Abstract: An information processing apparatus is used in contact with a user and includes a processor. In a case where multiple objects as candidates for operation are present in an object image taken by a camera or an object image acquired externally, the processor is configured to detect one or more of the objects present at a center position of the object image as the candidates for operation or detect one or more of the objects superposed on a user image of a part of a body of the user operating the information processing apparatus as the candidates for operation.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing public gameplay is provided. Gameboard display data is generated to display a gameboard of a game. A move associated with the game is received from a client device of a player. The gameboard display data and move display data are provided to the client device to display the move on the gameboard. The gameboard display data and the move display data are also sent to a broadcast server to display the move on the gameboard via a public medium.

Abstract: A board game system comprises one or more game objects, a processing device, a memory device and one or more cameras. Each of the game objects comprise a unique visual marker positioned on a top surface of the game object, wherein the unique visual marker comprises a series of concentric rings that represent data that uniquely identifies the game object. As a result, during the course of game play, the location and identification of the game objects are able to be determined by the processing device by analyzing images captured by the one or more cameras of the visual markers of the game objects on the game board. The processing device is able to compare the data of the visual markers to a table stored in the memory device that associates the data with a specific game object.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods provide a tournament game which selectively awards an enhanced tournament play result. The enhanced tournament play result may be of variable value which is selected for the given instance in order to place the receiving tournament player in some predetermined rank in the tournament. Such a variable enhanced tournament play result in the tournament game may be used to help keep all participants interested in the tournament, even those participants who trail the tournament leaders by a wide margin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for game play using virtual players, sometimes referred to herein as vBots, is disclosed. In one aspect, a method for game play involves the use of the system electronic system environment described herein, wherein one or more virtual players are displayed to the player of the game, preferably, the virtual players have differing play characteristics, receiving from the user association with a selection of a virtual player, displaying a simulated game using the virtual players, identifying a subset of the virtual players as being winners of the simulated game, and awarding a win to the lottery user if the selected virtual player is in the subset of virtual players.

Abstract: A device for operating 3D virtual chessboard includes: an image identifier identifying images captured by the at least two cameras; a start action determiner determining start of chess games based on the image identification result of the image identifier to determine which chess piece is moved; an end action determiner determining end of chess games based on the image identification result of the image identifier to determine the final location to which the chess piece is moved; an effective location determiner determining whether the final location of the moved chess piece is a valid location based on chess rules; a mapper mapping the final location into a coordinate location of the chess piece, if the effective location determiner determines that the final location to which the chess piece is moved is valid; and a chessboard updater updating the chessboard displayed based on the coordinate location of the chess piece.

Abstract: A method of playing a game where two players use a checkered game board, three specialized dice, and traditional chess pieces. More specifically, the checkered game board can be a traditional eight-by-eight chessboard, or it can be an expanded ten-by-ten board. Additionally, the three specialized dice each display one traditional chess piece per side of the die. Therefore, each die will have one king, one queen, one rook, one knight, one bishop, and one pawn depicted on it. In its most basic sense, the game involves making movements each turn based on the depictions that show ‘up’ when the three dice are rolled.

Abstract: A touch controller is coupled to a touch screen and detects a first gesture at a first point on the touch screen. The first gesture includes physical contact of the touch screen by a user device at the first point. The touch controller detects a second gesture that is associated with movement of the user device from the first point to a second point on the touch screen. The second gesture includes detecting movement of the user device within a sensing range from the first point to the second point. The sensing range corresponds to an orthogonal distance from a surface of the touch screen. The touch controller detects a third gesture at the second touch point. The third gesture includes physical contact of the touch screen at the second touch point. Upon detecting the first, second and third gestures the touch controller performs a corresponding action.

Abstract: A board game and method of implementing the game comprise displaying a squared oblong rectangular game board comprising a width comprising at least eight squares. A set of chess type game pieces on the game board are displayed. The chess type game pieces represent at least a standard set of black and white chess pieces. The chess type game pieces are initially arranged for beginning play by placement of black pieces in an order comprising a standard chess order at a first end of the game board with white pieces being placed at an opposing second end of the game board in an order comprising a the chess standard order. Game play is enabled by one or more users following at least a standard set of chess rules.

