Abstract: Methods and systems for gaming are provided. A transpiring of a collective element in an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game is determined where the collective element is shared by two or more players of the entertainment portion of the hybrid, and where the hybrid game includes a gambling game portion and the entertainment game portion. A wager is triggered in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game based on the transpiring of the collective element in the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game. A real world credit gambling game result is distributed in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game between the two or more players. The distribution may be made on the basis of various parameters of the use of the shared collective element by the players. In addition, an allocation of an amount of a real world credit for the wager may also be based on various parameters of the players use of the shared collective element.

Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal including connection means to a dedicated remote server (1), the system also comprising means of playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal (2, 3) comprising means of reproducing the recording, means of interaction with a user and means (21, 31) of connection with a dedicated remote server (1), means of asking a terminal user a question and suggesting multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected by means independent of the terminal user.

Abstract: A health care apparatus (10) and methods for rendering audio visual content to a medical patient in the patient's home, in which a content element storage (22) stores a plurality of audio visual content elements (28) to be rendered to the patient, including role playing simulation content elements (40) in which in which the patient is presented with a situation involving an issue related to a medical condition confronted by a character (42) and in which the patient provides input related to the character's situation.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game between at least one live player and at least one computer-controlled player includes executing a training program between at least two agents to generate probability weights correlating actions or meta-actions representing a set or sequenced set of actions with a probability that the action or meta-action will produce a game outcome meeting a specified criterion or specified criteria. A game is conducted in which at least one live player plays against at least one computer-controlled player in which the computer-controlled player selects actions at one or more of the decision nodes in the game based, at least in part, on the probability weights.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relate to a video game in which multiple players each supply inputs to a respective input device to control a corresponding game character in a game world. Movements and actions of each game character are controlled in accordance with respective first game character control operations during the playing of the video game. If one of a plurality of conditions is satisfied by one of the players, the one player's game character is protected from harm in the game world. Movements and actions of the protected game character are controlled in accordance with a second game character control operation. The protecting of the one player's game character is stopped in response to one or more protecting stopping conditions, whereby the game character is again controllable in accordance with the first game character control operation.

Abstract: To run a game in which a life object indicating the value of a life parameter shared by player characters is displayed on a display unit and the life parameter is reduced for an amount equivalent to a damage from which a player character suffers, when at least one of the player character is attacked within an attack invalidation period that starts when one of the player characters is attacked, the life parameter is reduced only for an amount equivalent to the damage that triggers the start of the attack invalidation period.

Abstract: A photographing device having a game function which determines win/loss of photographing devices based on information regarding image files, is provided with a first parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a first parameter regarding a first image file which was generated by the photographing device, a second parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a second parameter regarding a second image file which is stored in another photographing device, a score calculating unit configured to calculate scores regarding the first image file and the second image file based on the first parameter and the second parameter, respectively, a win/loss determining unit configured to determine win/loss of the photographing device and the other photographing device, and generate win/loss information, a recording unit configured to store the win/loss information, in accumulated manner, as intrinsic information which is intrinsic to the photographing device, and a notifying unit configured to output the accumulated win/

Abstract: A gaming system has a central authority connected to a plurality of gaming machines. Player activity is tracked at the gaming machines during regular gaming sessions and during virtual gaming sessions. Such data is transmitted to the central authority for providing player points in a player account file of a central database. Regular gaming sessions occur between player card insertion and player card removal. Virtual gaming sessions may occur prior to player card insertion as well as after player card insertion. For example, a coin-in event prior to player card insertion will establish a virtual session, and credits remaining on the credit meter at a card-out event will establish a virtual gaming session.

