Abstract: The invention features a computerized racing system designed to allow its users to engage in the sport of car racing, such as racing in full measure. System 100 features a race track connected to a computer games console that incorporates software that allows users to engage in video style racing on the race track. Virtual cars are built virtually allowing the user to customize the car and its performance features having assigned performance codes. The performance codes are sent from the race track to an actual race car when the actual race car contacts the track. The actual race car performs based on the customized performance features selected by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for map based exploration is described. The system includes a dynamic graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a list of targeted content elements for each different group profile, in which a first dynamic GUI corresponding to a first group profile that is served to a first user is different from a second dynamic GUI corresponding to a second group profile is served to a second user at approximately the same location, when the group profiles are different. A map is displayed on the touch screen display and the map displays a plurality of geofences. A geofence selection received by the touch screen display presents the dynamic graphical user interface that includes the list of targeted content elements for the particular group profile associated with the particular wireless device at the geofence selection.

Abstract: A game machine includes: game medium release means that releases a plurality of game media to a determination area included in a game space based on an operation input from operation section; detection means that detects the occurrence or non-occurrence of a predetermined event at a plurality of determination points provided in the determination area, the predetermined event occurring due to a released game medium among the plurality of game media; and determination means that performs a win determination process based on the occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event at the plurality of determination points provided in the determination area, the determination means determining that the player has won the game when a plurality of determination points among the plurality of determination points at which the predetermined event has occurred satisfy a winning condition.

Abstract: A computer game interface is disclosed, having controller inputs configured to receive an input signal from a user interface controller and to enable the user to control a user controllable element of a game on a computer. The computer game interface also has a controller output that sends an output signal to the computer, the output signal having information to control the user controllable element of the game. Another element of the computer game interface is a switching module in communication with the controller inputs and the controller output. The switching module selects an input signal from the input signals received by the controller inputs and communicates the input signal to the controller output. An additional element of the computer game interface is a timer controlling the switching module to switch the input signal communicated to the controller output based on a time period.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.

Abstract: A method for use in presenting content includes the steps of generating an event in a software program and presenting content to a user in response to the event. The content may reflect one or more real-world events occurring after the software program has been released.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a lottery game is described. The game may include providing a player with a free pre-printed first game piece having a first set of game play data, wherein game play data on the first game piece is insufficient to ascertain an outcome of the lottery game. The game may further include receiving information identifying the first game piece and an indication the player wishes to purchase a chance in the lottery game. Responsive to receiving the indication, the game outcome may be determined and a second set of game play data chosen based on the outcome, so that a comparison of the first set of game play data and the second set game play data is indicative of the outcome of the chance according to predetermined game rules. The second set of game data may be provided to the player on a second game piece also having data associating the second game piece with the first game piece and a unique identifier.

Abstract: Method for physiologically modulating videogames and simulations includes utilizing input from a motion-sensing video game system and input from a physiological signal acquisition device. The inputs from the physiological signal sensors are utilized to change the response of a user's avatar to inputs from the motion-sensing sensors. The motion-sensing system comprises a 3D sensor system having full-body 3D motion capture of a user's body. This arrangement encourages health-enhancing physiological self-regulation skills or therapeutic amplification of healthful physiological characteristics. The system provides increased motivation for users to utilize biofeedback as may be desired for treatment of various conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.

Abstract: A system for associating content with geographic boundaries, determining the location of a wireless handset relative to the boundaries, and delivering targeted content to the wireless handset is described. The application is configured to determine the location of the wireless handset based on the strength of signals received from the network components by the wireless handset. The application then filters content items by boundary and delivers at least one content item to the wireless handset when the wireless handset is located within the boundary.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and devices for calculating and displaying real-time race information to a racer during a race. A portable race device may be worn by a racer. During the race, while within range of a race gate transmission, the race device receives gate crossing times for other race participants, and may calculate and display the current positions and times for a selected race group, and the pace needed for the racer to win, and also may display the projected finish positions and times for a selected race group, and the pace needed for the racer to win.

Abstract: Stereoscopic viewing systems may be adjusted for a user's inter-pupillary distance (IPD). Software-generated calibration images may be presented on a display having two optics. One or more settings for presentation of the calibration image are adjusted. The settings are related to an inter-pupillary distance (IPD) of the user. An input is received from a user when the user perceives the calibration image to be acceptable at a particular value of the one or more settings. An IPD value that corresponds to the particular value of the one or more settings is then determined. The determined IPD value is used in presenting subsequent software-generated images with the stereoscopic display.

Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.

Abstract: A method of encouraging actions by users with respect to a game networking system is disclosed. An indication of a presence of a user of a game networking system at a physical location is received. An opportunity for the user to perform an action within a game associated with the game networking system to obtain an achievement pertaining to the game is identified. The availability of the opportunity is triggered based on the presence of the user at the physical location. A notification to the user of information pertaining to the opportunity is communicated.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating battle-attribute-based arrangement of map areas is provided. Battle-related records that indicate battle attribute values associated with users of a game space may be maintained. Responsive to the battle attribute values associated with individual ones of the users corresponding to the battle attribute values associated with other ones of the users, generation of one or more secondary maps having secondary areas associated with the individual users that are arranged together with secondary areas associated with the other users may be initiated. For example, the secondary area associated with a first user and the secondary area associated with a second user may be arranged together in one of the secondary maps responsive to a first battle attribute value associated with the first user corresponding to a second battle attribute value associated with the second user.

Abstract: A plurality of characters including a player character appears in a video game. An arrangement position of at least one of characters is specified in a virtual space in accordance with progress of the video game. A battle mode is set up to any one of a first battle mode and a second battle mode. A battle control is carried out in the first battle mode in which a photographed image of the virtual space photographed by a virtual camera is displayed on a battle screen or the second battle mode in which an arrangement image is displayed on the battle screen. Each of the plurality of characters is arranged at a predetermined position in the arrangement image with no relationship with the arrangement position of the corresponding character in the virtual space. The battle control is carried out in the battle mode thus set up.

Abstract: A position information acquiring unit acquires position information relating to positions of a plurality of body parts of a player. A determination unit determines whether or not the at least one of the plurality of body parts exists within a determination region including the reference position at a time point corresponding to the reference time. A body part information acquiring unit acquires body part information relating to a kind of the at least one of the plurality of body parts determined to exist within the determination region. An evaluation unit evaluates gameplay of the player based on the kind of the at least one of the plurality of body parts acquired by the body part information acquiring unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.

Abstract: A content management system for associating content with user attributes and delivering targeted content to a wireless handset is described. The content management system comprises a database, a wireless handset, and a terminal. The database is configured to store a plurality of user profiles, a plurality of content items, and a plurality of content connections that connect content items to user profile data. The wireless handset presents a first interface that enables the wireless handset user to create and edit a user profile comprising one or more user attributes. The user profile is stored in the database. The terminal presents a second interface to a content administrator. The second interface enables the content administrator to create and edit content items. The content items are stored in the database. Content connections associate one or more user attributes with a content item.