Abstract: A system and method for establishing a gaming session via cloud services with a first device, receiving information at the first device to establish a connection with a second device, and receiving at the first device instructions from the second device via the connection, wherein the instructions control an aspect of the gaming session.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game service providing server and method. The game service providing server includes a processor configured to generate a game interface in which an audio generated in the vicinity of a game character of a user is visualized through an interface element, and provide a game service based on the generated game interface. The processor may generate the game interface including a plurality of interface elements arranged in preset regions, adjust the interface element based on audio data related to the audio, and generate the visualized game interface based on a result of the adjusting.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for valuing third-party generated content within a video game environment. Third-party generated content (e.g., a persona item for a virtual character) for a video game comprising file(s) is received. The file(s) are analyzed to detect more predefined objective property(ies) of the received third-party generated content. A rarity score for the third-party generated content is calculated based, at least in part, upon the detected one or more predefined objective properties and, optionally, a weight assigned to each predefined objective property. A rarity level for the third-party generated content is assigned based, at least in part, on the calculated score. Information regarding the assigned rarity level of the third-party generated content is provided (e.g., to a user of the video game and/or a creator of the third-party generated content).

Abstract: A system controls access to games, such as Lottery games, over communication devices, including wireless devices. A ticket comprising a substrate identifies a game and indicates that it is a lottery electronic access ticket (LEAT). A participation number, typically obscured, is provided and communicated by typing or keying the number. In one aspect, the system placing a limit on the number of plays allowed, where the number is greater than one, and the system placing a time limit on game play. The use of the system is subject to limits on the number of plays allowed, and includes a time component. Game play proceeds once the system verifies that the number is valid. If valid, and a monetary amount remains available to the player, game play is permitted to proceed. The player is then provided with an indication of whether they have won, and if so, the amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using reduced hops to generate an augmented virtual reality scene in a head mounted display. The head mounted display is used for game play via a game cloud system. The head mounted display includes a communications circuit for sending real-world media associated with a game program via a network. The real-world media is processed by the game cloud system and streamed directly from the communications circuit to the game cloud system. The head mounted display further includes a game processing circuit coupled to the communications circuit. The game processing circuit is used for decoding computer-generated interactive media received from the game cloud system via the network. The game processing circuit drives a portion of interactivity associated with the game program by superimposing the computer-generated interactive media on the real-world media. The computer-generated interactive media is generated based on the real-world media.

Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a description of systems and methods for providing anonymity to users of computing devices engaged in communication to facilitate truthfulness by the users. A first mobile computing device may establish, with a plurality of other mobile computing devices, a game between a first user of the first mobile computing device and a plurality of other users respectively of the plurality of other mobile computing devices. The first mobile computing device may transmit a first original question and preset answer options for display. The first mobile computing device may determine a first follow-up question to the first original question, a correct answer to the first follow-up question, and one or more incorrect answers to the first follow-up question based on the answer to the first original question from the first user and the plurality of answers to the first original question from the plurality of other users.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.

Abstract: A system and method include a database configured to store results of wagers on at least one prior game for a plurality of players, a first server, a second server, and an application executable by a user computing device processor. The first server queries the database to receive the results of the wagers and to determine a ranked list of leaders based at least in part on the results of the wagers. The application presents the ranked list of leaders to a user, enables the user to select one of the leaders, and transmits data representative of the selected leader to the first server. The second server receives the selected leader from the first server and automatically links the user with the selected leader such that when the leader places a wager, the second server automatically places the same wager on behalf of the user.

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: 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: In methods and apparatuses for reducing latency in graphics processing inputs are received and a first set of frames is generated and stored. Once all of the frames in the first set of frames have been produced, they may be delivered to a GPU. Each frame is then rendered by the GPU, a latency increase resulting from storing the first set of frames is less than a decrease in overall latency resulting from avoiding thread stalls due to the GPU running out of frames to process. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A cohort associated with a user is identified. A virtual object is generated according to the cohort. An augmented reality setting of a location is generated in relation to the user. A context of the location is determined. The virtual object is modified in the augmented reality setting according to the context and the cohort.

Abstract: Resources for hosting game sessions can be dynamically selected based upon factors in addition to availability and capacity. A requested session may have various criteria enabling it to be hosted on different types of resources, such as different types of resource instances operating on physical servers. While a fixed amount of capacity can be purchased over an extended period of time, options can also exist that enable purchasing resource capacity for a limited period of time, or purchasing excess capacity without a fixed time limit but that is subject to potential interruption. Benefits relating to cost and performance may offset these potential limitations, and the selection of a type of resource to host a game can be based upon an analysis of these factors. If a game session is to be interrupted or will time out, advance notice can be provided such that the game can take a corresponding action.

Abstract: A progressive pool controller within a gaming environment can have programmable contents thereof retrieved or changed without need for user interaction with the controller other than inserting a dynamically-linkable and reprogrammable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) into an I/O receptacle of the controller. The controller has a service automatically repeatedly executing therein, checking for insertion of the storage device, checking for recognizable commands within the inserted storage device after it is inserted, executing command following programs for the recognizable commands, saving output results of the executed programs into the inserted storage device and signaling that the storage device should be removed from the I/O receptacle upon completed execution of all the command following programs. Contents of the storage device remain encrypted when in transit and are exposed within secured confines of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for processing media content for reproduction by a first apparatus. The method includes obtaining pose information indicative of a position and/or orientation of a user. The pose information is transmitted to a second apparatus that provides the media content. The media content is rendered based on the pose information to obtain rendered media content. The rendered media content is transmitted to the first apparatus for reproduction. The present invention may include a first apparatus for reproducing media content and a second apparatus storing the media content. The first apparatus is configured to obtain pose information indicative and transmit the pose information to the second apparatus; and the second apparatus is adapted to: render the media content based on the pose information to obtain rendered media content; and transmit the rendered media content to the first apparatus for reproduction.

Abstract: A secondary service provides a second, or collateral, service in connection with a client application associated with a first service. The secondary service receives user input from the client application and forwards the user input to at least one second server for the collateral service. The collateral service may be a lottery gaming system that generates or receives lottery entries as users perform certain actions. Other non-limiting examples of a collateral service that may receive user input via the secondary service include a data mining system, an advertising system and a loyalty and bonus system.

Abstract: Approaches for analyzing driver pattern deviations and reproducing the pattern deviations in a user interface or a driving simulator are provided. A computer-implemented method includes: collecting, by a server, data from plural vehicles; determining, by the server, a baseline for a driving action based on the data from the plural vehicles; identifying, by the server, a problem action for a driver based on the baseline; and generating, by the server, an interface to display the problem action.

Abstract: Techniques for managing notifications are described. In an example, a computing device presents content in an application window based on an execution of an application. Notification data is received by a computing device. Based on a context associated with the computing device, such as whether the application window is the foreground and whether the notification data is associated with the application or such as the operational mode of the computing device, a determination is made whether to present a corresponding notification in-context within the application window or in a pop-up window. Otherwise, the notification is added to a notification list and can be summarized in a notification summary.

Abstract: Techniques for managing notifications are described. In an example, a computing device presents content in an application window based on an execution of an application. Notification data is received by a computing device. Based on a context associated with the computing device, such as whether the application window is the foreground and whether the notification data is associated with the application or such as the operational mode of the computing device, a determination is made whether to present a corresponding notification in-context within the application window or in a pop-up window. Otherwise, the notification is added to a notification list and can be summarized in a notification summary.