Abstract: A game system is provided that conducts a game having one or more players. In the game, players compete in a number of gaming sessions to achieve an ultimate goal. In one example, the ultimate goal is to win a race, with the players' progress in the race being influenced by each players' success within individual game sessions. In one example, at least one of the game sessions is a guts poker game played among a number of players.

Abstract: A method for managing horseracing bets is provided. The method includes receiving one or more bets. Each bet comprises a selection of five horse races selected from a plurality of horse races scheduled to be run at a track in a day, a selection of a respective horse for each of the five horse races selected and a bet amount. The method also includes combining each bet amount to form a betting pool and determining an amount of a total payout for the day based at least in part on the betting pool.

Abstract: A main player operates a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor. A sub player operates a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device. A game image that is substantially identical to the monitor game image viewed by the main player is displayed on the LCD. By touching a touch panel provided on a screen of the LCD of the terminal device, the sub player can generate various events at a position in a game world corresponding to a touched position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of invention provide a method for creating a player made tournament. The method can comprise displaying a tournament creation page including a plurality of variables and at least one option for each of the plurality of variables. Some embodiments further provide receiving the at least one option for each of the plurality of variables. In some embodiments, operational parameters of the player made tournament can substantially comprise the at least one option for each of the plurality of variables received. Some further embodiments provide processing the operational parameters to create a player made tournament, and then displaying the player made tournament on a tournament main page.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting concurrent multi-venue multi-race, multi-outcome, progressive pari-mutuel wagering allows players to pick the favorite in a prespecified number of races to win, place, and/or show. Players can pick manually, pick specific rows or columns, or utilize quick picks. Pools are seeded, wagers are pooled, and pool winners split pools. When pools aren't won, the amount in the pools transfer to the next pool. An operator interface allows specification of pool and pick types, pool size, ticket price, and pool distribution, including allocation of pool seed, progressive, and operator take.

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

Abstract: A game machine which comprises: a self-propelling vehicle as a traveling body capable of traveling on a travel surface; and a sensor capable of outputting an output signal corresponding to a change of physical state of each of cell portions arranged two-dimensionally along the travel region, the physical state changing depending on positional relation to the self-propelling vehicle, and detects the position of self-propelling vehicle based on the output signal by the sensor, wherein the travel surface is sectioned into plural regions, and when each region changes from a region where the self-propelling vehicle exists to a vacant region where no self-propelling vehicle exists in relays the output signal by the sensor relating to the vacant region is obtained, and the output signal of each vacant region obtained is combined together to generate correction data for the sensor.

Abstract: A game machine comprises: a chasses having a top plate and a section plate arranged at a lower surface side of the top plate to make space; a traveling body arranged in the space and capable of traveling along an upper surface of the section plate; and a sensor outputting signal corresponding to a position of the traveling body, the sensor having a flexible sheet-like detection portion that is laid on the section plate and a substrate portion being provided with an electric circuit component for detecting the position using the detection portion and connected with an end portion of the detection portion. In the game machine, the end portion of the detection portion of the sensor is bent along a side surface of the chassis from a circumferential edge portion of the section plate, and the substrate portion is attached to the chassis at the side surface.

Abstract: A method of implementing challenges in single-player games starts with a server receiving a challenge from a first mobile device and transmitting the challenge to a second mobile device. The challenge may include a high score or an achievement of a single-player game obtained on the first mobile device. The server may determine that a new high score is obtained on the second mobile device that is equal or greater than the high score included in the challenge or that the achievement is completed on the second mobile device. The server may then transmit a notification to the first mobile device that the challenge has been completed. If the server determines that the new high score is obtained, the notification may include a new challenge from the second mobile device to the first mobile device and the new challenge may include the new high score. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A board game system comprises one or more game objects, a processing device, a memory device and one or more cameras. Each of the game objects comprise a unique visual marker positioned on a top surface of the game object, wherein the unique visual marker comprises a series of concentric rings that represent data that uniquely identifies the game object. As a result, during the course of game play, the location and identification of the game objects are able to be determined by the processing device by analyzing images captured by the one or more cameras of the visual markers of the game objects on the game board. The processing device is able to compare the data of the visual markers to a table stored in the memory device that associates the data with a specific game object.

