Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronically creating combined digital images of a person and incorporating them into a series of background images or film clips making it appear as if the user were actually a part of the original imaging sequence. The camera can move to take the images from different angles and in an alternative embodiment there are multiple cameras situated such that they sequentially capture and store a series of images to be incorporated into the product. An alternative housing apparatus is in a booth for automatically producing an imaging sequence of a self-portrait of the user integrated into a stored background or film clip, including a cash or credit card receiving device, a computer triggered by cash or credit received in the device, a movable digital camera or video camera to view the user, a video monitor for self-viewing, and the possibility of one located outside the booth for advertising or amusement purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamically variable maps in a video game is disclosed. A map is provided that defines a playable space available to one or more game players in a video game. Gameplay is monitored in real-time for the detection of a trigger event. Upon detection of a trigger event, a map management engine dynamically modifies a configuration of the map to improve the gameplay experience based on the type of trigger event. Dynamic modification of a map may comprise altering one or more of the map boundary, and/or the location, position, size, number, state, etc. of one or more static map objects or dynamic map objects. As a result of the dynamic modification of the map, the map may transform from its initial (or first or beginning) configuration to a modified (or new or second) configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for facilitating the configuration of multigame bonuses on independent gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device including a display, input device, memory, and processor can be configured to be part of a multigame bonus while not requiring a direct connection to a multigame bonus controller, or to other gaming devices involved in the multigame bonus. This may be accomplished by configuring the gaming device to provide a mechanism for an operator to set up bonus parameters with a specified side wager or bet to be eligible for a particular jackpot prize. Since each gaming device can be independently set up to be part of the multigame bonus, unrelated gaming devices running different primary gaming events with different wager or game characteristics can be part of the same multigame bonus without affecting game play of the primary gaming events.

Abstract: A health and fitness management system utilizing an algorithm to suggest actions to improve a user's health and fitness. The system obtains a user's health indicating measurement from a respective acquisition device. The user is never informed of the acquired data. The health indicating measurement can include a heart/pulse rate, blood pressure measurement, weight, blood sugar level, etc. Base line data (age, ideal age, initial weight, current weight, ideal weight, etc.) can be considered in the algorithm. Examples include the user's environment, sleep habits, exercise routines, medical records, and the like. The health index number is used to determine recommended actions, which can include changes to environments, routines, activities, etc. Data collection, the algorithm, and other features of the system can be provided by an Application operating on a portable computing device. Features of the portable computing device can be employed to automatically acquire data for the algorithm.

Abstract: A system that enables the automatic logging out of one player tracking account device when another player tracking account device is attempted to be logged into a player tracking account system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine may include an illuminable notification mechanism, which may be disposed on a rear surface of the electronic gaming machine in a position or location that makes the notification mechanism visible to a casino operator. The notification mechanism may include a display, such as, for example, a display that includes at least one tri-color light emitting diode (LED). The display of the notification mechanism may be selectively illuminated in a variety of lighting configurations based, for example, upon gameplay activity of a player of the gaming machine. For instance, in some embodiments, the notification mechanism may be selectively illuminated in any of an inactive lighting configuration, an active lighting configuration, or a privileged lighting configuration. In the privileged lighting configuration, the notification mechanism may indicate that a player of the gaming machine is entitled to a complimentary item (e.g., a free or reduced-price item or service).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program making it possible to further enhance entertainability. A play state recognition unit recognizes a play state of a game. The effect rendering unit performs image processing for adding an effect to an image representing the state of the commentator that makes a gaming commentary on the basis of the play state of the game recognized by the play state recognition unit. For example, a game status indicating predetermined information is displayed at a predetermined location on the game screen of the game in accordance with the play state of the game. The play state recognition unit analyzes the game status to recognize the play state of the game. The present technology can be applied to a video distribution service that distributes a video of a game screen, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine, methods of gaming systems. In particular, a gaming machine which provides a spinning reel game of chance is provided. Certain symbols are controlled to expand to cover other symbols of virtual spinning reels, in order to provide the player with a dynamic visual game appearance.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.

