Abstract: A game system is provided which is capable of continuing a game without a player feeling inconvenience even in a case where a basic currency at hand is lost. This game system includes: a bill identifying apparatus for identifying bills of different currencies and an amount of the bills and then outputting data representing the identified result; a player tracking device which is integrated with each of gaming machines, for converting data outputted from the bill identifying apparatus to credit data for executing a game, based on an exchange rate; and an information card device which is integrated with the player tracking device, the information card device causing an information card to store data equivalent to an amount awarded to a player in accordance with a game result of the gaming machines and sending out the credit data for executing the game to the gaming machines, based on the data equivalent to the amount read from the information card.

Abstract: A method of implementing a rolling interface transition on a mobile device is disclosed. The method in one embodiment includes generating a first interface instance and a second interface instance on the mobile device; displaying the first interface instance on a display screen of the mobile device; detecting a motion of the mobile device through a sensor mechanically coupled to the mobile device; and rendering an interface transition visual effect such that the second interface instance replaces the first interface instance in an area of the display screen, and the area increases according to a progression of the motion.

Abstract: While an example terminal device is being held with its long sides extending horizontally, when a left-right direction is inputted by using a right analog stick, a first virtual camera is directed to a left-right direction in a virtual space. On the other hand, while the terminal device is being held with its long side extending vertically, when an apparent left-right direction, that is, an up-down direction in the state where the terminal device is held with its long sides extending horizontally, is inputted by using a right analog stick, the first virtual camera is directed to the left-right direction in the virtual space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game streaming system and method for supporting multiuser and multiplatform, and more particularly to a game streaming system and method for supporting multiuser and multiplatform, which executes a game for multiuser in a server computer having high performance in an online game and transfers multiple game result images and game sound to a client terminal of a corresponding user by using real-time encoding and streaming.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes a moving image display unit configured to control a display apparatus to display a moving image thereon, a reading unit configured to read animation information including a plurality of frame images, a detection unit configured to detect touch on the display apparatus, and a display control unit configured to control the display apparatus to display a first frame image of the animation information thereon if touch on a specific position of the display apparatus is detected by the detection unit when the moving image is being displayed on the display aparatus, and to start a transition display of frame images of the animation information if the touch on the display apparatus becomes undetected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for adapting user interfaces for devices that include widescreen displays. In one aspect, a method includes determining a size characteristic of a display of a mobile device, determining a size characteristic of content that is to be displayed on the display, and comparing the size characteristic of the content to the size characteristic of the display. The method also includes selecting one or more controls to display in a portion of the display that is not to be used to display the content based on comparing the size characteristic of the content to the size characteristic of the display, displaying the content, and displaying the selected controls in a portion of the display that is not used to display the content.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target includes receiving an observed depth image of the target from a source and obtaining a posed model of the target. The model is rasterized into a synthesized depth image, and the pose of the model is adjusted based, at least in part, on differences between the observed depth image and the synthesized depth image.

Abstract: A game processing server apparatus, to which plural terminal devices each being operated by a player are connected via a network, configured to provide a game service to the plural terminal devices, includes a player management unit which manages an association of a target player with other of the plural players; and an event management unit which controls a generation of an event for the target player based on a winning probability parameter of the target player indicating a probability of the target player winning the game determined based on player information of the target player and the players associated with the target player.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining lighting information and material information in an image modeling system are provided. A material constant of a same material region and lighting information of the same material region may be extracted by applying color channel pixel values, depth values, and viewpoint information to a linear system in which a pixel value is defined by a material constant and a combination of a geometry component with a lighting component.

Abstract: A sensing baseball game apparatus (10) has a game machine (12) connected to a television monitor (18). A bat input device (32) is provided with an acceleration sensor. An acceleration signal is transmitted by an infrared-ray LED (34) to an infrared-ray receiving part of the game machine (12) whereby the game machine (12) determines a moving speed of the bat input device (32) to calculate a moving parameter of a ball to be batted. Accordingly, a batted ball is moved in the game scene according to the parameter.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes. Each symbol combination includes one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for brokering advertising of products and services in a virtual world. The method includes accepting subscriptions from advertisers willing to pay for advertising products and services on a persona associated with a virtual space belonging to a virtual world user, creating a user profile based on specified likes/dislikes and establishing whether a user is willing to display advertising on their persona in the virtual world in exchange for receiving a benefit. Further, the method includes displaying advertisements on the persona, such that, the one or more advertisements displayed on the persona dynamically changes based on a viewing user viewing the persona of the advertising user, the one or more advertisements displayed to the viewing user being based on a viewing user profile, such that, the advertisements displayed on the persona varies simultaneously in real time mode from one viewing user to another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a limited-time bonus period are disclosed herein. According to one method, one or more triggering events are established for the gaming machines, wherein the triggering events are winning game outcomes. A gaming period is initiated on the gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine generates a game outcome. If necessary, a system host is notified that one or more triggering events have been satisfied. The gaming machines then receive instructions from the system host to initiate a limited-time bonus period, wherein the limited-time bonus period is presented on a player tracking and interactive system gaming devices on a selected number of gaming machines. A notification message is displayed on the gaming machines regarding the initiation of the first limited-time bonus period, and a prize is awarded if a winning outcome is achieved by one or more of the networked gaming machines during the first limited-time bonus period.

