Abstract: Provided is an input device for a billiard game comprising: a simulative ball provided as an object to be shot by a player; a link portion having a ball axis on which the simulative ball is mounted; a support portion for movably supporting the link portion; and a sensor for outputting a signal that corresponds to an operation of the link portion, wherein at least either one of rotational motion of the simulative ball around an axle of a ball axis and linear motion of the simulative ball in a predetermined range along an axial direction of the ball axis is permitted.

Abstract: A display device 12 covered by a touch panel 13 displays a game space on a display screen. Position coordinates (tx, ty) obtained when the touch panel 13 is touch-operated are detected at a predetermined periodic cycle. At least one of a movement speed (V) and a movement direction (?) is calculated as a movement parameter for a second object based on current position coordinates (tx, ty) and position coordinates (tpx, tpy) having been detected in an immediately preceding time. A new movement parameter (V and ?) is determined using movement parameters having been previously determined (Vp and ?p) and the newly calculated movement parameter (V and ?). When the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined positional relationship therebetween, the second object is moved and display-controlled based on the updated movement parameter.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.

Abstract: The system monitors a user's key physical movements when performing a particular activity, such as a golf swing, and signals visually and/or aurally when a single (or several) error(s) is/are committed, for the purpose of encouraging faster learning of fundamentally sound physical skills. Mental conditioning is achieved when the effects of repeatedly listening to the specially constructed and authored audio conditioning programs during practice sessions and games are combined with the above described physical monitoring effects of the system. Better physical execution of a selected technique or skill results, and the user experiences the benefits of mental conditioning on his/her playing performance.

Abstract: First, a designated position on a display screen is continuously obtained based on a designation performed by a pointing device. Next, it is detected that a sound which satisfies a predetermined condition is inputted to sound input means. Then, while it is detected that the sound which satisfies the predetermined condition is inputted, predetermined drawing-related processing is executed at a position based on the obtained designated position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus server connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus server receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus server may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: A music training and entertainment system allows a user to input a selection of source music in a native format, and isolates a desired vocal or instrument component within the source music. The user selects the component of the source music against which to be compared. The system suppresses the non-selected components of the source content to isolate the user-selected component. The system receives user input corresponding to the isolated component, and matches the user's performance to the original performance on the basis of pitch, rhythm, and quality comparisons. In a graphical user interface, avatars representing the user and judges are displayed in relation to an audience. Audience reaction is configured to reflect a score obtained by the user. A lyric extraction and generation process displays lyrics to a song in real time to the user as the music track is played.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing performance of a golfer, a number greens hit in regulation by the golfer during at least one round of golf and a number of long game strokes taken by the golfer during the at least one round of golf are determined, a long game efficiency index of the golfer is calculated by dividing the determined number of long game strokes by the determined number of greens hit in regulation, and a long game handicap of the golfer is determined based at least in part upon the calculated long game efficiency index and a known relationship between long game handicap versus long game efficiency index. The method may be performed by a computer system if desired.

Abstract: An interactive musical instrument game includes playing the notes of a song segment or a song on a real musical instrument as prompted by a game display and in coordination with a recorded recognized song or song segment. The display is configured to display a virtual musical instrument corresponding to the real musical instrument. The virtual musical instrument includes virtual keys corresponding to the real keys of the real musical instrument. A music application causes a specific musical recording of a song or a song segment to be played and highlights simultaneously the associated specific virtual keys and the corresponding real keys during the playing of the specific musical recording with the same designation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for simulating a ball-striking game for a batter in a game area. The system includes a fluorescent bat, a fluorescent ball, a tracking device, and a data computing device. The fluorescent bat is adapted to be held by the batter. The fluorescent ball is adapted to be delivered to the batter for hitting the fluorescent ball with the fluorescent bat. The tracking device is capable of detecting a first set and a second set of parameters associated with the fluorescent ball. Further, the tracking device is capable of wirelessly transmitting the first set and the second set of parameters to the data computing device. The data computing device is capable of generating a score for the batter based on the first set and the second set of parameters.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time musical interaction among a plurality of players connected via a network includes the steps of receiving input from a local player representing a musical performance, generating audio output responsive to the received input, receiving second music performance data from a remote player representing a musical performance by the remote player, creating emulation data representing the remote musical performance, and using the emulation data to generate a local approximation of the remote musical performance.