Abstract: In order to achieve the above objective, a game apparatus determines whether there has been an input to each of an A button and a B button. It is determined whether there has been an input to the other of the A button and the B button before a predetermined time period elapses after a determination that there has been an input to one of the A button and the B button, that is, whether a simultaneous operation has been performed. Then, it is determined whether one of: a first timing which is a timing of the input to the one of the A button and the B button; and a second timing which is a timing of the input to the other of the A button and the B button is within a simultaneous operation period. When a result of the determination is affirmative, and it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed, it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed at a correct timing.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relate to a video game in which multiple players each supply inputs to a respective input device to control a corresponding game character in a game world. Movements and actions of each game character are controlled in accordance with a first game character control operation during the playing of the video game. If one or more conditions is satisfied by one of the players, the one player's game character is protected from harm in the game world. Movements and actions of the protected game character are controlled in accordance with a second game character control operation. The protecting of the one player's game character is stopped in response to one or more protecting stopping conditions, whereby the game character is again controllable in accordance with the first game character control operation. If all game characters are protected, current playing of the video game ends.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods relating to a physical object that are associated with a virtual game world are described. Some embodiments of the physical object have an in-game value within the virtual game world. Software operating the virtual game world ascribes purchasing power or attributes having offensive, defensive, opportunity, or set values as their in-game values. Methods associated with the subject matter relate to relocating an asset of the game component from one asset storage area to another asset storage area. When relocated, an asset's authenticity is validated, retrieved from a first storage area, exchanged over a communications interface, or stored in a second asset storage area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rolling at least one die comprises determining an initial location of the die, and receiving an initialization movement. The method further comprises utilizing accelerometer data from a user shaking a controller, and determining a final location for the at least one die based on the accelerometer data and the initial location data.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for managing a fantasy league are disclosed to incorporate one or more reality factors, equity lines, luxury tax, and/or revenue sharing policies into administration of the fantasy league. A reality factor may influence real life scenarios between at least one of a real player, a real team, and/or a real league, for example. Accordingly, the reality factor may be applied to at least one of a corresponding fantasy player, fantasy team, and/or fantasy league to create a fantasy rule configured to enable a fantasy environment (e.g., the fantasy player, fantasy team, fantasy league, and/or relationships thereof) to more closely emulate the real player, real team, real league, and/or corresponding relationships.

Abstract: A method for differentiating between variations of an apparatus design is provided. The method includes digitally characterizing at least two aspects of a first expression wherein the at least two aspects include at least logical data and physical data relating to the first expression, and digitally characterizing the at least two next aspects of at least one next expression other than the first expression wherein the at least two next aspects include at least logical data and physical data relating to the at least one next design expression. The method further includes identifying selected differences between the at least two aspects and the at least two next aspects and displaying the first expression and at least one of the at least one next expression in a visual display wherein the selected differences are presented using at least one visually identifiable distinction.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced services to users of a gaming application comprises a server and a platform remotely coupled to the server. The server executes a gaming application. The platform receives a request for enhanced services, and establishes an enhanced services session with a user of the gaming application in response to the request for enhanced services. The enhanced services session corresponds in time at least in part with the execution of the gaming application. The platform further provides enhanced services to the user of the gaming application during the enhanced services session.

Abstract: A video gaming console and related network interfaces with a server computer hosting an online fantasy sports game. The video game machine acquires a fantasy team roster of the fantasy sport game over a network that includes the Internet and the video game console is programmed to create a video game team using at least a portion of the fantasy team roster. The video game team created is playable on the video game console.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay with a character in a game environment. A game environment is provided in which a player can play a game via a character. The player's geographic location is detected and stored. In response to the detected geographic location, a storyline is retrieved for the character to interact with. The retrieved storyline is related to the geographic location of the player.

Abstract: There is provided a game system which is configured such that, while preserving the significance of an enemy character which appears during a game, a battle with the enemy character can be avoided. The game system 1 comprises a battle determination portion 13b making a player select whether or not a battle between a player character PC and a monster M is going to be retained, a battle game execution portion 13c to execute a battle game when it is selected that the battle is not retained, a stock character setting portion 13d to set the monster M which has appeared as the stock monster SM without executing the battle game when it is selected the battle is going to be retained, and a stock battle game execution portion 13g to execute a stock battle game where the monster M set as the stock monster SM is set as a competitor when a predetermined stock battle operation is performed by the player.

Abstract: A target map area system for an online game is described. A player selects a target map area of an online neighbor of an online social game. Reward information from the target map area resulting from a successful attack from the player in the target map area of the online neighbor is generated to the player prior to the attack. A result of the attack in the target map area of the online neighbor based on a profile of the player and a profile of the online neighbor is determined. An outcome on the target map area is generated based on the result of the attack.

Abstract: Methods and systems of determining the approximate location of a terminal are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer system receives from a first mobile computer terminal and/or from a communication system in communication with the first mobile computer terminal, global positioning satellite and/or cellular network location data, wherein the location data corresponds to the approximate location of the first mobile computer terminal. Based at least in part on the location data, the system determines if the first mobile computer terminal is within a first area, wherein presence in the first area is needed in order to be authorized to access a first service. The system, at least partly in response to failing to determine that the first mobile terminal is in the first area, transmits to the first mobile computer terminal location information regarding at least a first location in the first area.

Abstract: A plurality of polygons are placed in a 3-dimensional virtual space. Each of plural types of first textures corresponding to plural types of attributes which the plurality of polygons have is mapped to the polygon that has the attribute of the type corresponding to the first texture, the 3-dimensional virtual space is shot by a first virtual camera, and thereby a main image is generated. In addition, each of the plural types of second textures corresponding to plural types of attributes which the plurality of polygons have is mapped to the polygon that has the attribute of the type corresponding to the second texture, the 3-dimensional virtual space is shot by a second virtual camera, and thereby a main image is generated.

Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for multiple plays for free games. Some games of chance, or of skill, or of mixed skill and chance are only or can only be proposed for free to players. Enabling players to play many more times for free associated with a paid-for service of generation of multiple free plays is the main purpose of the invention. It comprises, namely, an embodiment for a free lottery and an embodiment for a financial forecasting game. It comprises an additional description, for a financial game, of automatic or semi-automatic generation of forecasts.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of servers arranged in a parallel processing configuration to create a plurality of streams of low-latency streaming interactive video. Each server produces a stream of low-latency streaming interactive video. A unit combines the plurality of streams into a new stream of low-latency streaming interactive video. The unit is also operable to provide a user interface that allows real-time interactive manipulation of the resulting combined streams by a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive game method with sports injury protection, comprising: providing a remote pointing device for a user to swing; and triggering a safety mechanism in one or more of the following conditions: (1) when a user swings the remote pointing device drastically; (2) when a count of swings exceeds a first threshold; and (3) when a count of swings in a predetermined time period exceeds a second threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for an electronic bingo game variation comprising generating at least one electronic bingo card comprising characters from a predetermined character set; drawing a fixed or minimum number of characters to create a draw pool; matching the draw pool to the bingo card; daubing the matches to create a pattern; comparing the pattern to a set of qualifying patterns to identifying a qualifying bingo card. A qualifying pattern may comprise a pattern one match short of a winning pattern. At the conclusion of the game, offering a second chance to win to players with qualifying cards, the second chance comprising repopulating each square of the qualifying card, exclusive of the qualifying pattern, with new characters to create a second card and reapplying the draw pool to identify a second chance winner.

Abstract: A gaming system comprised of a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines and a mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator operable to individually indicate the gaming machines. The gaming machine indicator is mounted or positioned near the adjacently arranged gaming machines. A controller actuates the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to rotate or move. The mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator may also include lighting effects. The controller is operable to select a gaming machine and actuate the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to indicate the selected gaming machine.

Abstract: A system and method for managing localization workflow for video game development is disclosed. The method includes programmatically determining that a string has been added to or modified in an executable asset of a video game under development. The method further includes programmatically inspecting the executable asset to determine whether the string is to be visually displayed or audibly played during game play. The method further includes programmatically generating an electronic message for a translator based at least partly on a positive determination that there is a string to be translated, wherein the electronic message is intended to notify the translator of a translation task associated with at least the text to be translated.

Abstract: A game-interactive customizable companion object includes a body, a communication subsystem housed within the body, and a behavior subsystem configured to control movement of the body. The behavior subsystem may include an initiation module configured to set initial behavioral characteristics of the companion object in accordance with the companion object profile, and an update module configured to change behavioral characteristics of the companion object responsive to control commands received from the entertainment system via the communication subsystem.

Abstract: An information processing section of a game apparatus executes a program for implementing a step S100 of acquiring a camera image; a step S200 of detecting a marker; a step S400 of calculating a position and an orientation of a virtual camera; a step S600 of generating an animation in which layed-flat surfaces of a hexahedron appear, and the hexahedron is folded so as to confine virtual objects representing targets therein when a stage is cleared; a step S800 of generating an animation in which the folded hexahedron is unfolded so as to position different virtual objects thereon; a step S900 of mapping the photographed image on objects; a step S1000 of taking an image of the objects by means of the virtual camera; and a step S1100, S1200 of displaying the camera image and an object image which is superimposed on the camera image.

Abstract: An amusement device system includes a first amusement device, a second amusement device and a central server. The first controller is coupled to the first memory and the first display. The first memory stores an electronic game having a plurality of game content. The first controller is configured to show a first game content of the plurality of game content to an authenticated user. The second controller is coupled to the second memory. The second memory stores the electronic game having the plurality of game content. The central server is configured to store information sufficient to identify the first game content displayed to the authenticated user. The first and second controllers are prevented by the central server from again showing the first game content until a remainder of the plurality of game content has been displayed to the authenticated user.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the seat post. The first electrical cable configured to communicate audio of the wagering game, from the wagering game machine to a speaker coupled to the wagering game chair.

Abstract: A thermal imaging interface for control of a computer program may obtain one or more thermal infrared images of one or more objects with one or more thermographic cameras. The images may be analyzed to identify one or more characteristics of the objects. Such characteristics may be used as a control input in the computer program.

Abstract: A computer based method for playing an online game via an electronic device includes inputting by a player a summary of a dream. The dream summary is forwarded from the electronic device to a processor, stored in a data storage medium, and then compared to dream summaries of other players as well as to dream features and characteristics stored permanently on the database, based on a dream coding scale. A list of matching data based on comparing the dream summaries of the players is then generated which indicates features of each player's dreams that are common to the participating players and/or the data stored in the database. A player is provided awards in the game based on matches between features of his dreams to those of other players or data, such as actual events that occur after input of the dream summary, stored in the database.

