In A Race Game Patents (Class 463/6)
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Publication number: 20040198480Abstract: A simulation module simulates events that may occur during a cautionary period based on, e.g., current relative position of vehicles, vehicle and driver attributes and current game statistics for vehicles, and compiles new statistics and attributes that are used in the resumed race. A full race simulation option and a partial race simulation option are also provided. For example, in a season mode, the simulation module simulates events that may occur during a race and compiles statistics that can be used later, e.g., in a later race, for season standings, etc. A complete race may be simulated, or a partial race may be simulated, for example, if a user desires to terminate a race before it is finished, using the compiled statistics, and a new set of statistics compiled to track the simulated race events. Real world statistics are imported and used in some aspects.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Electronic Arts Inc.Inventors: Marco Busse, Steve Chiang
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Patent number: 6793575Abstract: In an embodiment as a video gaming machine, a racetrack and a plurality of racers in the form of racecars are generated. The program driving the game includes a function for randomly assigning a finishing position for racers at the end of a race. A racecar is selected, as by player input, as the player's racer. The player inputs a wager, with the wager further preferably requiring an input by the player as to a number of races desired to be completed up to a preset maximum number for the game. The player can thus choose to bet upon all stages (races or laps) potentially available, or some lesser consecutive number of races. The first race is initiated, with the racecars being randomly assigned finishing positions. In this embodiment, there is the elimination of at least one racer as a result of a predetermined threshold finishing position required at the end of a race; that position could be anything other than last, for instance.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Case Venture Management, LLCInventors: Duncan F. Brown, Scott D. Slomiany, Lawrence E. DeMar
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Patent number: 6780110Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein the success or failure of a current selection directly affects the player's chances for success in a later selection and the player's chances for obtaining the highest bonus award possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb, Joseph R. Hedrick
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Patent number: 6763273Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Sarah C. Chudley, Philip Snape
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Publication number: 20040127272Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for virtual reality game. More particularly, the system exploits a terminal, a server, and network connecting the terminal and the server together such as internet. An exercise machine connected to the above terminal enables users in various terminals connected to the server to exercise appreciating virtual or real images and have a race each other with permitting the same load with a real racing course by converting a load in accordance with a load condition of synthetic image comprising the user's avatar transmitted from the server to the terminal and an image of a racing course.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Chan-Jong Park, Sang-Hun Oh
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Patent number: 6755654Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Midway Games WestInventor: Aaron Hightower
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Publication number: 20040121829Abstract: A method and apparatus for modeling a track in video games that enables efficient collision detection between a game object (such as a racecar wheel) and the track. The invention provides an infinitely smooth track for use in collision detection through the novel use of arcs and splines. The invention enables relatively small amounts of data to be used to model and express relatively large gameplay courses, such as race tracks and the like. The arcs and splines enables quick and efficient look-up of the location of the tire on the track and calculation of the distance from the wheel to the track for loading purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicants: Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Colin Reed
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Patent number: 6752716Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus which can provide an experience of vibrations similar to a real experience. The game apparatus relating to the present invention executes a game program to display displayed bodies on a screen and comprises means for simulating vibrations generated by the displayed bodies in a state of motion for the player operating the game apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventors: Eiji Nishimura, Minoru Matsuba, Motohiko Higashiguchi
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Patent number: 6749503Abstract: A game system enables continuation of a game after the game is ceased. The game system starts to reproduce a game screen of the state before the game is ceased and to start to continue the game after the screen results in a game ceased state.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha SegaInventors: Takayuki Kazama, Hiroyuki Sasaki
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Patent number: 6736723Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Lane, John F. Mendes, Jr., David A. Wise
