Abstract: A revised universal base structure which is adapted for use in manufacturing various different versions of an electromechanical game using the same base structure. The base structure provides a network or grid of recessed areas above which a ground plate may extend. The recessed areas are formed as small squares and various small playing pieces are receivable in the recesses so that they can be retrieved by players during the course of game play. However, the base structure can be used with various uniquely different ground plates and unique upper boards to form various different embodiments of the differing games.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-held game apparatus and method providing an elimination game wherein audible and/or visual signals instruct players to manipulate particular input devices, such as a push button, a pull knob or a twist knob, to actuate a corresponding switch. If the particular input device is not manipulated within a predetermined period of time, such as one second, the game may output an audible and/or visual error signal, stopping play and indicating that the player who failed to manipulate the input device is eliminated from that round of play. The audible signals instructing a player to manipulate an input device can be selected to be voice messages, musical sounds, or other prompts corresponding to each input device. Similarly, the visual signals may correspond to each input device, and may comprise the illumination of lights disposed at each of the input devices.

Abstract: A system for encouraging a user to perform substantial physical activity. The system may include sensors that may be worn by the user while the user is performing a substantial physical activity, such as running or playing basketball. The sensors may detect the magnitude of the physical activity and may transmit data regarding the physical activity to a processing system. The processing system may display a reward to encourage the user for participating in physical activity and the reward provided may be based on the physical activity of the user.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The game includes a bonus feature which, when triggered, results in the display of a plurality of devices, each of which animates to reveal a number, a prize awarded being a product of the numbers displayed by the devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing real-time feedback to karaoke users are provided. The systems and methods for providing users with real-time feedback while they are singing karaoke generally relate to receiving the user's vocals, determining whether the user is singing on key/pitch and providing real-time feedback to the user while the karaoke song is being sung. The feedback will be positive feedback if user is on key/pitch and it will be negative feedback if user is off key/pitch. For example, the feedback signal if the user is singing too low can be an exaggerated low signal of the user's own voice. This will encourage the user to sing at a higher pitch.

Abstract: A game device causes a display device to display an image in which plural marks correlated with step panels to be stepped on by a player move to reach a base line, and the game device, when a step panel is stepped on, classifies the degree of accuracy of this operation as one of plural classes based on a time at which a mark corresponding to this step panel reaches the base line, a time at which this step panel was stepped on, and plural thresholds. The game device counts the number of accurate operations, to cause the display device to display the number in a color corresponding to the lowest accurate operation class corresponding to the counted accurate operations.

Abstract: A direction detection device is provided for a game machine combined exercise bike. The direction detection device include a detection module mounted to a direction rotation module composed of a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The detection module includes a plurality of signal receiver elements and a signal transmitter element, which are operated in a non-contact manner and are allowed for relative rotation with respect to each other. Each signal receiver element has a range of detection. During relative rotation between the signal transmitter element and the signal receiver elements, when the signal transmitter element is moved into the detection range of one of the signal receiver elements, the signal receiver elements detect a positional message of the signal transmitter element, and the signal receiver elements applies the message to a signal processing device of the game machine, which converts the positional message into a direction signal.

Abstract: There is provided a character training and development system for a virtual environment and related method. A character can be purchased by a user and then registered on a communication network via a unique code. Once registered, a set of attributes can be assigned to the character based on the type and class of the character. Attribute values can be assigned to the attributes by default or by user preferences. The characters can be manipulated within the virtual environment. In particular, the characters can be trained in order to improve their skills, to add new skills, and to increase their overall value and worth in the virtual environment. In addition, the characters can be traded among users for a price based on their skills. Fees can be charged for each trade. Traded characters are given a new code to transfer all control of the character to the new owner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for a video game system where a player tile is a part of a moving grid or grid-like display and also moves through it. Moves of the player tile may be allowed or disallowed according to the relationship between the design of the player tile and that of other identifiable areas of the display. The designs displayed may have special significance in the field of education or advertising or entertainment. In a variation of the game the objective is to change areas of the display to the same state.

