(no subject)
4 Patents filed yesterday by Nintendo:
1. Interface for controlling a graphical image
An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the
computer running an application program and generating a graphical
image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipulatable object in
communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of
the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control
the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic
sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between
the graphical image and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a
member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation. In another
version, a mouse for interfacing a user with a computer generating a
graphical environment comprising a graphical hand comprises a housing,
a position detector to detect a position of the mouse, the position
detector capable of providing a first position signal to the computer
to control the position of the graphical hand in the graphical
environment, and a finger position detector to detect a position of a
finger of the user, the finger position detector capable of providing a
second position signal to the computer to control a graphical finger on
the graphical hand in relation to the position of the finger of the
user.
2. Game system and game program for providing multi-player gameplay on individual displays and a common display
A game system with a high entertainment value, in which a plurality
of player character are played by a plurality of players, and a game
program for such a game system are provided. A plurality of individual
displays provided to players and a common display commonly provided to
all players are provided. Each player character is moved between a
first game map and a second game map upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition. A player character located on the first game
map and at least a part of the first game map are displayed on the
common display. A player character located on the second game map and
at least a part of the second game map are displayed on an individual
display provided to a player operating that player character.
3. Adrenaline feature for sports video games
A method for controlling game play for use in a video game, wherein
a plurality of possible animated actions can be taken by a game
character in response to an input from a user provided through a game
controller. The method includes: detecting user input from the game
controller requesting an animated action by the player; reading an
adrenaline value from a control element on the controller indicating a
level of aggression desired by the user for the animated action;
selecting an animated action from the plurality of possible animated
actions based at least in part on the adrenaline value; and performing
the selected animated action.
4. Controller grip for a video game machine
A grip for a controller of a video game machine or video computer
system that reduces slipping of the controller, increases the user's
comfort and keeps the user's finger tips in proper position during use
of the controller. The controller grip of the present invention
provides a way to inexpensively, quickly and easily give a controller a
different size, shape and/or ornamental design. The controller grip of
the present invention has a covering material securable to the
controller. The covering material is sized and configured to cover the
controller in manner that the user has access to the controller's
action control buttons and the selection control buttons.
I'm still somewhat skeptical that something like this could be implemented in time for the Revolution. However, the possibilities brought up by the combination of the 1st, 3rd and 4th patents are...exciting.