Abstract: A computer system comprising a memory storing data and program instructions, the data representing a game environment including a character and a plurality of cover segments; a player interface; and a processor configured to execute the program instructions stored in the memory. Execution of the program instructions causes the computer to implement a method that comprises determining a selected subset of the cover segments; determining a curved path that passes through control points associated with the selected subset of the cover segments; and rendering images for display via the player interface, the images showing movement of the character along the curved path while the character is in cover mode.

Abstract: A tactile feedback system for use with a virtual reality system comprises a support structure and tactile feedback units coupled to and spaced apart around the support structure. A microcontroller is coupled to the tactile feedback units to independently control their activation. The microcontroller has a communication interface configured to communicate with the virtual reality system to receive control signals for controlling operation of the tactile feedback units. The microcontroller activates the tactile feedback units in response to control signals received from the virtual reality system to indicate aspects of the virtual reality experience. In another aspect, a haptic gun for use with a virtual reality system has tactile feedback units and a linear actuator for simulating a recoil of firing the gun. In another aspect a video game system provides a single game play instance for multiple clients utilizing different game platforms.

Abstract: A fantasy sports visual simulation system providing an audiovisual experience that allows contest participants and spectators to view a videogame-like model of a virtual fantasy sports contest. These simulations can occur at any time between any two or more contest participants, like mini-contests within the context of a broader league. Once a league is formed and team rosters are created, numerical calculations are performed based on real-athlete statistics to determine a current “state” of performance for all virtual athletes in gameplay. This statistical analysis is the basis for assigning performance variables to each virtual athlete, which allows the system to calculate numerical point values based on the performance of each virtual athlete and team in this fantasy sports visual simulation system.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure describe smart controls for video game controllers that may track and store information related to their use (e.g., actuations) over time to keep track of their expected remaining life. The smart controls may removably couple to a video game controller and be replaced by other smart controls. In implementations, a smart control may include: an actuation component; a sensor to detect actuation of the actuation component in response to movement of the control; a memory to store information associated with the detected actuation; and a casing to house the sensor and memory.

Abstract: Provided is a game information analysis system which is operable to determine whether or not each game played on a gaming machine is a bonus game in order to evaluate a psychological state of a player. An analysis server 2012 of the game information analysis system 2001 receives game information from each slot machine 2014 and previously calculates a normal-time PO from transition of IN/OUT included in the game information in a predetermined period. Thereafter, from the transition of IN/OUT included in game information targeted for an analysis, a game whose PO has a large discrepancy with respect to the normal-time PO is extracted, and it is determined whether or not said game is a bonus game.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic system includes a controller body having a head and a handle, and a tracking member that is fixed to the controller body. The head includes at least one thumb-operated control, and the handle has a tubular housing that is partially wrapped by an outer shell. The controller includes a hand retainer configured to physically bias the user's palm against the outer shell. A first plurality of tracking transducers is disposed in the tracking member, the first plurality of tracking sensors being coupled with the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation. An array of proximity sensors is spatially distributed on the outer shell, the array of proximity sensors being responsive to a proximity of the user's fingers to the outer shell.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice during a current game to determine award-enhancing opportunities for subsequent games based on the dice results. Award-enhancing opportunities may continue over multiple games until a terminating condition is activated, or single bonus rolls of dice may be used to determine multipliers or other modifiers to enhance awards only in a single subsequent game. The award-enhancing opportunities may be triggered by a mystery or random selection process, or may be based on at least a portion of the outcome of the current game.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more awards based on the accumulation of symbols over a predefined quantity of plays of a game.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in poker gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice to determine award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results for a poker game played on a gaming device. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during multiple bonus rounds, or single bonus rolls of dice may be used to determine multipliers or other modifiers to enhance awards received in the poker games.

