Abstract: An improved method for allowing players to make pari-mutuel wagers on previously-run, order-of-finish contests (PROOFCs) includes the steps of enabling the operator of a pari-mutuel wagering enterprise to: (1) access the database of race conditions pertaining to each of the PROOFCs and assemble a specified collection of PROOFCs upon which a player may elect to wager or not wager on a specific PROOFC, (2) select the number of contestants and the race conditions applicable to each of the PROOFCs so as to yield a wagering experience for the player (with sufficiently variable results and an acceptable financial return on the player's wagers) that makes it likely the player will again use this improved method of wagering, and wherein the wagering is conducted such that whether a player's selection is determined to be a winner depends on the performance of the selected contestant.

Abstract: An improved method for allowing players to make pari-mutuel wagers on previously-run, order-of-finish contests (PROOFCs) includes the steps of enabling the operator of a pari-mutuel wagering enterprise to: (1) access the database of race conditions pertaining to each of the PROOFCs and assemble a specified collection of PROOFCs upon which a player may elect to wager or not wager on a specific PROOFC, (2) select the number of contestants and the race conditions applicable to each of the PROOFCs so as to yield a wagering experience for the player (with sufficiently variable results and an acceptable financial return on the player's wagers) that makes it likely the player will again use this improved method of wagering, and wherein the wagering is conducted such that whether a player's selection is determined to be a winner depends on the performance of the selected contestant.

Abstract: A system for use in playing a video game, the system acting to measure the movement, motion, acceleration, orientation, and/or position of transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback. A bidirectional communication link to a processing system supporting the video game provides functional movement assessment.

Abstract: A method for implementing teleconferences when at least one participant receives 3-D data. A data rendering device presents data in a 3-D format or in pseudo 3-D format. A 3-D image is formed on a user computer system. The 3-D presentation is calculated by a local computer system. A block of user avatars is formed on the local computer system for all teleconference participants (including a local participant). The participant avatar includes a kinetic model (joints, muscles, body parts, etc.). The avatar includes a participant's behavior model (gestures, fingers, mimics, etc). The avatar also includes an avatar skin. The avatar skin includes a stable (unchangeable) part of the participant containing face and visible body parts, as well as modifiable parts (e.g., clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.).

Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method for tracking patronage of a customer in at least one casino property is described. The method comprises monitoring a wireless handset that determines the location of the customer. The method then proceeds to generate a user profile that comprises user preferences and monitored betting activity associated with the customer and accumulated points stored in a customer account according to a monetary value of the monitored betting activity. Complementary goods or services are determined based on the accumulated points associated with the customer account. A message is sent to the wireless handset associated with the complementary goods or services that is consistent with the user preferences.

Abstract: A computer system displays an object on a touch surface and detects multiple touch points on the touch surface in proximity to the displayed object. Next, the computer system detects one or more touch point movements originating from one or more of the plurality of touch points and determines a type of sector in which each of the touch point movements enters. In turn, when one of the touch point movements enters a rotate sector, the computer system performs a rotate command on the object.

Abstract: Incorporating player-generated audio in an electronic game is disclosed. Incorporation may include receiving an audio clip from an electronic game player, applying a modification to the audio clip to generate a chant, associating the chant to the execution of an event in the electronic game, retrieving the chant when the event in the electronic game is executed, and initiating the play of the chant upon execution of the event in the electronic game.

Abstract: To increase the player's expectation in a fight game using game media, the present invention provides a server device that controls a game in which a player does a fight using game media in a game space through a network. The server device includes a storage unit configured to store player information including information about the game media that the player owns in the game space and about a status of the game media; a determining portion configured to determine whether a specific game medium among the game media that the player owns has satisfied a predetermined temporal requirement; and an updating portion configured to update the player information so as to change the specific game medium from a first status to a second status when the determining portion determines that the specific game medium has satisfied the predetermined temporal requirement.