Abstract: The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. A gaming machine 1 comprises a game result determination unit, determining a game result; a game execution unit, executing a game in such a manner as to reach the game result; a moveable component, disposed at a position visible from outside, and configured to be capable of mechanical movement; and a movement control unit, enabling the moveable component to move in a movement pattern corresponding to the game result.

Abstract: A server device according to the present invention is connected with a player terminal that displays a game screen through a network, and to execute a battle game played by a player using a plurality of characters. The server device includes: a storage unit configured to store the plurality of characters to be arranged in the character arrangement area; a special area selection unit configured to select a special area to be highlighted on a game screen; a character arrangement unit configured to arrange a character selected from the plurality of characters to be arranged in the character arrangement area in the highlighted special area; and a battle processing unit configured to control attack processing in which the character arranged in the special area performs an attack and attack processing in which a character arranged in an area other than the special area performs an attack to be different.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for controlling a view of a virtual scene with a handheld device are presented. In one method, images of a real world scene are captured using a device. The method further includes operations for creating an augmented view for presentation on a display of the device by augmenting the images with virtual reality objects, and for detecting a hand in the images as extending into the real world scene. In addition, the method includes operations for showing the hand in the screen as detected in the images, and for generating interaction data, based on an interaction of the hand with a virtual reality object, when the hand makes virtual contact in the augmented view with the virtual reality object. The augmented view is updated based on the interaction data, which simulates on the screen that the hand is interacting with the virtual reality object.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players may wager regarding multiple outcomes.

Abstract: A plurality of first team player game pieces, a plurality of second team player game pieces, a football designation device, and a game board are provided for playing a football board game. At least one of the player game pieces may have an advantage over one or more of the other player game pieces. One or more of the player game pieces, may be allowed to move twice as fast as one or more other player game pieces, when a first designation is associated with the one or more player game pieces that are given the advantage. The player game pieces given the advantage may move from a “fast” space, marked with a graphic, to another “fast” space, marked with the same graphic, located a predetermined number of spaces away, such as two spaces away, in any direction.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods related to multiple-party communications conducted between client computers in a computer network. For example, a method and apparatus for moving game piece images displayed on a first client computer in communication with a server in a computer network are disclosed. The method involves causing at least one game piece image to be displayed on a display area of the first client computer, the game piece image having an image area and an image boundary enclosing the image area. The method also involves receiving a cursor movement signal representing a cursor movement produced in response to user input received from a pointing device in communication with the first client computer, and determining whether a current position of the cursor is within the image boundary associated with the game piece image.

Abstract: A gaming device having a primary Three Card Poker game is provided. The Three Card Poker game includes three cards dealt to the player and the dealer, where all cards are dealt face-up. First, the player has an option to replace one card from the player's hand. Then, the dealer may replace one card according to a set of predetermined rules. The player makes a primary wager and an optional secondary wager. A primary award is provided if the player's hand beats the dealer's hand. In the secondary wager is placed, a secondary is award is provided if the either the player's or the dealer's hand is of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a poker-style game including dealing cards to an initial dealer hand with one card face up and one card face down, and dealing cards to an initial player hand. The method may include receiving a further wager from the player that comprises a call wager from the player or a surrender by the player of a fraction of the raise wager, and dealing at least one community card face up. The method may include determining a player hand ranking by forming a best player hand as a subset of the initial player hand and the at least one community card, determining a dealer hand ranking by forming a best dealer hand as a subset of the initial dealer hand and the at least one community card, and comparing the player hand ranking and dealer hand ranking to determine a winner.

Abstract: A method of playing a modified game of chess where human pieces and zombie pieces are moved, removed or replaced according to specified rules of play.

Abstract: A board game system comprises one or more game objects, a processing device, a memory device and one or more cameras. Each of the game objects comprise a unique visual marker positioned on a top surface of the game object, wherein the unique visual marker comprises a series of concentric rings that represent data that uniquely identifies the game object. As s result, during the course of game play, the location and identification of the game objects are able to be determined by the processing device by analyzing images captured by the one or more cameras of the visual markers of the game objects on the game board. The processing device is able to compare the data of the visual markers to a table stored in the memory device that associates the data with a specific game object.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for playing games wherein players may select other players to make their playing decisions for them. The invention provides methods for playing games wherein primary players are playing a primary game, and derivative players are playing a derivative game, wherein the play of the game at said derivative table is identical to the play of the game at said primary table, and the players at the derivative table have selected a corresponding primary player to make their playing decisions for them. The present invention is especially well suited for playing the game of poker.