Abstract: Individuals may be encouraged to perform athletic activity based on punishments or adverse effects that may be applied if the individual loses an athletic activity competition. For example, a user's device may be adversely affected by visual or functional effects configured to obscure or obstruct one or more functions of the user's device. The punishment or adverse effect might not be removed or deactivated until a user has completed a new competition without losing. In some arrangements, the user may be required to win in order to have the adverse effect removed.

Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores one or more first type of bets and one or more second types of bets. Each first type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will finish in a predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. Each second type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that the selected participant will not finish in the predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. The processor adds the bet amounts associated with the first type of bets with the bet amounts associated with the second type of bets to form a betting pool. The processor determines an amount of a payout based at least in part on the betting pool.

Abstract: A video cueing system for a sporting event comprises receiving means operable to receive a universal clock signal, receiving means operable to receive telemetry data for one or more participants in the sporting event, processing means operable to estimate the location of the or each participant along a predetermined route based upon their respective telemetry data, detection means operable to detect, with reference to the universal clock signal, the respective time at which the or each participant reaches a predetermined location along the route, as estimated from their respective telemetry data, and video requesting means operable to request, for video streams associated with one or more participants, a position of a plurality of respective video frames having a timing referenced to the universal clock signal that corresponds to a detected respective time at which the or each participant reached the predetermined location.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus. The apparatus may include at least a first player input device and a second player input device. Each player input device may have a plurality of buttons adapted to be manipulated by a player, thereby producing player input signals for moving one or more characters within the game environment. The apparatus may also include a base unit coupled to the player input devices. The base unit may include a game processor adapted to receive the plurality of player input signals and to determine therefrom a game simulation. The game processor may transmit output signals representative of the game simulation to a monitor device. Optionally the game simulation may include movements of at least one of the first player and the second player character based upon input signals from the corresponding player input device. Each player character may be selectable from different groups of player characters.

Abstract: Computer implemented gaming methods are provided that include the identifying a plurality of securities to participate in a race; computing odds at an open of the race for at least one type of bet for each of the plurality of the identified securities; publishing using at least one computing device details of the race; generating a visualization of the race, the visualization comprising a plurality of participants each representing an identified security; determining a price of each of the plurality of securities at a start of the race and at least once during a running of the race; and updating the visualization of the race to reflect a change in the price of at least one of the securities in the race.

Abstract: In a game where a character is moved at a high speed to a goal along a path that is set in a virtual three-dimensional space, an operation mistake is better prevented in a movement operation of the character. A plurality of paths where the character moves are set in parallel in the virtual three-dimensional space. Game control means includes path information storing means for storing a coordinate position and a directional vector that are given to each point of a sequence of points arranged in each of the paths. Additionally, the position coordinate of the character moving in one of the paths is calculated based on the information stored in the path information storing means.

Abstract: Various embodiments that may generally relate to one or more competitions. Such competitions may include a plurality of rounds. A round may include a player attempting to choose a winner of an event on which a round is based. A surviving player after a number of rounds may be a winner of a competition. Various apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.

Abstract: Method, article and apparatus for executing computer games, and in particular, computer-based racing games. In a racing game, a player may be allowed to earn one or more game play options which may be exercised during the race. The game play options, when exercised, may modify the predefined race path to create an advantage for the player or a disadvantage to the competitors.

Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating an interactive space viewable through at least a first and a second device are presented. The method includes an operation for detecting from the first device a location of the second device or vice versa. Further, synchronization information data is exchanged between the first and the second device to identify a reference point in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the physical location of the devices in the 3D space. The devices establish the physical location in the 3D space of the other device when setting the reference point. The method further includes an operation for generating views of an interactive scene in the displays of the first and second devices. The interactive scene is tied to the reference point and includes virtual objects. The view in the display shows the interactive scene as observed from the current location of the corresponding device.

Abstract: A method of providing an account is provided. The method includes receiving identification information associated with a user during a communication session. The method further includes communicating a request for credit information. The request includes at least a portion of the identification information. The method further includes receiving the requested credit information, and for each of a plurality of different types of accounts, determining whether to approve that type of account based at least in part on the received credit information. The method further includes communicating an indication of at least a portion of the approved types of accounts, and receiving a selection of at least one of the approved types of accounts. The method further includes opening at least one of the selected types of accounts and providing access to at least one of the opened accounts during the communication session.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for adjustment of game parameters based on users' performance are described. During play of a game a user's performance is monitored. It is then determined if the player's performance is within a desired range of performance, and game parameters are adjusted if the user's performance is outside the desired range. In a multi-player game, parameters can be adjusted differently for each of the players to make the overall game play more competitive.

Abstract: A racing game device comprises means for setting paths in a virtual space in advance as a course for a moving object, means for setting a first path used during normal moving and a second path used only while a special mode is activated, and means for allowing the moving object to move onto the second path (e.g., a ceiling surface part) when the special mode (e.g., a mode allowing the operation of gravity) is activated by an activation instruction from the operating means. Further, the racing game device includes means for setting, while a moving object is moving on the second path, a merging point which merges with the first path when it is judged that a predetermined condition is fulfilled, and means for allowing, when it is judged that the predetermined condition is fulfilled, the moving object moving on the second path to merge at the merging point.

Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, at least one display, and at least one controller. The input device receives a wager input for playing a wagering game. The at least one display displays a basic wagering game and a community bonus game. The at least one controller is operative to provide a player with a bonus-game asset that is usable in at least a first play of the community bonus game. The bonus-game asset is capable of having at least a first level and a second level that provides a higher bonus-game enhancement than the first level. The at least one controller is further operative to determine if that the bonus-game asset is available to the player for use in a second play of the community bonus game and to alter the level of the bonus-game asset from the first level to the second level for use in the second play.

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

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different virtual geographic locations at which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with each location. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from location to location, performing objectives at the various locations, and interacting with the players at the locations.

Abstract: A method of providing and managing bets is provided. One or more particular race participants in a race event are determined. For each intermediate point within a race event, one or more particular possible positions of race participants at that intermediate point are determined. A bet comprising a plurality of bet components is generated, one or more of the bet components being defined by the particular race participants and the particular possible positions of race participants determined for at least one of the intermediate points. Intermediate race results are received for each intermediate point identifying the actual positions of the particular race participants at that intermediate point. A result of at least one bet component is determined based at least in part on the particular race participants, the particular possible positions of race participants determined for at least one intermediate point, and the received intermediate race results for at least one intermediate point.

Abstract: A system and method provide a virtual game environment to users. The virtual game environment may enable the users to participate in a game within the virtual game environment. The game may be a turn-based game. A progress indicator may be included in views of the virtual game environment provided to the users that indicates an amount of time left in a present turn of a user in an enhanced manner. For example, the progress indicator may unobtrusively indicate an amount of time left in the present turn in a clear, distinctive manner.

Abstract: A wagering system has a processor through which information regarding a plurality of competing contestants in a horse or dog race is made available to entities betting on the outcome of the race to seek a payout from a wagering pool. The information for at least one of the competing contestants is prepared based upon selected handicapping criteria to give the at least one of the competing contestants a time adjusted race identity. An input is provided for wagers to be placed on the race. The outcome of the race for wagering purposes is determined using the time adjusted race identity for the at least one of the competing contestants.