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Patent number: 6733383Abstract: A simulation module simulates events that may occur during a cautionary period based on, e.g., current relative position of vehicles, vehicle and driver attributes and current game statistics for vehicles, and compiles new statistics and attributes that are used in the resumed race. A full race simulation option and a partial race simulation option are also provided. For example, in a season mode, the simulation module simulates events that may occur during a race and compiles statistics that can be used later, e.g., in a later race, for season standings, etc. A complete race may be simulated, or a partial race may be simulated, for example, if a user desires to terminate a race before it is finished, using the compiled statistics, and a new set of statistics compiled to track the simulated race events. Real world statistics are imported and used in some aspects.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.Inventors: Marco Busse, Steve Chiang
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Publication number: 20040058730Abstract: A game performing method realizable of finer and easier operational input with a joy stick. The game performing method for an apparatus comprising an input section having an operating handle capable of inputting an inclination of a desired angle in a desired direction, has: controlling a virtual handle of a player character according to operation inputted through the operating handle; detecting an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the operating handle; and changing a handle angle of the virtual handle in a direction according to change in the inclined direction when the change in the inclined direction is detected by detecting the inclined direction and the inclined angle of the operating handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: NAMCO LTD.Inventor: Satoru Ouchi
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Publication number: 20040043806Abstract: An online game. More particularly, an online game in which virtual vehicles, particularly cars, may be selected, customized, and entered into races and other activities in an online community forum. In some embodiments, the online game may include a customization tutorial wherein virtual vehicles may be customized in a substantially reversible manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Keith Kirby, Isaak Volynsky
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Patent number: 6699126Abstract: A game system includes an arcade game machine (1) executing a horse racing game in which a player's own horse runs, and a Web server (20) connected to a player terminal (30) through the Internet. The Web server (20) manages a horse racing game site for performing a training-type horse racing game in which a player using the player terminal can rear and train his or her own horse on the Internet. A player who has obtained a password including ability data and the like of a horse reared in this horse racing game can run the horse in the above horse racing by entering the password into the arcade game machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Konami CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Kusuda
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Patent number: 6695701Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Aronson, Richard E. McNutt
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Patent number: 6692360Abstract: A game system comprises an the arcade game machine (1) for playing a horse racing simulation game where each player uses a horse he or she trained by themselves, a plurality of player terminals (30) in remote locations, and a Web server (20) connected to the player terminals (30) via the Internet. The Web server manages a horse racing game site on the Internet, where horse races are run in which a number of players can participate by using their own player terminals. The player, after obtaining a password including such data as the performance data of the owned-horse he or she trained in the arcade game machine, accesses the horse racing game site via the player terminal, and can enter his or her owned-horse in the horse races by inputting the password.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Konami CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Kusuda, Hiroshi Tomaru, Yosuke Sasaki
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Patent number: 6682418Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.Inventors: John F. Mendes, Weimar P. Tudela, David A. Wise
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Publication number: 20040009796Abstract: A method of racing a plurality of competitors includes controlling a plurality of race competitors. A plurality of sequential stages for the race are provided. An initial position is associated for each competitor for each stage, and an end position is associated for each competitor for each stage. The respective end positions for the competitors in each stage constitute the respective initial positions for each competitor for the subsequent stage. Each competitor is moved from its initial position to its end position in each stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Roy Albert George Ludlow
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Patent number: 6666763Abstract: A race condition extraction unit extracts the past race results, which are the object of statistics, based on the race conditions of a target race. A factor extraction unit extracts effective factors, which are factors related to arrival order by sorting the extracted race results in arrival order. A factor conformation judgment unit judges whether each competitor participating in the target race conforms to each extracted effective factor and attaches a score to each competitor based on the judgment result. A race prediction unit predicts the race result of the target race based on both an analysis result obtained by the conventional method and the score attached by the factor conformation judgment unit. In this way, the statistics of past race results can be used in race prediction.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yuya Kawamura, Akio Sogabe