Abstract: A gaming machine for changing a payout ratio through technical intervention of a player is provided. The gaming machine comprises: a display arranging a plurality of symbols; and a control section executing a first game rearranging the plurality of symbols with a preset payout ratio, and awarding a payout to a player on the basis of a result of the first game, and executing a payout ratio increasing game that increases the payout ratio and is only executable when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and awarding a payout to the player on the basis of a result of the payout ratio increasing game, wherein the control section executes the payout ratio increasing game, in which the preset payout ratio changes in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A shove board game system and playing method thereof includes: a game host to process a shove board game program and provide a picture of a chessboard and an information window and reset status of all pieces on the chessboard, a display device communicating with the game host to display the chessboard, pieces and the information window and related information, and an input device communicating with the game host to receive operations of players to proceed the shove board game. The chessboard is octagonal and has multiple longitudinal and transverse lines in directions of X and Y axes and diagonal straight lines formed at an angle of 45 degrees against the X and Y axes. The lines cross one another to form points of intersection. The pieces are positioned on the points of intersection.

Abstract: A pawn (10) for use on a board (21) is provided. The pawn (10) is arranged to provide a trigger signal upon a touch of a triggerable part of the pawn (10) by a user, and comprises communication means for communicating the trigger signal to a board (21). The pawn (10) comprises at least two separate triggerable sub-parts (11, 12) for, upon a touch of each respective one of the at least two separate triggerable sub-parts (11, 12) by a user, respectively providing a first and a second trigger signal. The first and the second trigger signal are mutually distinguishable. Such a pawn (10) can easily be used for activating a certain function of a set of functions. A function is selected by touching a corresponding triggerable sub-part (11, 12).

Abstract: SpaceStones is a board game. Any number of players, including a computer media, place their numbered stones in turn on a game board. Each stone scores the number of spaces it bears on Based on a castle in a chess game, though the stones do not capture; rather they score the number of spaces that they bear on like the squares a castle would threaten in a chess game. Different from Sidoku, though all stones are blocking, including one's own, the goal of the game is to capture squares, which are totaled at the end of each round, when all players have played. The number of rounds is based on half the size of the game board divided by the number of players. At the end of the number of rounds a winner is announced.

Abstract: Electronic paper (E-paper) game systems are provided. The E-paper game system at least includes a chessboard and a plurality of chessmen. The chessboard at least includes a first E-paper display unit for displaying a graphical data of a first chessboard for a first game interface. Each of the chessmen includes a second E-paper display unit for displaying a graphical data of a first chessman which corresponds to the graphical data of the first chessboard. The chessboard and the chessmen respectively update the graphical data of the first chessboard displayed by the first E-paper display unit and the graphical data of the first chessman displayed by the second E-paper display unit to a graphical data of a second chessboard corresponding to a second game interface and a graphical data of a second chessman which corresponds to the graphical data of the second chessboard.

Abstract: A chess-like game having pieces and rules similar to conventional chess but which includes a new piece having powers and limitations not present in conventional chess pieces.

Abstract: A gaming device having a primary Three Card Poker game is provided. The Three Card Poker game includes three cards dealt to the player and the dealer, where all cards are dealt face-up. First, the player has an option to replace one card from the players hand. Then, the dealer may replace one card according to a set of predetermined rules. The player makes a primary wager and an optional secondary wager. A primary award is provided if the players hand beats the dealer's hand. In the secondary wager is placed, a secondary is award is provided if the either the player's or the dealer's hand is of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A wagering game is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in which players may designate their hands as predicted winning hands according to a predetermined standard and players may alternatively designate their hands as qualifying hands entitled to at least a portion of the wagers at stake according to an alternative standard, in which a qualifying hand is awarded at least a portion of the wagers at stake unless the winning hand is a predicted winning hand. In another embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in combination with a lottery-style game in which players may win the poker-style game according to a predetermined standard and players may also win the lottery-style game according to a jackpot standard.