Abstract: An anti-cheating system includes a real world controller constructed to provide a randomly generated payout of real world credits for a wager of an amount of real world credits; an entertainment software controller constructed to provide outcomes upon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game; a game world controller connecting the real world controller to the entertainment software controller using a communication link, the game world controller constructed to: manage the entertainment software controller and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences to the real world controller; analyze player performance information to determine whether cheating is occurring by evaluating whether the player's current gameplay performance is beyond a statistical limit of randomness inherent in the hybrid game by comparing the player's current gameplay performance with historical gameplay using an outlier test; and communicate a command to penalize the player during play of the hybrid game.

Abstract: A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device.

Abstract: A method of rendering an electronic graphical representation of a user of a computerized system includes providing a plurality of states for the electronic graphical representation including first and second differing states, monitoring a measurable quantity to provide a monitored quantity, and changing a state of the graphical representation from the first state to the second state based upon the monitored quantity. The graphical representation is an avatar and the method includes defining a receptor point associated with the avatar and associating an object with the receptor point. The receptor point is located on the avatar. The plurality of states includes a non-hybrid state. The plurality of states includes a hybrid state. The hybrid state is a static image hybrid state and a video hybrid state. The video hybrid state is a live video hybrid state and a pre-recorded video hybrid state.

Abstract: A reference strength (P) is set at a game device (10) as a received signal strength enabling stable communication in a range in which radio waves reach from a wireless relay device (20) (radio wave coverage range), and permits a game play at a portable terminal (30), for which the received signal strength reaches the set reference strength (P). Thus, it is possible to permit players in an area satisfying store manager's wishes to perform remote play under a stable communication environment, without being influenced by a decrease in an effective communication speed.

Abstract: A method of mobile gaming is disclosed. The method includes configuring a mobile device to include a plurality of gaming parameters representative of a game to be played, communicating a gaming request via a wireless network, wherein the gaming request includes a game identifier. The method further includes detecting a gaming request response, wherein the gaming request response is associated with the game identifier, exchanging at least one of the plurality of gaming parameters, and updating at least one of the plurality of gaming parameters on the mobile device to reflect the exchanged at least one of the plurality of gaming parameters.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for reducing lag time via, predictive caching in cloud-based gaming. In one example, a cloud-based gaming system may identify game paths that can be taken during real-time game play and may break down the game paths into subsets of path segments a player can select. The system may determine a probability of the player taking a subset of the path segments based on real-time actions by the player and a game history of the current player and past players. The system may assign probabilities of being selected to the subsets of path segments and may render the subsets of path segments based on their respective probabilities. The system may transmit the rendered game content data for the subsets of path segments to a game client for caching on the local cache so that the game content data may be available when needed during real-time game play.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a hidden audio signal. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes registering, at a central database, one or more of an identifier and a destination resource associated with the identifier, and encoding the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource in a hidden audio signal. The method further includes transmitting the hidden audio signal, including the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource, in connection with an acoustic signal, and receiving the acoustic signal at a user device. In addition, the method includes decoding the encoded one or more of the identifier and the destination resource at the user device; and requesting, from the central database, information associated with the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource. Further, the method includes receiving, at the user device, the requested information.

Abstract: An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: a game processing unit configured to execute a multiplayer game application through a plurality of users each using a terminal; a group formation unit configured to form a playgroup for playing the game application, wherein the game processing unit includes: a group formation request unit configured to output, to the group formation unit, a playgroup formation request that specifies a group, according to input of the terminals, wherein the group formation unit is configured to form the users of terminals that specify the same group into a playgroup, based on the specified group.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system with which a new function can be added without altering an application program itself. The information processing system includes: a first execution information obtaining unit configured to obtain first execution information which indicates an execution state of a first execution unit configured to execute an application program; an execution information storing unit configured to store the first execution information; and the first execution unit or a second execution unit configured to execute the application program, in which the first execution unit or the second execution unit uses the stored first execution information to execute the application program.