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Patent number: 6652376Abstract: A driving game, wherein players having various driving skills—from beginners to those advanced—may enjoy both aspects of amusement and simulation in consistency. The game device of the present invention has an element for providing to a player a plurality of different movement modes upon moving the vehicle along a traveling line. Upon selection of a desired movement mode, a vehicle-driving game relating to the driving mode selected by the player is executed. Included in this plurality of driving modes are an assist mode in which auto-brake control is performed and a training mode in which various indications, such as the timing of the braking point, are given.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventors: Shigeru Yoshida, Takuji Masuda, Takanori Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20030216161Abstract: A simulation module simulates events that may occur during a cautionary period based on, e.g., current relative position of vehicles, vehicle and driver attributes and current game statistics for vehicles, and compiles new statistics and attributes that are used in the resumed race. A full race simulation option and a partial race simulation option are also provided. For example, in a season mode, the simulation module simulates events that may occur during a race and compiles statistics that can be used later, e.g., in a later race, for season standings, etc. A complete race may be simulated, or a partial race may be simulated, for example, if a user desires to terminate a race before it is finished, using the compiled statistics, and a new set of statistics compiled to track the simulated race events. Real world statistics are imported and used in some aspects.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Electronic Arts, Inc.Inventors: Marco Busse, Steve Chiang
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Patent number: 6632138Abstract: An object is to provide a free-entry type of race game apparatus wherewith a player can join at any time. This is a race game that simulates an endurance race in which many vehicles run for a long period of time. The vehicles are continually running on the track. (ST 1), from which number a player selects any vehicle at will (ST 3) and joins the race in progress (ST 4, 5). The game is terminated on the basis either of a pass count indicating the number of cars passed (or passed by) (ST 6), or a limiting time (ST 7).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventors: Narito Serizawa, Manabu Washio, Hiroyuki Izuno
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Publication number: 20030171140Abstract: A game of chance includes steps of accepting at least one of a wager and a selection of a predicted outcome of a competitive activity; randomly selecting an actual outcome of the competitive activity according to predetermined odds; accessing one of a plurality of video sequence that shows the randomly selected actual outcome of the competitive activity, and showing the accessed one of the plurality of video sequence on a display. A step may be carried out to pay a sum determined by the wager and the predetermined odds when the predicted outcome matches the randomly selected actual outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: CYBERSCAN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jean-Marie Gatto, Pierre-Jean Beney
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Patent number: 6612925Abstract: Input data comprising dynamics data taken from at least one actual dynamic vehicle, and position data of the at least one actual dynamic vehicle, and data relating to the environment of the at least one actual dynamic vehicle is acquired and at least the dynamics data is utilized by computer game software to generate a user controlled dynamic vehicle. At least the environmental data is converted into a form suitable for display on a display device. User input means provides control signals for the user controlled vehicle to facilitate competing in the same environment as the actual dynamic vehicle as reproduced on a display device before the user. More particularly, the input data is converted into a graphical form to display the at least one actual dynamic vehicle in their actual environment or as modified to accommodate the position of the at least one user controlled dynamic vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Covepath LimitedInventor: Charles Forsberg
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Publication number: 20030153374Abstract: An interactive video car racing game can be played on multiple video screens, using individual computers and manual controllers for varying the speed and direction of each car depicted on the video screens. Each player has a video display that includes a split screen presenting two types of race information. One display section presents a reduced scale plan view of a race course and the positions of the race cars on the course. The other display section depicts a magnified ground level view of the race course as seen from the cockpit of selected vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Anell Gilmore
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Patent number: 6604996Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conducting a competition utilizing a slotless-micro-race-track system and remote control motorized racing vehicle(s), optionally including the providing of benefits to sponsors in the form of televised presentation of identifying marks during the competition. The method involves an initial selecting and effective licensing of a practitioner as a sponsor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventors: Keith E. Namanny, Kerry T. Namanny, Kenny D. Namanny
