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: According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a game board being arranged to accommodate at least one game piece, said game board comprising at least one NFC device and a plurality of NFC antennas which are operatively coupled to said NFC device, wherein said NFC device is arranged to activate a function of said game piece by establishing NFC with the game piece through one of said antennas. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure a corresponding method for activating at least one game piece on a game board is provided. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there a corresponding computer program product is provided.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for facilitating an interaction with a first peripheral device using a touch-sensitive system having a processor and a touch surface. An example method includes detecting, using the processor, the first peripheral device touching the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system, identifying, using the processor, the first peripheral device touching the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system, and determining, using the processor, that the first peripheral device has an accessory attached thereto. A method may include determining, using the processor, transformation of the first peripheral device. Another method may include determining, using the processor, a position of the first peripheral device with respect to digital elements displayed on the touch surface, and interacting with the first peripheral device based on the position of the first peripheral device with respect to the digital elements displayed on the touch surface.

Abstract: A block system 1 includes a block 102 and a host terminal 10. The block 102, configured such that two or more blocks are connectable with each other, includes a power supply mechanism 110 for supplying power to the block 102, a communication mechanism 114 for establishing connection with the host terminal 10 to transmit and receive various signals, a storage mechanism 112 for storing identification information related with the block 102, a display mechanism 118 for emitting light and displaying an image under the control of the host terminal 10, and a control mechanism 116 for executing programmed processing in accordance with a signal from the host terminal 10.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing device that can be incorporated in a construction element for a toy construction set to allow new use of construction elements, for instance tracking the construction process. Sensing device comprises a carrier comprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils, a bottom surface with a series of bottom coils at a distance from said top coils, the sensing device further comprising a data processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a status, said data processor comprises a computer program which controls and reads currents through each of said top and bottom coils and storing them in memory, thereby tracking status for each of said top and bottom coils.

Abstract: A system for high powered wireless power delivery and charging includes an electronic device having a wireless charging module. The wireless charging module includes a power management module, the power management module configured and executing instructions to enable and disable the power delivery or charging of the electronic device based on whether a valid charging circuit exists, the power management module additionally configured and executing instructions to prevent a detection of an invalid load.

Abstract: A gaming server device may conduct a networked bingo game with client devices, each client device associated with a respective bingo ticket. Conducting the game may involve: (i) randomly selecting symbols from the symbol set, (ii) marking the selected symbols on any bingo tickets that contain the selected symbols, and (iii) repeating the random selecting and marking until one or more of the bingo tickets are marked with a winning pattern. The gaming server device may transmit an offer to a particular client device associated with a particular bingo ticket that is not marked with the winning pattern. The offer may be for the gaming server device to randomly select a further symbol from the symbol set at a cost to the particular client device, where the cost is based on an expected gain that acceptance of the offer provides to the particular client device.

Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.

Abstract: A vaporization device that includes an entertainment mode or modes including one or more game modes. The vaporization device may enhance the user experience. The entertainment mode may be engaged by a sequence of predetermined manipulations of the vaporization device. The entertainment mode may include one or more interactive games using the device, and/or one or more display modes. The interactive games may include a pattern-following game, a memory game, a triggered output game, or a chance game. The entertainment mode may also include games that may be played by one or more persons. The entertainment mode may modify the operation (e.g., heater control, appearance, user interface, etc.) of the device while still permitting the vaporization of vaporizable material.

Abstract: A game and a method of playing the game are disclosed. The game comprises a board having a domain region and a plurality of theme regions. Each theme region is associated with a theme. The game also provides each player with a plurality of game pieces, and each game piece of the plurality of game pieces is associated with an identifier. Each information bearing member of a plurality of information bearing members is associated with a theme and an identifier. Placing one game piece of the plurality of game pieces in one of the theme regions causes one of the plurality of information bearing members to be selected in accordance with the identifier associated with the placed game pieces and the theme associated with theme region in which such game piece was placed. Information specified by the selected information bearing member is presented to all of the players.

