Abstract: To assist a player in navigating an open grid within a game or virtual environment, a global indicator and a local indicator are displayed within the virtual environment. The global indicator continuously indicates a straight line direction between an object controlled by the player and a next goal unattained within the virtual environment. As the object approaches within a predefined distance from a turn that should be taken to reach the next unattained goal, a local indicator is displayed showing the direction that the object should be turned to reach the goal. The local indicator is removed from the display after a predefined time has elapsed. Preferably, the local indicator is not displayed before a turn so long as continuing to move the object along a current path without turning at the next turn will permit the object to reach the next unattained goal.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for generating and displaying a horse racing form for a completely virtual horse racing environment. The present invention stores a database of values for a virtual horse, each value corresponding to an attribute typically listed in a published daily racing form. In order to simulate horse racing performance, calculations are applied to the values, which are adjusted to account for an individual horse's running style, track preference, track condition preference, age, or other factors. The results of these calculations are then displayed on a horse racing form. Users of the present invention will be able to place educated bets, or handicap, using the horse racing form. The form may be used in a number of open or closed environments. As a result, the present invention provides a complete virtual horse racing environment based upon fully calculated and realistically weighted mathematical algorithms used to generate the horse racing form.

Abstract: A system and a method for conducting a wager, such as a lottery game or a pari-mutuel wager, is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a series of at least four race events is identified. Each bettor is enabled to make a specified prediction pertaining to the outcome of each of the identified race events. For at least one race, the specified prediction includes an identification of the first four, five, six, or seven finishers in the correct order. For other races, the specified prediction may include an identification of the winner or of one of the first two, three, four, or five finishers. Each wager entry includes predictions for all of the identified race events. Winnings are allocated from a wager pool based on the wager entries having completely correct entries or entries that are correct for most of the race events.

Abstract: The invention provides a field unit of a game machine, wherein a lower-stage running surface on which a self-running body is placed can be maintained efficiently. The field unit of a game machine includes a lower-stage running surface on which a self-running body runs; and an upper-stage running surface on which a model following up the self-running body runs. In the field unit of a game machine, the lower-stage running surface is formed in a lower structure, and the upper-stage running surface is formed in an upper structure which is liftably combined with the lower structure. The upper structure is raised and lowered with a lift drive device.

Abstract: A game device can execute a competition game, in which a plurality of competition candidates compete. A server device is connected with the game device through a communication network. A specific information generating means is disposed in the server device and can generate specific information for specifying at least one of the competition candidates. A transmitting means is disposed in the server device and can transmit the specific information to the game device through the communication network. A receiving means is disposed in the game device and can receive the specific information transmitted. A game proceeding means is disposed in the game device and can execute the competition game on the basis of the specific information received.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A race car system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the race car system includes at least one car, at least one video camera provided on the at least one car, a car transmitter/receiver connected to the at least one video camera, a remote control transmitter/receiver adapted to exchange transmission signals with the car transmitter/receiver, a remote control central processing unit having a screen connected to the remote control transmitter/receiver and a speed control unit and a steering control unit connected to the remote control central processing unit.

Abstract: An oral care implement has an interactive display that displays images representing oral care regions of the mouth. The user can interact with the display by playing a game, which can relate to oral care. An oral care implement has a plurality of lighted segments that can be sequentially illuminated to indicate a recommended brushing sequence. The lighted segments can be shaped and/or labeled to indicate particular oral care regions of the mouth.

Abstract: A system for providing off-track wagering includes a location sensor to be carried by a racing animal in a race track and to determine the location of the racing animal, a transmitter to receive the location of the racing animal from the location sensor and transmit a first wireless signal comprising location of the racing animal, and a computer system to compute the position of the racing animal in the race track in response to the first wireless signal.

Abstract: A computer device for off-track wagering includes a communication device to receive a location of a racing animal in a race track from a remote computer system; a computer memory to store a representation of the race track; and a display device to display the representation of the race track and a symbol representing the racing animal in the representation of the race track in accordance with the location in the racing animal in the race track.

Abstract: The body 12 of a race game machine 10 has a integrated display 14 which outputs game images common among the players, and the images display states of races of racehorses. In front of the body 12, a plurality of satellites 20 which are respectively used by the players are provided. Each satellite 20 has a table 22 and a chair 24 integrated with each other. In the table 22, a liquid crystal display 26 which outputs game images, and a charge and discharge opening 28 for inserting medals and discharging medals corresponding to distributions and prizes are provided. When a plurality of race objects, such as horses and jockeys are combined and registered in a race game, runs and ride of horses and jockey of other players can be requested. The amusement of combining a plurality of race objects, such as horses and jockeys, to play games can be given to players.

