In one embodiment, a gaming system includes a mobile remote control vehicle. The mobile remote control vehicle communicates wirelessly with a control unit, and may be operated outside a line-of-sight (LOS) of the control unit.

A method and system for computer controlled racing over a network are disclosed. The network comprises at least one vehicle to be controlled and a remote user station. A server may also be incorporated and provided with a user profile database containing user profiles and a user racing history. Users may be ranked and assigned vehicle performance profiles depending upon their performance. The server further includes a track marshal module configured to monitor vehicle usage and may be configured to override a vehicle during erratic vehicle behavior. The server is also provided with a behavior module that may allow the server to initialize a vehicle according to a user profile. The vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to communicate with the server over a wireless or wired network using network switched packets containing vehicle control data. The server may also communicate with a user control station in a similar manner.

A system and a method for controlling a vehicle remotely over a network are disclosed. A vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network communications containing vehicle control data. In one embodiment, the vehicle control module is configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly. Additionally, the vehicle may comprise one or more cameras configured to transmit a two dimensional, three dimensional, or 360.degree. panoramic view from the vehicle. The network comprises a user station, a server, and at least one vehicle to be controlled. The user station may comprise an operator booth that resembles the driving compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, the user station may comprise a portable control device.

A virtual scale model operating environment for controlling operational scale models. The virtual scale model operating environment includes a virtual controller that provides simulated environmental parameters normally associated with real operation. The virtual controller can display a simulated measure of the simulated environmental parameters to a user. Control of the operational scale model by a user is altered by the virtual controller in response to the simulated environmental parameters. The simulated environmental parameters vary due to various factors including the operation of the scale model by a user in order to provide more realistic play. The virtual controller further provides sound effects and phrases from a virtual voice through its own speakers or through headphones. The virtual controller has a microcontroller executing software algorithms to provide the simulated environmental parameters and alter actual control of the operational scale model. The virtual scale model operating environment optionally includes a virtual scale model stage depicting a scene ordinarily associated with real-life operation which may include props to set, reset, or adjust the simulated environmental parameters. In the exemplary preferred embodiment, the virtual environment is an automobile race where the virtual controller controls an scale model race car with simulated environmental parameters including fuel tank level, tire conditions, engine temperature and a race track pit as the virtual scale model stage with props including a fuel pump with fuel nozzle, an air compressor with air wrench, and an engine tuner with timing light.