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Publication number: 20030144046Abstract: The totalizatorterminal of the present invention comprises a ticket issuing unit which selects an odd or even horse or gate number of a horse expected to be the first for all races, and a repaying unit which determines an amount of repayment for a picking ticket by dividing a total amount of repayment accounting for a prescribed ratio relative to a total amount of purchases by a number of hits. The ticket issuing unit vends picking tickets by recognizing the result of selection of the odd or even horse or gate number of the horse expected to be the first as specified by a purchaser for races 1 to 12. The ticket issuing unit can also vend picking tickets by automatically selecting the most popular horse upon purchasing or at random an odd or even horse or gate number.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Masanori Hara
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Publication number: 20030139209Abstract: A plurality of mobile bodies such as bicycles move on a virtual field, and an image and a commentary voice during this movement are reproduced. A running commentary of the moving condition of the mobile bodies is composed of two modes: a normal commentary mode and a specific commentary mode. In the normal commentary mode, an image and a commentary voice are reproduced by a predetermined method. In the specific commentary mode, an image and a commentary voice centered on a specific mobile body of the mobile bodies are created and reproduced. A user can select the specific commentary mode to watch the running commentary directed to the specific mobile body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Konami CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Nakayama
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Patent number: 6592454Abstract: A computerized lottery or wagering system includes a game generator and a plurality of vendor stations that permit players to select game parameters. The game is graphically portrayed in animation as one or more races (horse race, dog race, car race, motorcycle race, etc.). The game may entail win, place, show, quinella, exacta/perfecta, trifecta, or series bets. At a predetermined time for each game, selection of game parameters for that game is ended and a winning sequence of numbers is randomly generated. The game generator selects and seamlessly composes a plurality of video segments into an animated video sequence of the race(s) corresponding to the winning sequence of numbers, for broadcast via RF transmission, microwave transmission, fiber optic cabling or closed circuit television lines. The video segments are rendered directly to a compressed digital format to maintain the video image in the highest quality possible.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Telecom Productions, Inc.Inventors: Budd O. Libby, Daniel W. Bower
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Publication number: 20030119570Abstract: This invention relates to gaming apparatus and a gaming method More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to horse race gaming apparatus and a method of simulating horse races. The apparatus consists of storage means for storing a number of computer generated racing objects. Each of the racing objects have inherent attributes assigned by a computing means. Receiving means receives race performance influencing information before the start of a race and the computing means simulates a race between at least two racing objects. An outcome of the race is computed using at least some of race influencing information and the inherent attributes of the racing objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Dean G.A. Maroun
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Patent number: 6579174Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Lane, John F. Mendes, Jr., David A. Wise
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Patent number: 6579173Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed that retains a player's game score, regardless of whether the player is a skilled player or a beginner. The game apparatus performs ranking under circumstances that are fair to both skilled players and beginners. The game apparatus is premised on a fact that a most recent game score of a most recent player is always retained and, because the game apparatus is constituted so as to be fair to beginners and skilled players alike, in storing the most recent score a temporally oldest game score, having a ranking outside of a prestige ranking, is replaced by the most recent score. A ranking display in connection with the game apparatus is not biased toward the skilled player and can be enjoyed even by a beginner.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventor: Jinichiro Okuda
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Publication number: 20030109296Abstract: A method for generating a representation of a track which is to be followed through a virtual space. A path is steered through the space, track path data representing the path is stored, and the track is established to follow that path. The track may be manipulated by selecting at least two points on the track, and applying a predetermined effect to the track between the two selected points. Navigational instructions may be generated which if obeyed will allow a vehicle to follow a route about a previously established track. Track geometry is determined by looking ahead along the track in the direction of travel, and instructions are derived in response to the determined track geometry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Gary Mark Leach, Huw Meredydd Lloyd