Abstract: Improved human-like realism of computer opponents in racing or motion-related games is provided by using a mixture model to determine a dynamically prescribed racing line that the AI driver is to follow for a given segment of the race track. This dynamically prescribed racing line may vary from segment to segment and lap to lap, roughly following an ideal line with some variation. As such, the AI driver does not appear to statically follow the ideal line perfectly throughout the race. Instead, within each segment of the course, the AI driver's path may smoothly follow a probabilistically-determined racing line defined relative to at least one prescribed racing line.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A game system performs processing for playing a time-trial racing game or a ranking racing game while allowing a plurality of players to operate moving objects and changing the moving objects in a relay. A right to participate in a race is relayed from a moving object participating in the race to another moving object which is a target of the relay and standing by at a relay line on a racetrack by causing the moving object to touch the other moving object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of gaming is provided that comprises receiving a determination of a particular race participant in a race event having a plurality of race participants. The method continues by determining a particular position of the particular race participant at each of a plurality of intermediate points within the race event. The method continues by determining a plurality of simulated playing cards based at least in part upon the determined positions of the particular race participant. The method concludes by determining an outcome of a game based at least in part upon the determined simulated playing cards.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage, for wagering on a game of chance which includes (a) offering, before a game of chance progression commences, an initial wager on any of a plurality of pieces to first complete the progression, an initial payout for the initial wager based on the pieces having equal chances of winning; and (b) offering, during the progression, a real time wager on any of a plurality of pieces to first complete the progression, a real time payout for the real time wager based on computed chances of a selected piece first completing the progression based on current positions of the plurality of pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the likelihood of an avatar under the control of a user in a virtual environment moving with a predetermined range of a boundary as disclosed in which the movement of the avatar in the virtual environment is monitored for a period of time, a model of avatar movement is determined using the monitor movement, and the likelihood of the avatar movement within the predetermined of a boundary is predicted using the model.

Abstract: A racing game in which a player moving object controlled by a human player and a plurality of non-player moving objects automatically controlled based on a predetermined algorithm race together on a course in a virtual space is provided, wherein: different target places are set for the plurality of non-player moving objects; a driving performance value preset for each non-player moving object is changed according to the target place thereof; and each non-player moving object is automatically controlled according to the changed driving performance value thereof. Thus, it is possible to provide a thrilling racing game.

Abstract: A loop track for racing objects is disposed at the center of a race game device, for example for a simulated horse race. A plurality of racing objects, such as race horses, run on the track. The X- and Y-directional positions of the race horses are detected by a separable position detecting means underlying the track. The separable position detecting means allows for easier maintenance, transport, assembly, and disassembly of the device. Information regarding the positions of the horses is displayed on a game screen. Players can write memos to themselves on individual game screens by pressing a trace over the game information on the game screen. A control unit provides game information corresponding to other races other than a current race, including future races, and players may select information corresponding to future races on the individual game screen.

Abstract: Provided are display devices for scale model race cars and related methods.

Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device in communication with the processor. When the display device receives an input from the player, gaming device randomly generates an outcome, the display device displays an event having the outcome and the gaming device provides the player with a payout in association with the outcome and the selected input. The inputs have paytables that vary in range. One input has a large, risky payout range with big and small payouts. One input has a small, conservative payout range with intermediate payouts. Other inputs have ranges that fall in between the risky and conservative ranges. Each of the ranges has the same overall expected value, so that the gaming device does not favor the player's choice of a risky or conservative input.

Abstract: A game apparatus that has a game machine for advancing a game according to a program and a mobile unit moving based on information data from the game machine. Further, a game system for a game player to play a game using a controller and a toy, comprising a storage step for the for the game player to manipulate the controller for moving the toy for bringing up a toy motion and store the brought-up toy motion and a reproduction step for the game player to manipulate the controller for reproducing the stored toy motion.

Abstract: An image processing mechanism of a game apparatus includes a first motion control mechanism and a second motion control mechanism. The first motion control mechanism controls the motion of a first character appearing in a game space in response to an operation performed on a first operation switch included in a plurality of operation switches. The second motion control mechanism controls the motion of a second character also appearing in the game space but different from the first character in response to an operation performed on a second operation switch, and changes the motion of the first character based on the motion of the second character. Thus, the present game apparatus makes a relationship between a player and subjects of operation involved, thereby allowing the player to experience a novel sensation in playing a game.

Abstract: The present invention provides a picture processing device capable of realizing the detailed shape and pattern of a display object which is far away from a viewpoint and which attracts a game player's attention. For example, a display object (or player) in a soccer game is composed of a small number of polygons to be displayed on a CRT-type display, etc. when the display object is far away from the viewpoint (or camera position). However, even if the player is at a far position, the player will attract the game player's attention when a ball is passed to the player. If the number of polygons composing the player is small in such a situation, the game player will gain an unnatural impression. For example, assuming that a ball rolls to a certain player and this player obtains priority, a priority mark will be displayed above the player's head. Then, it is determined whether or not the player with the priority mark is close to a certain viewpoint.