Abstract: A game environment is presented where the 3-D object is properly transitioned from the player's field of view. For example, the perceived position of the 3-D object in the real 3-D space is measured, and if the distance from the display exceeds a threshold, the system will gradually transition the object out of the player's field of view. As another example, the distance of the object from a virtual camera can be measured in a virtual space and if the distance comes within a threshold value, the system will fade the object from the display. As a further example, the distance of the object from a predefined reference plane in the virtual space can be measured to determine the object's perceived visual distance in the real 3-D space and if the object exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the object will begin fading from the display.

Abstract: A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users.

Abstract: A franchise game mechanic for use in an online social game that promotes interaction between users.

Abstract: An example game system includes a game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The game device calculates an attitude of the controller device, and controls an attitude of a club in a virtual game space based on the attitude of the controller device. An image of the game space including the club is displayed on a predetermined display device separate from the portable display device. An image representing a ball placed in the game space is displayed on the portable display device. Moreover, an image representing a tip of the club is displayed on the portable display device, together with the image representing the ball, when a predetermined axis of the controller device extends toward the portable display device.

Abstract: Techniques for managing a set of states associated with a capture device are disclosed herein. The capture device may detect and bind to users, and may provide feedback about whether the capture device is bound to, or detecting a user. Techniques are also disclosed wherein virtual ports may be associated with users bound to a capture device and feedback about the state of virtual ports may be provided.

Abstract: In a method for displaying information, particularly in a vehicle, at least one object for conveying a portion of gross information is represented graphically in at least one first display mode with the aid of a display mounted, e.g., in the vehicle, and as a function of a control signal of a control device, graphic data are generated which alter the representation of the graphical object such that the graphical object changes over to at least one second display mode. In the second display mode, the object is shown swiveled about an axis in a perspective or three-dimensional manner relative to the first display mode of the object, and the portion of the gross information conveyed by the object is greater in the second display mode than the portion of the gross information conveyed by the object in the first display mode. A corresponding display device is adapted to perform the method described above.

Abstract: A method of gaming includes generating a game outcome. The method also includes determining whether the game outcome includes a win outcome. The method further includes providing a three-dimensional representation of an object having a plurality of win outcome modifiers thereon. Additionally, the method includes controlling display of the object in response to a modification condition being met, such that the object is displayed as rotating and the axis around which it rotates changes at least once prior to the object stopping and such that after stopping, the selected modifier of the plurality of modifiers which is to be applied is apparent from the display. The method includes modifying the win outcome with the selected modifier.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths.

Abstract: A framework is provided for selecting media files for playback in a computer game. In one embodiment, user actions in the computer game are monitored. Further, user characterizations of media files may also be retrieved. The user characterizations may be input by a plurality of users via a media player application. A media file may be then selected for playback based on the monitored user actions and retrieved user characterizations. The selected media file may better suit an emotional experience of a user playing the computer game.

Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus, a first output device having a first display section and a first sound output section, and a second output device having a second display section and a second sound output section. In this system, a first sound signal to be output to the first sound output section and a second sound signal to be output to the second sound output section are generated based on the same sound data. When transmitting the two sound signals, the timing to transmit the first sound signal to the first sound section is delayed by a predetermined time with respect to the timing to transmit the second sound signal to the second audio section.

Abstract: Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.

Abstract: Localization of linguistic assets of a virtual space may be facilitated. A first instance (associated with a first locale) and a second instance (associated with a second locale) of the virtual space may be implemented. The first locale may have first linguistic conventions, while the second locale may have second linguistic conventions. The first instance and the second instance may be provided for presentation to a human translator. Editing may be facilitated of a first linguistic asset of the first instance corresponding to a second linguistic asset of the second instance. The first linguistic asset or the second linguistic asset may be editable by the human translator such that the first linguistic asset conforms to one or more of the first linguistic conventions and the second linguistic asset conforms to one or more of the second linguistic conventions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a simulation unit which performs a simulation of operation of an object and a display unit which generates based on a result of the simulation an image in which a virtual object is operating and displays the image. The apparatus further comprises a calculating unit which calculates a position and orientation of a predetermined part of an observer who observes the virtual object being displayed, and a generating unit which generates a parameter for use in the simulation based on the position and orientation of the predetermined part of the observer and the position and orientation of the virtual object. This structure makes it possible to set parameters of simulation in a virtual-reality or mixed-reality space through manipulation performed by the observer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement slot machine game that uses isometric symbols. The isometric symbols scroll on the screen in three-dimensions which also accommodate for hidden line removal. The game can be displayed on a traditional two-dimensional output device or an autostereoscopic display.

