Abstract: A multiple game jukebox system includes a hard drive that is able to execute video game software designed for execution on a conventional home-based system. The hard drive embodies various partitions including multiple partitions, where each partition represents a video game DVD disk. In communicating with such a hard disk drive device using the existing DVD bus, a particular pattern of disk reads or seeks is utilized to cause the hard drive to serve alternative data on subsequent disk reads (other than what exists on the currently selected disk). A media serving device initially defaults to playing a disk that contains a game selection menu program. The menu permits a user to select one of multiple video games for play.

Abstract: A voice response system for use in obtaining return qualification information for a product using a non-unique product identifier, including: a dial-in voice system operable to prompt a caller for the non-unique product identifier, wherein the non-unique product identifies the product as a member of a defined product group; a product registration database including a plurality of different, non-unique product identifiers; a return policy storage that defines return policies for each of the non-unique product identifiers; and an arrangement that looks up a specific return policy for the non-unique product identified entered by the caller and provides information to the caller regarding return qualification for the product identified by the non-unique product identifier.

Abstract: A game developer can “tag” an item in the game environment. When an animated character walks near the “tagged” item, the animation engine can cause the character's head to turn toward the item, and mathematically computes what needs to be done in order to make the action look real and normal. The tag can also be modified to elicit an emotional response from the character. For example, a tagged enemy can cause fear, while a tagged inanimate object may cause only indifference or indifferent interest.

Abstract: Profile data collected through sampling is transformed and visually and interactively manipulated and displayed. In one scenario, the profile data is collected through statistical profiling of a program for a video game. The game program profile data is visually and interactively manipulated and displayed to visually present a dynamic behavior of the video game that shows correlation of impacts that the functions of the program have on the video game's performance. This allows the developer to identify inefficient sections of the program for optimization.

Abstract: Efficient statistical profiling in embedded computing devices, such as video games, uses a hybrid random distribution of sampling points for more accurate reconstruction of executing code. Transmission of only function start addresses and corresponding representation of the call graph data reduces the memory overhead and increases communication speed.

Abstract: A game developer can “tag” an item in the game environment. When an animated character walks near the “tagged” item, the animation engine can cause the character's head to turn toward the item, and mathematically computes what needs to be done in order to make the action look real and normal. The tag can also be modified to elicit an emotional response from the character. For example, a tagged enemy can cause fear, while a tagged inanimate object may cause only indifference or indifferent interest.

Abstract: An Internet-based, secure communications system is utilized for enabling communications between a video game tester, project coordinator and others with a game developer. A master bug log which compiles all uncovered bugs is accessible by a game developer and other authorized system users via a web server, which stores bug tracking system applications programs and associated data bases. Such a master bug log includes a file attachment capability permitting a digitized image file replicating a video game display screen sequence depicting the bug, to be attached for downloading to, for example, a game developer. Bugs may be sorted, for example, so that a game developer can retrieve only those bugs having a digitized file attachment. Game and debugging related messages may be exchanged between testers, project coordinators, and corporate contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: An example video game includes a virtual game world including a video game character movable within the virtual game world and one or more targets. A first target in the virtual game world can be locked onto so that the first target remains substantially at the center of a field of view of the game character within the virtual game world. A reticle may be moved to target one or more second targets in the virtual game world while the first target remains locked onto.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for fraud reduction and/or product recovery. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, a database includes a plurality of product entries, with each product entry having at least a status field associated therewith. A first interface to the database is configured to enable a first authorized user to add product entries and/or change the status identifiers of the product entries. A second interface to the database is configured to enable a second authorized user to input information regarding a product to be checked against the database to determine whether it was legitimately acquired. Product checking programmed logic circuitry is configured to determine whether the product to be checked was legitimately acquired. The second interface is further configured to provide an indication to the second authorized user whether the product was legitimately acquired.

Abstract: Enhanced methodology and apparatus for use in a multi-player video game for generating a array of user selectable options for choosing real or computer generated users to play with and/or compete against. For example, in a simulated multiple driver racing game application, the user of a computing device is presented with an option for selecting any of various “ghost data” packages for downloading over a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user may be presented with the option of selecting one of an array of ghost data packages to race against such as the top five buddies of the user with highest scores, five buddies with scores similar to a user's own score, and teams/groups of various varieties.

Abstract: A transmitter is coupled to a sign advertising a product such as a house or car for sale. The transmitter wirelessly broadcasts visually displayable information relating to the advertised product to one or more portable, hand-held machines. A portable machine receiving the wirelessly broadcasted information may then store and display information about the advertised product such as price, textual description of product features, product photos or pictures, and salesperson's name and contact information with minimal time and effort and maximal convenience.

Abstract: A handheld wireless device is adapted to function as a lightweight, small, and low-cost wireless server for serving handheld wireless clients. The handheld wireless server includes a battery that powers the server, data processing circuitry, read/write memory, and a memory port for receiving an external, detachable, long term, read/write storage device. The read/write storage device stores multiple dynamic server applications for execution by the data processing circuitry and multiple dynamic client applications for download to handheld wireless client devices. Wireless communications circuitry broadcasts initial information and detects communications from handheld wireless client devices including requests to download one of the client applications stored on the long term storage device.

Abstract: The invention provides a process/system that validates the authenticity of the product UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID, EPC and/or equivalent code, in real-time, while a transaction is taking place. A database is preferably maintained including a list of suspected false or counterfeit UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID, EPC, and/or equivalent number or first digits, and further includes a list of key descriptive text or numbers found on a product or a product's packaging that will either corroborate or contradict the real brand name with the brand encoded in the UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID EPC, and/or equivalent number. The invention allows a transaction if the item is not found in the database of suspect or counterfeit items, or if all of the identifiers match a record in the database; otherwise, the transaction is denied.

Abstract: An example system and method controls a rotatable object on a display using a handheld control device comprising an accelerometer. The example system and method involve determining an orientation of the handheld control device using an interpolation of an output for a first axis of the accelerometer and an output for a second axis of the accelerometer. The rotation of the rotatable object is controlled based on the determined orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable young children (e.g., toddlers to pre-kindergarten aged children) and/or persons with disabilities to easily play, and effectively learn from, interactive, educational, and entertaining games. The edutainment game may be a series of instructions stored on a digital storage medium for use with a game system. The young child or person with a disability may play the game using a wireless, handheld controller that is easily graspable, maneuverable, and manipulatable, and the young child or person with a disability may play the game alone or with supervision from another person. The edutainment games may include one or more learning tools (or learning games), emphasizing skills such as, for example, color, shape, and/or sound recognition; puzzle-solving; navigation; number recognition, counting, and/or ordering; alphabet and reading/writing; etc. These skills may be emphasized individually or in various combinations.

Abstract: The example embodiments herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system which enables online buyers and sellers (e.g. those participating in online auctions) to take advantage of the benefits associated with ER systems. The ER techniques enable buyers to determine whether the product for sale, for example, has been purchased through authorized channels, was stolen, is covered under a warranty, etc. Such techniques may be used with existing brick-and-mortar stores as well as online stores. Value may be added for buyers, sellers, auction houses, manufacturers, and/or contract service partners.