Abstract: A method of distributing, managing, and exchange entries in one or more activities is provided. The entries may be distributed by any suitable process including, without limitation an auction or lottery process. The distributed entries may be exchanged in a market environment. The exchange may operate on an electronic platform. Revenues may be collected from distributions and/or exchanges of entries. A portion of the revenues may be paid to one or more users who hold an one or more particular winning entries determined by any number of parameters and at the occurrence of any number of events.

Abstract: The system for performing interactive dialog of the present invention recognizes a question from a user and outputs an answer by a synthesized voice. The system includes; a selection unit for selecting the answer from a database; an evaluation unit for evaluating a dialog between the user and computer and determining whether or not to continue the dialog. The evaluation unit may evaluate a dialog consistency, or dialog circumstance. Further, the selection unit selects and combines on the basis of the determination result the answer with one of a plurality of dialog sentences. The system may further comprises a learning unit for storing a novel answer unknown to the computer, by interrogating the user about the novel answer and further storing the interrogation scenario.

Abstract: The invention provides a role-playing game environment wherein the nature of various NPCs within the game may be varied over time within the game. The goals of various NPCs within the game may be dynamically and automatically changed within the game. At certain in-game time periods, the game server may dynamically assign one or more new goals for some or all of the NPCs based on the current status of each NPC. When a player later interacts with a given NPC assist (or impede) that NPC in reaching its currently assigned goal, the method may dynamically determine a steps that the player's avatar may perform to assist (or impede) the goal. Thus, players cannot predict what will happen when they move through the game and reach a location at which they can interact with a given NPC, making the game-playing experience ever fresh and challenging.

Abstract: A system and method for peer-to-peer gaming is described. One embodiment includes a system for peer-to-peer gaming, the system comprising an at least one gaming client, wherein the at least one gaming client is configured to accept a selection of an at least one gaming option from a player, and allow the player to play a game based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; an administration server, wherein the administration server is configured to receive the selection of the at least one gaming option from the at least one gaming client, and initiate the game for the player based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; and an at least one gaming server, wherein the at least one gaming sever is configured to run the game and transmit data about the game to the administration server.

Abstract: Game program has a procedure for renewing, for reducing a value of a life power parameter according to volume of damage received and for renewing it, a procedure for setting parameter value, for setting the value of the life power parameter reduced and renewed as a standard parameter value and for storing it in a memory, a procedure for recovering, for increasing the value of the life power parameter by a value of recovery parameter which is set on a recovery item which is instructed to be used by a player and for renewing it, a procedure for reducing, for reducing the value of the life power parameter in the memory which was increased and renewed at a predetermined reduction velocity with the passage of time and for renewing it.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed in which players achieve various lifestyle goals through interactive game-playing. A plurality of game elements is provided, wherein information regarding an activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal is displayed on a surface of each game element. A game framework is provided, comprising a spatial representation of an actual accomplishment by a player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A journal is also provided, comprising a written representation of the actual accomplishment by the player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A timing device may also be provided that times the actual accomplishment of the activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal by the player, according to a timing criterion that comprises at least one of a lower time limit and an upper time limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.

Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. Link strength is detected for wireless communication between a parent apparatus and a child apparatus selected as a communication partner thereof. If the link strength is not equal to or more than a predetermined value, the image of a rare item piece is not displayed and the image of a normal item piece alone is displayed even though the partner has the rare item pieces in its possession, for example. Also, the use of the rare item is not permitted. On the other hand, if the link strength is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the use of the rare item is permitted and, if the combination of rare item pieces is successful, for example, the rare item is used.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A method according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises receiving an indication of play of a slot machine associated with a remote player. At least one handheld device that is associated with the remote player is determined, and a signal is transmitted to the at least one handheld device, in which the signal represents the at least one outcome of the play of the slot machine.

Abstract: A multiple player participation game utilizes a multi-sided tray which comprises a pit surrounded by a multi-sided frame. The upper edge of each side of the frame has a set of pockets corresponding to a set of dice for each player. A multi-sided challenge cube is used which has game instruction indicia on each of its sides determining how the game is played for that hand. Each player shakes the player's dice in a shaker cup. During the course of the game players forfeit one or more dice which are then placed in the corresponding pockets of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game apparatus that comprises: an operation instructing unit 323 that outputs an operation instruction to a player; an operating unit, which is provided with one or a plurality of output regions, that accepts an input operation from the player; an outputting unit, which is provided to the operating unit corresponding to each of the output regions, that outputs one output pattern or any one of a plurality of output patterns to the corresponding output region; a changing unit 325, which is provided to the operating unit, that changes the output state of the output pattern output by at least one outputting unit in accordance with the game difficulty level; a determining unit 324 that determines an operation result based on the operation instruction and the output pattern output to the output region of the operating unit that accepted the player's input; and a game executing unit 321 that controls the execution of the game based on the determination result of the determining unit.