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Publication number: 20030087683Abstract: A game of chance includes steps of accepting at least one of a wager and a selection of a predicted outcome of a competitive activity; randomly selecting an actual outcome of the competitive activity according to predetermined odds; accessing one of a plurality of video sequence that shows the randomly selected actual outcome of the competitive activity, and showing the accessed one of the plurality of video sequence on a display. A step may be carried out to pay a sum determined by the wager and the predetermined odds when the predicted outcome matches the randomly selected actual outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Jean-Marie Gatto, Pierre-Jean Beney
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Publication number: 20030078087Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a user even at a place away from a racecourse with computer graphic horses having existing past data therein, and also with real time data, and thereby a hitting ratio of simulated finishing orders of racing horses is drastically improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Akio Kojima, Kazuo Ootake
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Publication number: 20030073473Abstract: An object of the present invention is to impose a penalty on a player, without causing a sudden deceleration, when a moving body moving on a course formed in a virtual space contacts a sidewall at the edge of the course. To achieve this object, assume that a vehicle running on a course formed in a virtual space has contacted a sidewall at point A which corresponds to the 0th frame. Whereupon, at point B which corresponds to the 1st frame, an amount, Rf, is subtracted from vehicle speed V, and from the 2nd frame until point C which corresponds to the 60tth frame, processing to subtract RSd from vehicle speed V is successively performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Kazuhiro Mori
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Publication number: 20030069053Abstract: The invention relates to a method for playing multiplayer games and to a device for implementation of same, which may be used for race competition between many personal computer users.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Vladimir V. Dovgan
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Publication number: 20030054869Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Aaron Hightower
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Publication number: 20030054870Abstract: When a racing form speculating a race is selected, a bet is automatically made on a speculated possible finish place. A racing form speculated information indication region K1 is provided on the right side of a speculation indication region H5. A speculation racing form indication region K2 is provided on the right side of the racing form speculated information indication region K1. A game player selects a racing form to be used as speculated information. When an all bets button K5 below a racing form release button K4, bets are made maximum 8 sets of horse number combinations speculated by the racing forms. The bet control method can permit game players to easily and quickly bet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Naoyuki Sato, Kenji Uchida, Masanori Tsuchimoto, Masashi Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20030045334Abstract: A video game device is provided with a recording medium 122 storing a first image data group including a plurality of frames of image data for displaying a running action and a second image data group including a plurality of frames of image data for displaying a goal finishing action which successively follows the running action; a character display control unit 201e for reading the first and second image data group from the recording medium 122 and displaying motions of a play character based on the read image data, and a switch control unit 201h for switching the first image data group to the second image data group such that the running action and the goal finishing action are successively displayed without any discontinuity when the play character reaches a predetermined position by repeatedly displaying the running action.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Hirotaka Hosokawa
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Publication number: 20030008695Abstract: A computerized lottery or wagering system includes a game generator and a plurality of vendor stations that permit players to select game parameters. The game is graphically portrayed in animation as one or more races (horse race, dog race, car race, motorcycle race, etc.). The game may entail win, place, show, quinella, exacta/perfecta, trifecta, or series bets. At a predetermined time for each game, selection of game parameters for that game is ended and a winning sequence of numbers is randomly generated. The game generator selects and seamlessly composes a plurality of video segments into an animated video sequence of the race(s) corresponding to the winning sequence of numbers, for broadcast via RF transmission, microwave transmission, fibre optic cabling or closed circuit television lines. The video segments are rendered directly to a compressed digital format to maintain the video image in the highest quality possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Budd O. Libby, Daniel W. Bower
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Patent number: 6494784Abstract: A driving game machine provided with a road data memory for storing coordinate data of a road set in a game space, a player's car controller for controlling the running of a player's car on the road according to a player's operation, and a display processor for displaying an image within a field of view set in advance. The road has a start point and a goal point, a running course from the start point to the goal point has a plurality of branched roads in its intermediate positions. The player's car controller causes the player's car to run in a direction selected at each branching point in accordance with a player's operation. This makes it possible for a player to freely choose the course while competing with his rivals.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Konami CorporationInventors: Shigenobu Matsuyama, Shozo Fukunaga, Toru Mizumoto, Akihiro Shimizu