Abstract: When a player instructs a movement of a player character from an input device, a control section obtains a position of the player character during a current frame period. The control section obtains a distance between the position of the player character during the current period and a position of a view point of a virtual camera during a previous frame period. If the obtained distance is less than a predetermined critical near distance, the control section moves the position of the view point away from the player character. If the obtained distance exceeds a critical far distance, the control section moves the position of the view point towards the player character. If the obtained distance is in the range between the critical near distance and the critical far distance, the control section does not move the position of the view point.

Abstract: Racing-based computer games typically include a mode in which one or more human players can compete against one or more computer-controlled opponents. For example, a human player may drive a virtual race car against a computer-controlled virtual race car purported to be driven by Mario Andretti or some other race car driver. Such computer controlled opponents may be enhanced by including a sampling of actual game behavior of a human subject into the opponent's artificial intelligence control system. Such a sampling can allow the game system to personalize the behavior of the computer control opponent to emulate the human subject.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to execute bets that includes a plurality of buttons for creating derivative bets that modify an initial combination of groups of competitors to create derivative combinations of an original bet. The method and apparatus of the present invention incorporate new functions that make it easier for a bettor to enter and register wagers. The entering and registration of pari-mutuel wagers is made easier by the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Abstract: A combination of a racecourse and a plurality of racing vehicles where the racecourse has a predefined path defined by at least one gate. This gate further includes a unique identifier. Each of the plurality of racing vehicles has a sensor capable of detecting the unique identifier and the sensor is further coupled to a logic circuit and to a transmitter. A scoreboard has receiver to receive information from the transmitter and display that information, such as lap speed and ranking, according to a desired format. Alternatively, the unique identifier is mounted to the racing vehicle and the sensor to the gate.

Abstract: Smooth, stable and high quality game image is provided by accurately pre-reading background data required for image processing each time. The game device therefore reads background data required for a game that displays a condition of a moving vehicle within a virtual three-dimensional space together with a background in the main memory from a CD-ROM (recording medium) prior to image processing. This device comprises a pre-reading unit for pre-reading background data from a recording medium when reading a start line (reference line) set at a distant position in a specified distance away from the limit line of the visual field direction of display is crossing a new area. A recording medium is a medium that records background data by dividing it into a plurality of areas in advance, and the pre-reading unit comprises a unit for judging on which of the areas the reference line is crossing, and a reading unit for reading in memory the background data of the area judged as being crossed with the reference line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device having a display device in communication with the processor. When the display device receives an input from the player, gaming device 10 randomly generates an outcome, the display device displays an event having the outcome and gaming device 10 provides the player with a payout in association with the outcome and the selected input. The inputs have paytables that vary in range. One input has a large, risky payout range with big and small payouts. One input has a small, conservative payout range with intermediate payouts. Other inputs have ranges that fall in between the risky and conservative ranges. Each of the ranges has the same overall expected value, so that gaming device 10 does not favor the player's choice of a risky or conservative input.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a racing game machine, a race course is provided on a table unit. A plurality of miniatures travel on the race course to perform a race. A plurality of satellite terminals, each operated by a player who participates the race as an audience, are arranged around the table unit. Each satellite terminal is provided with a virtual telescope including a built-in display showing to the player a computer graphic image which exhibits a state of the race performed on the race course as if the player observe the race therethrough.

Abstract: The totalizator terminal 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.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining audience interest in productions is disclosed. The invention includes provisions by which the interest of the audience is retained throughout the entire event. In one aspect, the invention includes a sporting event with anonymous contestants. In another aspect, the invention includes a limited performance-enhancing feature. The invention also includes provisions to expand audience participation and interaction. The invention also includes prizes that are awarded to the audience, based on several factors, including association with contestants.

Abstract: 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. The racing horses to start a horse race are expressed by means of computer graphics, the existing past data associated with the racing horses is retrieved into the computer graphic horses, and a virtual horse race is started on a display screen, so that a finishing order of the horse race can be predicted according to an action and a result of the virtual horse race.

Abstract: A plurality of horse racing game machines (1a, 1b, . . . 1n) and a control unit (2) for controlling game execution states of the horse racing game machines (1a, 1b, . . . 1n) are connected via a communication line (L). The control unit (2) provides the horse racing game machines for performing the race with part or the entirety of game-related data required for executing the game. The race is simultaneously held at the horse racing game machines (1a, 1b, . . . 1n). Execution states of the race and betting odds generated at all the horse racing game machines (1a, 1b, . . . 1n) are collected by the control unit (2). At the same time, the collected race execution states and integrated betting odds are presented in real time to the players surrounding all the horse racing game machines (1a, 1b, . . . 1n) using synthesized speech.

