Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer and the like that cause players to effectively use possessed game contents in a game, and increase the attractiveness of the game. The computer includes a storage unit that stores one or more game contents possessed by a player and a game content group, the one or more game contents each having a parameter value, the game content group being composed by using at least one of the one or more game contents, and makes a game proceed based on an instruction from a player. The method includes the steps of modifying the parameter value of a common game content in the game content group possessed by the player and being the same type as the one or more game contents other than the game content group, and processing an event by using the game content group whose parameter value is modified.

Abstract: An amusement machine including a housing for receiving a computer-controlled game process control, connected to a display device for depicting the game process, which is connected to an actuator allocated to the housing for signaling information sent by the game process control. Wherein the signals of the actuator designed as an infrared light diode can be perceived by a monitoring device designed as a monitoring camera.

Abstract: An example information sharing system includes: an executing unit that executes an application program according to operations of one of a plurality of users; a recording unit that records evaluation data indicative of an evaluation determined by a result of execution of the executing unit; a generating unit that generates shared information associated with the application program based on operations of the one of the plurality of users; and a sharing unit that, when sharing the generated shared information and the recorded evaluation data with the plurality of users, provides the evaluation indicated by the evaluation data and other evaluations of the plurality of other users in a comparable form.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.

Abstract: A player comp system and method may include a gaming device having a processor programmed to provide a game of chance to a player. A player comp indicator provides a notification output based on a signal received from a remote computer that calculates comp eligibility points based on gameplay data and at least one comp eligibility criterion. The comp indicator may provide a visual notification, such as a light, LED, or a voucher or ticket provided to the player or an attendant.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating game configurations are presented. For example, a system may receive a game configuration request message from a client device being operated by a player playing a virtual game. The game configuration request message may be sent, for example, in response to the player initiating a new game of the virtual game. The system may then select a game configuration based at least in part on historical performance data associated with the selected game configuration. The historical performance data may accumulate performance data from a group of players that previously played the virtual game using the selected game configuration. The system then communicates the selected game configuration to the client device. The player may play the virtual game using the selected game configuration as the initial game configuration for the virtual game.

Abstract: A gaming system and method including a plurality of gaming devices that may participate in a shared secondary or bonus game and a controller operable to communicate with said plurality of gaming devices. At least one of the plurality of gaming devices is programmed to generate and accumulate collectors upon an occurrence of a first triggering event. Upon an occurrence of a second triggering event at one of the gaming devices, the controller enables a player of said gaming device to redeem a quantity of accumulated collectors in a bonus event. The controller also enables the player to invite other gaming devices from the plurality of gaming devices to redeem accumulated collectors and participate in said bonus event. The odds of each player earning a higher-valued total award in the bonus event increases with the total number of accumulated collectors redeemed in the bonus event.

Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including detecting a first depression range of a button that includes an electro-mechanical sensor for detecting the first depression range, comparing the first depression range to a first actuation threshold, and asserting a first actuation state when the first depression range is at or exceeds the first actuation threshold. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of identifying the occurrence of one or more organized athletic events including a plurality of participants is disclosed. The method includes receiving athletic activity data for the participants from a plurality of athletic activity monitoring devices carried by the participants. The received athletic activity data defines workouts performed by the participants. The method further includes defining a plurality of parameters for the athletic activity data, wherein the parameters define common athletic activity data for the participants of each of the organized athletic events. In addition, the method includes clustering the athletic activity data into one or more clusters of workouts based on the defined parameters for the athletic activity data. Furthermore, the method includes identifying the one or more organized athletic events based on the one or more clusters of workouts.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for play of a game of chance wherein players in a primary game collect credit or value for losing primary game tickets. A plurality of physical locations are designated as authorized communication-enabled locations and are configured with a transmitter device that broadcasts an ID signal unique to the location or a receiver that receives an ID signal unique to a particular player. The identity and location of the locations is published to the players. The players are provided with capability to receive the unique ID signals emitted by the transmitter devices within the locations on a mobile smart device, or to broadcast the ID signal unique to the player for receipt by the receiver in locations. A game server automatically identifies the player and the particular location upon receipt of a transmission that includes the ID signal unique to the location or the ID signal unique to the player.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a main or master gaming controller for presenting primary games based upon wagers of primary credits associated with a primary credit balance. A secondary controller is associated with the gaming machine for presenting secondary games based upon wagers of secondary credits associated with a secondary credit balance. The secondary controller may effectuate transfers of credits between the primary and secondary credit balances.

Abstract: A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toys near or on the peripheral. Each of the toys includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. A toy stores information about the status of the corresponding character or object in the game, for example, a character name, a score, and an owner of the toy may be stored in a character toy. The information about the toy is updated during game play. The toys may be sensed, read, and written concurrently.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for new features and functionality of slot-style games.

Abstract: A method is provided wherein players are automatically detected at a physical location and invited by an electronic component within the location to play a game of chance or perform other game related activities. The players have the capability to receive unique ID signals emitted by a transmitter device within the locations on a mobile smart device, or to broadcast an ID signal unique to the player for receipt by a receiver in the locations. When the player is at a first distance from the transmitter device or the receiver in the location, a game server generates a first personalized message to the player that invites the player to move to a game console within the location. When the player is at a second distance from the transmitter device or the receiver indicating the player has moved towards the game console, the game server generates a second personalized message instructing the player how to play a game or perform other game-related activities at the game console.

Abstract: A card reading device includes a card shoe part in which cards are housed, a card reading part that reads information on the cards drawn out, a control part that determines the outcome of a game based on the read information on the cards, and display parts that display the determined outcome of the game. In a tabletop game system, the information on the cards read by the card reading part and information on the game outcome determined by the control part are transmitted from the card reading device to a main computer apparatus via wireless communication. The card reading device includes a battery that supplies electric power to the control part, the display parts and a wireless output part. The card reading device, as such, is capable of facilitating moving the card reading device in a participatory tabletop game.

Abstract: An improved controller for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller, which has controls on the front operable by the thumbs, and has two additional controls located on the back in positions to be operated by the middle fingers of a user.

Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores information associated with a field of participants for an event, each participant associated with particular odds for the event. The processor receives a bet that a lead participant from the field of participants will finish in a particular subset of finishing positions in the event, wherein the bet is associated with customized odds. The processor further select one or more additional participants from the field of participants to add to the bet such that the odds associated with the lead participant combined with the odds associated with the one or more selected additional participants at least approximates the customized odds for the bet.

Abstract: In a communication system including a server (1) and a plurality of communication terminals (2) capable of communication with the server (1), based on a variety of parameters indicating the status of a space formed within a game playable by the user of each communication terminal (2) over the communication system, the server (1) transmits advisory information (132), which suggests the next action for the space, to the communication terminal (2). The communication terminal (2) displays a screen including the received advisory information (132).