Abstract: A method and a mobile communication device are provided for providing information. Phone numbers in an address book are stored in a memory of the mobile communication device. A display unit of the mobile communication device displays call history information for a phone number. It is determined whether the phone number is in the address book. A menu is displayed on the display unit, the menu having either a first option for editing information associated with the phone number or a second option for adding the phone number to the address book based on whether the phone number is in the address book.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to an apparatus, system and method for providing a user with the ability to use a mobile device hands-free while performing other tasks. The disclosure further extends to an apparatus having a substantially rigid body with a pouch formed between an upper portion and a lower portion of the body for receiving a mobile device therein, and a channel formed within the body. The apparatus may utilize a band made from an elastic material that is located within the channel of the body and is freely slidable within the channel to retain and hold the mobile device within the pouch. The apparatus may also include a cover member that substantially covers the body and the band to thereby secure the band within the channel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for processing a call signal of a mobile phone, the method includes detecting a current call state of the mobile phone; acquiring an environmental noise signal when the mobile phone enters an earphone call state; and performing a noise reduction processing to a call signal according to the environmental noise signal for acquiring a call signal with the noise reduction processing. The present invention further discloses a mobile phone. The present invention is capable of ensuring that a user is not affected by environmental noises for guaranteeing a better quality of a call when the user makes the call with an earphone.

Abstract: The cell phone finger clutch allow user to hold their phone using the finger clutch, having cell phone resides on the palm of the user's hand without effort to gripping the phone. It eases the accessibility of the phone by user's finger. The finger clutch helps user to secure their phones.

Abstract: A bubble up auger for conveying crop material on an agricultural combine is provided. The bubble up auger includes a tubular housing, a screw auger and a baffle. The tubular housing includes an inlet opening having a first width end adjacent a first end of the tubular housing and a second width end opposite the first width end. The baffle extends from the inlet opening, outwardly from the central longitudinal axis of the tubular housing and towards the first end of the tubular housing.

Abstract: A video game combines finger swiping to hurl a projectile at a target, with strategic elements arising from various combinations of player and target characteristics. User actions such as a direction of finger swipe against a touchscreen, a speed of finger swipe against the touchscreen, and/or a length of finger swipe against the touchscreen, may determine the trajectory and/or force of the projectile. The player may dynamically select specific roles from a plurality of cards available in a deck, with the particular role determining game parameters such as offensive effectiveness and defensive strength. The game may incorporate one or more strategic concepts such as the ability to combine roles, the evolution of roles over time, and the selective enlistment of allies.

Abstract: A method of operating a server including receiving a request from an electronic device for access by a user to a puzzle, and retrieving a profile for the user and conditions for access to the puzzle. If the user is authorized access then the puzzle is sent to the electronic device for display to the user. A user input regarding a puzzle piece is received and verified. If the input is valid with respect to that puzzle piece then the appearance of the display or that puzzle piece is changed. If inputs for a predetermined number of puzzle pieces or a predetermined set of puzzle pieces have been verified, then the display on the electronic device indicates that a goal has been reached.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage to implement a variation of a blackjack game with an improved splitting mechanism. In an embodiment, the player cannot split unless the player is dealt a qualifying pair. If the player is dealt a qualifying pair, then one (or both) of the initial player's cards is replaced and then the two cards are split and played out as separate hands.

Abstract: A method is provided for playing a card game using a deck of cards with rules to define a value of the cards in the deck, in accordance with an example. The method may include distributing a plurality of cards to a player and a dealer. A main wager may be received from the player for the plurality of cards distributed to the player and a side wager may be received from the player for a first two of the plurality of cards distributed to the player. When the first two of the plurality of cards distributed to the player match a defined combination of cards, the player may be rewarded for the side wager.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gaming system and method providing a draw poker game with auto-hold functionality that takes multiple progressive awards into account and recommends the optimal cards to hold from an initial hand. The draw poker game includes different winning outcomes, different awards associated with the different winning outcomes, and includes a first progressive award associated with a first one of the outcomes and a second progressive award associated with a second one of the outcomes. For each play of the draw poker game, the gaming system displays a first auto-hold recommendation if the first progressive award is greater than the second progressive award, and the gaming system displays a second different auto-hold recommendation if the second progressive award is greater than the first progressive award.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a display having a display area showing a poker-themed wagering game. A wager input device receives a base wager to play the poker-themed wagering game. A controller is coupled to the display and the wager input device. The controller is operative to provide a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to form a user-playable hand and award a payoff based on a ranking of the user-playable hand meeting a predetermined criterion. The controller may receive a side wager separate from the base wager from the player to trigger a challenge based on meeting a condition in at least one of a predetermined number of future plays of the wagering game. Additional free challenges may be triggered for the predetermined number of future plays.