Abstract: The visual, cognitive, and coordination skills of a subject may be tested and/or trained by providing a variety of stimuli to a subject. Responses may be received from a subject, the appropriateness of which may depend upon the combination of stimuli provided to the subject. A touch screen display device may be used both to provide stimuli and to receive responses from a subject. Any number and type of output devices and input devices to receive responses may be used. Behavioral information and other data regarding the performance of a subject may be recorded. Scoring may be based upon the speed, accuracy, and other aspects of the performance of a subject.

Abstract: Approach moving image storage means 10, 12 stores, in a predetermined storage section, display data used for displaying an approach moving image representing an approach method for a predetermined scene in the game, so as to associate the display data with the predetermined scene. Game process means S21 performs the game process, and display process means displays a game image on a display device. Moving image display instruction means S16, S17 receives an input made by a user for providing an instruction for displaying the approach moving image, and game scene determination means S31, S32 determines a scene in the game when the moving image display instruction means receives the input from the user. Moving image display means S36 reads, from the predetermined storage section, the approach moving image associated with the scene determined by the game scene determination means, and displays the approach moving image on the display device.

Abstract: A head-mounted display according to one aspect includes an interface capable of connecting a cartridge, and a controller configured to execute an application based on data obtained from the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the interface. The controller is configured to explore other devices existing within an interconnectable area in executing the application, and communicate and connect with other devices associated to the application among other explored devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture provide for new features and functionality for bingo games, including bingo games providing for multiple bingo symbol pools, multiple bingo symbol draw sequences, and/or features involving daubed symbols drawn from different symbol pools.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement system includes: a retroreflector; a laser tracker including: a first light source; a second light source; at least one camera proximate the second light source; and a processor responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processor is operable to determine, in a first instance, that a follow-operator gesture has been given by an operator and in response turn the laser tracker to follow movement of the operator.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an image processing sensor system may include a plurality of image processing sensors each including an imaging device having an imaging unit imaging an inspection target and a lighting unit projecting light onto the inspection target, and an image processing device performing image processing on image data acquired in the imaging device and determining whether the inspection target is defective or non-defective, wherein the image processing sensors being are connected to each other so that data communication of data including the image data can be performed therebetween, and wherein a first image processing sensor transmits a signal relating to the completion of projecting light projecting light to a second image processing sensor, and the second image processing sensor starts projecting light and imaging and projection after receiving the signal relating the completion of projecting light.

Abstract: A multimedia visual progress indication system that provides a cache bar that is overlaid onto the program material or displayed on a dedicated display. A cache bar indicates the length of a recording session or the length of stored program material and expands to the right when material is being recorded. Index and/or bookmark indicators are displayed next to the cache bar. A position indicator moves within the cache bar and tells the user visually where his current position is within the program material. Numeric time or counter mark of the current position is displayed in the vicinity of the cache bar. The trick play bar and its associated components are displayed for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for initiating direct-connection multiplayer game sessions and for resuming a previously-adjourned multiplayer game session using a stored game object representing a state of the game session. In one exemplary method, a multiplayer gaming application may be executed on a first terminal, which may be associated with a first user. The first terminal may access a game object stored on a content management server that contains data representing a state of a previously adjourned session of the multiplayer gaming application. Further, the first terminal may determine, from the game object, a second terminal associated with a second user. The first terminal may host a session between the first terminal and the second terminal. Finally, an updated game object reflecting an updated state of the session may be stored on the content management system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to generating a virtual space based on a physical layout of objects. The virtual space may be generated based on the physical layout of objects by one or more of identifying physical objects in a real-world space, determining a physical arrangement of the identified physical objects, determining virtual space content for the identified physical objects and the physical arrangement of the identified physical objects, executing an instance of the virtual space, and/or other operations. The virtual space may include the virtual space content determined based on individual virtual space content associated with the identified physical objects and the physical arrangement of the identified physical objects. The instance of the virtual space may be used to facilitate presentation of one or more views of the virtual space to a user and enable the user to interact with the virtual space.