Abstract: A gaming device including a first player interactive game requiring one or more player inputs which result in an outcome. The outcome does not result in an award provided to the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device determines a paytable employed in the wagering game based on an outcome of the interactive game. In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of different wagering games. The gaming device determines which wagering game to provide to the player based, at least in part, on the outcome of the interactive game. Other suitable functions can be employed in the wagering game based on the outcome of the interactive game in accordance with the present invention. In any embodiment, the gaming device provides an outcome to the player for the wagering game which can result in an award.

Abstract: An interactive computer game system (10) for one or more players includes a game server (12) that generates a first game piece (19A) controlled by a first player, and a second game piece (19B). The first game piece (19A) has a first adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the first player and a first fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the first player. The second game piece (19B) can have a second adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the second player and a second fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the second player. The game pieces (19A, 19B) engage in a battle having an outcome determined by an algorithm that is based at least partly upon one or more of the adjustable battle parameters and/or one or more of the fixed battle parameters. In another embodiment, the game server (12) generates a pool of game pieces from which the players select activated first game pieces and second game pieces, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for translating gross human movement into electronic signals and therapeutic, training, or educational uses for the system. An exercising or video gaming system, comprising: a floor pad controller, and a striking controller. The floor pad controller having force sensor(s) and/or placement sensor(s) arranged in a pattern in the plane of a ground or floor. The striking controller having force sensor(s) and contact sensor(s) arranged in an curved grid between the outer layer of the striking controller and an inner core. Applying force to any sensor(s) in the floor pad controller or striking controller executes an action in response to an instruction from the exercising or video gaming system; and an inner core returnably coupled to a ground or floor of a room, so that the striking controller returns to an upright position after being struck by the user.

Abstract: An interactive animation environment. The interactive animation environment includes at least one user-controlled object, and the animation method for providing this environment includes determining a position of the user-controlled object, defining a plurality of regions about the position, detecting a user input to move the position of the user-controlled object, associating the detected user input to move the position of the user-controlled object with a region in the direction of movement, and providing an animation of the user-controlled object associated with the mapped region. A system and controller for implementing the method is also disclosed. A computer program and computer program product for implementing the invention is further disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck-like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a user is in contact with or near the board. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The manager asserts a course to each of the players, by providing specific instructions to travel along a particular path. The client devices provide the players with the appearance of competing over the same course, even though they are all actually competing over courses remote from one another.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for ordered execution of actions in a game environment is disclosed. An indication of a first object having been targeted in the game environment may be received whereby the object is assigned a first target slot. An indication of a second object having been targeted in the game environment may then be received, this second targeted object being assigned a second target slot. An action is then executed in the game environment with respect to each of the targeted objects in response to a command from an input device. The execution of the action with respect to each of the targeted objects may occur in accordance with an order defined by the target slots.

Abstract: For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input.

Abstract: A control unit mainly includes game condition judging means, moving period determining means for determining a moving period T0 of a ball object, first operation response period determining means for determining a first operation response period T1 of a bat object, which begins at a first operation response start opportunity St1 preceding a pitching end opportunity E0 of the moving period T0, second operation response period determining means for determining a second operation response period T2 of the bat object, which begins at a second operation response start opportunity St2 succeeding the first operation response start opportunity St1, operation input opportunity receiving means for receiving a operation input opportunity HP of a controller, and operation opportunity response judging means for judging whether the operation input opportunity HP is included in either the first operation response period T1 or the second operation response period T2.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.

Abstract: A game machine comprises a housing, a user access panel having a controller, a money acceptor and a redemption dispenser that dispenses an award, a rotating field having a surface with a plurality of objects situated thereon, a retriever that is movable along a track that is supported by the housing for enabling movement of the retriever relative to the rotating field, an object return path having an object receiving area, a delivery guide, and an outlet, wherein an award is dispensed from the redemption dispenser upon the retriever retrieving an object from the rotating field and delivering it to the object receiving area.

