Abstract: A video game device calculates a difference vector extending from a predetermined reference position on the screen to an input position. Moreover, the video game device calculates movement parameter data used for moving, with respect to a fixed point in the virtual space uniquely determined based on a position of the controlled object, the point of sight to a position that is determined by a direction in the virtual space based on a direction of the difference vector and a distance in the virtual space based on a magnitude of the difference vector. The point of sight is moved based on the movement parameter data. The video game device produces an image based on a virtual camera, which has been moved according to the movement of the point of sight, and displays the image on the screen of a display device.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between devices within the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a gaming machine housing to which a master gaming controller and one or more gaming peripherals can be mounted. The master gaming controller is adapted for executing a game of chance played on the gaming machine and communicating wirelessly with the one or more gaming peripherals used to play the game of chance. Furthermore, the gaming machine includes a wireless communication manager that can manage wireless communications between the master gaming controller and the gaming peripherals, between the gaming peripherals, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating cost for device testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises reading a test file having a plurality of test vectors, determining a required memory needed to execute the plurality of test vectors, and using the required memory to estimate a cost to execute the test vectors.

Abstract: An exercise and video game control apparatus comprising a carriage suspended from a frame by support cables; a first handle coupled to the support cables within arm-reach of the suspended carriage; and a first sensor that generates game related signals when the user biases the game chair away from the first handle. Some embodiments may further comprise a sway bar coupled to the game chair and a plurality of cables, wherein the sway bar reduces motion of the game chair when the user biases the game chair away from the first handle; a rocker coupled to a bottom surface of the frame; and a footpad coupled to the frame within leg-reach of the game chair, the footpad adapted to rotates the frame from a neutral position along the rocker.

Abstract: A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. The game controller is configured to detect a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, convey the indication to a host game system, and transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for displaying game related information on gaming machines. The gaming machines include two or more game presentation devices such as rotating reels, video display screens, touch screens, etc. One or more of these game presentation devices can be moved into and out of position with respect to other game presentation devices. This may allow, among other things, flexibility in presenting different types of games or different game features within a single game.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of operating a gaming device is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) determining an outcome value of a game result of the gaming device; (2) retrieving historical audio/video programming having content that provides an indication of the outcome value; and (3) providing the historical audio/video programming to a player of the gaming device. The historical audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a sporting event, a movie, an animated show, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interfacing a controller device with an interactive program executing at a computer are presented. A controller includes a camera for capturing images of a display. The position of the controller is determined based on the perspective distortion, size, location and orientation of the display in the captured images. The controller may additionally include an IR projector and an IR camera. The IR projector generates an IR beam, which creates a projection on a surface. The IR camera captures IR images of the projection. The distance of the controller from the surface and its relative orientation are determined based on analysis of the IR images.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for a method for providing a game on demand over a data network, in a gaming machine. The gaming machine sends a request message for a game application over the data network. In a network mode, the gaming machine receives outputted results from an executed game application over a streaming channel of the data network for network-based game play. During the network-based game play, the game application is downloaded over a download channel of the data network. In a local mode, the gaming machine executes the downloaded game application independent of the network-based game play. The gaming machine switches instantaneously from the network mode to the local mode for machine-based game play, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a safeguard system on networked gaming devices. The safeguard system measures how much monetary value is output by a particular gaming device, in any form. If the gaming device has delivered an amount of value that is over a threshold amount, a warning is generated. The warning could be a visual or audio warning on a central controller, or could be an audio signal transmitted to floor personnel. Embodiments of the safeguard system include timers so that the performance of the gaming device can be independently measured over one or more time periods. The safeguard system is operable with gaming devices that accept and pay only physical currency, those that accept and pay in both physical currency and electronic methods, and those that only accept and pay by electronic methods. Some embodiments are able to remotely shut down the gaming device if the device is suspected of being cheated or malfunctioning.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a CPU, and viewpoint location data each of which is correlated with each plurality of operating objects different in size, which are stored in a main memory, for example. When the operating object appearing in a virtual three-dimensional space is selected based on an operation by a player, the viewpoint location data corresponding to the operating object is read, and a viewpoint location is set. The viewpoint location data is set in such a manner as to display the operating object approximately the same in size even if any operating object different in size is selected, for example. Then, based on this viewpoint location, a three-dimensional image including the operating object is displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: A releasable reel strip attachment assembly including an attachment strip with snap rivets that snaps through corresponding apertures in a reel strip and into apertures in a reel cage. The attachment strip includes an adhesive layer protected by a release backing that is removed to expose the adhesive layer. The reel strip is positioned over the reel cage so that the apertures in the reel strip co-align with those of the reel cage, and the snap rivets are inserted through the aligned apertures to attach the reel strip to the reel cage in a reliable, precise, and consistent manner. The reel strip is wound around the reel cage and the free end of the reel strip is pressed onto the exposed adhesive layer of the attachment strip.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and systems for providing a gaming server system (Gaming System) for enabling a quality-of-service on-demand (QoS) broadcast system to provide a gaming computer or game console with premium levels of quality-of-service. The gaming server provides premium network connection service levels based upon customer profile, current activity, account status or other criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a plurality of outcomes of a game of chance are provided. In a spinning reel game, for example, a first game event may be provided in which a plurality of symbols are spun up on a plurality of spinning reels to form an array of symbols, each spinning reel spinning up at least three symbols and at least one of the spinning reels being defined so that at least two feature symbols can be simultaneously spun up on that reel. A result of the spin is evaluated to assess whether two or more feature symbols have been spun up on the same reel. If so, a second game event is provided in which the two or more feature symbols and all other symbols spun up on the same reel are converted to special symbols. The special symbols have an enhanced play characteristic in comparison to the other symbols, and the outcome of the game is re-evaluated to establish whether any outcomes exist which define a winning combination. A prize or an award is awarded if one or more winning combinations exist.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a plurality of symbols arranged on a plurality of reels. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of outcomes including at least one winning outcome. The gaming machine further includes a controller operative to receive a volatility input from a player of the gaming machine. The controller is further operative to associate an award with the at least one winning outcome wherein the associated award is either a first award amount or a second award amount based upon the volatility input. Upon the occurrence of the at least one winning outcome, the controller awards the associated award to the player.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to change and add to the way fantasy sports games are played by creating an online, virtual live interactive video game that uses fantasy sports statistics as its scoring database system and provides live worldwide communication and competition. The method of playing the online live interactive fantasy video game of the invention comprises a obtaining a subscription to play, selecting a platform from which to play the fantasy game, selecting team members to form a fantasy team, interacting with others playing the fantasy game, and controlling each team member's performance and competing against other fantasy teams. The game includes access to a live fantasy sports television channel to watch games and tournaments, live access to a fantasy sports analyst, and virtual reality software so that the player can become physically involved with the game.