Abstract: A wireless communications system includes a computer system run on a single platform on which a plurality of different lottery games for different jurisdictions are supported and run from the single platform. The computer system includes at least one workflow server residing in a mobile communications network. Computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one network processor in the workflow server, implements components that include: a workflow module of sets of workflow instructions for processing different types of lottery game packets from a plurality of different jurisdictions. A deep packet inspection module inspects a received lottery game packet and provides information about the lottery game packet to the workflow module. The workflow module coordinates processing of the received lottery game packets using selected ones of selectable communication function modules based on the information about the lottery game packet provided by the deep lottery game packet inspection module.

Abstract: A gaming device is described herein. The gaming device includes a display unit and a controller that is coupled to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed in a display grid. Each reel is adapted to display one of a plurality of symbols. The controller is configured to randomly determine an outcome of the game, select a reel configuration including a plurality of reel groups, determine, for each reel group, a single random symbol being displayed in each reel of the corresponding reel group in the determined outcome, spin and stop each reel of the corresponding reel groups to display the outcome including displaying the same symbols in each reel of the corresponding reel group during rotation, and provide an award to the player as a function of the determined outcome.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing smart matchmaking in a massive multiplayer online game are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may include multiple types of vehicles, where each type of vehicle may progress through increasing tier levels. Different types of vehicles within the same tier may have different capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. When performing matchmaking for a game session, a matchmaking server may use a battle level table defining permissible tiers of each type of vehicle allowed within a particular battle level, and may also limit the number of a specific type of vehicle allowed in any one game session. The battle table may provide an advantage to premium vehicles by limiting the tiers of other vehicles against which a similarly tiered premium vehicle may compete. Battle level difficulty may be adjusted by adjusting the ranges of permissible vehicles in each battle level.

Abstract: Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application.

Abstract: Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine.

Abstract: An online gaming system allowing for adjustment of the effectiveness of virtual items. The system may comprise one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The system may include a game module configured to execute an instance of an online game and to implement the instance of the online game to facilitate participation of users in the online game. The system may include a user module configured to manage user information associated with the users in the online game. The system may include a shop module configured to present virtual items to the users in a virtual shop. The system may include a spend history module configured to obtain user spend information that characterizes past spending by the users on virtual items. The system may include an item effectiveness module configured to determine an effectiveness level of virtual items available in the online game.

Abstract: Some electronic devices may not include hardware such as a gyroscope that is capable of providing precise orientation information. In some implementations, accelerometer data may be used to determine a content display adjustment (e.g., an adjustment to a first person perspective view in a game scene) by sampling accelerometer data over multiple time periods. For example, accelerometer data may be used to determine short term and longer term accelerometer sample values. The content display adjustment may be determined based at least in part on the accelerometer sample values and information associated with the content display adjustment may be communicated to a display.

Abstract: A peep device for a poker card game machine includes a box. The box is provided with first and second video cameras, circuit boards having light emitting diodes for fill-in light, and a reflector on top of the box. The reflector has first and second sight holes corresponding in position to the first and second video cameras. When a poker card slowly passes through the first and second sight holes and the first and second video cameras, the suit and the number of the poker card will be displayed slowly for the player to peep at the poker card with excitement. The light emitting diodes illuminate to shoot the poker card clearly.

Abstract: A method for guiding gameplay of players participating in a computer-implemented virtual game is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining a population contingency, identifying a reference distribution parameter in connection with the population contingency, and using at least one processor to construct a linking function based on a comparison between a player action and the reference distribution parameter. The method further includes the steps of storing game data in a data storage system, wherein the game data includes at least one or more of the population contingency, the reference distribution parameter, and the linking function, and facilitating the exchange of game data between an individual player and the data storage system.

Abstract: A system of collecting and displaying statistical performance data of American football or rugby football tactical plays includes a) Optional ball tracking sensors b) data loggers worn by each player that include accelerometers and location sensors that provide data on duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts c) a processor that collects and analyzes the data for each tactical play to determine i) the initial fine of scrimmage for each play, ii) the end of each play, iii) for each player one or more of duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts, and iv) normalizing all the statistics so that all tactical plays and all individual player performances can be compared from the same start point d) display means to graphically display the statistics and combine the graphics with video images of the play and players.

Abstract: Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components.

