Abstract: A method for transmitting encoded media data on the basis of a layer model includes dividing the media data onto a basic layer and at least one additional enhanced layer, transmitting the basic layer and the at least one enhanced layer via at least two network accesses, selecting a first network access to transmit the basic layer that has a network quality and/or stability that is sufficient for transmitting the basic layer; and selecting at least one second network access from among the network accesses depending upon the bandwidth of the first network access and the quality and stability of the network accesses for transmitting the at least one enhanced layer. An apparatus can be configured to execute the method. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a communication system, a server computer device and/or a mobile terminal.

Abstract: An example system includes: a plurality of information processing devices each having a game processing unit for performing processing involved in a game, a reproduction data generating unit for generating reproduction data to be used for reproducing game play, a relevant information accepting unit for accepting input of relevant information concerning the reproduction data, and a post transmitting unit for transmitting reproduction data and relevant information; and a server machine having a post receiving unit for receiving reproduction data and relevant information transmitted from the information processing device, a storage unit for storing reproduction data and relevant information in association with each other, and a relevant information transmitting unit for transmitting relevant information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at methods and systems for implementing and scoring a vocal improvisation feature in a music video game. This feature can allow players of music video games to sing improvised harmonies for a song using a microphone controller. The improvised harmonies can be musically consonant with a pre-authored melody track programmed into the music video game. The improvised harmonies can comprise pre-authored notes programmed into the pre-authored melody track, or can be generated by the music video game during run-time based on the pre-authored melody track. The music video game can also display guidelines visually showing permissible harmony tracks in relation to the pre-authored melody track.

Abstract: An example system includes: a server machine having a storage unit for storing reproduction data involved in reproduction of game play and a data transmitting unit for transmitting reproduction data stored in the storage unit; and an information processing device having a data receiving unit for receiving reproduction data transmitted by the server machine, a reproduction processing unit for displaying reproduction of game play at a display unit in response to reproduction data received by the data receiving unit, a character display processing unit for displaying one or a plurality of character objects at the display unit during reproduction of game play by the reproduction processing unit, and a character action processing unit for causing a character object displayed by the character display processing unit to take a predetermined action with reproduction of game play by the reproduction processing unit.

Abstract: A record display of an interleaved wagering system is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a game server carrying out actions, including: generating a selection screen that presents a plurality of reproduction data items, each for reproducing a state of a respective point in time during execution of a game and allowing a user of a game device to select one of the reproduction data items, each reproduction data item representing a respective state of the game achieved by the user while engaged in game play on the game device, the selection screen presenting a first reproduction data item, which is one of the plurality of reproduction data items, in association with a second reproduction data item, wherein the selection screen provides an indication to the user of whether the second reproduction data item reproduces a state of a point in time at which the game has progressed with reference to the state reproduced by the first reproduction data item; and transmitting the generated selection screen to the game device over a network such that the game device may display

Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of pedometers. The plurality of step count data respectively counted by the plurality of pedometers are acquired in the game apparatus. In the game apparatus, by utilizing the plurality of step count data, a predetermined arithmetic operation is executed, and the result of the arithmetic operation is reflected on the game. Alternatively, in a server, a predetermined arithmetic operation is executed by utilizing the plurality of step count data, and the result of the arithmetic operation is reflected on the game in the game apparatus. For example, game processing depending on the number of players walking in the same time slot is executed, or game processing according to the totalized value of the accumulated total step count values of the plurality of pedometers is executed.

Abstract: A method to receive an image to be displayed within an animation sequence. The method also including calculating position data identifying a position of the image within a display area, the position data calculated using a physics property attributed to the image. Further, the method including the transmission of the position data for use in generating the animation sequence. Additionally, a method is provided that includes making a request for an animation sequence that includes an image and position data for the image, the position data identifying a plurality of positions relative to a display area and calculated though applying a physics property to the image. This method further includes receiving the animation sequence for display in a display area. The method additionally includes displaying the image in the display area based upon the position data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting on-line tournaments, and in particular such tournaments as permit participants to receive prizes without having to place wagers. Participants are permitted to enroll in an on-line tournament pool and submit tokens. The tokens act as each respective participant's prediction regarding the outcome of one or more events associated with a sporting event or other contest. Tokens may be completed “brackets” representing a participant's prediction of winners of all games in various rounds of a sporting event, or partially completed brackets representing the participant's prediction of winners of only some games thereof. Cash prizes are awarded for top scoring participants but no wagers or entry fees of any kind are accepted from or required to be paid by the participants.