Abstract: A system for betting on fractional times comprises a memory coupled to a processor. The memory stores a first betting option comprising a bet that a particular participant in a race will finish a predetermined length of the race in a first range of fractional times. The memory further stores a second betting option comprising a bet that the particular participant in the race will finish the predetermined length of the race in a second range of fractional times. The processor receives a plurality of bets on at least one of the first betting option and the second betting option and determines an actual time for the particular participant to finish the predetermined length of the race. The processor then determines which of the plurality of bets are winning bets based at least in part upon the determination of the actual time and the corresponding betting options.

Abstract: Two detected objects are arranged at each of multiple traveling objects. A driving apparatus for traveling objects determines which detected object corresponds to which traveling object on the basis of position information on detected objects of multiple traveling objects. In this determination, the driving apparatus for traveling objects supplies a travel start instruction to each of the multiple traveling objects sequentially during a determination period for the determination, and identifies that two detected objects of which the position information has changed after supplying the travel start instruction corresponds to the traveling object that has moved in response to the travel start instruction.

Abstract: Methods of implementing geocaching games are provided in which information is provided regarding a location of a waypoint. Thereafter, it is confirmed that a player of the game physically arrived at the waypoint. After such confirmation has been obtained, the player may be awarded a virtual prize. Related geocaching games and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that creates virtual events within a virtual world. A virtual event may be akin to a real event, but is completely computer generated within a computer-generated world and is based on statistical measures, either real world or created. Numerous characteristics about the competitors and the competition location parameters are available before a competition event. Based on the known parameters about the location of an event and the characteristics of the participants and their historical past performances in similar events enable bettors to make informed wagers on an event that greatly enhances the satisfaction and involvement in a competition event. As such, histories of virtual events are maintained on actual virtual performance data of competitors in the virtual world. The histories can include all relevant virtual data about a competitor and the past events the competitor competed. Individuals throughout the real-world may place wagers (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a vehicle on a track so as to provide a slotless racing vehicle game is described. The method involves measuring the lateral position of the vehicle on the track so as to minimise the distance with a user defined lateral position. A measured velocity of the vehicle is then feedback to a steering servo in order to stabilise the vehicle's position at the desired lateral position. In particular, the gain of a controller that generates the input signal for the steering servo is varied with the reciprocal of the square of the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: In general, the methods and exercise systems disclosed herein help to ensure a more fair competition in a race between two or more individuals or a race between a single individual and a previous performance by that individual. A competition equalization device, which may be worn on any part of a body of an individual competing in a race, can receive data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of an individual in a competition. This data may be sent to a processing unit, which may analyze the data from two or more competition equalization devices and determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists for any participant in the competition. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is found, the processing unit may determine an appropriate remedy.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to gaming based on the results at intervals of a race.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing a wagering system. In one exemplary embodiment, state information of a live event such as a sports game may be received in real time. During the event, a plurality of possible future states of the event and their associated probabilities (and odds) may be determined based on the state information, historical information, and current in-game information. A betting market is created for betting on the possible future states at determined odds. The betting market is closed, and winning and losing bets are resolved based on updated state information.

Abstract: At a game apparatus 1 which instructs a player the time to operate a play button 5p of each operation unit 4 by moving an operation indicator 102 toward an operation criterion line 101 on a monitor 3 having a display surface 3a facing upward, while the appearance position of the operation indicator 102 being varied, the moving speed of the operation indicator 102 is calculated based on the distance from the appearance position up to the position corresponding to each operation unit 4 on the operation criterion line 101, and the access time that it takes for the operation indicator 102 to reach the operation criterion line 101. Based on the moving speed, the game apparatus varies by degrees the display position of the operation indicator 102.

Abstract: A fantasy football game which is carried out as a tournament play over the Internet. The fantasy football game can be played between different computers. The hosting computer maintains information indicative of the teams performance as well as their strength of schedule. Winners who play in the playoffs are selected based on both information such as the win loss record, but also the strength of schedule. In addition to the win loss record, total points scored by teams, total numbers of losses and other information may be maintained in order to find more information about the win loss record.