Abstract: A gaming system includes game-logic circuitry that is configured to direct the display of a graphical-user interface including selectable elements, each of which being associated with a respective outcome. The circuitry is configured to detect an initial selection of a first selectable elements and designate it as an active selection. The circuitry concurrently provides the abilities to elect to: (1) exchange the first selectable element with a another one of the selectable elements, the another one being designated—and the first losing the designation of—the active selection upon exchange, (2) eliminate one or more of the remaining selectable elements that are not the active selection by revealing a game outcome associated with the eliminated selectable element, the game outcome associated with the eliminated selectable being unavailable thereafter, and (3) reveal and accept the game outcome associated with the selectable element that is currently designated as the active selection.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to select a first plurality of card symbols to form a player hand for a player, wherein the first plurality of card symbols include a plurality of hole cards dealt only to the player and at least one community card. The game controller is also configured to select a second plurality of card symbols to form a jackpot hand, and determine whether at least one card symbol of the first plurality of card symbols matches at least one card symbol of the second plurality of card symbols. The game controller is also configured to adjust, based on the determining, a credit balance of the player by a value associated with a jackpot award based upon a number of hole cards in the player hand that match card symbols in the jackpot hand.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for session management. The disclosed system allows for seamless merging and splitting of network sessions in a multiplayer network gaming environment. Seamless session management allows dynamic movement of players in a virtual world during gameplay without unnecessary loading and/or stalling. As the players in the virtual world move around, the management of active game sessions can be improved to effect a more realistic perceived population.

Abstract: Provided are a display device and method of changing a display setting. According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the method of changing a display setting in a display device includes operations of: storing a plurality of display settings corresponding to a plurality of game categories; determining a display setting to be used for displaying video data of a currently running game among the plurality of display settings; and changing an actual display setting of the display device according to a determined display setting.

Abstract: A method of managing a live broadcast of multiplayer video game activity operates a multiplayer game server system to provide game data to a plurality of client devices, the game data defining a multiplayer video game environment that includes a plurality of game characters. The game server system receives a character identifier corresponding to a targeted game character, determines that a currently active altercation in the multiplayer video game environment involves the targeted game character and an opponent game character, and communicates altercation data to a client device operating in a spectator mode. The altercation data includes first gameplay attributes to display with a first user interface (UI) element associated with the targeted game character, and second gameplay attributes to display with a second UI element associated with the opponent game character.

Abstract: An interactive electronic gaming machine that includes a spinnable feature wheel is disclosed. The interactive electronic gaming machine is a video slot machine game that includes a base game and one or more bonus features. The bonus features may include a spinnable feature wheel displayed on a plurality of display screens, each located above one of a plurality of electronic gaming machines. The spinnable feature wheel can spin horizontally across the display screens in a sequence coordinated by a central game controller via respective electronic gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a display and an electronic controller for playing a first game. The electronic controller is configured to randomly determine whether to display one or more bonus symbols in the first game, each bonus symbol being associated with a bonus value award. Where a trigger event occurs during the first game, such as the appearance of a predetermined order of bonus symbols, electronic controller is configured to display an array of the bonus symbols on the display or optionally on another display. Where bonus symbols appear in further plays of the first game or plays of a second game, the bonus symbols are added to the array and bonus symbols present on the array are sequentially transferred to a win meter, which increments by the amount of the associated bonus value award of each transferred bonus symbol.

Abstract: In one aspect, an improved roulette gaming system is disclosed herein, which provides visual effects for a roulette wheel, a roulette ball, or both.

Abstract: A display of a computer device displays a plurality of different levels of a computer implemented game and a first reward item. The first reward item is associated with a first level which has yet to be completed. At least one processor determines that a player has reached the first level and in response thereto, the display displays a second reward item. The second reward time associated with a second different level of said computer implemented game which has yet to be completed and a time limit. If the player reaches the second level within said time limit, a game reward is provided.

Abstract: Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.