Abstract: A method of mobile gaming is disclosed. The method includes configuring a mobile device to communicate in a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, determining location information for the mobile device, communicating the location information and a gaming request via the first communication protocol to a game server, receiving a gaming request response from the game server via the first communication protocol, initiating a gaming session in response to the gaming request response, wherein the gaming session is conducted via the second communication protocol.

Abstract: A gaming related system employs a front end application that allows access to various reports from various, disparate databases. Such may avoid reviewing reports in SQL Reporting services. Identification of reports and/or categories of reports, as well as access to reports and categories of reports may be limited based on a user role associated with a user identifier and/or pass phrase. Users may only need to provide log in information once per log in session.

Abstract: A method and system are directed towards providing interactive commentaries within a video game. The interactive commentaries are configured to increase a value of the video game by enhancing the video game with interactive rich commentaries regarding features and concepts of the video game and/or its construction. The interactive commentaries offer a variety of features that may, in one embodiment, take control of a player's view of the video game, and thereby more effectively communicate various aspects during the commentary. In one embodiment, a player may receive a video game reward for playing the interactive commentary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electronic dart game using an internet communication network, which notifies users of various competitions and provides a method of participating in the various competitions using a plurality of electronic dart game apparatuses connected to an internet communication network without a separate homepage. A method of participating in a competition using a plurality of dart game apparatuses connected with a server through a network including inputting information on players who desire to participate in a competition and information on a competition in which players desire to participate, by using a dart game apparatus; transmitting information including player information and competition information to the server by the dart game apparatus; processing payment by registering that a competition entry fee corresponding to the competition information is paid, by the server; and registering a player as a player participating in the competition, by the server.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more billiard game objects in relation to a billiard table having a playing surface. A state of a billiards game being played is determined based on the position data. One or more perceptible effects associated with the determined state of the billiards game are selected. The one or more perceptible effects are produced in connection with the billiards game.

Abstract: Disclosed are two-player games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including one or more shared feature games. Each player has a respective base game, game board and a token movable on his game board in response to his base game outcomes. Certain combinations of token positions on the two game boards may trigger play of one or more feature games shared by the players.

Abstract: A system that enables player character interactions in an interactive multiplayer game or story including a user interface that enables a user to control a player character in the interactive multiplayer game or story and a processor, in communication with the user interface, that i) tracks the actions of the player character within the interactive multiplayer game or story, and ii) transfers control of the player character from the user to the processor during an interaction event with a second player character in response to an interaction condition.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to toys and games that are enhanced with encoded information. One claim recites a method of playing a computerized game including: receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object; utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to: analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein; interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A system that allows precise identification and counting of appropriately equipped gaming chips inside specified zones on a gambling table is disclosed. The system relies on near field magnetic coupling technology whereby a primary looped conductor placed in a gaming zone couples a sufficient amount of energy into one or a plurality of looped conductors located inside gaming chips through a magnetic field of known characteristic.

Abstract: A method of enabling game features based on location-based actions is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A feature of the computer-implemented game is enabled based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, barcode or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing-certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like.

Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium non-transitorily storing a game program for causing a computer that includes a processor and a memory to execute a game played by a player using a game content for which a parameter that can be increased to an upper limit value is set, the game program causing the computer to perform the following processes: an offer process of offering the player with the game content; a recording process of recording the offered game content as an owned game content that the player owns; and an upper limit setting process of selecting one owned game content and another owned game content set to the same type as the one owned game content from among a plurality of owned game contents that the player owns, and re-setting an upper limit value of a parameter set for the one owned game content to a new upper limit value by combining the one owned game content with the other owned game content.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for controlling a computer process with gestures and a handheld pointing device. The computer system employing the pointing device to determine what component a user wants to control and what control action is desired.

Abstract: To run a game in which a life object indicating the value of a life parameter shared by player characters is displayed on a display unit and the life parameter is reduced for an amount equivalent to a damage from which a player character suffers, when at least one of the player character is attacked within an attack invalidation period that starts when one of the player characters is attacked, the life parameter is reduced only for an amount equivalent to the damage that triggers the start of the attack invalidation period.

Abstract: A first determination unit determines whether or not an operation target of a user is included in a target region that is set based on the position of a game event occurring place. A second determination unit determines whether or not a time of determination that the operation target of the user is included in the target region is before arrival of a game event occurring time. An inducing processing execution unit executes inducing processing for inducing the user to keep the operation target of the user staying in the target region until the arrival of the game event occurring time, in a case where it is determined that the above-described time is before the arrival of the game event occurring time.