Abstract: A chess-type game played on a game board of ten columns and eight rows, or ten columns and ten rows. The game is played with traditional chess game pieces plus additional wizard game pieces. During a turn the wizard game pieces can be moved one space away in any direction, or alternately can be exchanged with any other game piece on the board belonging to the same set.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.

Abstract: A system and process for operating a computer on a communication network involves providing a first performance environment, such as a first game, over the network to a first on-line user, receiving performance data from the first on-line user corresponding to the first on-line user's performance in the first performance environment. A value is defined for performance rights associated with the received data. A second performance environment that is separate from the first performance environment is provided over the network to a second on-line user, in which the second on-line user is able to make a performance. The second on-line user is provided with access to received data corresponding to the first on-line user's performance in the first performance environment, while the second on-line user is making a performance in the second performance environment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and products for self-contained casino gaming haptics are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for casino gaming haptics includes a touch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with the contact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect.

Abstract: Electronic paper (E-paper) game systems are provided. The E-paper game system at least includes a chessboard and a plurality of chessmen. The chessboard at least includes a first E-paper display unit for displaying a graphical data of a first chessboard for a first game interface. Each of the chessmen includes a second E-paper display unit for displaying a graphical data of a first chessman which corresponds to the graphical data of the first chessboard. The chessboard and the chessmen respectively update the graphical data of the first chessboard displayed by the first E-paper display unit and the graphical data of the first chessman displayed by the second E-paper display unit to a graphical data of a second chessboard corresponding to a second game interface and a graphical data of a second chessman which corresponds to the graphical data of the second chessboard.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a bonus parlay wager for a wagering game with a bonus round. The bonus round in the wagering game is activated only based upon certain conditions. The player can earn a top payout for the bonus parlay wager by winning the bonus round in two consecutive games of the wagering game.

Abstract: A touch screen includes light emitters and light detectors arranged around a periphery thereof. The position, orientation, shape and/or size of objects may be determined by switching the light emitters on one-by-one and detecting shadows caused by the objects. The objects include at least a first part with optical properties of a first type and a second part with optical properties of a second different type. By determining the optical phenomena caused by the second part, the orientation of the objects may be determined and/or the objects may be recognized or identified.

Abstract: A probability of winning at least one of a plurality of prizes for a contest is dynamically adjusted, given a fixed prize inventory and an a priori unknown number of participants. A variable probability is determined by approximately dividing a current number of participants in the contest by a current number of prizes awarded. The variable probability is dynamically adjusted based on a variable probability multiplier, that is obtained by dividing a current number of winners in a predefined time interval by a remaining number of prizes in the predefined time interval. A prize can be awarded based on the adjusted variable probability.

Abstract: A game description language is provided for human computation games, as well as a game platform or generator component that can generate the code base for the game. The game description language and schema framework can be used to represent the game logic and synchronization patterns of a human computation game. The automated code generation tool takes a file, e.g., a file made from the above game description language, or the like, as an input and generates a code base for the corresponding human computation game. These tools allow a prototype of a human computation game to be generated within minutes.

Abstract: A system for distributing entertaining multimedia episodes and crediting payouts to authorized remote-player's wagers, off-site or on-site regulated premises, comprising a system for randomly selecting episodes, with randomly generated episodes outcomes appended thereto. The selected episodes could be from a database or from ongoing live games. The database could be pre-processed audio-video, from authorized content producers depicting a hired cast of entertainers, playing a selected variety of games of chance and skill. The system includes authorized server based episode and outcome distribution to secure remote-player stations, including an intra-episode biometric (e.g., face) authentication system, and an accounting systems, for rewarding authorized remote-players with products, services, cash and playing credit payouts.

Abstract: A roulette-shaped big monopoly unit 12 is disposed at the center of a casing 10, and a triangular pointer 14 for pointing a partition of the annular board 13 is disposed at the summit of the big monopoly unit 12. The players playing in the satellites 20 satisfy prescribed conditions to thereby to play in a big monopoly game using the big monopoly unit 12. In the big monopoly game, the players sequentially revolve the annular board 12. The game is advanced in accordance with contents of a partition pointed by the pointer 14 which is common among all the players when the revolving annular board 13 stops. The game can be played closely related among the satellites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including software, for creating a database of information based on one or more chess game scores, preferably by a chess engine analyzer, from which database instructive puzzles can be constructed for presentation and solution by a player.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a poker game playing method wherein multiple five-card hands from once previously shuffled 52-card poker deck can be played without increasing probabilities against a casino, while maintaining maximum entertainment value, and with immediate certainty of winning or losing. The method of the present invention maximizes entertainment value derived from the poker deck by rewarding a gambler with free five-card hands when there had been five-card hand winning combinations, wherein the rewarding free five-card hands are from the remaining un-played cards of said same poker deck, thus, without increasing chances against a casino or gaming house, and wherein a gambler may have a false impression of increased probabilities in his favor because of the rewarding free five-card hands, therefore increasing his gambling desire to start anew waging against newly shuffled 52-card poker decks.