Abstract: An example multi-configuration game system includes a computer device including a housing, a first display on a front surface of the housing, and processing circuitry and first and second controllers configured for detachable attachment to the computer device. The game system is configurable for game play in a first physical configuration in which the first and second controllers are attached to the computer device and in a second physical configuration in which the first and second controllers are detached from the computer device.

Abstract: Software for a gaming system receives a password over a network from a user of a remote player device for a gaming system for a gambling game. The software authenticates the user using the password. The software also receives an age from the user and determines that the user is of age to gamble on the gambling game, based on data stored in a database for the gaming system. Then software transmits a program to the remote player device. When executed, the program interactively presents the gambling game through a remote player interface and causes media associated with the gambling game to be presented on the remote player device.

Abstract: A method includes multicasting by a server center of streaming interactive video/audio streams to multiple destinations via an outbound Internet traffic interface. A given video/audio stream is routed to multiple destinations simultaneously. At least one of the video/audio streams is received at a delay buffer of the server center, the delay buffer storing a replayable portion of at least one of the video/audio streams.

Abstract: There is provided an interactive board for use with a plurality of game pieces and a user device having a touch screen. The interactive board has a space for placing one of the plurality of game pieces thereon. The space includes a rotation code sense pad array connected to a first plurality of conductive traces connectable to the touch screen of the user device for identifying one of a plurality of rotation positions of the one of the plurality of game pieces placed in the space, by the user device, a ground for grounding the one of the plurality of game pieces placed in the space, and an identification code sense pad array connected to a second plurality of conductive traces connectable to the touch screen of the user device for identifying the one of the plurality of game pieces placed in the space, by the user device.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a stylus to a capacitive sense array. The system including a capacitive sense array which includes a plurality of electrodes. A synchronization signal is transmitted to the stylus using the plurality of electrodes. The synchronization signal is transmitted to the stylus by capacitively coupling the stylus to the capacitive sense array.

Abstract: A low-latency touch sensitive device provides a method for determining a location of a touch event thereon. The touch sensitive device row conductors and column conductors, the path of each of the row conductors crossing the path of each of the column conductors. Each of a set of orthogonal row signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the row conductors and an amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals present on each of the plurality of column conductors is detected. A set of orthogonal column signals are simultaneously transmitted on a respective one of at least some of the column conductors. An amount of each of the orthogonal column signals present on each of the plurality of row conductors is detected. The detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal row signals and the detected amount of each of the plurality of orthogonal column signals is used to determine the location of a touch event on the device.

Abstract: A connection structure includes two connection interfaces and a connector. Each connection interface includes planar contacts arranged at a center and one or more concentric rings on a circuit board and first lock mechanisms arranged on a first casing. The connector includes a second casing including two open ends and second lock mechanisms arranged on the second casing and pins. Each pin includes two ends each exposed by one of the two open ends of the second casing, respectively. When the connector is plugged into the two connection interfaces at orientations relative to one another, the pins of the connector are in contact with the planar contacts of each connection interface so that the two connection interfaces are electrically connected, and the second lock mechanisms of the connector are interlocked with the first lock mechanisms of each connection interface so that the two connection interfaces are mechanically connected.

Abstract: A game environment where an operation status of a player's own station machine can be easily monitored and operated and an operation status of other station machines can be also easily monitored. A game machine capable of executing a specified game by connecting a plurality of station machines to enable communications between them, wherein each station machine includes a display panel that displays an image indicating progress of the game including a player's own operation status; and wherein the station machine is configured to be capable of: generating a first display image including the player's own operation status; generating a second display image including the player's own operation status and an operation status of other station machines; and switching between a first display mode to display the first display image on the display panel and a second display mode to display the second display image on the display panel.

