Methods and apparatus for a video game magic system

摘要

A system for allowing a player to invoke magic or other special powers in a video game is provided. To activate the magic, the player moves a motion detecting controller in accordance with one or more provided instructions. The outcome of the activation of the magic can be determinate on, for example, speed, accuracy, etc. Controllers in one or both hands may be used, and the instructions can be as simple as single direction gestures and as complex as multi-directional symbols which must be traced in the air. A sequence of any type of instructions may also be provided to instruct the activation of the magic.

主权项

1. A method of tracing symbols using a handheld input device wirelessly coupled to a computer-based system comprising a processor, memory and a display interface connected to a display device, the handheld input device including a sensor that can sense spatial controller pointing and/or motion in free space, the method comprising:
displaying, on the display device, a symbol comprising a sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs; instructing a user to trace the displayed sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs comprising the symbol by moving the handheld input device in free space; detecting, with the processor, at least spatial input device pointing and/or motion by monitoring signals sensed by the sensor and provided by the handheld input device to the computer-based system; determining, with the processor, in response to monitoring the signals, whether the user moves the handheld input device in free space to gesture the displayed sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs; and varying a degree of effectiveness of a game action based on the gesturing of the displayed sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs that is determined based on the user's movement of the handheld input device in free space, the game action using a parameter corresponding to a strength defined by, at least, an accuracy of tracing the sequence divided by a value produced based on a quotient derived from a time taken for completing the tracing of the sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs and a time allowed for completing the tracing of the sequence of cursively-connected line segments and/or arcs.