Abstract: An example system includes: a reproduction processing unit for displaying reproduction of game play at a display unit on the basis of reproduction data to be used for reproducing game play; a relevant information accepting unit for accepting input of relevant information, which is relevant to game play by the reproduction processing unit, during reproduction of the game play; and a post transmitting unit for transmitting the relevant information accepted by the relevant information accepting unit to a predetermined server machine.

Abstract: Player character related information stored in a player character related information memory changes in accordance with progress of a video game. Initial area information stored in an initial area information memory indicates an initial state of each of a plurality of areas on which a player character can move. Latest area information stored in a latest area information memory indicates a progress status of the video game in the same area as the area indicated by the initial area information, and is updated in accordance with progress of the video game in the area. It is determined whether to use the initial area information or latest area information in response to an operation of the player. The player character related information is updated in accordance with control content using the latest area information in a case where it is determined to use the latest area information.

Abstract: A user-activity video signal can be received. The user-activity video signal can comprise a video capture characterizing a user's interaction with a software application on a client. The software application can have an interface display space on the client and the software application can execute on the client in operation with at least one remote backend computing system. Backend user interaction data corresponding to the user's interaction with the software application as generated by the at least one remote backend computing system can be received. A new video comprising a plurality of divided segments of the user-activity video signal can be generated automatically using the backend user interaction data and a plurality of predefined rules. The new video can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method for providing a game replay includes: receiving information related to a replay reinforcement character from the user terminal; obtaining game play data in a process in which the game play is completed or performed; detecting a visual reinforcement element for the replay reinforcement character; and providing the detected visual reinforcement element when a replay requirement related to the game play is received from the user terminal. The present invention provides the visual reinforcement element to the user terminal thereby increasing the game satisfaction of the user.

Abstract: A system for tangible configuration of a modular mobile electronic device includes a set of emulator modules, each comprising a processor and configurable to represent any of a set of full modules available for use with the modular mobile electronic device a chassis that mechanically couples to at least one of the set of emulator modules, and a module configurator that associates each of the set of emulator modules with an emulation profile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gaming according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a multiplayer game. The game system may prompt a player of the multiplayer game to create a content stream bragging about an achieved score or motivating another player to play the game. The game system may record the content stream and make the recorded content stream accessible to one or more other players of the game. The game system may make the recorded content stream accessible to others through email or through a website, such as a social networking website.

Abstract: A movement direction of an object arranged in a virtual world is set based on attitude data. Further, the object is moved in the movement direction in the virtual world in accordance with data based on a load applied to a load detection device. An image showing the virtual world including at least the object or an image showing the virtual world viewed from the object is displayed as a first image on a portable display device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an image-recognition based game. In one aspect, a method involves (1) receiving by a computing device an input to initiate a game application, (2) causing the game application to initiate a game, and (3) during gameplay of the game: (a) causing a graphical display of the computing device to display a silhouette object that includes at least a shape of the silhouette object, (b) receiving by the computing device image data of an environment that includes a real-world object, (c) analyzing the image data to determine one or more similarity measures that indicate similarity between the real-world object and the silhouette object, where one of the similarity measures indicates similarity between a shape of the real-world object and the shape of the silhouette object, and (d) causing the graphical display to display a match indication based on the one or more similarity measures.

Abstract: A stroke refinement technique can be used refine the location, orientation, and shape of input strokes by exploiting gradient features from an underlying image being traced. The technique can also be used to adjust user strokes with respect to image gradients. The stroke refinement technique can comprise a local optimization, a semi-global optimization, and a global optimization to facilitate error tolerant image optimization.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided with a monitor (3) for displaying and outputting a gaming screen (50), a touch panel (5) superposed upon the monitor (3), and an external storage device (20) for storing sequence data (28) in which operational periods of the touch panel (5) have been described. In addition, the gaming system displays on the monitor (3) a gaming area (52) whereon two reference units (55A and 55B) disposed apart from each other and a specific reference unit (55T) disposed in the vicinity of the reference units are set. Also, an object (60) for instructing operations for each of the reference units (55A, 55B, and 55T) is displayed while being caused to move in the gaming area (52), and the path of movement of a specific object (60S) heading toward the specific reference unit (55T) is restricted to a fixed path.

