Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that allows a player to interact in a virtual world. The virtual world displays characters representing the player's friends on the social networking site. The player's friends are automatically imported into the game along with some of their real world characteristics.

Abstract: A network based indoor positioning and geofencing system and method is described. Beacons are disposed within a physical premises and each beacon transmits a signal containing identifying information. A networked indoor positioning module receives measured reference points that include a measured beacon identifier and a measured signal strength. The networked indoor positioning module uses the measured reference points to generate calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon. At least one geofence is associated with the physical premises and the geofence includes some of the calculated signal strength values. A wireless device receives a beacon identifier and a beacon signal strength, when the wireless device is in or near a geofence associated the physical premises.

Abstract: In one implementation, a mobile device is integrated with a bowling center automatic scoring system. For example, a server receives a lane control command originating with the mobile device and determines or identifies a bowling lane that is associated with the mobile device. A response message or signal, which includes data indicative of the bowling lane and the lane control command to, is sent to the automatic scoring system. The automatic scoring system executes the lane control command.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method to display icons based on messaging activity is provided. A request to access a game user interface of the first player is received from a client device of a first player, the game user interface being associated with a computer-implemented game. First player messaging activity information associated with messaging activity of the first player is accessed, the messaging activity of the first player including receipt of a message from one or more players associated with the computer-implemented game. A first manner of displaying one or more icons each identifying the one or more players is determined including determining the first manner based on the first player messaging information. Display data to display the one or more icons in the first manner within the game user interface is provided to the client device.

Abstract: A selection support apparatus acquires a plurality of types of characteristic data representing a swing characteristic of a testing golfer based on a test shot result of a golf club. The apparatus determines a swing type of the testing golfer out of swing types classified in advance based on at least one of the plurality of types of characteristic data. The apparatus calculates a recommended value for the testing golfer in association with a characteristic value that characterizes a component of a golf club based on at least one of the plurality of types of characteristic data. The apparatus selects, based on the swing type of the testing golfer, the recommended value, and component information representing a correspondence between components, the swing types, and the characteristic value, a recommended component from the components listed in the component information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a computer implemented athletic training apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide a robotically controlled moveable goal and/or intermediary goal, as well as a plurality of sensors to identify a plurality of sensor data relating to user interactions with the robotically controlled athletic training system.

Abstract: An online gaming system for presenting recommendations to users of an online game. The recommendations may be based on monitored usage of the individual interface methods and directed to use of a particular interface method and/or participation in content which is made available to the users. The system may comprise one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The system may include a client compatibility module configured to obtain interface methods available to the users; a game module configured to manage game content for portions of the online game which can be adjusted to make different content accessible to the users based on the interface methods available; an interface monitor module configured to monitor the usage of interface methods; and a recommendation module configured to present recommendations to the users related to the game content accessible by virtue of the available interface methods.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gesture enhanced game play system that includes a display system, a sensor system, a feedback system, and one or more computing systems. The sensor system is configured to detect at least one touch gesture when the touch gesture is at least proximate the virtual game layout. During play of the game, a player's touch gestures are evaluated as either a functional gameplay touch gesture or non-functional gameplay touch gestures. Each functional gameplay touch gesture relates directly to reaching an outcome of a current game. Each non-functional gameplay touch gesture may be associated with a feedback system that responds to the non-functional gameplay touch gestures by the player with visual, audio, tactile feedback or the altering of certain game parameters and displays, giving at least the impression that the non-functional gestures affect game outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming machine 300 includes an input device, a lower image display panel 141, and a motherboard 70. The motherboard 70 executes processes of: (a1) displaying a 29-option selection screen showing 29-option bonuses including a door 2 options on the lower image display panel 141; (a2) when the selection of the door 2 options is received by a switch, selectively executing a 2-option game of executing a predetermined game and awarding a character to a player based on the result of the predetermined game or a 1-option game of immediately providing the game character to the player, and (a3) if the 1-option game is executed in (a2) when the selection of the door 2 options is received by the switch, displaying an indication image along with the 29-option selection screen.

Abstract: When the game result of a base game in which symbols 501 are rearranged on a lower image display panel 141 is bonus winning, the execution of a first bonus game in which a selection game is executable for a predetermined number of times is allowed, one of a predetermined number of options associated with selectable game results is selected for each time of the selection game in the first bonus game, and a second bonus game is executed after the end of the first bonus game when in the first bonus game the selection game is executed for the predetermined number of times.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture provide for a bingo game including at least one special ball having an associated special function. In one embodiment, one or more special functions may have persistent effects on one or more bingo spaces (e.g., of a bingo card) and/or may be combined with the effects one or more other special functions.

Abstract: A gaming machine coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a game to a player playing on the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller detects an award trigger during play of the game, and awards a token upon detection of the award trigger, wherein the token includes an activation date, an expiration date, and a value that is unknown to the player at the time of being awarded. In response to a redemption request by the player, the controller determines a redemption status of the token and, based on the redemption status, awards the token value to the player or notifies the player that the token is expired.

Abstract: A game joystick includes a lower half body, an upper half body covering on the lower half body, a battery cover covering on the upper half body and elastic elements mounted in the upper half body. The upper half body is concaved downward to form a plurality of buckling slots. An opening is opened in one sidewall of each buckling slot. The battery cover protrudes downward to form a plurality of buckling strips of which each defines a first pushing surface and a second pushing surface. The elastic element has a first elastic arm fastened in the upper half body, and a second elastic arm passing through the opening to elastically project in the buckling slot. The second elastic arms cooperate with the first pushing surfaces and the second pushing surfaces of the buckling strips inserted into the buckling slots to close or open the battery cover easily.

Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating information between user devices and physical objects which are separate from the user devices. The physical objects may store information related to one or more online games associated with the physical objects. The user devices may obtain the information stored by the physical objects via light communication. The user devices may use the obtained information in order to effectuate presentation of a virtual character and/or virtual object in an online game corresponding to the information.

Abstract: A method pays out credit via a system having a server and a number of game machines connected to the server and operated by a player. A game machine has a game unit and a payout unit that can be activated by a player for paying out a credit via a confirmation ticket or a data storage medium. When a credit is present, the game unit allows a game to be played, and when a credit is present and the payout unit is activated, a data set is transmitted to the server, the data set contains the amount of the credit. The data set is stored upon being deposited in the server, and a release data set is transmitted back to the game machine if the data set is stored. A confirmation ticket is provided when the release data set is deposited at the respective game machine, and the confirmation ticket is dispensed to the player.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. 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 content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system for playing a progressive game, wherein the progressive game has an initial increment rate and threshold limit, and each time the progressive game is played a contribution is made to a progressive jackpot's current value. The system includes: a display screen for displaying a gaming presentation, one or more player-activated buttons for receiving player input, and a processor that executes game software and processes input from the player-activated buttons. In this gaming system, each contribution increases the current value until the jackpot reaches the threshold limit, wherein once the threshold limit has been reached, the progressive jackpot uses a secondary increment, to speed up, slow down, or stop the amount contributed to the progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot's current value is reset to a lower reset value, when a jackpot is won by a player. Further, the progressive game implements a hidden increment that channels contributions to an overflow amount.