Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authenticating content in wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes authenticating a first set of wagering game files stored on a storage device of a wagering game machine. The method can also include starting a wagering game on the wagering game machine if the authentication of the first set of wagering game files is successful. The method can also include authenticating, during the wagering game, a second set of wagering game files stored on the storage device of the wagering game machine, wherein the first set of wagering game files and the second set of wagering game files are mutually exclusive. The method can also include stopping the wagering game if the authentication of the second set of wagering game files is not successful.

Abstract: An operating system for a gaming system includes a data producer which generates non-reproducible data relating to a transaction carried out in respect of the gaming system. A data consumer is in communication with the data producer for storing data relating to the non-reproducible data. A game controller is in communication with the data producer and the data consumer which effects communications between the data producer and the data consumer by means of a transaction-based protocol. The invention also relates to the use of data storage device for a gaming system that includes a local power supply.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for pausing and resuming a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes receiving a pause command that indicates pausing play of a gesture-based game and in response to the receipt of the pause command, capturing a first image of a player currently playing the gesture-based game, the first image being associated with a first posture of the player substantially at the time of the pause command and generating an outline of the player corresponding to the first image of the player.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method to deliver video games. The method includes receiving a request for a game from a set-top box device. The method also includes determining whether at least one user identity is associated with the set-top box device. The method also includes retrieving previous game information associated with the at least one user identity. The method can also include providing the previous game information to the set-top box device and allowing at least one user to continue a previously executed game in response to a user selection at least partially based on the previous game information.

Abstract: A redraw round and feature round are provided to supplement a game of chance. The game of chance may be implemented on a gaming machine or in a traditional manner as described. The game of chance is based on matching player selected spot numbers or player card numbers to randomly generated numbers. The redraw round is triggered if a predetermined number of redraw trigger numbers are generated and displayed as drawn numbers. In the redraw round the gaming machine generates redraw numbers which supplement the draw numbers. A comparison between the combined set of draw and redraw numbers to the player spot numbers occurs and if a predetermined number of matches occur the player is provided an award. A feature round occurs if a predetermined number of feature trigger numbers are drawn. The feature round provides one or more random award to the player.

Abstract: A mini-game may be generated by recording game data during play of a video game on a computer game system, suspending play of the video game in response to a first input to the computer game system, rewinding the recorded game data to a start point in response to a second input to the computer game system, and uploading recorded game data representing a state of the video game at the start point to a remote mini-game distribution system. The mini-game data may be distributed to other game playing systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine that can play both Class II and Class III games. Some implementations provide a gaming machine that has certain features (e.g., a true random number generator or “RNG”) enabled for Class III play and disabled for Class II play. Some aspects of the invention provide methods for determining when a Class III game is available. Other aspects of the invention allow a player to “line up” for a desired Class III game while playing another game, such as a Class II game or another Class III game, on the same gaming machine until the desired Class III game is available. Some such implementations grant higher priority to certain players according to their gaming history, e.g., as indicated by player tracking/player loyalty data. Alternative aspects of the invention allocate available Class III games in other ways, e.g., by playing a Class II game for a chance to play a Class III game, by lottery, or otherwise.

Abstract: An operating system for a gaming system includes a data producer which generates non-reproducible data relating to a transaction carried out in respect of the gaming system. A data consumer is in communication with the data producer for storing data relating to the non-reproducible data. A game controller is in communication with the data producer and the data consumer which effects communications between the data producer and the data consumer by means of a transaction-based protocol. The invention also relates to the use of data storage device for a gaming system that includes a local power supply.

Abstract: A game device includes a packet processing section that processes a packet that is transferred between the game device and another game device via a network, a game calculation section that performs a game calculation process based on data transferred using a packet, and an image generation section that generates an image based on a result of the game calculation process. The game calculation section performs a game sequence process as the game calculation process in each game sequence interval. A packet that is transferred between the game device and the other game device includes a packet ID that specifies the type of data transferred using the packet, and an interval ID that specifies the game sequence interval that utilizes data transferred using the packet. The packet processing section compares the interval ID included in a received packet with the interval ID of a current game sequence interval.

Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with multiple parts. A first part of the browser (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) presents first content associated with one or more wagering games. Concurrently a second part of the browser (e.g., a main content display area) presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers with a marketing relationship. In some embodiments, in response to concurrent presentation of the first and second content, the browser application detects the marketing relationship between the content providers and presents one or more indicators. The one or more indicators indicate the marketing relationship. For example, the indicators can indicate cross-marketing, available coupons, and/or awards available via the first or second content.