Abstract: The claimed matter provides systems and/or techniques that regulate and/or prescribe an individual's behavior while playing electronic games. The system includes mechanisms and/or modalities that identify physical and/or mental activities similar to those undertaken by a game character and that are appropriate to the fitness or mental capabilities of the individual. It requests the individual to perform the activities selected during the execution of the electronic game, monitors the individual's performance of the activity, and reproduces and associates the individual's actions in performing the selected task to the game character during execution of the electronic game. Further, it enhances or diminishes attributes of the game character based on the intensity of the individual's performance of the selected activity.

Abstract: A prize game apparatus that has plural pairs of pickup arms and can adjust the distance between the pairs of pickup arms is provided. A prize game apparatus includes: a pickup unit capable of moving in specified directions; plural pairs of pickup arms attached to the pickup unit; an opening/closing unit for opening and closing the pairs of pickup arms; and a distance adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the pairs of pickup arms by moving the pair(s) of pickup arms; wherein a prize is picked up or released by closing or opening the pairs of pickup arms.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a musical edutainment interface on a display for playing an electronic musical instrument having frets and strings. The system comprises a processor configured to be placed in communication with the display and the electronic musical instrument and a memory including a musical edutainment software, wherein the processor is configured to execute the musical edutainment software to present, on the display, the musical edutainment interface showing an edutainment musical performance to be followed by a user of the electronic musical instrument, to animate game objects falling vertically to indicate a timing of the edutainment musical performance, to place the game objects within fret areas to demonstrate a corresponding fretting configuration on the frets of the electronic musical instrument, and to align the game objects with a plurality of string lines to demonstrate a strumming of corresponding strings on the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: An interactive game designed for learning to play a guitar. A guitar may be connected to a computer or other platform, capable of loading music and displaying notes and chords and other feedback and visual learning aids on a display screen, allowing a user to read music and play along. The goal of the software or interactive game engine is for players to learn how to play a guitar. Users may operate the game in a number of modes with different goals, playing mini-games throughout the levels of the game. The game provides feedback and statistics to help users learn how to play the guitar.

Abstract: Provided is a screen operation method for operating a character in a virtually 3-dimensional space displayed on a 2-dimensional screen. The method includes: inputting a movement command for an object by an input device; displaying on a movement amount display unit, a change of an object movement amount in accordance with the movement command; displaying accumulated effect by the object movement on an accumulated effect display unit; and executing the next event process in the virtually 3-dimensional space by an event generation unit when the accumulated effect has reached a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to provide GUI exhibiting higher reality in an operation of a simulation game and the like and provide a new business of an online game in which a virtual game world is linked with a real service.

Abstract: A game program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a first delete condition setting step of setting a delete condition of puzzle elements in which puzzle elements of the same kind in a first number or more are continuously arranged in a predetermined direction as a first delete condition and a second delete condition setting step of setting a next delete condition of the puzzle elements in which puzzle elements of the same kind in a second number which is smaller than the first number or more are continuously arranged in a predetermined direction as a second delete condition when it is judged that the first delete condition is achieved in the first delete condition judgment step.

Abstract: A method and system for players to purchase a time credit, play a vibrant console type skill game and place countless numbers of bets until the time credit has elapsed. A two-player console type skill game allows two players to enter a fierce challenge and place countless numbers of bets until the time credit has elapsed. Wherever gaming regulation allows time-gaming AutoBet, then the bet outcome result (instead of fixed points) is briefly shown and accumulated each time a winning or losing feature is hit along the play path; otherwise a “BET” or “No Bet” prompt confirms that a betting opportunity has been offered and requests that the player confirm his or her intention to place the bet.