Abstract: Multi-player board games are described that include a playing board that comprises a collection of playing spaces and home spaces, groups of stackable tokens, and playing dice. Also described are methods of playing the games in which players roll the dice to determine how many spaces they may move their respective token(s). Players strategically stack or split their tokens and try to return to their home space in order to collect tokens from other players. The winner is determined by which player has the greatest number of tokens.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a gaming system comprises a display unit arranged to be mounted to an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM). Display circuitry is arranged to control the display unit, the display circuitry being arranged to communicate with an EGM controller to display information under a control of the EGM controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing device that can be incorporated in a construction element for a toy construction set to allow new use of construction elements, for instance tracking the construction process. Sensing device comprises a carrier comprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils, a bottom surface with a series of bottom coils at a distance from said top coils, the sensing device further comprising a data processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a status, said data processor comprises a computer program which controls and reads currents through each of said top and bottom coils and storing them in memory, thereby tracking status for each of said top and bottom coils.

Abstract: A total money management system for integrating numerous stand-alone components designed to validate, track and secure gaming currency from the table to back-of-house is provided. Utilizing RFID enabled casino currency, an RFID chip tray, a bill validator, RFID readers and antennas, inventory system and chip authentication network, the total money management system of the present disclosure provides casinos with a cash and chip tracking and reporting tool that will improve table performance and streamline the numerous at-table and back-of-house manual money management processes and procedures.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a game controller arranged to selectively implement one of a plurality of games in response to player input, and a denomination selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of a bet denomination, each game being associated with at least one bet denomination, and wherein at least one bet denomination of at least one of the games is different to at least one bet denomination of at least one of the other games. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques involving awarding subsequent plays using results of previous plays. One representative technique includes dealing a first poker hand to a player, and enabling cards of the first poker hand to be held. Replacement cards are presented for any of the cards that were not held in the first poker hand, thereby creating a first resulting poker hand. All of the cards of the first resulting poker hand are duplicated into a second poker hand, where cards in the second poker hand may again be held/discarded. Replacement cards are presented for any of the cards that were not held in the second poker hand, thereby creating a second resulting poker hand. Duplication into additional hands may also be provided.

Abstract: A game board (2) with a board surface (3) and a scanning display, the scanning display comprises display means for displaying a game board layout on the board surface (3), and detection means for scanning a code surface of a pawn (20) for detecting a pawn code when the code surface of the pawn (20) is directed towards the board surface (3). The game board (2) further comprises or is coupled to a memory (6) for storing a set of codes, and a processor (5) for comparing the detected pawn code to the stored codes to identify the pawn (20). The detection means preferably comprise a plurality of light sensors (12).

Abstract: A board game is disclosed that includes at least two remote-controlled figures moving on a game board. Each of at least two remote-controlled figures moves to knock over an opponent's building models situated at predetermined build sites on the game board. A method of playing the game is also disclosed that includes: each player selecting a remote-controlled figure and a plurality of building models; situating each remote-controlled figure at a predetermined start site on the game board; situating the building models at the plurality of predetermined build sites on the game board; and moving each remote-controlled figure to knock down an opponent's plurality of building models.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over non-uniform courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The system corrects for disparities between the non-uniform courses traveled by the players, for example by mapping a location on a course traveled by a first player to a location on a course traveled by a second player. Various mechanisms for establishing the mapping between non-uniform courses are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a first common interaction surface (503) of a mobile device (501) with a second interaction surface (502) of a host device (500), the method including the following steps: detecting at least one electrical signal induced by at least one inducing magnetic field in at least one electric circuit of the host device (500) associated with the second surface (502); determining an interaction surface (503) of the mobile device (501) associated with the at least one inducing electromagnetic field; performing a level test (1106) in accordance with the at least one induced electrical signal; and determining the first common interaction surface (503) as being the interaction surface of the mobile device (501) associated with the at least one inducing electromagnetic field, according to a result of the level test (1106).

