U.S. Patent No. 9,687,733: Game apparatus, storage medium, game controlling method and game system
Issued June 27, 2017, to Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Priority Date February 23, 2011
Summary:
U.S. Patent No. 9,687,733 (the '733 Patent) describes a video game that utilizes a step counter as a game mechanic. The player needs a device capable of counting steps and transmitting the information to the system or else the player can not utilize their steps. If the player does have the necessary device, then the player's steps can be used as a means to advance the game. A player can choose how to spend their steps by selecting from a variety of in-game options such as currency, experience points, or even a hint. Unspent steps are utilized to advance supplemental areas of the game, so no step is wasted. The '733 Patent mainly lists a number of ways a player can spend the steps.
Abstract:
A game apparatus includes a micon, and the micon measures step counts in correspondence with the magnitude of accelerations indicated by acceleration data from an acceleration sensor when a user carries the game apparatus in a sleep mode in which the apparatus is closed. The step counts are converted into earned coins. In each of a plurality of games executed by the game apparatus, by using the earned coins, a special item is purchased, playing in a special course is permitted, a hint is displayed, and a game is played in fast-forward.
Illustrative Claim:
1. A game apparatus comprising an input device, the apparatus configured to at least:
measure step counts using a motion detection device; advance a game on the basis of an input from said input device; and execute processing of supplementing advancement of said game by using the measured step counts during execution of the game, said game being advanceable independently from the measured step counts.
Researched By: Andrew F. Thomas