Abstract: An in-vehicle gaming system may be played by a driver alone, or simultaneously or individually by a driver and/or one or more other users. The in-vehicle gaming system may be activated or controlled by, for example, touch, voice, or gesture. Gameplay is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on environmental factors such that the driver is not distracted from driving the vehicle. Game content is generated based at least in part on environmental factors and user data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for customizing player-generated audio in electronic games are provided. Sound generated by a player may be recorded in an audio clip. A modification is selected by a player, and the modification is applied to the audio clip. The modified audio clip is associated with a game event designated by the player. When the designated game event is detected, the associated audio clip may be played. In some embodiments, playing the modified audio clip includes broadcasting the modified audio clip to another player in a network.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for advanced wagering. Some embodiments may include determining a desired wagering event for placing a wager, providing a user interface that includes a wager field for a user to indicate a wager and a payout field for the user to enter a desired payout that is based on the wager, calculating a wager amount to achieve the desired payout, and providing the wager amount to the user.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include connecting a wagering game to a chat session and receiving a textual game command for the wagering game from a chat message sent via the chat session. The operations can further include activating a wagering game function for the wagering game in response to receiving the textual game command via the chat message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for accessing a data-capture device in a different domain, by public safety wireless communications equipment, for the purpose of obtaining information at an incident. A dispatch controller of a public safety wireless communications system receives an access token from a server of a non-public-safety network, when an incident occurs. The token allows access to a data-capture device, and is associated with the incident. The dispatch controller sends the token to the data-capture device, receives a data stream, and forwards the data stream to a public safety wireless communication device. The public safety wireless communication device may itself discover and access the data-capture device, and may receive the data stream directly from the data-capture device. The public safety wireless communication device may forward the data stream and/or the access token to other public safety wireless communication devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: An electronic game for playing on a portable handheld game unit and on-line includes a dynamic animated virtual character that can be customized and updated both visually and functionally through game play and that can translate from a two dimensional visual presentation on a game unit to a higher order visual presentation in an interactive multi-player virtual world on-line and back while retaining any customization or upgrades is provided. Different versions of the electronic game produce different virtual characters that can interact on-line or through wireless linkage between game units.

Abstract: A CPU shows animation in which an introduction character appears. In succession, the CPU has a profile of the introduction character displayed. Thereafter, the CPU has a substance of a content displayed, based on a title or the like included in motion picture information downloaded from a distribution server. Namely, the CPU causes a monitor to display the introduction character (a character object) based on obtained character information and outputs information for introducing a specific content in association with the introduction character (the character object) based on obtained content information.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for operating a gaming system are provided. The gaming system includes a controller operable with a plurality of gaming devices. Based at least in part on wagering activity, the controller determines a ranking for a plurality of gaming devices in the gaming system. The controller determines a plurality of the ranked gaming devices that are eligible for a designated award and, for each of the plurality of eligible gaming devices, determines a probability of being selected to win the designated award. The controller selects at least one of the eligible gaming devices based part on the determined probability for said at least one eligible gaming device, and causes the at least one selected gaming device to provide the designated award.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to dynamically altering an in-game experience based on a user's connection to the online game. The online game may monitor connection strength of a device of the user to a network via which the user may access the online game. The online game may dynamically alter the user's experience based on the connection strength of the device. The online game may make available or remove the availability of one or more modes of game play to the user based on the connection strength of the users device.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing an Internet Protocol (IP) connection between mobile terminals and a mobile terminal for establishing an IP connection are disclosed. The method includes: a request terminal sending a request short message to a called terminal; the called terminal getting the program name by parse, searching out a corresponding end-to-end program in an end-to-end program list and displays it to a user after the request short message is detected and the user chooses to receive the short message; the end-to-end program of the called terminal sending a network connection request after the user starts the end-to-end program and inputs the IP address of the short message text; the end-to-end program of the request terminal performing an IP-based data interaction with the called terminal when the network connection request is monitored. This technical solution can establish an end-to-end IP connection between two mobile terminals rapidly and conveniently.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide methods and devices for various types of adventure sequences that preferably involve, at least in part, wagering games. Such sequences may involve wagering and/or other games at a plurality of gaming devices, tables and/or gaming establishments. Some implementations provide a virtual gaming experience wherein one or more other environments (e.g., environments that include gaming establishments) are simulated at a single location. Accordingly, adventure sequences described herein may comprise stages in one or more virtual environments, stages in one or more real environments or a combination of the two. Virtual players, also referred to herein as player game agents (“PGAs”), may act on behalf of real players. A PGA may be able to play games autonomously, e.g., when the associated player is at a different location and/or is not aware of the PGA's current activities. PGAs may be enabled to negotiate on behalf of real players, e.g.