Abstract: In a network game, player characters manipulated by individual players of video game apparatuses belong to the same party to battle with an opponent character. When a player character making a special move is not present in the party, the display screen of each video game apparatus becomes a screen focusing on the player character of the player who uses this video game apparatus. When one of the player characters makes a special move, not only the display screen of the video game apparatus corresponding to this player, but also the display screens of the video game apparatuses corresponding to the other player characters in the party become screens focusing on the player character which makes the special move.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a multi-touch interface for card gaming includes providing a multi-touch interface for displaying a card having a hidden value. The method includes detecting a touch on the interface. The touch has a curved pattern with multiple points of contact with the interface. The curved pattern is indicative of the lateral edge of a human hand in contact with the interface, oriented to hide the card from others. The method then detects movement of the multiple points of contact sweeping over a portion of the interface to reveal the value of the card to the user.

Abstract: Virtual items may be unlocked in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection. A common virtual item repository may be provided in the virtual space. Once unlocked, a given virtual item may be accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. Customization of a virtual space may be facilitated. The customization may be based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository.

Abstract: Some aspects discussed herein may provide for a dynamic and real-time analysis of a virtual environment around a player as the player traverses the virtual environment. The analysis may determine candidate hooks (interaction points) for player movement in the virtual environment, and a best hook may be selected for performing a movement action. The movement action may be selected based on the selected hook, providing fluid and natural movement through the virtual environment. The candidate hooks may be determined based on a plurality of three dimensional ray traces originating from points along a left side and a right side of the player and at a range of heights. Collision points from the ray traces may be analyzed to determine whether they may support movement interaction, and valid points may be used to create the candidate hooks.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for executing a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes a memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes the gaming system to: display a symbol array at a first position of a three-dimensional (3D) space; display a 3D object at a second position of the 3D space, the 3D object having two or more surfaces each lying in a respective plane of the 3D space and each having a respective symbol modifier; display the 3D object and/or symbol array moving towards each other; display, in the symbol array, symbols indicative of a wagering-game outcome; and, in response to the 3D object engaging the array, modify each of the symbol-array symbols by the symbol modifier of the 3D object which engages that symbol.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for multi-tiered gaming data download. The system includes a gaming device for local play of a game. The gaming device includes a communication interface receiving and transmitting data to download a game for play at the gaming device. The system also includes a plurality of download servers communicating with the gaming device to provide game data for download to and play at the gaming device. The system further includes a middle tier server acting as a hub to communicate with the plurality of download servers to provide game data from one or more of the plurality of download servers. The middle tier server allocates download server resources and schedules a download of game data from one or more download servers to the gaming device based on resource constraints at the plurality of download servers and availability for download at the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a selector arranged to select symbols for display in respective first display position areas, and a shutter device disposed in front of the selected symbols and arranged to controllably conceal or reveal at least one of the symbols. The system also comprises a display device disposed in front of the shutter device and arranged to display icons at respective second display position areas. Each second display position area is disposed in alignment with a first display position area, and the display device is controllable so as to modify the degree of transparency of an icon. When the shutter device is controlled so as to reveal a selected symbol and an icon associated with the revealed symbol is modified so as to increase the degree of transparency of the icon, the revealed symbol is viewable through the associated icon.

Abstract: Human body motion is represented by a skeletal model derived from image data of a user. The model represents joints and bones and has a rigid body portion. The sets of body data are scaled to a predetermined number of sets for a number of periodic units. A body-based coordinate 3-D reference system having a frame of reference defined with respect to a position within the rigid body portion of the skeletal model is generated. The body-based coordinate 3-D reference system is independent of the camera's field of view. The scaled data and representation of relative motion within an orthogonal body-based 3-D reference system decreases the data and simplifies the calculations for determining motion thus enhancing real-time performance for multimedia applications controlled by a user's natural movements.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting characteristics of at least one environmental condition in an external environment that is external to a wagering game machine in a casino (e.g., detect activity that occurs in the casino, detect appearance of people and objects in the casino, detect light and sound events, etc.). The operations can further include generating an animated wagering game effect in a wagering game animation, using the detected characteristics of the environmental condition. The animated wagering game effect can affect one or more wagering game objects within the wagering game animation in a way that emulates the environmental condition.