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Patent number: 6488505Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Midway Games West Inc.Inventor: Aaron Hightower
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Publication number: 20020169013Abstract: An object is to provide a free-entry type of race game apparatus wherewith a player can join at any time. This is a race game that simulates an endurance race in which many vehicles run for a long period of time. The vehicles are continually running on the track (ST 1), from which number a player selects any vehicle at will (ST 3) and joins the race in progress (ST 4, 5). The game is terminated on the basis either of a pass count indicating the number of cars passed (or passed by) (ST 6), or a limiting time (ST 7).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises, LtdInventors: Narito Serizawa, Manabu Washio, Hiroyuki Izuno
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Publication number: 20020165017Abstract: A loop track 12 for race horses is disposed at the center of a horse race game device 10. Twelve race horses 14 run on the track 12. A gate 18 is disposed in a paddock 20 in the track 12. The gate 18 is advanced to a start point of the track 12 from the paddock 20. Twelve satellites 12 are disposed on three sides of the track 12. A large projector 24 for displaying images of developments, ect. of a race is disposed on one of the short sides of the track 12. Speakers 25 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Yuji Nagao, Takanori Akiyama, Naoki Kawajiri, Seiji Hayashi, Susumu Murata, Koji Yamaguchi, Yuji Ikeda, Mitsuru Todaiji, Yasuhiro Takagi, Shunichi Nakamura, Keiji Yano, Muneoki Kamata, Shingo Kataoka, Koji Osuka
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Patent number: 6471586Abstract: A game system for providing players with a higher sense of presence, a virtual reality environment and real-life simulations. A forward lean position of a player is detected by a forward lean position detector to carry out game computation to control a moving object on a screen according to operation information supplied by the player, including information indicative of the detected forward lean position. A force to rotate the moving object, a speed of the moving object and a motion of a cartoon character on the screen are controlled according to the forward lean position information. An information storage medium applicable to such a game system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Namco, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichiro Aiki, Satoru Ouchi
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Publication number: 20020147050Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Stephen N. Weiss, Gerhart P. Huy, Dean C. Reisher, Joseph T. Moll, Gregory R. Nungester, Frank W. Winkler, Justin M. Discoe
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Patent number: 6461238Abstract: The present invention describes a portable simulation game apparatus that permits a user operating the game apparatus to move or control a three dimensional object. The movement or current position of the three dimensional object is sensed by a plurality of sensors and transmitted to a circuit board or a control means. The control means may then relate the movement or position of the three dimensional object to pre-programmed images displayed in front of the three dimensional object, on a display means. Typically, the pre-programmed images being displayed represent a race or a track for which the three dimensional object, being a vehicle, may interact therewith. To move the three dimensional object, the user tilts or moves the game apparatus in a specific direction the user wants the object to move.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz
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Publication number: 20020142816Abstract: A wagering system comprises a race providing system facilitating wagering on race events and providing information regarding the race events, and at least one wagering terminal in communication with the race providing system. The at least one wagering terminal includes a race event selector to select next race events for wagering, a display to present information regarding the selected race events, a user interface to place a wager on an elected race event of the selected race events displayed, and a wagering value mechanism to provide a wager amount for the wager on the elected race event. Further, at least one of the race providing system and the at least one wagering terminal includes a quick pick race contestant(s) selector receiving handicapping information and odds information from the race providing system to select one or more race contestants of an elected race event for the wager in accordance with the received handicapping information and odds information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Andrew M. Stronach
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Publication number: 20020137427Abstract: Toy robots are provided that act in concert with each other. A player issues high level team commands to a processor. The processor interprets the team command to derive individual low level commands for the toy robots. A transmitter transmits the low level commands to the toy robots, which then act in concert.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: Intel CorporationInventors: Geoffrey W. Peters, Aaron B. Weast