The present invention provides systems for and methods of playing a video game that includes providing a game character having a virtual appearance characteristic, receiving an input signal indicative of a user exercise performance level, and altering the virtual appearance characteristic in response to receiving the input signal. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

The present invention provides systems for and methods of playing a video game that includes providing a game character having a virtual appearance characteristic, receiving an input signal indicative of a user exercise performance level, and altering the virtual appearance characteristic in response to receiving the input signal. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Embodiments herein describe a wristband for securing a smart electronic wrist device to the human subject. A heart rate sensor, coupled to the wristband of one embodiment, attaches to the human subject, and to generate electronic signals responsive to the heart rate of the human subject. An analog to digital signal converting circuit (ADC), electronically coupled to the heart rate sensor, to receive electrical signals generated by the heart rate sensor. A digital signal encoding circuit, electronically coupled to the ADC, to convert the electrical signals to data signals. A wireless communication interface to transmit the digital signals wirelessly to a handheld phone call device. The handheld cellular device includes a physiological processor for analysis of the data signals concerning the heart rate of the human subject.

Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video game allow for mobile communication devices to receive updated content for video games that operate on the devices. The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service provider. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive updated content. After the updated content is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. The user of the mobile communication device may be provided with one or more options that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display updated content. In addition, the server may track what content has already been received by the mobile communication device.

An example information processing system includes a main unit, a first controller device and a second controller device. The main unit includes a display. The first controller device is configured to be removably attached to the main unit, and the first controller device transmits first operation data representing an operation performed on the first controller device to the main unit, irrespective of whether the first controller device is attached to the main unit. The second controller device is configured to be removably attached to the main unit, and the second controller device transmits second operation data representing an operation performed on the second controller device to the main unit, irrespective of whether the second controller device is attached to the main unit. The main unit displays, on the display, an execution result of an information process based on the first and the second operation data.

Embodiments herein describe a wristband for securing the smart electronic wrist device to the human subject. A heart rate sensor, coupled to the wristband of one embodiment, attaches to the human subject, and to generate electronic signals responsive to the heart rate of the human subject. An analog to digital signal converting circuit (ADC), electronically coupled to the heart rate sensor, to receive electrical signals generated by the heart rate sensor. A digital signal encoding circuit, electronically coupled to the ADC, to convert the electrical signals to data signals. A wireless communication interface to transmit the digital signals wirelessly to a handheld phone call device. The handheld cellular device is wirelessly coupled to the smart electronic wrist device to receive data concerning the human subject derived from the data hear rate signals, and is also coupled to the data communication network to transmit the data heart rate signal.

An information processing method is disclosed. In one embodiment, a game space of a positional information game is controlled, a plurality of user terminals executing the positional information game to access the game space based on locations of the user terminals in a real space. Information of human activities regarding regions in the real space is obtained, the regions including at least a first region and a second region neighboring the first region. Whether the first region is unsafe is determined based on the obtained information of human activities. Responsive to the first region being determined as unsafe, a game content accessible at a virtual location in the game space that is associated with the second region is recognized, and the game users are notified of presence of the game content in the virtual location in the game space that is associated with the second region.

An electronic device with a transformable multi-planar display includes a central body and peripheral elements. Each peripheral element has outward-facing sides and inward-facing sides. Each outward-facing side comprises a microprocessor-controllable electronic display screen. Each inward-facing side includes a contact group of electrical contacts arranged to engage with another contact group of electrical contacts of another other one of the peripheral elements. Each contact group includes a plurality of permanent magnets, a plurality of sockets recessed in a corresponding inward-facing side, each socket defining a cavity that houses a corresponding permanent magnet and has an aperture through which at least a portion of the housed permanent magnet is permitted to protrude. A retention spring is situated within each socket and coupled to the housed permanent magnet. The retention spring exerts a biasing force to retain the permanent magnet in a recessed position when there is no engagement with another contact group.

A portable information handling system interacts with a game controller through either a direct connection at a wired interface at the sides of opposing controller housings and the information handling system housing or through a bridge having a bridge housing that directly couples to the controller housing as a bridge to the information handling system, such as with a wireless interface. During a sliding coupling motion, pins of the controller housing wired interface move across pins of the bridge or information handling system wired interface. Analysis of the interface signals through a sliding coupling motion identifies the type of controller housing, such as a controller housing with game input devices or with extra functions like speaker audio and supplemental battery power.