Abstract: Natural three-dimensional (xw,yw,zw,tw) gesture player interaction with a two-dimensional game application rendered on a two or three dimensional display includes mapping acquired (xw,yw,zw,tw) gesture data to virtual game-world (xv,yv,zv,tv) coordinates or vice versa, and scaling if needed. The game application is caused to render at least one image on the display responsive to the mapped and scaled (xw,yw,zw) data, where the display and game interaction is rendered from the player's perception viewpoint. The (xw,yw,zw) data preferably is acquired using spaced-apart two-dimensional cameras coupled to software to reduce the acquired images to a relatively small number of landmark points, from which player gestures may be recognized. The invention may be implemented in a handheld device such as a smart phone or tablet, which device may include a gyroscope and/or accelerometer.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) within the gaming system can be configured to allow play of wager-based games and interact with portable electronic devices. The EGMs can be configured with one or more of mechanisms that enable a user to establish and then determine a status of a communication session between a portable electronic device and the EGM. In addition, the EGMs can be configured with one or more mechanisms that enable a user to determine a status of a transaction or application involving a portable electronic device.

Abstract: To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed.

Abstract: A gaming machine display (14) includes a game playing arrangement (16) mountable in a cabinet (62) of a gaming machine (10). An electronically controlled display element (50) overlies the game playing arrangement (16) so that, depending on a state of the display element (50), the game playing arrangement (16) is visible through the display element (50).

Abstract: An example image processing method for rendering an object arranged in a virtual space, the method being implemented by a computer executing: acquiring a captured image of a subject captured by an imaging device; determining an imaging direction of a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space, such that the imaging direction is changed in conjunction with motion of the imaging device; specifying, in information for performing predetermined image processing on the captured image, a particular piece of information determined according to the imaging direction of the virtual camera determined in the determining; an image processing of performing the predetermined image processing on the captured image acquired in the acquiring, by using the piece of information specified in the specifying; and causing a display device to display the captured image subjected to the predetermined image processing in the image processing.

Abstract: Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising a time-of-flight 3D camera and related method for illuminating a camera field of view and capturing return image light are disclosed herein. In one example, the time-of-flight 3D camera includes a light source configured to emit source light along an optical axis, and a collimator configured to receive and collimate the source light to create collimated light. A refractive diffuser is operable to be tuned to the camera field of view and configured to receive and diffuse the collimated light to create refracted light having a varying intensity profile. The refractive diffuser is further configured to guide the refracted light to illuminate only a portion of the camera field of view to reduce wasted source light.

Abstract: A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective “porthole” view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space. Technology is used to determine aspects of the spatiality of the display devices in the physical world, and use the determined spatiality to affect the images displayed on the displays.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device includes a virtual space recognition unit for analyzing 3D space structure of a real space to recognize a virtual space, a storage unit for storing an object to be arranged in the virtual space, a display unit for displaying the object arranged in the virtual space, on a display device, a detection unit for detecting device information of the display device, and an execution unit for executing predetermined processing toward the object based on the device information.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and images a face image of a player with an inward camera provided between a first LCD and a second LCD according to an instruction from the CPU. The CPU specifies a position of the eyes of the player from the face image, and decides a position of a virtual camera in correspondence to the specified position of the eyes. In a three-dimensional virtual space, a gazing point is fixedly decided, and a game screen is displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD such that the three-dimensional virtual space is fixed with respect to the display surface. If the position of the eyes of the player is in a predetermined position (range) with respect to the display surface, a predetermined letter or the like is represented by a combination of objects, etc. on the game screen.

Abstract: A method for sharing three-dimensional gameplay of a video game to a social network is provided, the method including: receiving a request to share a recorded gameplay portion to a social network, the recorded gameplay portion defined by three-dimensional recorded video; generating a two-dimensional video clip based on the three-dimensional recorded video; sharing the two-dimensional video clip to the social network.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern an improved immersive experience for a video gamer that is provided by controlling a game based on the three dimensional location and orientation of a control and display device held by or otherwise associated with the gamer. The location is determined from data comprising a three dimensional position and an orientation of a portion of a player in a three dimensional space associated with a computerized game. The facing and rotation of the device is determined as a function of both the location of the device and the orientation of the device. The orientation may be determined by data from motion sensors in or on the device. Example apparatus and methods control the computerized game based, at least in part, on the position of the device, the facing of the device, and the rotation of the device.