Abstract: A method of managing bets is provided. The method includes identifying a set of participants in an event and receiving a group bet for the event. The group bet comprises a bet that one of an undefined subset of the set of participants will win the event. The undefined subset of participants associated with the group bet is defined at some time after receiving the group bet by determining participants for the subset of participants. For example, the undefined subset of participants may be defined after the close of betting on the event. Results of the event that identify a winning participant are received, and an amount of a group bet payout for the group bet is determined based at least on whether the defined subset of participants includes the winning participant.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of racing vehicles on a racetrack which are controlled by participants in a race is disclosed. Each racing vehicle provided with one vehicle memory in which vehicle data which are read out from a receiving/reading device assigned to the racetrack are stored in a database. Each participant in the race is provided with separate a participant memory in which participant data is stored, the participant data being read out from a receiving/reading device and stored in the database in which the vehicle data are also stored. The vehicle data and participant data which are stored in the database are assigned to one another. The vehicle data and participant data are read and the assignment of the vehicle data which are read with the participant data which are read is compared with the assignment which was previously assigned.

Abstract: A target speed profile for a specified racer is computed at various points along a track. The calculation is based on the real world physics of the racing environment and incorporates physical characteristics of the track, including curvature, undulation, and/or camber. A lateral acceleration component is developed to limit the realistic maximum speed a racer may obtain at any given point along the track. Furthermore, differences in realistic maximum speeds at different points along the track can overwhelm a racer's braking capability. As such, braking capacity adjustments can be applied to decrease the maximum speed in the target speed profile, so that the overall target speed profile is more realistic and attainable.

Abstract: A plurality of linked gaming machines are disclosed that enhance the community participation and enjoyment of a game on multiple gaming machines. Players participate in an interactive game, either simultaneously, alternatively or in a systematic sequence, as a group or community. The participating players compete in the game such that the actions and results of each player affect the other players in the community. The interactive game combines skill and luck to improve play of the game. The interactive game could be a bonus game which players need to qualify in order to participate. If a player does not qualify, a wager can be placed to participate in the game. Players with different wagers can participate in the same game and players can wager on the outcomes of other players.

Abstract: The invention relates to a games simulator having a user control element, a monitor, a computer, and a vibration mechanism that are connected to the monitor. In order for the user to receive information about a vehicle's speed of motion without having to employ any visual elements, a computer is provided with a controller (control unit), which is connected to the vibration mechanism of the device for controlling characteristic data of a the vehicle's virtual motion, and the vibration mechanism is embodied, for instance, in the form of a wristband.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.

Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing smart matchmaking in a massive multiplayer online game are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may include multiple types of vehicles, where each type of vehicle may progress through increasing tier levels. Different types of vehicles within the same tier may have different capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. When performing matchmaking for a game session, a matchmaking server may use a battle level table defining permissible tiers of each type of vehicle allowed within a particular battle level, and may also limit the number of a specific type of vehicle allowed in any one game session. The battle table may provide an advantage to premium vehicles by limiting the tiers of other vehicles against which a similarly tiered premium vehicle may compete. Battle level difficulty may be adjusted by adjusting the ranges of permissible vehicles in each battle level.

Abstract: A vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors.

Abstract: An automatic algorithm for finding racing lines via computerized minimization of a measure of the curvature of a racing line is derived. Maximum sustainable speed of a car on a track is shown to be inversely proportional to the curvature of the line it is attempting to follow. Low curvature allows for higher speed given that a car has some maximum lateral traction when cornering. The racing line can also be constrained, or “pinned,” at arbitrary points on the track. Pinning may be performed randomly, deterministically, or manually and allows, for example, a line designer to pin the line at any chosen points on the track, such that when the automatic algorithm is run, it will produce the smoothest line that still passes through all the specified pins.