Abstract: We present a time keeping system for turn-based games which accepts time controls used in fast games but allows the game to be played in a correspondence manner similar to slow games. This gives players the enjoyment of playing fast games with time pressure but at a pace that is convenient for their busy schedule.

Abstract: A board game system comprises a touch screen, a computing device and a robot arm. The computing device comprises a processor and a memory. At least one type of board game program is stored in the memory so that the processor can execute the board game program present a corresponding board game interface on the touch screen. The robot arm controlled by the computing device can touch the touch screen and play the board game with a user.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which is arranged to implement a base game and a feature game. The gaming system comprises a trigger determiner arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists during the base game, and a feature implementer arranged to implement a feature game when a trigger condition exists, the feature game comprising a movable object and an outcome of the feature game being dependent on movement of the object. The system also comprises a touch screen including directional controls usable to control movement of the object by a player during the feature game, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a game outcome after movement of the object corresponds to a winning outcome. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a networked board game apparatus and method of playing a customized game for 2 or more players on recursively organized boards, and a method for applying the aforementioned to leadership, communications, and team building education, and further to apply the aforementioned to the specific form of Chess. Applied to form of Chess, the first board is identical to a chessboard. The second board is an 8× multiple of the first board. Tartary boards follow this exponential growth. Players alternate moving pieces to a game-ending condition. Two players lead, the next 32 players play on a second board. Each first board move changes the positions of a second board player's pieces by a uniform transformation where the first board piece's new position is a function moving the second board player's pieces, which then continue from their new positions, potentially affecting deeper levels.

Abstract: Scoring a board configuration for a territory board game is often not straightforward and yet there is a desire to determine such scores quickly and accurately. For example, in the game of GO, determining the score at the end of the game involves assessing whether stones on the board are alive or dead which is a difficult judgment. Given a board configuration, the game is played by a scoring system to obtain a terminal board configuration. This is repeated to obtain a plurality of terminal board configurations from which an assessment can be made as to how likely each board position is to be won by a particular player at the end of the game. The scoring system obtains the terminal board configurations by playing random moves or by making a biased sampling of moves. The biased sampling is made using an evaluation function or in any suitable way. In the game of GO, seki positions are quickly and easily identified.

Abstract: A progressive system (local and wide) where a primary and secondary progressive meter is maintained is disclosed. When a progressive win event occurs, there are two payouts: the first is the primary payout and is paid to the gaming machine on which the progressive payout event occurred; the second payout, or secondary progressive, is paid to other players (or game devices) having “active” or “enrolled” status at the time of the primary payout event. The present invention provides a method for automating the “shared” win, including means for a player to determine if they are on an active machine which would allow them to share in a secondary progressive. The progressive prizes may be funded using traditional methods (e.g., percentage of wagers, marketing budget). The progressive prizes may also be funded using expired prizes which have expired or lapsed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated game with five subsystems: (i) electronic spell-casting system, (ii) card game system, (iii) user-created card system, (iv) system for replacing the use of dice and/or random number generation; and (v) board game system. Spell-casting system provides a physical input mechanism, e.g., sensor-equipped “magic wand”, and a verbal input mechanism which together trigger a spell. Cards form formations affecting their powers and are marked as “spent” by being placed under another card. Users create their own cards through a Web-accessible site. Random number (generated by computer or dice) usage is replaced by “challenges,” i.e., player-performed tasks. Chess pieces follow standard rules but are deployed one-by-one, as are squares of the chess board. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: A method of playing a house-banked casino card game includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer hand. The players are provided with options to place wagers, wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according to a rank of the dealer hand. Moreover, not all wagers are required for the player to stay in the game.