Abstract: A game system including: a music reproduction section which reproduces given music data stored in a storage section; a display control section which performs display control of changing a relative positional relationship among a direction mark which directs an operation to be performed by a player using an operation section, a special direction mark for the second game and a reference mark for timing judgment of the operation in association with a reproduction state of the music data to cause the direction mark and the reference mark to come closer; a timing acquisition section which acquires operation timing when the player operates the operation section for the direction mark; and a game calculation section which performs calculation processing of a first game of comparing the acquired operation timing with timing criteria and calculation processing of a second game differing from the first game based on operation information of the operation section for the special direction mark.

Abstract: In a video game device which performs a video game wherein a game character or unit moves through a plurality of paths including a plurality of branch points according to an instruction of a player, a first movement control unit displays branch-direction indications enabling the player to select one of a plurality of first branch directions at a branch point on a path in the video game, so that a selected one of the plurality of first branch directions is received from the player. A second movement control unit displays preceding-branch-direction indications enabling the player to select, in advance, one of a plurality of second branch directions at a branch point on a following path in the selected first branch direction, so that a selected one of the plurality of second branch directions is received from the player.

Abstract: A dance game method and computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for implementing the dance game method is provided. The dance game method arouses a user's interest to feel a sensation of being assimilated with a virtual character dancing according to music.

Abstract: A method of managing multi-player game input as single-player game input includes building a command queue, the command queue being a series of time-slices; extracting a most recent time-slice from the command queue, the most recent time-slice including at least one command from difference inputs of the multi-player input; building alternate command queues with information extracted from the most recent time-slice; analyzing the command queue and the alternate command queues to determine an optimum command queue, the optimum command queue including commands from at least one input of the multi-player input; and outputting the optimum command queue as the single-player game input.

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 pusher-type prize dispensing device in which each of two support plates on which a bonus prize is placed is pivotally supported on one end on an axis of which the axial direction coincides with the horizontal and depth direction, and is locked almost horizontally by allowing the other end to be suspended on a locking member. A suspended string is tied to a bent upper portion, and the other end of the support plate is suspended on the top surface of a lower portion, whereby the locking member locks the support plate. When a weight member falls from a stationary table, the locking member moves rotationally due to the fall of the weight member so that the upper portion moves downward, whereby the support plate falls downward, causing the prize P placed on the top surface of the support plate to fall toward a prize receiving port.

Abstract: A gaming system, device and method for playing a changeable non-visible maze that can be navigated using visible or non-visible cues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a premium getting game machine capable of making a bipedal walking robot (concretely, humanoid bipedal walking robot) whose control is complicated walk for getting a premium. The premium getting game machine 1 makes a humanoid bipedal walking robot 2 walk by an operation of a user to get a premium disposed therein. The premium getting game machine 1 includes a walking-control unit of the humanoid bipedal walking robot 2 in response to the operation of the user, and a holding-control unit which controls the holding action allowing the bipedal walking robot 2 to hold the premium in response to the operation of the user. The premium held by the humanoid bipedal walking robot 2 is dropped into an input opening 15 by the user' s operation of an operation button of an operating unit 19, and the premium is output from an output opening 17.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for simulating river rafting. The method includes disposing a first person within an open receptacle. The method further includes displaying at least one river rafting video file stored in a storage medium on a display screen. The storage medium is adapted to be accessed by a media player to display at least one river rafting video file on the display screen coupled to the media player. Further, the method includes rocking the open receptacle by a second person in front of the display screen for enabling the first person to simulate the river rafting based upon watching the at least one river rafting video file and the open receptacle being rocked. A system for simulating river rafting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network having unpredictable delivery latency, the first player located remotely from the second player, includes displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition, receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument, displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the musical composition, and receiving music performance input from the second player.