Abstract: A virtual space may be presented within a plurality of virtual environments provided by different platforms without requiring idiosyncratic APIs associated with the virtual space for each different platform. An API adaptor module may be configured to facilitate interfacing between a single virtual space API and platform APIs associated with two or more different platforms. A space module may be configured to execute an instance of a virtual space, and to implement the instance of the virtual space to determine view information defining views of the instance of the virtual space for presentation via two or more virtual environments provided by the two or more platforms. Facilitating user interactivity with the virtual space via a given virtual environment provided by a given platform may include interfacing between the virtual space API and a platform API associated with the given platform.

Abstract: An achievement system tracks users' offline activities and awards achievements to users for participation in particular offline activities. The achievements that are awarded for particular activities and/or to particular users may be sponsored by merchants, who may compensate an achievement system provider for the opportunity to sponsor the achievements. To award users achievements, the users' offline activities are tracked. When a user participates in an offline activity for which achievements are available, the user is awarded an achievement. The achievement may be stored in an achievement profile for the user. In some embodiments, achievements earned by users may be converted into other benefits and alternative awards.

Abstract: In an approach, one or more player characters controllable by a first player account perform an action in an instance of a game world. In the event that the action meets one or more conditions for creating a nemesis, a computer system controlling the game instance selects a second player account to be invaded by a nemesis. When the second player account plays the game in the same or a different game instance, the computer system determines whether second one or more characters of the selected account meet one or more invasion conditions. If the invasion conditions are met, the computer system generates computer-controlled enemy NPCs for second one or more characters of the second player account to defeat. If the second account defeats the nemesis invasion, rewards are generated for the first and second player accounts. Otherwise, the computer system chooses a third player account for nemesis invasion.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a request to configure a wagering game machine for presentation of a wagering game effect. The operations can further include, in response to detecting the request, evaluating, a position of the wagering game machine against criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect. The operations can further include, based on the evaluating the position of the wagering game machine against the criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect, modifying an availability of at least one of a plurality of options to configure the wagering game machine for the presentation of the wagering game effect.

Abstract: A system, method, and processor-readable media for providing interactive, television-based gaming service, comprising a server cluster including processor electronics configured to send and receive messages and to execute a game, a first set-top box coupled to a first headend managed by a first television service provider, the first set-top box executing a first game client for enabling a first user to play the game executed by the server cluster, a second set-top box coupled to a second headend managed by a second television service provider, the second set-top box executing a second game client for enabling a second user to play the game executed by the server cluster, wherein the server cluster is coupled to the first and second headends via a public network and further configured to enable the first user to play the game with or against the second user.

Abstract: A communication game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses which are able to wirelessly communicate with each other. Each game apparatus registers identifying information of an opponent obtained by a short-distance wireless communication or by user's manual input in a friend list. Thereafter, the game apparatus connects to the Internet, and inquiries whether it is possible to communicate with an opponent in the friend list over the network. If it is possible to communicate, the game apparatus obtains an address of the opponent to make a network communication. Even if a user makes a short distance wireless communication with a friend to exchange and register the identifying information or registers the friend by hand and then is parted from the friend, the user can safely communicate with the friend across the network without being exposed to unknown players.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail store that is usable in an interactive game that provides virtual play via computer animation. The toy may include an RFID transponder or tag which is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or character. Players advance in the game by finding clues, casting spells and solving various puzzles presented. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, and the like.

Abstract: When the player identifies herself to a gaming machine at a casino, for example by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader, she is, at generally the same time, logging onto a game provider's backend system (the game provider being different from the casino operator). This concurrent sign-on to the game provider's system is done in a non-intrusive, transparent, and passive manner. The player is not distracted from the normal steps leading to game play on the machine until she is ready to redeem points with the game provider or for some reason additional authentication is needed from the player. By virtue of this single sign-on to the game provider network, in addition to continuing game play across different casinos, the player can publish events to the Internet, such as on social networking sites, take advantage of offers targeted specifically for her, or facilitate responsible gaming programs.