Abstract: With a game system, a timing fetch section fetches an input-timing for input data determined to be valid by an input-determination section, and an evaluation section compares the fetched input-timing and a reference-timing, and evaluates an operation with an operation section by a player or a sound-input action performed in answer to a first or second direction-mark. An input-reception section receives first and second input data generated based on an operation-detection of the operation section a sound-detection of the sound-detection section, respectively, and an input-determination section compares the first and second input data, determines that the first input data is valid when it is determined that the operation with the operation section by the player and the sound-input action by the player overlap within a given period, based on the first and second input data, and determines that the first and second input data are valid in other cases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated game with five subsystems: (i) electronic spell-casting system, (ii) card game system, (iii) user-created card system, (iv) system for replacing the use of dice and/or random number generation; and (v) board game system. Spell-casting system provides a physical input mechanism, e.g., sensor-equipped “magic wand”, and a verbal input mechanism which together trigger a spell. Cards form formations affecting their powers and are marked as “spent” by being placed under another card. Users create their own cards through a Web-accessible site. Random number (generated by computer or dice) usage is replaced by “challenges,” i.e., player-performed tasks. Chess pieces follow standard rules but are deployed one-by-one, as are squares of the chess board. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: A target game includes a target area having first and second electrical grids that are configured to maintain a predetermined spacing therebetween. The target game includes a processor in communication with a power supply and grids so as to actuate the power supply to impart a level of capacitance between the grids, to measure an amount of time required for the level of capacitance between the grids to be discharged, and to detect a change in the amount of time required for the level of capacitance to be discharged. The game includes at least one dart having a conductive front portion sized to span the predetermined spacing between the grids. An output device is in data communication with the processor for conveying the detection of a change in an amount of time required for the level of capacitance between the grids to be discharged.

Abstract: A power or life meter is displayed in a video game. Firing a weapon depletes the indicated power. Meanwhile, the power is recharged at a predetermined rate. If the indicated power exceeds capacity, the game character is adversely impacted. If the indicated power is completely depleted, the game character loses a benefit.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A playing area with one or more holes that allow game pieces to fall through the playing area into a mechanism that collects the game pieces until the weight of the pieces is greater than the counter weight and allowing the rocker arm to rotate and dispense the game pieces into the receiving mechanism or reward the player a prize by another method.

Abstract: An automatic algorithm for finding racing lines via computerized minimization of a measure of the curvature of a racing line is derived. Maximum sustainable speed of a car on a track is shown to be inversely proportional to the curvature of the line it is attempting to follow. Low curvature allows for higher speed given that a car has some maximum lateral traction when cornering. The racing line can also be constrained, or “pinned,” at arbitrary points on the track. Pinning may be randomly, deterministically, or manually and allows, for example, a line designer to pin the line at any chosen points on the track, such that when the automatic algorithm is run, it will produce the smoothest line that still passes through all the specified pins.

Abstract: In a game system, a PC control unit controls an attack on an enemy character by a player's character. An enemy character control unit controls an attack on the player's character by the enemy character. An MP management unit stores, in an MP storage, a current value of a magic point indicative of the power required for a magic attack and manages an increase and decrease in the current value of the magic point. The magic point stored in the MP storage is used commonly by the player's character and the enemy character. When the player's character attacks the enemy character and the enemy character attacks the player's character, the MP management unit subtracts a value required for the attack, from the current value of the magic point.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument that includes an input means for inputting first performance data from a first performer side and a second performance data from a second performer side, wherein the input includes at least pitch information, query performance data and response performance data. A mode switch is for switching between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode uses the first performance data as the query performance data, and the second performance data as the response performance data. The second mode uses the second performance data as the query performance data, and the first performance data as the response performance data. A condition determination at least determines whether the response performance data matches the query performance data. A controller automatically operates the mode switch based on the condition determination. The musical instrument enhances learning musical tone discrimination via a game like interaction.

Abstract: A video driving game system includes a game console and a control device. The game console includes a processor unit for executing a driving game so as to manipulate a virtual driving vehicle and a display apparatus having a display screen for displaying the virtual driving vehicle.

Abstract: A reaction-training game machine includes a machine table holding a host system therein, a display mounted in the top wall of the machine table and controllable to display game images, and one operation controller installed in the machine table at each of two opposite lateral sides, each operation controller providing a set of buttons for pressing by a player to generate one respective virtual bumper block from one lateral edge of the display at a respective location. The host system generates one virtual moving ball on the display when the reaction-training machine is started up, and the virtual moving ball bounces when touched the top or bottom edge of the display or one bumper block at one lateral edge of the display, or one point deduction is made to the score of the player when the virtual moving ball touches one lateral edge of the display. The game is over when the energy table for one player is used up.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.