Abstract: Provided is a game device for executing a game in which a user participates and another user is allowed to join the game in mid-game. The game device obtains stored data from a unit for storing data that indicates a situation of the game being executed and that is updated with progress of the game. A situation determining unit determines whether or not the situation of the game being executed satisfies a given condition. A mid-game joining restricting unit keeps a user who has not joined the game being executed from joining the game in mid-game, based on a result of the determination of the situation determining unit.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming operation execution device, a loading device and a processing device. The gaming operation execution device executes gaming operations. The loading device includes a connector for connecting a storage medium which stores gaming information, a program memory for storing an authentication program, and a processor for authenticating the gaming information with the authentication program. The processing device is connected to the loading device and includes a readable and writable memory, a reading unit for reading out the gaming information authenticated by the processor, a writing unit for writing the gaming information to the readable and writable memory, and an operation control unit for controlling the gaming operation execution device.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display.

Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which includes an interface portion, a controller, a memory, a first power supply, and a second power supply. The interface portion is connected with at least one unit used for executing a game. The controller controls the unit connected to the interface portion and detects an occurrence of abnormal operation at the unit. The memory stores identification information for identifying the unit, and further stores historical information that includes information related to the occurrence of abnormal operation detected by the controller in connection with the identification information. The first power supply supplies a voltage required for operation of the controller. The second power supply supplies the voltage required for operation of the controller if a voltage supplied for the controller by the first power supply is less than the voltage required for operation of the controller.

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: A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A device for controlling electronic gaming machines comprises a single board computer (SBC) having a microprocessor, memory means, storage means and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM includes: a loader program; verification program; an authentication program; and a presentation program. Additional Mass storage media in communication with the SBC store pre-verified and approved gaming software (program files) and related data files, each of which have a verification signature appended to them. Prior to usage of the gaming software, the program file software or data file is retrieved by the loader program and checked by the verification program which compares the verification signature with a newly calculated verification signature. If the newly calculated signature matches the verification signature, the requested file is deemed to be intact (a validated image). The verification processes ensure that the file has been retrieved in its entirety and is free from corruption caused by storage media faults.

Abstract: A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.

Abstract: A video game control server for controlling progress of a video game via a communication network is provided. A game board information on a game board formed in a matrix manner is stored in the video game control server. It is determined whether a clear condition is satisfied or not. The clear condition associated with each of a plurality of squares on the game board is cleared by playing the video game by a player. In a case where it is determined that the clear condition associated with a square is satisfied, the square is set up to a condition accomplished square. In a case where a square is newly set up to a condition accomplished square and an arrangement pattern of the condition accomplished squares on the game board thereby becomes a predetermined privilege applying pattern, a privilege is applied to the player.

Abstract: A game server and a client device may perform parallel execution of scripts for a computer-implemented virtual game. When the client device determines that a user of the computer-implemented game has performed an in-game action, the client device may send an update notification to the game server that indicates the in-game action and client-side game state information. Then, the client device may determine an event script to execute based on the user's in-game action, and may execute the event script to present an in-game effect to the user in near real-time. Similarly, the game server may determine a corresponding event script to execute based on the in-game action, and may maintain a secure game state by executing the corresponding script independent of the client device's script execution.

Abstract: A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method for saving the state of a session of a game played by at least two players, the game including game elements having chips that are capable of contactless communication with a terminal via an interface. The terminal includes a screen, the game consisting of presenting game elements to the interface, each player being identified by the terminal by a game element referred to as the master element. According to the invention, the saving method involves: recording the history of the game session, recording the game elements which have not been in play, if applicable, and recording the game elements in the possession of the players at the time that the game was interrupted, by means of master elements, so as to be able subsequently to resume the game session in the same state in which the game was when interrupted.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.

Abstract: Games may be divided into different portions having differing preservation needs. These different portions may be saved to set locations for set periods of time when a downloaded game that was available on a given gaming terminal must be disabled, removed or otherwise made unavailable on the gaming terminal. The removal process may be automated or controlled remotely, although this is not strictly required. Further, preservation of games may be implemented using directories of the various game components for multiple downloaded games available to a gaming terminal.

Abstract: A game system comprises a first game control portion which makes a user of a game machine play a first game and a second game control portion which makes a user of a user terminal machine different from the game machine play a second game. The game control portion, where game play contents of the second game and identification information of the user are stored in a state of being correlated with each other, updates game data based on game play contents in the second game by the user each time the user plays the second game. The first game control portion obtains as reference data at least one portion of the game data when the user plays the first game, and generate effect in the first game depending on the reference data obtained.

Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for transitioning between game and non-game features is provided. Game display data is provided to a client device to display a computer-implemented game of a player. A request to transition from the computer-implemented game to a non-game feature is received from the client device. The request is received while the computer-implemented game is being displayed. Game state information associated with the player is stored in response to the request. The game state information includes information associated with a state of the computer-implemented game during receipt of the request. Non-game display data is provided to the client device to display the non-game feature.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a main door coupled to a main cabinet and a controller positioned within the main cabinet, wherein the controller includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit wireless control signals. The gaming machine also includes a display board coupled to the main door, wherein the display board includes a plurality of light devices and a wireless receiver configured to receive the wireless signals from the wireless transmitter, and wherein the wireless signals are representative of control commands for the plurality of light devices.