Abstract: A dual matrix tracking apparatus, system, and method are described herein. The dual matrix tracking apparatus may be implemented at a driving range to facilitate skill-based games, wagering games, and the combination thereof. The dual matrix tracking apparatus includes a first shadow sensor array, a second shadow sensor array, and a control unit. The dual matrix tracking apparatus senses a first projectile position within the first shadow sensor array and associates a first time with the first position. The dual matrix tracking apparatus further senses a second projectile position within the second shadow sensor array and associates a second time with the second position. The control unit then determines a predicted ball flight path from the first ball position, the second ball position, the first time, and the second time.

Abstract: System and method to automatically control a track timing system for humans and/or animals. One or several users are detected in start and finish areas on one or several tracks and automatically signaled to start by the system. Results such as finish time, start reaction time, false starts, split times, relay exchanges, and such can be calculated. The results can be displayed and distributed, and the system can be configured by a user.

Abstract: A method for execution by a processor of a computer system for computer gaming. The method comprises maintaining a game environment; receiving a request to execute an animation routine during gameplay; attempting to identify a location in the game environment having a surrounding area that is free to host the requested animation routine; and in case the attempting is successful, carrying out the animation routine at the identified location in the game environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system relating to video games with improved social networking features. In some aspects of the invention, the improved social networking features include allowing players to associate their virtual items and/or characters with one or more sponsor players. The association alters the attributes of the virtual items and/or characters.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer competition wagering exchange network method and system is disclosed which in one exemplary embodiment can include receiving schedule data associated with a competition or game-based event, receiving a selection from a first user to participate in the competition or event, receiving a selection from the first user for a competitor associated with the competition, and receiving a wagered, placed, or contributed monetary amount or token of value with respect to the selected competitor from the first user. The method can further include receiving a point spread or line with respect to the competition from the first user, and generating a challenge, contest, or campaign based on the received selected competitor, received wagered amount, and received point or spread by the first user.

Abstract: The present specification describes an assistive tool that facilitates the design of video games to achieve a true randomized, non-biased and neutral gaming environment that is bounded so that extremes of disincentives and excess incentives are avoided. In one embodiment, the tool allows for simulation of game environment and generates variables that enable reward acquisition by players. In one embodiment, the tool allows the game systems to be defined in such a way that an agent, such as an artificial player implemented by a computer program, can interact with the game environment. In one embodiment, the present tool uses generative models driven by data from previous versions of a game to define the behavior of such agents in simulated games.

Abstract: In some aspects, an application is provided that is adapted to execute on at least a first mobile device. The application is adapted to (a) track information regarding a user of the mobile device; (b) create an avatar based on the tracked information; and (c) employ the avatar to provide pre-emptive warnings to assist in avoidance of unwanted behavior by the user. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more awards in association with the selective activation of one or more persistent features.

Abstract: In various embodiment, the gaming system provides a new gaming currency which is in addition to and different than current known land-based gaming establishment currencies, such as monetary credits, promotional credits and player tracking points and also in addition to and different than current known casual or social game currencies, such as virtual currencies. This gaming currency is accumulated and redeemed in association with the plays of games occurring at land-based gaming establishments as well as in association with the plays of casual or social games.

Abstract: A programmable die may feature a robust frame structure housing a plurality of display screens which may be programmed to display any number of possible data. Any number of sides are possible, so long as they can be read. The die may be programmed remotely, such as through an app, or manually. The displays may be LCD screens or electronic paper, or any later discovered and suitable device. A battery may be directly or inductively charged.

Abstract: A golf ball verification system and method is described. The illustrative golf ball verification system includes balls, bays and at least one target. Each of the balls includes a unique ID indicator. Additionally, each of the bays includes a ball dispenser, a first ball ID reader, a first diverter, and a first reject ball chute. The first ball ID reader identifies any of the balls having unreadable ID indicators. The first diverter selects any of the balls having unreadable ID indicators for collection by the first reject ball chute. Furthermore, each target includes a ball detector, a second ball ID reader, a second diverter, and a second reject ball chute. The second ball ID reader identifies any of the balls having unreadable ID indicators. The second diverter selects the balls having unreadable ID indicators for collection by the second reject ball chute.