Abstract: Provided is a device for wirelessly controlling robots suitable for competition or educational purposes, the device including: an input module configured to receive commands from a human user interface, the human user interface sending signals indicative of inputs by a user to control a robot; a protocol translator configured to translate the received commands into a protocol to which the robot is responsive; a wireless output module configured to wirelessly transmit the translated commands to the robot such that the robot executes the commands.

Abstract: A game operable to transform an area from a first state to a second state wherein the players interact with artificial intelligence. The game includes a method of play utilizing a game box wherein the game box is configured to store and receive a plurality of game components. An artificial intelligence module is disposed within the game box and is configured with software to recognize human speech and provide reactions thereto. The game includes at least two collection wands that are operable to assist a user in collecting objects from the defined game area. A plurality of bags are provided with at least a portion of the bags being transparent.

Abstract: A wager gaming machine may be configured not only to provide wagering games, but also to communicate with one or more hosts that can provide information and/or services pertaining to local wager gaming events, including but not limited to local tournaments, local restaurants, local messages (e.g., messages from other players in the gaming establishment), local social events, local sporting events, local dating opportunities, etc. Other hosts may provide information and/or services pertaining to business or finance (e.g., stock quotes), sports, news, weather, etc. Processes for conveying audio, video, etc., from host devices may be separate from processes used to control wager game presentations. At least some such processes may be able to output an associated “skin” on a video system of the wager gaming machine. These processes may involve providing one or more “widgets.

Abstract: A gaming system has a gaming machine. The gaming machine transmits a signal to a remote device indicating a winning round.

Abstract: A method of interactive gaming includes identifying a broadcast event, generating interactive questions for the broadcast event based upon a subject of the broadcast event, organizing the generated questions based on a structure of the broadcast event, and providing the organized questions to a user during a broadcast of the broadcast event through an interactive gaming interface based on the structure of the broadcast event.

Abstract: A game system is provided with a communication mode using communication and a task mode in which a player selects one task from a plurality of tasks (operations), and plays a game with an aim to achieve the task, and operates operation management data 111 so that it is changed by following a predetermined condition whether the status of task is permission or forbiddance. The game system allows the player to select at least one task achieved by the player, and communicates data 112s, 112r in association with the game-play of communication mode between the game apparatuses, the data 112s, 112r being for permitting the selection of task specified by each player. And, the game system operates the operation management data 111 so that the selection of task corresponding to the data 112r received gets permitted.

Abstract: A network-based gaming system includes a website hosted by a web server connected to the network, the website including a member login interface, a social graph application program interface (API), and at least one hyperlink to a multi-dimensional game served by a game server connected to the network and a social graph information reader accessible to the game server, the social graph information reader for identifying one or more players of the game by correlating identification information provided or known about the players with social graph data aggregated about the players, and a game configuration interface resident on and executable from the digital medium accessible to the game server, the game configuration interface enabling a member to configure rules pertaining to game and or game object recognition of, and treatment of certain players of the game determined to be friends of the member.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a number of players present using facial recognition. There is provided a method comprising capturing an image of the players present, and determining the number of players present based on the image. In this manner, players may more easily configure game settings, whereas spectators may be presented a more engaging experience.

Abstract: A gaming system a method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer which includes accumulating player-usable points at a network-accessible location as a function of gaming activity on one or more of the electronic gaming machines and subsequently awarding the accumulated points to a player, where at least some of the accumulated points are hidden from the player prior to the points being awarded.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure includes, for example, a method for receiving from a first device a request to initiate a video game with a second device, determining a location of the first device, detecting a difference between first computing resources of the first device and second computing resources of the second device, instructing the first device, the second device, or both to adjust a resource configuration to mitigate an aspect of the difference between the first computing resources and the second computing resources, and coordinating an exchange of first control information provided by the first device and second control information provided by the second device to enable a multiplayer session of the video game between the first device and the second device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of finding a new social network service friend for a player belonging to a social network service and having a friend group including one or more player-accepted friends includes recognizing the player, automatically identifying an observer within a threshold proximity to the player, and adding the observer to the friend group of the player in the social network service if the observer satisfies a friending criteria of the player.