Abstract: A footwear accessory apparatus and system disposed on and within shoes to facilitate movement of one or more accessories around a pre-established track via an electric motor is described. The track is equipped with an internal chain drive disposed in communication with the motor via at least one gear. Accessories are preferably mounted to the chain via at least one magnet which protrudes through a top of the track via a groove. A remote control is preferably configured to enable the user to command the movement of the accessories around the track of each shoe independently. The remote is equipped with a speaker to facilitate the playback of audio and sound effects pertinent to the movement of the accessory. Accessories may be also equipped with internal batteries to facilitate the illumination of interior lights and/or headlights of the accessory.

Abstract: The systems and methods are generally directed to remote control of a vehicle by multiple operators. The vehicle is traveling on a roadway parsed into a plurality of segments including a first segment and a second segment. The method includes receiving vehicle data. The method includes assigning a set of one or more operators of the plurality of operators to each segment of the plurality of segments. The plurality of operators includes a first set of operators assigned to the first segment and second set of operators assigned to the second segment. The method includes identifying a control shift region having a first boundary and a second boundary. The method includes selectively shifting control from the first set of operators to the second set of operators upon reaching the first boundary such that the first set of operators and the second set of operators exert shared control in the control shift region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an on-line role-playing game system and method in which buildings arranged on a road map are developed according to a degree of experience of a user who performs a quest. The method includes the steps of a) by a gamer, accessing an on-line role-playing game server; b) by the gamer, executing the on-line role-playing game; c) by the gamer, performing a quest of the on-line role-playing game; d) updating a degree of experience of the gamer when the gamer accomplishes the quest; and e) developing a building arranged on a road map for the performance of the quest in correspondence with the degree of experience of the gamer. According to the present invention, by applying a building development process to an on-line role-playing game, a limited map for progressing an RPG game story can be efficiently utilized, and, in addition, diverse maps reflecting characteristics of gamers who access the same game for a long time can be provided without imposing a burden on a game server.

Abstract: A slot car drag racing reaction start timer assembly that can be mounted on a variety of different slot car tracks. The reaction start timer tower provides for a full drag racing staging and starting light Christmas tree assembly which is electronically linked to car activated optical emitter and sensor combinations from an overhead start gate and timer bridge and the individual driver's car controllers in an electronic integrated timing and reaction circuit. The start tower assembly provides for electronic on-line linking to a use access website to afford multiple racer participation in competition.

Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.

Abstract: The “Vehicle Tracking System and Game” integrates a GPS navigation system with invention specific hardware and software. A user installs a mobile unit on his race vehicle which features software allowing a processor connected to the electronics of the user's vehicle to communicate with an inertial navigation system which collects racing information, with a remote database which features software for various interactive real-time or virtual GPS Racing Games and processing the racing information of all users, and with a GPS system in real time. The mobile unit collects, processes, saves and transmits user specific racing information continuously throughout the game. This racing information is data of racing performance parameters specific to the game subscribed for by the user. The database processes and evaluates the received racing information, offsets this information with the users' basic input data and compares the information of all users.

Abstract: A game system for reliably realizing synchronization of timings at which a common event in a plurality of game machines start. The game system includes a plan management server that measures lapse of system time common in the game system and with the time measurement, updates plan information indicative of remaining time until the system time reaches a process start stage at which a process for the common event starts. Each of the game machines includes an obtaining device to obtain the plan information from the plan management server, a stage determining device to determine whether the system time has reached the process start stage or not on the basis of laps of time of the system time measured in the game machine, and a process executing device to start a process for the common event when it is determined that the system time has reached the process start stage.

Abstract: A gaming system of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for comparing the performance of a participant in an event that includes movement along a course to another performance. The performance by the participant is monitored. Using a geographic database that represents the area in which the course is located, the participant's performance is compared to another performance. Then, the participant is provided with information comparing the performances.

Abstract: According to a gaming system of the present invention, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted.

Abstract: A system and a process for determining the timing and position of contestants on a track. This system comprises at least one directional antenna in communication with at least one competitor communication device that can be coupled to each contestant. A remote base station, is in communication with the positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a contestant time as the contestant passes the projected field and also determines the position of the contestant in relation to an inside guide such as a rail. There is also a process which includes attaching at least one competitor communication device on at least one contestant, starting a race, and then recording the position and time for each contestant and transmitted from the competitor communication device to a remote base station.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a race set is described. The race set may comprise a portable race management device, comprising: a detachable lane defining element configured to be actuated; a starting indicator; a finishing indicator; and circuitry configured to receive start and/or finish signals via actuation of the detachable lane defining element, control actuation of the starting indicator upon race starting, and control actuation of the finishing indicator upon race finishing. Various alternative embodiments and alternative example race sets are also included.