Abstract: A processing device and a method of providing learning capability thereto are provided. One of a plurality of processor actions is selected based on an action probability distribution comprising a plurality of probability values corresponding to the plurality of processor actions. The plurality of processor actions are associated with a plurality of different difficulty levels. An action performed by a user is identified, an outcome of selected processor action relative to the identified user action is determined, and the action probability distribution is updated based on the outcome and the difficulty level of the selected processor action.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a backup memory management system capable of indicating any misuse of data in a backup memory and imposing an appropriate sanction. The backup memory management device comprises a data saving system 10. When the generated and renewed parameter data is stored into the backup memory 3, the data saving system 10 determines whether or not parameter data already stored in the backup memory 3 is proper data, and if the parameter data is determined as proper data, the generated and renewed parameter data is written over the parameter data saved in the backup memory 3, and if the parameter data is determined as improper data, executes predetermined special processing. Special processing means processing such as imposing a penalty in the course of a game.

Abstract: A command processing apparatus includes an LCD. A manual trick action instruction to a dog object displayed on the LCD is accepted through a touch panel. The dog object performs a trick according to the accepted trick action instruction. An arbitrary voice command is fetched by a microphone in relation to the trick action. A voice command being coincident with the fetched voice command is retrieved from among the registered voices in a RAM through a voice verification process by a CPU core. When the verification process fails, a verification result indicates “?1”. The fetched voice command is assigned to the current trick. On the other hand, if the voice command found by the verification process is the voice command that is assigned to the current trick, a degree of relation corresponding to the trick is incremented. The dog object performs a different action depending on the degree of relation.

Abstract: A system and method for actively validating a network device is provided. Nodes in a network game community are prompted to engage in interrogation and response to facilitate the identification of nodes operating with hacked, modified and non-typical game configurations. In one embodiment, a query is presented to a user's machine which triggers a response, and where the response indicates whether certain data at the user is valid and wherein invalid data is suggestive of illegal community behavior. Functions are triggered and data is queried to determine whether the state of game environment is operating according to known metrics or constraints. Various queries to test user integrity include memory peeks, confirmation of location of functions in memory, memory hashing, profiling of threads operating on the user machine, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes one or more outcome pools for providing outcomes to players. After a predetermined event occurs, the gaming device processor draws one or more outcomes from one or more pools. The gaming device provides the drawn outcomes to a player and prevents the drawn outcomes from being provided to any player again until the processor has provided players with all of the outcomes remaining in the pools of the drawn outcomes.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time machine learning to agents used in video games is disclosed. Initially, adjusted fitnesses of a set of agents within a population are determined. An agent having a relatively low adjusted fitness is then removed from the population. Subsequently, a parent agent is probabilistically selected from the population to generate an offspring agent. Finally, the removed agent is replaced by the offspring agent, maintaining a continuous real-time replacement cycle.

Abstract: A system installed in a casino allows gambling chips in the casino to have variable values. Each chip has an electronic circuit installed in it to store a chip identifier and data indicative of a value currently associated with the chip. Slot machines and other devices are arranged to interact with the gambling chips to read and write data from and into the chips. A central controller is connected to the slot machines and other devices that interact with the chips. The chips carry a display and/or an audio device to apprise players of the value currently associated with the chip.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a golf game. A user is allotted with an ability value for the golf game, and a plurality of available golf clubs are provided according to the user's ability value. A request ability value referred to when requesting to use a corresponding golf club and an application ability value applied when the golf club is used are allotted to each of the golf clubs. Only when the user's ability value satisfies the request ability value allotted to a golf club can the user use the golf club. Ability points that can adjust the user's ability value are allotted to the user according to a result of the golf game, so that the user can select from a wide range of golf clubs having various characteristics. Accordingly, the user can adjust the ability value which influences the percentage of winning the golf game using the ability points allotted according to the result of the golf game, thereby enhancing the fun of the golf game.