Abstract: A method for simulating the experience of a sports official is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) displaying game content over a medium and (b) receiving a first input signal while the game content is being displayed which stops the content from being displayed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a character object in a virtual space by means of an information processing program. When a specific event occurs in the execution of the information processing program, a passing rate of time of the character object in the virtual space is changed, for example, by changing the rate at which the object is displaced in the virtual space as compared to a rate of change prior to the specific event. This method can be used, for example, to decrease a rate of displacement of only the object in the virtual space so that the object may be more easily manipulated.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a neural engine for recommending picks in an on-line fantasy sport draft and in on-line fantasy trades. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one computing memory having associated therewith a plurality of rules, wherein at least ones of the plurality of rules include historical performance information for at least two fantasy sports teams in at least two fantasy sports leagues, wherein one of the at least two fantasy sports leagues is associated with the on-line fantasy sports draft, and expert information regarding the picks in the on-line fantasy sports draft. The present invention may additionally include at least one computer processor that applies ones of the plurality of rules drawn from the at least one computing memory to arrive at a recommendation.

Abstract: Indication objects are displayed on a television monitor at the intervals in agreement with the rhythm of music, such that the player can generate musical tones in synchronization with music by striking the strike surface of a music game console in the appropriate timing as indicated by indication objects. In this case, the tone quality of the strike sound changes in the progress of music on the basis of strike sound indicating information.

Abstract: Event organization devices, methods, and programs for organizing a competitive event including at least one sponsor, a plurality of participants and at least one celebrity are provided. The devices, methods, and programs plan the sale of a right to play in a competitive event to the participants and match the participants with the celebrity for only a portion of the competitive event such that each of the participants plays in the competitive event alongside the celebrity during the portion of the competitive event. The devices, methods, and programs calculates revenue to be distributed from the competitive event to at least one of one or more of the participants, the sponsor, and the celebrity.

Abstract: A game apparatus provided with a touch panel that a player can use to enter an instruction by touching a touch panel with a stick or a finger. A touch panel image, including multiple button switch images, is displayed on the touch panel, and the player can enter a desired instruction by touching a button switch image associated with the desired instruction. Thus, the player is able to provide an instruction concerning the action of a selected character with a simple operation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for providing real-time interaction between a user performing an exercise routine and a virtual competitor. Some embodiments of the portable electronic device may include a sensor for receiving a plurality of user performance metrics associated with the user, a processor for generating a comparison between the plurality of user performance metrics and a competitor workout file associated with the virtual competitor, and a display for displaying a summary of the comparison in real-time.

Abstract: Racing games and other computer-implemented games having garage, showroom and test drive features are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a racing game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes displaying a plurality of cars in a simulated showroom setting. Game players can roam freely about the showroom in first-person mode and inspect the cars in close detail. If a player desires, he or she can test drive one or more of the cars to assess its performance before competing in a racing event with the car.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a computer program product and processor based computing system that provides processing means for executing coded instructions and input means for interacting with said processing means to create a virtual welding environment. The system establishes an objective to change a functional or operational state of a virtual article, and directs the end user to perform at least one virtual welding operation for changing its functional state.

Abstract: Measuring and converting physical activities to benefits, including: measuring a physical activity of a user using a measuring device; converting the measurement made by the measuring device to service benefits using predetermined formulas, wherein the service benefits are consistent and balanced to time needed to attain a similar reward from engaging only in a target activity; and providing the benefits.

Abstract: Specification of an attack for a player character is received by means of an attack specifying operation of the player. A direct attack reaction is determined in the case where it is determined that the attack hits an enemy character A. The direct attack reaction indicates a reaction of the direct attack target character that suffers the direct attack. The enemy character A is then caused to execute the determined direct attack reaction. In the case where it is determined that an indirect attack to be caused by contact between the enemy characters A, B hits an enemy character B when the enemy character A executes the direct attack reaction, an indirect attack reaction indicating a reaction of the enemy character B that suffers the indirect attack is determined. The enemy character B is then caused to execute the determined indirect attack reaction.