Abstract: A system for computer gaming includes a processor configured to provide a first table of a first group of players grouped together to play a first hand and provide to each of the first group of players one or more cards for the first hand. The system includes an interface couple to the processor and configured to receive from a first player of the first group of players a request to fold the one or, more cards of the first player. The processor is also configured to automatically move the first player to a second table of a second group of players grouped together to play a second hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to charitable gaming, and particularly the association of a player's wagering game play with one or more charitable entities. Other aspects of the invention comprise grouping of players with charitable entities and the allocation of gaming sessions, such as periods of time, with one or more charitable entities.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of customizing at least one gaming apparatus is provided. The at least one gaming apparatus is operated as a slot machine game. The system includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of themes. Each of the plurality of themes includes a first set of full-motion videos associated with a first body portion of a plurality of actors, a second set of full-motion videos associated with a second body portion of the plurality of actors, and a third set of full-motion videos associated with a third body portion of the plurality of actors. The system includes a circuit configured to receive a selection of a theme from the plurality of themes. The circuit is further configured to cause the at least one gaming apparatus to display the first set, the second set, and the third set of videos for the selected theme.

Abstract: A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack.

Abstract: A gesture manipulation method and a gaming system are disclosed herein. The gesture manipulation method is suitable for an electronic apparatus including a touch sensor and means for displaying. The gesture manipulation method includes following steps. A gesture input is detected by the touch sensor when a visual card image is displayed on the means for displaying and the visual card image shows a back side of at least a playing card. When at least one contact point of the gesture input is detected to move along a specific pattern relative to the visual card image, a corresponding function is triggered or the visual card image is adjusted in response to the gesture input moved along the specific pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for electronically transferring currency from a source user account to a target user account in relation to a game application. A payment service provider may receive a request to transfer an amount of currency from the source user account to the target user account to be used for the game application.

Abstract: The DYNAMIC PAYMENT OPTIMIZATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“DPO”) transform requests for on-demand and flexible monetization and related services via DPO components into currency transfers, purchase receipt notifications, social networking communications and transaction analytics reports. In some embodiments, the DPO obtains a user product purchase request for a user engaged in an online experience at a point of sale device. The DPO parses the user product purchase request, and thereby identifies at least one attribute of at least one of: the user; the online experience; and the point of sale device. The DPO customizes one or more properties of a user interface for initiating a purchase transaction related to the user product purchase request, according to the identified at least one attribute of the user, the online experience or the point of sale device; and providing the customized user interface.

Abstract: A money transfer system is promoted by providing a user access to a game or contest generated by a promotions engine computer. The user is directed to a customer relations portal accessible via an access device to participate in the game or contest. The customer relations portal comprising a server configured to manage the game or contest and associated with the promotions engine computer. A response is received from the user at the server related to the user's participation in the game or contest. The server determines whether the user is to receive a reward or prize based on the response from the user, and an output is provided to the user on the access device indicating whether the user is to receive the reward or prize.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game.

Abstract: A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is configured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment and structured to communicate by a private restricted communication link with an issuing financial institution of a stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the stored value account can be and used customer relationship purposes.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.

Abstract: A method for logging into a user gaming account may include connecting with a host game console and receiving a login code at a game controller from the host game console. The login code may be encrypted with a combination key and sent to the host game console. Consequently, user gaming account data may be provided to the host game console. Additionally, a method for receiving user gaming account data may include connecting to a game controller and connecting to a game server. A login code for a gaming account login may be received from the game server and the login code may be sent to the game controller. Next, an encrypted login code that has been encrypted with a combination key may be received from the game controller, and subsequently sent to the game server. Accordingly, user gaming account data may be received from the game controller.

Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi or other wireless protocol. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to relieve time and effort required for manipulated input. The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform, an offering process to offer the game content to the user; a recording process to record an offered game content offered in the offering process, as an owned game content owned by the user; a reception process to receive a prearranged registration of a specified game content specified by an input from a user; a judgment process, when an offer game content is offered to a user in the offering process after the reception process, to compare the offered game content to the specified game content prearranged for registration, to judge whether or not the offered game content is to be made an owned game content of the user; and an update process to update a record of the owned game content owned by the user based on a judgment result in the judgment process.