Abstract: A computing device includes a primary content storage machine configured to selectively store one or more content portions of a digital content item, such as game portions of a video game. The computing device is configured to determine a size of a dynamically changing content access window including one or more content portions usable to provide an above-threshold user experience, such as uninterrupted game play, based on a current access position of the digital content item or video game and historical user-specific play patterns or game play consumption rates of different users. The computing device is configured to dynamically load the primary content storage machine with the content portions or game portions corresponding to the content access window and dynamically unload the content or game portions outside of the content access window from the primary content storage machine.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information storage medium and first and second information processing apparatuses capable of near field wireless communication. The first information processing apparatus includes a first data processing module which performs predetermined processing caused by execution of an application program by the first information processing apparatus and a first writing module which writes environmental data generated through the predetermined processing into the information storage medium by establishing near field wireless communication with the information storage medium.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing unlockable features and/or unlockable content. In such embodiments, the gaming system includes a plurality of initially unlocked features or content and a plurality of initially locked features or content, wherein as the player advances or progresses during the play of one or more games, zero, one or more previously locked features or content become unlocked.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to providing video game instant replays are disclosed. In one embodiment, a currently playing video game is overseen by a platform-level instant replay companion that executes separately from any of a plurality of different video games. A most recently played portion of rendered gameplay from the currently playing video game is automatically and continuously recorded with the platform-level instant replay companion. A recorded gameplay segment from the most recently played portion of rendered gameplay is displayed with the platform-level instant replay companion.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes an infrared sensor and at least one acceleration sensor. The infrared sensor is configured to detect infrared radiation, and to output infrared image data. The at least one acceleration sensor is configured to detect an instantaneous acceleration of the sensor arrangement, and to output acceleration data. The output of the infrared image data from the infrared sensor is blocked when the instantaneous acceleration of the sensor arrangement exceeds a preprogrammed threshold value.

Abstract: An example recording medium records an information processing program causing an information processing apparatus to operate as: a reading part reading a game program capable of being executed by any other information processing apparatus having a configuration different from that of the information processing apparatus; an emulation part emulating the read-out game program; a restriction part restricting the emulation of the game program by the emulation part; and a link information presentation part presenting link information used for accepting a purchase request for the game program, in a manner of being in correspondence to the game to be emulated.

Abstract: The game program according to the present invention receives selection operation input from a player by allowing the player to select any character from among multiple characters. Then, it is determined whether the received selection operation input is one of a first selection operation input and a second selection operation input. If the first selection operation input is received, the character is configured as a source material character used to vary parameter values configured in the base character up to an upper limit, and, in addition, if the second selection operation input is received, then the character is configured as a source material character used to enable the parameter values configured in the base character to be increased beyond the upper limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for locally capturing the identity of the actual executable file required to set system configuration upon indirect launching of a computer game or other type of indirectly-launched file. Such a captured identity of an executable file may be added to a locally and dynamically created and updated local white list which then may be used to determine when to set the desired game mode configuration upon indirect launching of a game so that the desired game mode configuration may remain active for as long as the game is open and running, or for as long as the game is in-focus within an active window.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a multiplayer video game on a peer-to-peer network in which players' game consoles can pass off or accept server or other management responsibilities for individual rooms, levels, or other virtual areas from other game consoles. Each player's game console can be either a ‘level server’ or a ‘level client,’ the level server's responsibilities including spawning and directing non-player characters, tracking objects, and/or conducting other management responsibilities of the room for the level clients. The level server can send updates such as save game states and other level checkpoints to its level clients for the specific virtual area that it manages.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit configured to perform image processing, a storage unit configured to be capable of storing an application program installed in the image processing apparatus, a first determination unit configured to determine whether the application program had ever been installed in the image processing apparatus, and a control unit configured to selectively control the image processing unit to be operable and control the image processing unit not to operate according to the determination by the first determination unit if an error has occurred in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method for converting a game award earned during play of a first wager-based game into a game award in a second wager-based game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: receiving, over a network, a request to convert a first award earned by a player in the first wager-based game into at least one award in the second wager-based game; converting, by one or more processors, the first award earned during play of the first wager-based game to at least one award associated with the second wager-based game based on award conversation data; and storing, by the one or more processors, data associated with result of the conversion of the first award into the at least award of the second wager-based game in a data storage system.