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

Abstract: A dance game machine has a mode wherein instruction information to guide a player's dance motion is displayed on a display part, and a mode wherein the instruction information is not displayed. If not displayed, a storage part stores music data, step data, screen data, and comment data corresponding to the mode. A control part reproduces the stored music data sequentially, as well as outputting to the display part the screen data corresponding to the music data, but excepting the instruction information. An input receiving part receives operational input data based on a player's dance motion, while reproducing the music data sequentially. A determination part creates evaluation data of the player's dance motion by comparing dance data being created based on the music data and the step data with operational input data of the player, and outputs the evaluation data to the control part. The control part outputs comment data corresponding to the evaluation data to the display part.

Abstract: An electronic basketball skill monitoring and developing system and method, particularly suited for children and young adults that would make solo and group participation more interesting and enjoyable and includes an electronic basketball game system using a basketball having a controller including a registration subsystem, an indicator subsystem, and a timing subsystem, the controller responsive to a physical impact on the registration subsystem to generate an activity signal, the timing system, responsive to the activity system and to the timing signal, that records a number of the physical impacts on the registration subsystem in one or more activity periods; and a plurality of markers, one for each of a plurality of basketball shot locations referenced by the indicator subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video game in which a player can feel an amusement by switching a player character to be an operation object in a battle with an enemy character even in a game performed after the battle is completed. The player can switch the operation object, which is usually the normal character, to a non-player character that can be the temporary character in the battle by switching operation. With such switching operation, the player performs the battle with the enemy character using the temporary character as the operation object. If a predetermined time elapses, the operation object is switched back to a normal character. At this time, an HP of the temporary character that is used as the operation object reflects on an HP of the normal character. If a special ability of the temporary character that is used as the operation object is used, the special ability is inherited by the normal character and can be used in battles thereafter.

Abstract: An image data generator of this game apparatus generates, in a combat state, combat image data to display player's combat elements that executes a combat and opponent's combat elements fighting with the player's combat elements on the display unit in real time. This game comprises a distance detector that detects a distance between the player's combat element and the opponent's combat element at the time of changing a normal state to the combat state, and displays an initial image at the beginning of the combat state in accordance with the distance therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a sport show on a television for entertainment of sports enthusiasts. The sport show comprises a plurality of teams, a plurality of judges and a plurality of spectators. Each team of the plurality of teams comprises a plurality of players. Each player of the plurality of players exhibits a sport skill. The sport show is broadcast on the television for television viewers. The plurality of judges, the plurality of spectators and the television viewers watch each player of the plurality of players exhibiting the sport skill for providing a rating to the sport skill of each player. Score of each player is calculated based on a rating of judges, a rating of spectators and a rating of television viewers and a result of the sport show is declared based on a score earned by each team of the plurality of teams.

Abstract: A method for interacting with music on a mobile device comprises actuating by a user vector music which is overlaid on streaming music.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.

Abstract: A method of participating in an athletic event with a remotely-located competitor using first and second wireless competition devices includes establishing a wireless communication connection with the second wireless competition device. The second wireless competition device is associated with the remotely-located competitor for the athletic event. Positioning data for the second wireless competition device is received via the wireless communication connection. The positioning data for the second wireless competition device characterizes a previous or real-time performance of the athletic event by the competitor. The received positioning data for the second wireless competition device is provided for display on the first wireless competition device relative to positioning data for the first wireless competition device, which characterizes a performance of the athletic event by a user thereof. Related methods and devices are also discussed.

Abstract: A gaming console facilitating universal game control for mobile devices capable of video gaming includes a housing supporting a video graphics display area, a coupling interface and docking bay strategically located in the housing relative to the display area for docking and coupling to a mobile device, at least one video game controller interface conveniently located on the housing relative to the display area, and at least one mobile device control interface conveniently located on the housing relative to the display area wherein the gaming console with a mobile device coupled thereto serves as a video gaming station for playing video games accessible to the mobile device, and wherein the at least one video game controller interface is used to execute and play a video game instead of controls resident on the mobile device.