Abstract: The present inventions concerns a display system (2) for displaying multiplex information, whereby an individual selection of information is individually addressed to a different user or user groups, whereby the display system for displaying multiplex information comprises at least one display panel of a plurality of light emitting dot-like means and a plurality of sensors (6a, 6b), whereby a user or user groups are located by sensor so that individual information can be individually addressed depending on the position of each sensor-located user or user groups.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with a target, a CRT, a card reader and a cash-box on a front face. A player inserts his own ID card into the card reader. The CRT displays information concerning a game and has a function of a game display when a game adopting darts is executed. A target is both a target hit by an arrow and also a tool by which players obtain points, areas or numerals by arrow throwing. A button is provided on the game machine for “Player Change” of the darts, which is used as an operation input switch for a control unit (100).

Abstract: An interactive sports training device has a plurality of light sources, multiple sensor means and a processor to facilitate the manoeuvring, passing and shooting of an object. Each sensor means is associated with one of the plurality of light sources, the sensor means being adapted to be triggered when an object is brought into close proximity with an activated light source. A processor means is coupled to the light sources and sensor means and is provided with at least one training program, and the processor means controls activation of the light sources according to at least one training program. When an object is placed in close proximity to an activated light source, the sensor communicates with the processor to deactivate the activated light source and to activate another light source in accordance with a training program. In use, it provides a system for simulating the unpredictable and competitive nature of multi-player sports by allowing a user to practice on his own in a ‘real life’ environment.

Abstract: A gaming device, wherein a player's skill at an action or event determines the player's success or failure in the round. The game is readily adaptable to becoming a pseudo-skill game that would be required in most gaming jurisdictions. In one pseudo-skill embodiment, the skill game is converted to a game employing skill, but which is controlled by a set number of successful outcomes. That is, the player keeps playing until the player's skill produces the set number of successful outcomes. In another pseudo-skill embodiment, the game only appears to the player as involving skill. Instead, the gaming device randomly determines when and how many times to produce a successful outcome and increase the player's award.

Abstract: The objective of present invention is to provide a game input device which allows a player to enjoy the feeling of actually playing a musical instrument along with a rhythm of music, a game method and a game system using such a game input device. The present invention is a game input device having a moving portion and a neck portion, the moving portion has at least two or more inputs, the moving portion is provided onto the neck portion, and the position of the moving portion is movable on the neck portion. The present invention is also a game method and a game system using the game input device.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for scoring a musical performance involving multiple parts in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in signal communication with a game platform, target musical data associated with a musical composition. The game platform receives a first music performance input data, with the first music performance input data being associated with a first part in the musical composition. The game platform also receives a second music performance input data, the second music performance input data associated with a second part in the musical composition. The game platform then calculates a first score based on the first music performance input data and a second score based on the second music performance input data. It then calculates a final or modified score based on the first score and the second score.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying a harmonically relevant pitch guide in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by analyzing, by a game platform, target music data associated with a musical composition to determine a musical scale within the target music data. Then a bounded space, such as a lane to display vocal cues in, is displayed that includes a plurality of interval demarcations based on the scale, and a background comprising a color scheme based on preselected pitches of the scale. Then the game platform displays the target music data in a manner indicative of the harmonically relevant pitches with respect to the pitch guide.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying song lyrics and vocal cues in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in communication with a game platform, a vocal cue. The vocal cue moves on the display in synchronization with a timing component of a musical composition towards a target marker. Lyrics are also displayed, but instead of moving with the movement of the vocal cue the lyrics are displayed in a fixed position. The lyrics maintain their position until the vocal cue has moved to a particular position with respect to the target marker.

Abstract: An interactive animation environment. The interactive animation environment includes at least one user-controlled object, and the animation method for providing this environment includes determining a position of the user-controlled object, defining a plurality of regions about the position, detecting a user input to move the position of the user-controlled object, associating the detected user input to move the position of the user-controlled object with a region in the direction of movement, and providing an animation of the user-controlled object associated with the mapped region. A system and controller for implementing the method is also disclosed. A computer program and computer program product for implementing the invention is further disclosed.