Abstract: A recording unit of a game system records a picture of a game that has been played by a user and a situation of the game at a given timing of the picture in a storage unit in association with each other. A display control unit displays the picture on a display unit corresponding to another user. A providing unit for provides the another user with the game starting from the given timing based on the situation of the game associated with the picture.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a processor includes a plurality of local stores configured to store wagering game assets and at least part of a wagering game controller, and to store authentication keys for use in authenticating the wagering game controller and the wagering game assets; a plurality of processing elements, wherein each processing element is coupled to one of the local stores, each processing element configured to present wagering games by executing the wagering game controller; at least one authentication controller including hardware configured to authenticate, using the authentication keys, the wagering game controller and wagering game assets; a storage device in communication with the processor, the storage device configured to store the wagering game controller and wagering game assets, wherein the wagering game assets include audio and video content for use in presenting the wagering games.

Abstract: Provided is an image display device. The image display device includes an external signal input unit connected to an external device, a user input unit, a memory unit, a controller, and a display unit. The user input unit selects the external device connected to the external signal input unit. The memory unit stores a label as information corresponding to the external device, set by a user. The controller controls the label as the information of the external device, stored in the memory unit, to be displayed. The display unit outputs the label.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more user-generated remarks from each of a plurality of computing devices where the one or more user-generated remarks are temporally associated with media content in the form of a gaming session presented at the plurality of computing devices and present the one or more user-generated remarks as an overlay combined with the gaming session as a presentation to at least a set among the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a game device capable of displaying, when presenting a plurality of reproduction data items to a user, a selection screen that allows the user to easily recognize a relationship among the reproduction data items. The game device displays, on a display device, a selection screen that presents a plurality of reproduction data items for reproducing a state of a point in time during execution of a game and allows a user to select one of the reproduction data items, the selection screen presenting a first reproduction data item, which is one of the plurality of reproduction data items, in association with a second reproduction data item, which reproduces a state of a point in time at which the game has progressed from the state reproduced by the first reproduction data item.

Abstract: A method for generating a playable limited version of a video game is provided. A user's gameplay of a full version of the video game is recorded. A plurality of user-defined portions of the user's recorded gameplay is determined. For each user-defined portion, boundaries within a gameplay context of the video game based on the user-defined portion, and a playable portion of the video game is generated based on the defined boundaries. Each of the playable portions of the video game is arranged in a series to define the limited version of the video game; wherein the method is executed by a processor.

Abstract: Game qualification time may be set to allow participation in a common game from a basic game. This game qualification time is awarded in accordance with a bet amount stored in a RAM 243, after receiving a bet which is input by means of a 1-bet button 26 and a maximum bet button 27. A winning probability in a quick catch bonus game that occurs when a game result of the basic game is a predetermined game result is increased in accordance with the length of the game qualification time stored in a game qualification time management table in the RAM 243 (i.e., a basic quick catch bonus payout table is replaced with a special quick catch bonus payout table).

Abstract: A method for generating a playable limited version of a video game is provided. A user's gameplay of a full version of the video game is recorded. The user's recorded gameplay is analyzed to determine a region of interest. Boundaries are defined within a gameplay context of the video game based on the determined region of interest. The limited version of the video game is generated based on the defined boundaries.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to relieve time and effort required for manipulated input. The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform, an offering process to offer the game content to the user; a recording process to record an offered game content offered in the offering process, as an owned game content owned by the user; a reception process to receive a prearranged registration of a specified game content specified by an input from a user; a judgment process, when an offer game content is offered to a user in the offering process after the reception process, to compare the offered game content to the specified game content prearranged for registration, to judge whether or not the offered game content is to be made an owned game content of the user; and an update process to update a record of the owned game content owned by the user based on a judgment result in the judgment process.

Abstract: In a video game processing apparatus, it is determined whether a player character encounters an enemy character on a movement field or not in accordance with a predetermined rule. A predetermined event game is provided in a case where the player character encounters the enemy character. One is determined from plural determination results on the basis of the content of an operation of a player in the predetermined event game. A battle start timing setup, in which a battle is started in an advantageous situation of the player character, is selected from plural battle start timing setups in a case where it is determined to be a specific determination result. The battle control information is updated by carrying out the selected battle start timing setup. Progress of the battle is controlled by starting the battle on the basis of the updated battle control information.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating stochastic chunk-based map generation is provided. Tile chunks may be obtained for inclusion in a map of a virtual space. The obtained tile chunks may include first and second tile chunks having map tiles of different tile types. The first tile chunk may have a first tile of a first tile type and a second tile of a second tile type different from the first tile type. The second tile chunk may have a third tile of a third tile type and a fourth tile of a fourth tile type different from the third tile type. Stochastic distribution of the obtained tile chunks over a map area in the map may be effectuated. Distribution of individual map tiles between the distributed tile chunks on the map area may be effectuated.