Abstract: A sports surface arrangement is provided. The sports surface arrangement includes at least one display, each display mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation facing in an upward direction, a substantially transparent covering layer positioned above the at least one display, and a controller configured to alter at least one image displayed on the at least one display to alter attributes of a sporting event, competition, or game occurring on the substantially transparent covering layer. Alternately, an apparatus is provided that includes a controller configured to transmit sports related display information to at least one horizontally mounted display screen and a substantially transparent surface positioned above the horizontally mounted display screen and configured to withstand sports competitors participating in a sporting event, game, or competition thereon. The controller conveys display information related to the sporting event occurring on the substantially transparent surface to the display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for providing streaming-based game images. The apparatus for providing streaming-based game images includes an image capturing unit for capturing an image. An image distribution unit distributes pixels constituting the image captured by the image capturing unit depending on resolutions determined by a player and a watcher, and divides an original resolution image into one or more resolution images depending on resolutions desired by the game player and the watcher. A video encoder unit activates a plurality of video encoders depending on a number of images obtained from distribution of the image distribution unit and compresses the images from the image distribution unit. A network communication unit transmits the images compressed by the video encoder unit to a terminal of the game player or a terminal of the watcher depending on the determined resolutions.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base member and a display member rotatably coupled to the base member. A keyboard and a touchpad are located on a working surface of the base member. The touchpad defines a middle touch area, a left touch area, and a right touch area. The middle touch area is configured for simulating a mouse. The first and second touch areas are configured for simulating a gaming controller. A human-computer interaction method is also provided.

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).

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. A plurality of players carries out actions in turn in the video game, by which a predetermined action effect is generated. Action information in which an action and a support effect are associated with each other is stored in an action information memory. A player of the video game processing apparatus can carry out the action in the video game. The support effect is an effect generated in the video game due to an action. When an action executing request is received from the player, a support effect is set up in correspondence with the received action executing request. The support effect that has been set up before the action executing request is received is generated in a case where the action executing request is received.

Abstract: A virtual gaming environment including processing systems and methods and generally includes operations related to visual display of movements and locations of physical game pieces and storage and retrieval of data in accordance with various game events. The game system can comprise a game token, a display, a mobile device, a processor, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium, and a method for providing a multi-move game operation are presented. A virtual game environment that includes a first game object and a second game object is generated where the first game object includes a location associated with a first location and the second game object includes a location associated with a second location within the virtual game environment. Responsive to detecting a user selection of the first game object, the system may enable a move state for the first game object. Then, responsive to detecting a placement selection, the system may update the location of the first game object from the first location to the destination location and disable the move state for the first game object. Responsive to determining that the destination location is proximate to the second location, the system may enable a move state for the second game object.

Abstract: An interactive game system that stage lighting style cues as part of the game, where the stage lighting cues cause external stage lighting equipment to create effects that are based on outputs from the game. Steerable lights can be steered to the player and sounds can be created that are directed to the player. A simulation system can also simulate the actions that occur.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a terminal display control method for using as a controller of a game a terminal device including a touch panel, which is configured to be integral with a display, includes selecting a controller image which is used in the game; setting at least one of a presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a position of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the controller image; and making variable, in accordance with a content of the setting, a state of the controller image displayed on the display, and an operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an input on the touch panel.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for interacting with a virtual character in a smart terminal are provided. The method can shoot and display a user reality scene image on a screen of the smart terminal, and superimpose the virtual character on the user reality scene image; acquire position of the smart terminal during movement; and determine whether change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds a preset threshold value, and if the change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds the preset threshold value, the method moves the virtual character in the user reality scene image according to the current position of the smart terminal. The interaction scene between the user and the virtual character is not a virtual scene but a true reality scene, both numbers and contents of the scenes are not limited, and the interaction efficiency in this manner is higher.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more servers of a hosting service server center and a RAID that stores geometry for objects of a complex scene. The RAID being coupled to the one or more application or game servers and being operable to interactively stream the geometry on-the-fly during real-time animation associated with running of a game or application on the one or more servers. The geometry is being streamed with substantially no detectable latency.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises game state information, a first user device, a second user device, and a processing server. The first and second user devices may include a first and second user interface modules configured to receive first and second user selections, respectively, associated with gameplay of a multiplayer game. The processing server may include a communication module, a simulation module, and rendering module. The communication module may be configured to receive the first and second user selections. The simulation module may be configured to generate simulation results based on the game state information, game rules, and the first and second user selections. The rendering module may be configured to render a first video based on the simulation results and render a second video based on the simulation results, the first and second video to be displayed by the first and second user devices, respectively.

Abstract: A system, having an image production module adapted to generate two images with different content and a display module adapted to synchronously display the images such that each image can be selectively viewed depending on a viewer selecting an appropriate visual aide.

