Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are provided for bonus game play from an off-site location. A game is played by receiving a purchase request for a wager from a user at a first client terminal before a game play has begun; determining results of the wager before the game play has begun; storing the results of the wager in a database before the game play has begun; adjusting an account of the user based on the results of the wager before the game play has begun; receiving from a second client terminal during the game play a request to reveal the results of the wager; determining whether a bonus round should be played; sending at least partial results of the wager to the second client terminal during the game play; and continuing the bonus round until a full value associated with the results has been reached.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture are disclosed that comprise receiving, from one or more client terminals, two or more purchase requests, wherein each of the purchase requests identifies a wager for one or more multi-player games. A wager result is then determined for each wager at the time of purchase and stored in a database. Once all the wagers for an instance of a game are received, an outcome, such as a set of cards, is determined for each player and, if appropriate, the house (the host of the game). The outcome for each player is based on the previously determined wager result(s) and the type of game played. The outcome(s) are then stored with the wager(s) and wager result(s) in a transaction history file corresponding to each of the game's patrons (players) and in a game status file.

Abstract: An event detection and localization system is provided that employs a plurality of smartphones. The detected events may comprise a gunshot, a biological threat, a chemical threat and/or a radiological threat. Each smartphone comprises a memory for storing an event detection process; and at least one hardware device to implement the event detection process. The hardware device is operative to detect an event based on a signal obtained using a sensor in the vicinity of the smartphone; obtain a time of arrival of the signal; obtain a location of the smartphone at the time of arrival; send a notification of the arrival time and arrival location to one or more of another smartphone and a server; and receive an indication of an origination of the event.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for tracking customer transactions using a Unique Loyalty Code. One or more transactions of a user are monitored by providing a unique loyalty code with a sale of a product, wherein the unique loyalty code uniquely identifies each individual instance of the product. The unique loyalty code is then received from the user as part of a product registration process, wherein the product registration process does not require personal information of the user. The unique loyalty code is recorded in an account anonymously associated with the user. The disclosed unique loyalty codes can be used to monitor the recycling of products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for distributing electronic media content for the purpose of enhancing existing media. A Media Enhancement Distribution System is disclosed that allows users to download secondary media content, such as trivial pursuit type interaction, games or additional information, from the Internet in order to get additional entertainment or entertainment value that is related to the user's existing media or content. The downloaded content and services could be associated to a specific DVD, a group of DVD, or any DVD. The exemplary Media Enhancement Distribution System is an Internet-based system that provides a mechanism and a process for consumers to specify, access, and download Secondary Media content to be used in conjunction with their existing electronic media (Primary Media).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for combining media from multiple sources for display and viewer interaction The disclosed Multi-Media Overlay System provides a mechanism and a process for consumers to combine media from various sources to create the appearance of a single media The Multi-Media Overlay System applies “overlay content,” such as text, images, and interaction to some “primary content,” such as a DVD movie The timing, location, and presentation of the overlay content are developed with the primary content in mind. The Multi-Media Overlay System comprises a device that accepts media from various sources and allows the execution of a Primary Software Application to perform the overlay function, allows user interaction with the generated content, and displays the generated content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for simplifying the creation and editing of media intended for the enhancement consumer media. A software-based authoring tool is disclosed that allows users to interact directly with and control a DVD or other media format and/or storage medium, specify media content that is intended to enhance the DVD, and output a program and associated media that would be available to other applications to combine with the DVD media. The authoring tool, identified as QC the Interactive Media Enhancement Editor, allows the author to play the DVD5 stop it at certain desired times or events and then allow the author to specify the enhancing media (identified as Secondary Media) that is to be associated with that time or event. The development of Secondary Media content relies on precise coordination with certain events (such as entering a specific menu or chapter of the DVD) or on certain time events (such as 25 seconds into chapter three of the DVD).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting users from objectionable text. Users are protected from objectionable text, by obtaining a predefined acceptable word list containing a plurality of acceptable words; receiving a textual entry from at least one user; and limiting the textual entry to only the acceptable words. The acceptable word list may comprise a dictionary of the acceptable words, and can be maintained by a central server or by a client associated with at least one of the users. The textual entry can be limited by only allowing the user to enter a subsequent character following entry of one or more entered characters if the subsequent character following the one or more entered characters comprises at least a portion of one of the acceptable words. The acceptable word list can optionally be updated with one or more additional acceptable words. The acceptable word list optionally comprises a context sensitive word list or one or more context sensitive rules.

Abstract: An effective means of promoting and enforcing responsible gaming activity on an individual basis is disclosed. A wide area network of gaming terminals is utilized, and does not require the gaming terminals to be centrally monitored or controlled. Eligible players register with the Gaming Authority using proof of age and identity resulting in the issuance of a unique personal device which the player must use to enable a gaming machine. The gaming terminals are equipped with a fitment containing the appropriate hardware and software to monitor and control game play. The fitment includes an identification verifier and a receiver for the unique personal device. The fitments are adaptable to fit into various gaming devices manufactured by providers in the industry.