Abstract: Adaptive agents are driven by rewards they receive based on the outcome of their behavior during actual game play. Accordingly, the adaptive agents are able to learn from experience within the gaming environment. Reward-driven adaptive agents can be trained at either or both of game-time or development time. Computer-controlled agents receive rewards (either positive or negative) at individual action intervals based on the effectiveness of the agents' actions (e.g., compliance with defined goals). The adaptive computer-controlled agent is motivated to perform actions that maximize its positive rewards and minimize is negative rewards.

Abstract: Provided are a program and an information processing apparatus for controlling execution of a ball sports simulation game that can provide for a player sensations similar to those experienced when actually playing the sports.

Abstract: A system and a method is provided wherein real world monetary or cash values are placed on virtual world avatars, avatar possessed or avatar purchasable virtual world items, environmental virtual world items and virtual world computer generated non-player characters (NPCs), such as slayable beasts, monsters, creatures, or humanoids. These NPCs or other avatars (i.e., other players' avatars) have the ability to defeat and collect the cash value of avatars and their gear, thus gaining cash value for the NPC or the avatars. This cash value is then winnable by any avatar with the skill to best the NPC or other avatar. In this system and method, a real world cash value of an avatar is established and can be increased or decreased based upon the avatar's interaction with other avatars, the virtual world environment and/or a player's investment of real world cash value.

Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a game includes a rotating wheel and sound effects, both under microprocessor control. In another example embodiment, a wheel indicator with sound effects includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a speaker, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and speaker to emit a sound. In another example embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and sound display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a speaker, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating sound effects from the speaker.

Abstract: An image generation system performs a specific pattern determination process of determining the combination pattern of a puzzle block and other puzzle blocks each time the placement of the puzzle block in a display area is determined, and setting an erasing target block when a specific pattern has been formed, and a chain determination process of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied after the erasing target block has been set, and repeatedly performs the chain determination process until the predetermined condition becomes not satisfied in the chain determination process. The image generation system performs an erasing process of erasing the erasing target block from a game space when the predetermined condition becomes not satisfied in the chain determination process.

Abstract: Electronic game components are described. The electronic game components may define radiation striking zones in which user strikes may be detected. In response to detecting the strikes, control signals for an audio generator or gaming console may be generated. The electronic game components may be used to simulate percussive instruments, with the radiation striking zones corresponding to percussive components of the simulated percussive instrument.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a player rating for at least one tennis player enhances the tennis playing experience of by matching tennis players of comparable tennis skills. The methodology comprises assigning numerical player ratings generally corresponding to each player's individual tennis skill level. A competitive threshold is established, corresponding to a minimum number of games that a player must win in a match between players having the same player rating. A player is considered to be competitive within a rating level, regardless of whether the player wins or loses matches, provided the player wins at least the minimum number of games that corresponds to the established competitive threshold. Adjustments are made to a player's rating only if/when the player has a sustained record of “non-competitive” matches with similarly rated players.

Abstract: A method of playing a game of skill is provided which includes providing a display, providing several different insignia, and providing a group of several sets of insignia. Each set includes an equal number of insignia in a prearranged order. The group includes first and last sets and a plurality of sets arranged in a designated order on a virtual track. The first set abuts the last set thereby forming a continuous virtual track. The order remains constant. A player provides credits for a play and the display sequentially displays one set of the plurality of sets in the designated order on for a finite period of time. Each set is displayed in a matrix until the player requests the sets to stop the sequential displaying at a particular set. The player is awarded credits for stopping the sequential displaying on a set displaying a winning pattern of indicia.

Abstract: An in-game interface for a music video game includes one or more feedback mechanisms configured to provide feedback to a player relating to the player's performance of the music video game. A compare module compares the player's performance with a reference performance provided by the music video game. A performance evaluation module determines the performance feedback to be presented to the player while the player performs the musical composition. In some embodiments, the player's pitch and rhythm are compared against a reference pitch and rhythm. If the player's pitch and rhythm matches the reference pitch and rhythm to within a predetermined target range, then the performance feedback is positive. Otherwise, the performance feedback is negative.