of a resistor (R10) and a reference electric potential surface or point increases. When the difference in electric potential exceeds a threshold value, a supply of stabilized voltage is stopped by a power on/off control circuit, and an entire system including the high-speed processor is then turned off.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device includes a program ROM and a flash memory, and the program ROM includes a program data storing area and a dummy data storing area, and the flash memory includes a program data storing area and a dummy address storing area. An address comparison circuit compares an input address and a dummy address being stored in the dummy address storing area with each other. An output inhibiting circuit allows to read program data from the program ROM when the both addresses are not coincident with each other, and inhibits the program data from being read at a time of incoincidence. In a case of the incoincidence, an address conversion circuit produces a read address of the flash memory, whereby the program data is read from the flash memory.

Abstract: A manual input video game controller to be used with various video game machines for the purpose of controlling a game displayed upon a video monitor. The manual input video controller would include a plurality of digital action buttons along with a separate combination button allowing various combination maneuvers to be programmed into the video game controller in real time. The use of this combination button along with one of the input controllers would allow a particular stored combination of maneuvers to be implemented, without the loss of function of any of the digital action buttons.

Abstract: A multi-user video game with communications capabilities allows players to communicate with one another via simulated mail, leaflets and conversations. Different installations of the game on different discrete video game playing platforms may be unique or different depending upon random or other data available at the platform. For example, different installations may have different subsets of characters, different landscapes, or the like. Player characters from one virtual environment or village may visit another virtual environment or village and return home to his or her resident environment or village. Non-player characters may move from one virtual environment or village to another—thereby providing an ever-changing variety of characters. Communications between different game playing platforms can be provided via portable memory devices, portable game playing devices, or conventional communications means such as networks.

Abstract: To provide a user interface for exchanges among on-screen characters which is easier-to-use than selecting certain items by a player pushing a simple ON/OFF switch, a computer, a recording medium and a method use a controller which has pressure-sensitive units for sensing a pushing pressure of the player on the controller. The computer is able to execute a game program that includes scenes of exchanges between the player or a character controlled by the player and other characters. The computer also has a unit for generating a pressure-sensing output signal from the pressure-sensitive unit, and a unit for transmitting the emotion of the player corresponding to the pressure-sensing output signal to one of other on-screen characters.

Abstract: A fully programmable, graphics microprocessor is disclosed which is designed to be embodied in a removable external memory unit for connection with a host information processing system. In an exemplary embodiment, a video game system is described including a host video game system and a pluggable video game cartridge housing the graphics microprocessor. The game cartridge also includes a read-only program memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The graphics coprocessor operates in conjunction with a three bus architecture embodied on the game cartridge. The graphics processor using this bus architecture may execute programs from either the program ROM, external RAM or its own internal cache RAM.

Abstract: A removable medium is equipped with at least a first storage unit, a processor and an interface. The first storage unit includes first programming instructions designed to implement an embedded application. The embedded application is designed to dynamically generate a content in response to a hosting computing device accessing the removable medium to retrieve the content. The processor is coupled to the first storage unit to execute the first programming instructions, and the interface facilitates attachment of the removable medium to the host computing device, access of the removable medium by the host computing device and return of the content to the host computing device.

Abstract: A game production is effected by utilization of a ringing melody registered in a portable terminal apparatus. With reference to a fruit image table (152), a processing section (110) fetches a fruit image corresponding to a ringing melody number assigned to a ringing melody which has been selected previously in accordance with an instruction. The thus-fetched fruit image is provided within a background image (1200) in a step (S1406). Accordingly, the processing section (110) displays the fruit corresponding to the selected ringing melody within a game screen. A production of an image can be controlled in accordance with the selected ringing melody.

Abstract: A system for sharing information between separately executable programs is provided. The data sharing system includes a control unit (11) having a processor (12) and a memory (16) coupled to the processor (12). The memory (16) stores information pertaining to a first program that was previously executed by the processor (12). The data sharing system also includes a data storage medium (14) that stores a second program executable by the processor (12). When executed by the processor, the second program retrieves information pertaining to the first program from the memory and utilizes the information pertaining to the first program with the execution of the second program.

Abstract: Memories coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes identification, negotiation, downloading and verification information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. Hardware devices are used to identify gaming terminals or components.

Abstract: A new partnering game and method of playing same for enabling male and female players to anonymously select a player of their liking and determining whether or not the selected player likes them in such manner that only a mutually self-selected male-female couple knows of the selection. A method for revealing admirers of the players is also provided.

Abstract: A fully programmable, graphics microprocessor is disclosed which is designed to be embodied in a removable external memory unit for connection with a host information processing system. In an exemplary embodiment, a video game system is described including a host video game system and a pluggable video game cartridge housing the graphics microprocessor. The game cartridge also includes a read-only program memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The graphics coprocessor operates in conjunction with a three bus architecture embodied on the game cartridge. The graphics processor using this bus architecture may execute programs from either the program ROM, external RAM or its own internal cache RAM.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game process of an RPG stored in an optical disk. The CPU refers to state data of a player possessing item (specific item) stored in a main memory, and when the state data of the specific item shows a predetermined state, an actionable time-period of a player character (leading character) in a game world is extended.

Abstract: A game controller for an entertainment system coupled to a game machine body. The game controller comprises a key operation portion, communication interface means for establishing a communication with the game machine body, and storage means in which a plurality of game software programs is stored. A particular game software program is selected from the plurality of game software programs using the key operation portion. A control portion of the game machine body executes the particular game software program.

Abstract: An improved game machine having recorded data different from other respective game machines and being able to use the recorded data on different types of game programs is provided. The game machine contains a built-in storing means for storing unrewritable information inherent in respective game machines which can be used on different types of game programs and information peculiar to respective game machines which is changed without depending on a game program which can be used on different kinds of game programs.