Abstract: Pinball machines with modular components. In some cases, a method may include providing a cabinet having a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion; and assembling a pinball machine, at least in part, by sliding a physical object into or onto: (a) a support element of the first lateral portion, and (b) a support element of the second lateral portion. A pinball machine may include a cabinet having a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, and a user-replaceable module coupled to an outside surface of the first or second lateral portions, where the user-replaceable module includes one or more controls or terminals configured to communicate with the machine via an interface. Moreover, the pinball machine may also include a user-replaceable magnetic decal coupled to a metallic outside surface of the first or second lateral portions.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently processing a video stream using limited hardware and/or software resources. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for efficiently processing a video stream with a processor pipeline having a plurality of pipeline stages, comprises: identifying a bottleneck stage within the processor pipeline the bottleneck stage processing frames of the video stream; receiving a feedback signal from the bottleneck stage at one or more upstream stages, the feedback signal providing an indication of the speed at which the bottleneck stage is processing the frames of the video stream; and responsively adjusting the speed at which the one or more upstream stages are processing frames of the video stream to approximate the speed at which the bottleneck stage is processing the frames of the video stream.

Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users via client computing devices. Device information related to a client computing platform used by a user to interact with the virtual space may be obtained. Customized in-game capabilities available for the user may be determined based on the device information, which may include a description of or otherwise identify the client computing platform. The device information may include or otherwise by used to obtain device capabilities such as hardware, software, network, and/or other specifications. Different users using different client computing platforms may be provided with different in-game capabilities such as user roles, content items, levels, and/or other content or actions available for the user in the virtual space based on the client computing platform used by the users to interact with the virtual space.

Abstract: A computer receives an image access preference that is associated with a user included in a first game session. The computer receives an image from a camera, connected to the computer, through a network. The computer analyzes the first image to identify the presence of the user. The computer generates and compares a first analysis result a to a set of stored data to determine, based on the comparison, if the user is present. Responsive to determining that the user is present, the computer applies the received access preferences, associated with the present user, to the first image.

Abstract: Based on posture/motion information obtained from predetermined detection means for detecting a posture or a motion of an input device operated by a user, a virtual plane is calculated at a predetermined timing and set as reference plane. Then, based on motion information, the posture of the input device is calculated as necessary. In accordance with the posture of the input device with respect to the reference plane, predetermined game processing such as moving an object in a virtual space or the like is executed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining and recommending a coaching decision during a football game, where the recommended coaching decision corresponds with the highest probability of winning the football game.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently performing graphics operations on a video game/application hosting service. One embodiment of a system comprises: an application/game server comprising a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit generating a series of video frames; a buffer management logic to manage the series of video frames; a shared buffer managed by the buffer management logic to store the video frames generated; wherein the buffer management logic continually monitors a signal indicating when a video display or video compression unit is ready to receive a next video frame and, responsive to detecting that the display or video compression unit is about to be ready, the buffer management logic to transfer the most recently completed from the shared buffer to a back buffer; and responsive to detecting the signal, the buffer management logic transferring the video frame from the back buffer to a front buffer.

Abstract: A social matchmaking service selects matches of on-line game players based on personal/social characteristics of the players. The social matching service evaluates several criteria to obtain a list of available, socially compatible, game sessions. Criteria about the player include a player's friends, positive feedback about the player, negative feedback about the player, games completed with other players, players to avoid, and the player's gamer zone, country and language. Criteria about hosts of potentially compatible game sessions are also considered. Social matching utilizes a multi-pass approach, applying rules for prioritizing social criteria at each pass. The multi-pass approach starts with a narrow search and broadens the search at each successive pass. At each successive pass, sessions are added to the list of potential sessions until a reasonable number of sessions is achieved. Game sessions are assigned session values in accordance with affiliations between players.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for dual-mode communication are provided. Example embodiments provide an enhanced mobile device that includes a CPU, a low latency transceiver, and a high latency transceiver. The enhanced mobile device is in communication with a console via both the low latency transceiver and the high latency transceiver. The console also includes a CPU, a low latency transceiver, and a high latency transceiver. In some embodiments, the low latency communication channel is used to transmit control messages to an entertainment console whereas the high latency communication channel is used to communicate data between the mobile device and the entertainment console. The dual-mode communication may be used in different scenarios, including with an entertainment console for arena gaming and other entertainment applications.