Abstract: A DB registration-updating unit registers, in a patron management DB, the behavior history of each player in association with camera IDs that identify the cameras that have captured images of the player. On the basis of information in the patron management DB, a potential player-determining unit considers a player, whose length of stay in a specific corner is longer than a prescribed period and who is not playing, to be a potential player who wants to play but is unable to play. An attention level DB management unit registers, in an attention level DB, the points proportional to the lengths of stay of potential players in said corner as the attention level by cumulatively storing the points for each game console. An attention level display control unit displays the information on the players' attention level that is registered in the attention level DB.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a position of a player in physical world space (“player's position”) in front of an autostereoscopic display (“display”). The display includes optical units configured to project views of wagering game content with an autostereoscopic, three-dimensional effect. The operations can further include performing a repeating subroutine for each of the optical units associated with the wagering game content. The repeating subroutine, for each one of the optical units, determines that one of the views has a viewing angle that corresponds to the player's position, configures a virtual camera in virtual world space according to the viewing angle and renders, based on configuration of the virtual camera, a portion of the wagering game content that corresponds to pixels of the autostereoscopic display associated with the one of the optical units.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled.

Abstract: In a case where a predetermined action is performed by a game character, a determining section determines whether or not a result of the predetermined action is a predetermined result. A determining/predicting section executes at least one of a determination as to whether or not the game character has been brought into a situation that allows the predetermined action to be performed by the game character and a prediction as to whether or not the game character will be brought into the situation. A producing section produces a presentation effect relating to the game character based on a result of the determination performed in the past by the determining section, in at least one of a case where it is determined that the game character has been brought into the situation and a case where it is predicted that the game character will be brought into the situation.

Abstract: An example terminal device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, an LCD provided on the front side of the housing, analog sticks, and first and second buttons. The analog sticks are provided respectively in left and right portions of the LCD above the center of the housing. The first and second buttons are provided on the back side of the housing so as to generally correspond to the analog sticks on the front side of the housing.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus generates a signal of a first sound to be output to a first output device, and a signal of a second sound which is a sound to be output to a second output device and whose content is different from that of the first sound. The second output device is capable of setting a volume, and outputs a sound based on the signal of the second sound at a set volume. In addition, the second output device notifies an information processing apparatus of information about the set volume. When the set volume is small, the information processing apparatus generates the signal of the first sound so that at least a part of sounds included in the second sound is included in the first sound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a game apparatus and a game program, which are capable of more strategically conducting a battle with an enemy character, deepening interest, winning a battle with a formidable enemy even without any level up, and enjoying a game that is rich in strategic feature. When an enemy character starts to attack a player character (step S11), time counting to set a chink occurrence flag starts. When an attack operation of the player character on the enemy character is received (step S12) and the attack hits the enemy character (step S13), it is determined whether or not a chink occurrence flag remains set on the enemy character (step S14). When the chink occurrence flag remains set (YES in step S14), a special effect is generated (step S15).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for booting a user equipment are described. A device boot of the user equipment may be performed. Peripherals and associated drivers for the user equipment may be configured. A high-level operating system (HLOS) may be booted. The configuring may occur before the booting of the HLOS. Apparatus and methods for loading peripheral device drivers for a user equipment are also described. Peripherals that can be associated with a user equipment may be determined. Drivers for the determined peripherals may be loaded. The loaded drivers may be associated with a high-level operating system (HLOS) architecture regardless of a type of user equipment on which the HLOS is provided.

Abstract: An input coordinate point on a display device is obtained from a pointing device. Based on the input coordinate point, an object is moved to a position in the virtual space, the position corresponding to the input coordinate point. Then, the display device is caused to display the virtual space on a display area. As the object moves in the virtual game world, the entire displayable area on the display area that represents the virtual world is set, only a subset of which is displayed on the display area based on the position of the object, which subset scrolls along with the movement of the object. Depending on the position on the displayed area in accordance with the movement of the object, either the displayed area moves or a position of the object relative to the displayed area moves.