Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – Player-actuated control structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-25
2003-12-02
Harrison, Jessica (Department: 3714)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
Player-actuated control structure
C463S038000, C463S046000, C463S007000, C273S273000, C273S440000, C273S445000, C273S446000, C446S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06656049
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a palm-sized electronic game apparatus, and more particularly to a proposal for a new electronic game apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the past, there were the so-called mini-games, which came with keyholders. The mini-game constituted a body formed in the shape of either a rectangular box or an egg, and was equipped on a specific surface with a small, square, tens-of-dot liquid crystal panel, and a number of operating buttons. The contents of games processed on mini-games such as this were mostly popular game titles for home game machines and commercial game machines that had been customized for the mini-games. Further, there were also those apparatus, which were in the so-called simulation game category of games, wherein a character displayed on a liquid crystal panel was treated as a virtual pet, and during the course of the game, the character is “fed” and given “shots” as it is “raised.”
Conversely, there are electronic musical instruments, such as electronic pianos, which generate sounds electrically, wherein a keyboard and the like functions as switches, and when a predetermined key (switch) is pressed by a performer, a built-in electronic circuit operates on the basis of a predetermined computer program, outputting a sound of a corresponding frequency.
However, because mini-games had diminutive operating buttons, and were designed on the premise that they be operated while being held in the hand, they were difficult to operate. In accordance with the type of operating button, it is necessary to frequently press buttons like a “turbo button,” but because conventional mini-game operating buttons are mounted on the front panel, they are difficult to operate.
Further, even though a mini-game is a game that conforms to a popular game title, operability and image quality cannot compare to those of home game machines and commercial game machines, and interest wanes easily. The typical external shape of the mini-game, and monotonous display in particular add to the tendency for young people to readily tire of these games.
Furthermore, a conventional game is constituted so that the score can be increased by rapidly pushing this “turbo button” in a random manner, but since the comparative merits and demerits of game operation are determined simply by the rapid pushing of a button, it is not very interesting.
Conversely, a mini-game is comprised of schematics whereby an “Enemy” is conquered, or a main character is “raised” as a so-called game. But music lovers have been waiting for a tool that they can readily carry around with them, and experience the fun of playing music as well as games.
Furthermore, a vibrator, which is so often utilized with a portable telephone, is effective for indicating that an electronic apparatus has achieved a certain state without bothering other people. If this function were to be incorporated into a simulation game or the like, it would become possible to play a game intermittently throughout the day. Further, a game known as point-scoring fortune-telling, which uses cards on which meaningless messages and points are printed, has exhibited latent popularity for some time, but this card game has never been implemented electronically. It is felt that a mini-game, by its very portability, comprises an aspect that is well-suited to a simple game such as this. Further, an electronic musical instrument generates sound by pressing or touching a specified location with a finger or the like, but there has never been an acoustical product that generates sound using a method other than this.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the above-mentioned conventional inconveniences in view, an object of the invention of the present application is to propose an electronic game apparatus, which is novel in both aspect and function, and which solves for the dissatisfaction associated with a conventional mini-game.
A first object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus having a shape that facilitates operation.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus with an appealing shape.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus, which requires consistent operating timing, and which features operation that is more difficult and more interesting than that of a conventional product.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus, which comprises an operating portion, which imitates a turntable operated by a disc jockey, and which combines elements of a musical instrument with elements of a game.
A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus that enables the provision of a game, which requires a sense of constant rhythm to operate, and which is not available in a conventional product.
A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus, which makes it possible to use vibration to alert a player that it is time to perform an operation.
A seventh object of the present invention is to provide a novel electronic game apparatus, which is constituted to enable the increase and decrease via a subordinate game of a value that determines the action of a character that moves in accordance with an operation.
An eighth object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus, which enables the realization of a game that generates a different display in accordance with fate, such as a written oracle, fortune-telling, or Russian roulette. A ninth object of the present invention is to provide an electronic game apparatus, which comprises a sound generation mechanism that differs from that of a conventional electronic musical instrument.
The invention that solves for the above-mentioned first object is an electronic game apparatus comprising a display panel capable of displaying a game image, and an operating portion in the same body, this electronic game apparatus being constituted to enable placement on an arbitrary surface in accordance a body comprising legs. Further, the present invention is an electronic game apparatus comprising a display panel capable of displaying a game image, and an operating portion in the same body, wherein either a portion or all of the switches of the operating portion are positioned in a location that differs from the surface on which the display panel is provided. For example, the switches are provided in a location, such as a side surface, bottom surface, or the like, where they are easy to operate by finger in a hand-held state, from the standpoint that it is a game that fits in the palm of the hand. Further, the shape of the body is asymmetrical so as to be readily carried in one hand, and the operation portion is provided on a side surface so as to be operable by thumb while being carried in one hand.
As for the invention that solves for the above-mentioned second object, the body is a model of a character related to the game. The use of a character makes it possible to arouse the interest of players in the lower age brackets in particular.
The invention that solves for the above-mentioned third object is an electronic game apparatus constituted to enable the operating state of the operating portion in accordance with the player to be reflected in the movement of a game character, this electronic game apparatus being constituted so as to enable the provision of an operative period, during which the operating state of the operating portion is treated as operable, and an inoperative period, during which the operating state of the operating portion is treated as inoperable, and the processing of the game changes when the player operates the operating portion during the operative period, and when the player operates the operating portion during the inoperative period.
And similarly, the present invention is an electronic game apparatus constituted to enable the operating state of the operating portion in accordance with the player to be refle
Endo Yoshiyuki
Masaki Namiko
Nakayama Madoka
Nobata Fujio
Harrison Jessica
Kabushiki Kaisah Sega Enterprises
Keating & Bennett LLP
Rada, II Alex F. R. P.
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