Abstract: Further interest after completion of a game and motivation to participate in the next game are given to players of any skill. Using the results (for example, skill points, maximum combo number) of players evaluated for each predetermined parameter in for example a music game, and players again compete against each other. In other words, after the music game a separate game (secondary game) is played. Winning or losing in the secondary game depends on the results of the players for each parameter in the primary game, and the skill of the player in the secondary game. Therefore, a player's effort and skill in the primary game can be utilized in the result of the secondary game, and even if the result of the primary game is unsatisfactory, the player can seize the chance to win the secondary game, depending on the skill of the player in the secondary game.

Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.

Abstract: A card game simulative of automobile track racing comprises a deck of cards having several categories of cards, including lap cards, offensive pit cards, defensive pit cards, sponsor cards, and a draft card, a die for determining a track condition for each round of play, and a method for keeping score to determine the order of finish for each player. The rules of the game closely simulate auto track racing with each player utilizing the cards in a strategic manner based upon certain track conditions and that approximates the strategic decisions an actual auto track racer makes during a race.

Abstract: A traveling time calculation program causes a computer to function as the following: position determination programmed logic circuitry which determines a position of a movable object using a velocity vector with every update of a game screen, virtual position setting programmed logic circuitry which sets a virtual position between positions immediately before and after the movable object passes through a second position, and shifts the virtual position using an infinitesimal unit vector obtained by dividing a velocity vector at the position immediately before the movable object passes through the second position into predetermined numbers, and traveling time calculation programmed logic circuitry which calculates a traveling time from the first position to a position immediately before or after the virtual position crosses the second position.

Abstract: The systems and processes for handicapping a horse race using data from a past race disclosed herein enable a user to forecast the results of a horse race. The user or system selects a horse to handicap in an upcoming race, the handicapped race, and a comparable past race that the horse has run. The system then collects data from the past race and the handicapped race. After comparing data from the past race and the handicapped race, the system calculates a time adjustment to the final call time.

Abstract: A playset for use with a toy vehicle including an elongate track defining at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes a switching mechanism for switching a toy vehicle between different travel paths. In some examples, the playset includes an obstacle mechanism for selectively deploying an obstacle in at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes indicator mechanisms, including an active indicator mechanism and a passive indicator mechanism.

Abstract: A racing game device for use with non-powered toy vehicles which are released from a starting incline and travel along independent tracks through a finish gate. Electronic starting light tower signals players for remote vehicle release which are electronically interconnected with starting lights and finish gate to indicate winner and elapsed time on a digital display. Sound effects are activated during the start by players remote release mechanism which simulates actual race car sounds.

Abstract: In a game machine, platen dots are provided on a traveling field. A plurality of self-propelled members are provided on the traveling field. Each self-propelled member includes a first linear motor and a second linear motor for respectively propelling the self-propelled member in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. A miniature member is coupled with a motor so as to be rotatably supported on each self-propelled member. A controller controls the motor such that a rotated angle of the miniature member is determined in accordance with a propelling direction of the self-propelled member.

Abstract: A remote controlled toy vehicle with a rechargable battery operates with rechargeable system. A station has an outlet on or in adjacency with a surface on which the remotely controllable toy is movable, and electrical outlet contacts. The remote controlled toy has inlet contacts for electrically engaging the outlet contacts when steered to the station. When the toy is steered under remote control to the station and the outlet contacts and inlet contacts electrically engage, a rechargeable current is passible from the electrical outlet contacts to the electrical inlet contacts. The station is part of a bypass track and the toy vehicle is normally directed to travel on the track and bypass the station.

Abstract: An arcade race game having interchangeable components allowing for the formation of various games. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the race progression indication device. The first player to reach a predetermined point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game. The game structure is preferably pre-wired to accommodate various games. The processor may also be programmed to accommodate various game formats.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.

Abstract: A game in which a player shoots water, air, light, a missile, or any other suitable projectile at a target. The target is activated when it is hit by the projectile. Activation of the target causes a plurality of lights to emit light in a predetermined order. The player wins the game by causing all of the lights to emit light.

Abstract: An arcade race game having interchangeable components allowing for the formation of various games. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the race progression indication device. The first player to reach a predetermined point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game. The game structure is preferably pre-wired to accommodate various games. The processor may also be programmed to accommodate various game formats.

Abstract: A game machine and information storage medium which can change at least one of game termination numbers specified for items including a lap number, life, time limit, player's vehicles, game points and game stages, for player's benefit, in comparison with the normal game termination number to be set by reception of a game charge for a normal one play of the game. This game machine comprises: an additional charge processing section for receiving an additional charge before game termination; a game termination number setting section for setting the game termination number for player's benefit in comparison with the normal game termination number set by reception of a game charge for a normal one play of the game; and a game termination processing section for processing for terminating the game when a specific number of laps or a time limit reaches the changed game termination number.

Abstract: A system and method for computerized competition useful for rewarding a player. The system and method may be utilized in arcade games, personal computer games, dedicated video games, networked games, and simulators. The method may include selecting a target reward level or threshold such as by selecting a score from a list of past scores, and dynamically adjusting the reward level according to the ability of the players of the system. The method may further include adjusting the playback of a previous competition sequence according to the adjusted reward level. In one embodiment, a previous vehicle race sequence is stored and played back as a ghost or phantom vehicle simultaneously with a present vehicle of a player.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.

Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes one or more individual competition games that measure the fractional performance of a player, and an indicator of progress for each individual game. Each indicator of moves at a variable rate, the rate being determined by the fractional performance of a player in an associated game.

Abstract: A loop track for race horses is disposed at the center of a horse race game device. Twelve race horses run on the track. A gate is disposed in a paddock in the track. The gate is advanced to a start point of the track from the paddock. Twelve satellites are disposed on three sides of the track. A large projector for displaying images of developments, etc. of a race is disposed on one of the short sides of the track. Speakers for live broadcasting, fanfares, BGM, etc. are disposed on both sides of the large projector. The horse race game device enables a larger number of running objects to be raced at once, whereby race developments are made more amusing.

Abstract: A race standings display is disclosed having a base which supports a square, vertical tower. A series of two-digit LED number displays is arranged vertically along the tower, showing first elapsed time (four digits for this display), then a lap count, and then competitor numbers in order of their position in the race. Optionally, red, green and yellow LEDs may be provided to indicate the status of the race (e.g. yellow for racing under a caution flag). The back of the standings display pylon is provided with connectors for power and a phone line, and optionally, connectors for a 10 keyboard and monitor. A computer or microcontroller in the standings display is programmed to establish a phone connection to a real-time database (preferably via the internet), and is programmed to automatically update the standings display during the progress of the race. During times when a race is not in progress, the standings display may act as a regular clock and display car numbers in order of current point standings.

Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a gaming surface, an actuator, a first feedback device, a game piece, a steering mechanism, a second feedback device, and a processor. A racing track may be depicted on the gaming surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about an axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably indirectly connected to the game piece, and it may be adapted to move or rotate the game piece over a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece near the center of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis. A player's performance may be determined fractionally by continually determining the rotational position of the track and the lateral position of the game piece.

Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a surface an actuator, a game piece, and a steering mechanism. A racing track may be depicted on the surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about a central axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably connected to the game piece and it may be adapted to rotate or turn the game piece a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece substantially within the boundaries of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis.

Abstract: A lap counting mechanism is described for a race-track for toy cars of the type in which the cars are guided in slots. The guide member of the car, which in use is received within the slots, is provided with a left-right asymmetry and the lap counting mechanism is able to detect this asymmetry. This allows at least two cars to be clearly distinguished by the lap counting mechanism and so the number of laps that an individual car has done may be totaled accurately even though the cars may swap tracks and slots. The sensing means and the associated asymmetry may be electrical, optical or magnetic. Means are also provided for detecting the speed of the cars and for generating sound and light effects.

Abstract: An obstacle course for remotely controlled toy vehicles. A plurality of track circuits are arranged in tiered fashion upon a core support structure. Each track circuit has obstacles such as pits, rocks, and traps which must be negotiated to complete a challenge level. Upon successful completion of a particular challenge on one of these track circuits, the vehicle may advance to the next higher track circuit through an up ramp. There a new challenge in the form of different obstacles are presented. The obstacle course ends on a top face of the support structure which allows direct head-to-head confrontations to determine a winner should all vehicles in a competition successfully complete the obstacle portion of the course. Optional clock timers may set a time limit for completion of the course as a whole or any given level.

Abstract: A model car race track for guiding remote control cars traveling along a ground surface. The inventive device includes a plurality of straight members and elbow members which can be coupled together and laid upon a ground surface to form an enclosed track within which a remote control car can be navigated upon the ground surface. A jump, a lap counter, and an end ramp can be coupled with the straight and elbow members for incorporation into the track.

Abstract: A racer toy in which a pair of flat-bottomed boats each having an interior chamber which terminates in an opening at the aft end of the boat are launched onto respective side-by-side tracks from a launching tower having two water passages each extending from a source of water under pressure, such as a garden hose, to a respective nozzle dimensioned to be releasably held in sealing engagement within the aft opening of a respective boat. Each water passage is initially closed by a hand-operated valve which when opened allows pressurized water to flow into the interior chamber of a respective boat and thereby propel it along the track. The tracks are lubricated with water to reduce friction and to cause the boats to hydroplane as they speed along the tracks.

Abstract: A toy speed measuring and voice reporting system is disclosed. The system measures the speed of a toy car and reports the speed contemporaneously in audible speech. The system employs optical detectors and timing circuitry to compute the speed, and a voice synthesizer to sound the speed values and other messages.

Abstract: A slot track raceway has two side-by-side slots for enabling two racing cars to run around a closed loop track. A lap counter individually associated with each closed loop is set to a selected number of laps for establishing the length of a race. Each completion of a lap causes the associated lap counter to count down. When the lap counter counts down to zero, a spring biased hinged track section snaps into alignment with an upwardly inclined ramp so that the car winning the race flies off the track, thus escaping or leaping from the track.