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a display unit and has a display support structure that extends substantially vertically from a horizontal support base. The display unit includes a flat-panel display screen having a width (W) and a height (H) wherein W/H is at least 16/10 The display unit is rotatable about a horizontal axis located in a plane substantially parallel to the display screen wherein, a player's angle of viewing the display unit may be adjusted by vertical translation of the display unit on the display support structure, over a vertical range of motion, and by rotation of the display unit about the horizontal axis. A front face of the display structure presents, in a region proximate to the vertical range of motion, a concave side of a curved surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems providing game play of a slot game allowing for identifying matching symbols in the same relative positions in two or more grids. A first grid and a second grid may be displayed. Symbols for each grid spot in the first and second grids are determined, and the display of the game is updated with the determined symbols. A first symbol in a first location in the first grid is determined to match a second symbol in a second location in a second grid, where the first location and the second location are the same relative positions in the first grid and the second grid. An award to a player is determined based on the determined match.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing playing cards. An exemplary method may include retrieving data related to a selection of a set of numbers for bingo and determining matching bingo patterns on a predetermined number of cards from a library of bingo cards against the set of selected numbers. The method may further include selecting corresponding playing cards based on the matching bingo patterns on the predetermined number of cards and providing the corresponding playing cards for display. The exemplary method may be used to deal playing cards for poker using a set of selected numbers.

Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction between a user and a plurality of toys is disclosed where an interactive physical toy character senses inputs from a player and from a virtual toy character in a virtual environment. The virtual toy character likewise senses inputs from a player and a physical toy character so that bidirectional, multi-way gameplay involving a player, a physical toy and a virtual toy in a virtual environment is achieved.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate multi-user gaming. In one embodiment, a locally controllable interactive game system is provided to support a plurality of users within a single household. The locally controllable interactive game system includes a host and a plurality of thin clients. The host and the plurality of thin clients allow respective users to play video games independently or together for multi-player video games. The host is coupled to a plurality of video game content providers by a world wide web. In one embodiment, the host consolidates video game content from the plurality of video game content providers. The plurality of thin clients is coupled to the host by a local area network. In one embodiment, each thin client obtains user video game content from the host and utilizes the user video game content to provide a video game to a respective user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching power distribution with an educational board game includes providing a game board that includes a power station location, power pole locations, and a target building location. A power pole indicator is placed at a power pole location and a power line indicator is connected from the power station location to the power pole indicator during the player's turn. Additional power pole indicators are positioned at additional power pole locations during the player's subsequent turns and the power line indicator is connected from the power station location to the target building location via the power pole indicator and the additional power pole indicators.

Abstract: A system for determining information regarding at least one object, comprising: a sensor sensitive to capacitive coupling; at least one object adapted to create a capacitive coupling with the sensor when at least one signal is input to the sensor; a detector adapted to measure at least one output signal of said sensor associated with the at least one object, wherein the output signal associated with the at least one object is an object information code.

Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. Further, the player need not don any special equipment to play the game. Instead, a user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment.

Abstract: A gaming machine, system, and method for conducting a wagering game utilizing artificially intelligent players. A game is initiated by accepting a wager from a bettor at a gaming machine, displaying a plurality of artificially intelligent player profiles as potential players of a game at the gaming machine, and designating a matchup of at least two of the players for playing the game at the gaming machine. The bettor designates a selected player from the at least two players playing the game. The game is presented at the gaming machine. The RNG is utilized just for randomizing game pieces for playing the game. The artificially intelligent players determine the game play decisions. The game outcome between the artificially intelligent players is determined and wagers are paid out or collected according to the game outcome.

Abstract: A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.

Abstract: Provided is a game control method carried out by a game control device connected to communication terminals used by users who play a game. The device has a storage unit for storing group information indicative of a group consisting of users and game piece information indicative of game pieces constituting one item. The method includes giving a game piece to each user in accordance with a user operation to his/her communication terminal; storing obtained game piece information indicative of the game piece given to each user in the storage unit; determining whether all of the game pieces necessary to constitute the one item indicated by the game piece information are given to users constituting a group indicated by the group information based on the obtained game piece information; and giving a reward to users constituting the group if it is determined that all of the game pieces are given.