Abstract: Racing-based computer games typically include a mode in which one or more human players can compete against one or more computer-controlled opponents. For example, a human player may drive a virtual race car against a computer-controlled virtual race car purported to be driven by Mario Andretti or some other race car driver. Such computer controlled opponents may be enhanced by including a sampling of actual game behavior of a human subject into the opponent's artificial intelligence control system. Such a sampling can allow the game system to personalize the behavior of the computer control opponent to emulate the human subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to games, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for a racing game wherein a player attempts to complete a target number of laps and/or to accumulate a winning point value, and wherein general play and outcome are governed by events having substantially pre-determined odds of outcome, including movement directed by essentially random number generation leading to direct and indirect action commands and controls via track position and cards and resulting player interaction.

Abstract: In an interactive driving simulation apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle, a real-time test drive performance by a student operator around a simulated driving route sequence is recorded. The recorded performance is later replayed for the benefit of the student, to provide real-world simulation, education, and performance evaluation. During the simulated driving, pre-recorded performance evaluation comments are selected and stored, corresponding to the student's specific performance at a traffic driving situation on the driving route sequence. Then, upon displaying of a replay screen image of the simulated driving on a display unit, when a particular traffic driving situation is arrived at, a simulated operating environment of the traffic driving situation and the selected performance evaluation comments are automatically superimposed and displayed together as a replay screen 154.

Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that displays information areas on various wager creation screens. The information areas may be configurable. Information such as promotions, weather information, jockey information, trainer information, odds, or any other suitable information may be displayed in the information areas. The interactive wagering application may create a wagering ticket that reflects the amount of a user's wager and the total amount of the user's wager when multiple runners are taken into account. The interactive wagering application may record the user's position within the application and the user's recent wagering selections, so that this information may be used to assist the user in restarting the application after exiting or when creating additional wagers.

Abstract: A wagering terminal that also allows for account set-up has a display, a reader to accept account wagering applications, a user interface to capture user input and user identification, and a processor to process the identification, user input and account set-up. The terminal may communicate directly with wagering pools for entry into the pools and facilitates wagering on race events by providing and even analyzing race event information. A rotating slot-type image format can supply information on actual race contestants wagered upon and symbols can be used to identify multiple contestant wagering events.

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 wagering system includes 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. In an embodiment, a wagering account set-up location (e.g., kiosk) is provided to set-up a wagering account and/or card. Further, the at least one wagering terminal may offer one or more bonus picks in addition to a wager placed by a user of the at least one wagering terminal. Further, a single account wagering card system may be provided to facilitate, among other things, promotion of the at least one wagering terminal. The at least one wagering terminal may also be configured to provide wagering customized to a user risk profile. A system and method may also be provided to display wagering results. A concentrator may also be provided to facilitate services in association with the at least one wagering terminal.

Abstract: A recorded race is downloaded from an online gaming service. The recorded race is associated with a game program. The game program is launched on a game console. The recorded race is applied to the game program executing on the game console such that the recorded race controls a first vehicle moving through a course. Control inputs are received from an input device coupled to the game console. The control inputs control a second vehicle moving through the course.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A competitive simulation game comprising a base program and at least one controllable object controllable by a player, characterised in that, in use, a real time input from a real life game controls a competitive object in the competitive simulation game as a competitor to the player.

Abstract: A value of a first parameter (pressure parameter) is changed when moving objects OB1 and OB2 have been in an approach relation (pressure relation), and an action change event (such as spin or course out) is generated when a value of the first parameter reaches a threshold value. The approach relation is determined based on the time difference between the moving objects OB1 and OB2. A parameter display object POB (pressure meter) which visually indicates the change in the value of the first parameter is displayed. The parameter display object is displayed associating with each of a plurality of moving objects. The threshold value and the change rate of the first parameter value are set for each of the moving objects. The first parameter is reset when the moving objects OB1 and OB2 are in a non-approach relation.

Abstract: Dynamic virtual camera effects for video game play and other computer graphics simulations enhance the illusion of speed and provide interesting split-screen displays. One aspect narrows the field of view of a virtual camera while simultaneously increasing the distance between the virtual camera and a moving object as the speed of the moving object through the three-dimensional scene increases. This provides the illusion of speed while avoiding distortions caused by changing the apparent size of the displayed object. Another aspect selectively activates a split-screen display showing a moving object from a different viewpoint when the moving object moves into proximity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage, for wagering on a game of chance which includes (a) offering, before a game of chance progression commences, an initial wager on any of a plurality of pieces to first complete the progression, an initial payout for the initial wager based on the pieces having equal chances of winning; and (b) offering, during the progression, a real time wager on any of a plurality of pieces to first complete the progression, a real time payout for the real time wager based on computed chances of a selected piece first completing the progression based on current positions of the plurality of pieces.