Abstract: Casino operators can reduce their energy bills by placing the main controller of selected unused gaming machines into low-power mode while retaining total control and trust. Trusted Energy Saving is accomplished by: (1) establishing a secure “out-of-band” communication (or equivalent) between gaming machines and the casino's management system such that full network security is maintained while the main controller is in low power standby mode, (2) employing intelligent strategies to wake-up and turn-off the main controller of selected gaming machines by anticipating player use, (3) waiving the lengthy security verification required by regulation upon every gaming machine start-up and optionally (4) by displaying video promotional content on each turned-off gaming machine to continue to attract prospective players and to use the timing of each player approach to intelligently structure game menus based on the promotional content that has successfully attracted the player.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more controllers, cause the gaming system to initiate a wagering game to be played via a gaming machine and in response to a pause event, temporarily pause the wagering game-in-progress, prior to revealing a final outcome of the wagering game. While the game-in-progress is paused, the one or more controllers allow the gaming machine to participate in a community event along with a plurality of other gaming machines and in response to an end-pause event associated with the community event, reinstate the paused game-in-progress at the gaming machine.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for pausing and resuming a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes receiving a pause command that indicates pausing play of a gesture-based game and in response to the receipt of the pause command, capturing a first image of a player currently playing the gesture-based game, the first image being associated with a first posture of the player substantially at the time of the pause command and generating an outline of the player corresponding to the first image of the player.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the selective backup and rollback of software, firmware and data components of a wagering game machine.

Abstract: Some examples described include a system to perform operations that include detecting a request to present a wagering game via a browser application and providing wagering game content for the wagering game, wherein a wagering game toolbar of the browser application is configured to present the wagering game content. In some examples, the operations further include providing a wagering game result for the wagering game, wherein the wagering game toolbar is configured to present the wagering game result.

Abstract: A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.

Abstract: In examples presented herein, a game server and a client device may perform parallel execution of scripts for a computer-implemented virtual game. In one example, in response to determining that a user of a virtual game has performed an in-game action, an update notification is sent to a server computer. The update notification indicates the in-game action and client-side state information. After the sending of the update notification, a first event script to execute is determined based on the in-game action. The first event script is executed to present an in-game effect to the user. An update response is received from the server computer based on execution of a second event script responsive to the in-game action.

Abstract: In examples presented herein, a game server and a client device may perform parallel execution of scripts for a computer-implemented virtual game. In one example, in response to determining that a user of a virtual game has performed an in-game action, a first event script to execute is determined based on the in-game action. The first event script is executed to present an in-game effect to the user. After the execution of the first event script, an update notification is sent to a server computer. The update notification indicates the in-game action and client-side state information. An update response is received from the server computer based on execution of a second event script responsive to the in-game action.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a gaming machine and a controller operatively associated with the gaming machine. The controller is configured to temporarily pause a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of a pause event. The controller is also configured to reinstate a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of an end-pause event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. Bracelets, wristwatches or collars can be used as communication objects, such that the removal of such an object from a player cannot be accomplished without breaking the closed electrical circuit contained therein, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A computer server having a player verification program and database may also be used.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for secure identification and authentication of computing hardware connected to wired or wireless networks, including but not limited to thin clients in server-based systems, mobile gaming devices, etc. Some implementations involve a frequent exchange of information between networked devices. In some implementations the exchange may be so frequent as to be effectively a constant exchange of information, though there may be small time intervals during which no such information is exchanged. Some preferred methods are effective against both external attacks and those benefiting from assistance or information provided by those with administrative access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for capturing a game history. Execution of a game of chance is facilitated in a network causing generation of a plurality of game presentation frames capable of being presented on a multimedia display of a first device on the network. First frame data are received from the first device via the network. The first frame data represent at least a portion of the game history and include a selected one of the game presentation frames.

Abstract: Techniques providing lock down of a gaming machine by a wireless device associated with a user. A request from a wireless device to lock down the gaming machine is received at the gaming machine or a network server in communication with the gaming machine. The gaming machine or network server determines whether the user associated with the wireless device has access to lock down the gaming machine. Upon determining that the user has access, the user is allowed to lock down the gaming machine with the wireless device. Lock down may include placing the gaming machine in an unplayable state.

Abstract: A branching tree program replays audio data, and thereafter, when the user performs a selection of alternatives, the branching tree program replays audio data in the branching tree which is the target of selection. The branching tree program progresses a game by repeating this type of selection and replaying. If the end of the branching tree is reached, or if the next item of audio data is not stored upon the portable telephone, then the required data or program is downloaded from a server device 50, and the game is continued. Accordingly, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program. As a result, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.