Abstract: The present invention claims a gun-shaped game input handle of a multi-functional mobile electronic device comprising a gun-shaped housing, wherein it further comprises buttons and a direction control joystick fixed to the gun-shaped housing and used to control the actions and movements of a virtual character in a mobile electronic device game, a main control circuit built in the gun-shaped housing, and a data interface for communicating with the mobile electronic device; the data interface transmits signals to the mobile electronic device in wired or wireless way. The shape of the handle is similar to that of a gun, thus meeting the special game input requirements of First-Person Shooter games, and improving game operation verisimilitude.

Abstract: Techniques for allowing customers to participate in a competition while shopping are disclosed. The techniques include electronically joining a first mobile electronic device into a shopping competition among customers at a brick and mortar store. The techniques also include receiving a UPC code from a first physical item at a brick and mortar store into the first mobile electronic device, creating an electronic shopping cart which includes the first item on the first mobile electronic device, assigning a point value to the first mobile electronic device for selecting the first item for purchase, and selecting a winner among competition participants based on points earned by the competition participants in selecting items for purchase.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe methods and apparatuses that hide latency during an interaction between an attacking client device platform and a defending client device platform in a multiplayer game played over a network. The attacking client device platform predicts a successful attack will be made and delivers a hit event to the defending client device platform. In order to provide additional time to wait for a hit reply from the defending client device platform the attacking client device platform initiates an altered animation mode that lengthens the run-time of the animation. 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 test tool provides a flexible resource for control an of electronic gaming machine (EGM) via a data network. The test tool provides both interactive and automated access to the EGM when the EGM is operated using a special diagnostic BIOS that supports both communication with the test tool over the data network and the ability to set operational variables including random numbers. The test tool can use structured data test scripts, such as XML files, to automate repetitive testing of one or more gaming machines by automating breakpoint setting, variable settings, and comparison of expected results based on game type, paytables, currency, etc.

Abstract: A method includes steps of opening a link between a player's appliance and a network-connected server providing games, selecting a game to play by the player through an interface provided to the player's appliance by the server, transmitting virtual world data by the server to the player's appliance, along with a version identification, storing the virtual world data and associated version identification in a cache at the player's appliance, playing the game by the player using the player's appliance, and suspending play of the game by the player.

Abstract: A game device may include, but is not limited to, a first distribution unit, a first control unit, and a first reduction unit. The first distribution unit may be configured to increase an individual amount of a first virtual value that is individually-owned and in-game-usable by an individual user of a first in-game group of users, with reference to the amount of a second virtual value that is commonly-associated to the first in-game group of users. The first control unit may be configured to decrease the individual amount of the first virtual value, in accordance with an in-game-use-request by the individual user. The first reduction unit may be configured to reduce at least a part of the individual amount of the first virtual value to increase the amount of the second virtual value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to providing a method and system for presenting users with the ability to host a virtual world especially one that is capable of being used in a game based environment for teaching and learning, and more specifically to improving ease of customization, enabling on-demand-usage and facilitating content sharing for hosting private virtual locations on virtualized servers specifically so that multiple discreet virtual worlds can be hosted (automatically and remotely), started or removed on one or more servers simultaneously and independently of each other without affecting the other hosts.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing replay data is provided. User input can be received from a first client device of a first user. The user input can include a plurality of data samples representative of a gesture made by a first user making a game move. A compressed version of the user input can be generated. The compressed version includes coded data representative of the plurality of data samples. The coded data has a smaller data size than the plurality of data samples. Replay data can be provided to a second client device of a second user. The replay data can be based on the compressed version of the user input. The replay data can be configured to representationally simulate, at the second device, the gesture made by the first user.

Abstract: A universal joint of the present disclosure includes a first joint yoke and a second joint yoke. A first joint axis is formed at a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a first shaft connected to the first joint yoke and a second joint axis is formed at a second angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a second shaft connected to the second joint yoke. At least one of the first and second angles of the first and second joint yokes may be an obtuse angle or an acute angle. A connection element is configured to couple the first joint yoke to the second joint yoke via the first and second joint axes.

Abstract: A high angle constant velocity joint having an outer joint member defined by inner and outer surfaces; an inner joint member having an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer joint member and the outer surface of the inner joint define tracks, including a front track and a rear track for a joint articulation; a cage disposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member and positioned adjacent to the tracks; a plurality of torque transmitting bails arranged within the cage and contacting at least one of the front track and the rear track; and a high angle sealing member secured to the outer surface of the outer joint member and providing a fluid barrier to the inner surface of the outer joint member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a martensitic steel comprising a content of other metals such that it can be hardened by intermetallic compound and carbide precipitation, with an Al content of between 0.4% and 3%. The heat shaping temperature of the last heat shaping pass of said steel is lower than the solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in the steel, and the treatment temperature for each potential heat treatment after said last heat shaping pass is lower than the solid-state solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in said steel.