Abstract: An on-line video game video game control server serves to read out a mini-game score information generated every player, in which three scores used for determining parameter of a summoned beast used for a main story in sub-game scores having no relation to a main story of the video game and a player who obtained that score are matched, and to renew a mini-game score information A of a player A by setting three scores in the score set in the mini-game score information A of the player A and a score set in a mini-game score information B of a player B.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a game to a user according to a user profile of the first user. Performance of the user is tracked. The performance information is presented to a supervisory user, wherein the set-top box is configured to provide modification of the user profile by the supervisory user based on the performance information.

Abstract: A world map includes multiple regions. Each region includes one or multiple areas. A player causes his/her player character to belong to any nation. As a task given to the player character, a battle with an enemy character is provided on the map of each area (the battle may be waged by a party). When the, player character wins the battle in each area, predetermined points are given to a home nation of the player character participating in the battle. The points given to each home nation are totaled for each region, and a nation that dominates each region is decided according to a result of the total points.

Abstract: The present invention displays increasing values of two or more wildcard symbols in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment called “Up, Up & Way Wilds” displays increasing multiplier values for two or more wildcard symbols used in winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.

Abstract: A tool is provided for designing electronic games of chance such as slot or fruit machine games. Software that runs on a computer or remote server takes user inputs and selections such as game rules, input data, and pointers to or import of files (such as sound and graphics files). The output data of such a tool may be a file or parameters that specify one or more of hit rate, return to player, pay-table, symbol mapping, symbols, game theme, risk profile, rules of game play, denomination, language, currency, display, simulation results, pay methods, triggers for game features or jackpots.

Abstract: A player-exploitable game condition is monitored within a game. In certain versions, the play of certain players can be monitored, logged, and then examined. In one version, the monitoring includes comparing some quantifiable player activity against some threshold value. In one version, the monitoring is based on the rate at whish the player is acquiring virtual property.

Abstract: A computer game and a method of providing learning capability thereto are provided. The computer game has an objective of matching a skill level of the computer game with a skill level of a game player. A move performed by the game player is identified, one of a plurality of game moves is selected based on a game move probability distribution comprising a plurality of probability values corresponding to the plurality of game moves, an outcome of the selected game move relative to the identified player move is determined, the game move probability distribution is updated based on the outcome, and one or more of the game move selection, the outcome determination, and the game move probability distribution update is modified based on the objective.

Abstract: A method and server for adjusting a character ability value is provided. Advantages/disadvantages occurring due to a character's ability value difference can be adjusted since ability values associated with the characters can be adjusted in real time when the characters are matched against each other in a program running on a client, an imbalance in ability values occurring due to level differences can be solved by adjusting ability values of objects associated with the characters, such as a summoned creature, a pet, a throwing weapon, and projectile, and a combat can be performed under a condition of equal ability values. Consequently, participation in a service can be encouraged by arousing a user's interest.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for improving accuracy and experience of a game. Signals are sent from a computer system to appropriate sensors based on a player's or game object's position to activate connected light-emitting fibers that are blended with grass on a playing field. The light-emitting fibers are activated in such a manner to display light to indicate an infraction (e.g., a player was in an offside position), a successful play (e.g., team made a first down), appropriate maneuvers, boundaries for a play, etc., thereby ensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience of the game.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a game of skill to provide awards or prizes to players of the game when the player has been successful in completing the game task. The game of skill is operated at a current skill level and the game monitors a rule parameter, such as a winning percentage or payout percentage, as the game is played. If the rule parameter exceeds a maximum limit, the difficulty level of the game is adjusted. Likewise, if the rule parameter is below a minimum limit, the difficulty level of the game is decreased. At each and every difficulty level, the player is able to succeed in winning the game of skill.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for improving accuracy and experience of a game. Hot zone areas are determined using game rules. “Hot zone areas” are areas on the playing field where a call may be made based on the rules of the game. Signals are sent from a computer system to appropriate sensors to activate connected light-emitting fibers that are blended with grass on the playing field to indicate when a player and/or game object enters or exits a hot zone area. The light-emitting fibers are activated in such a manner as to display an image (e.g., footprint) indicating the entrance/exiting of a player and/or game object in/from a hot zone area (e.g., out of bounds line) thereby ensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience of the game.

Abstract: In a game device that can be played by a plurality of players at the same time, playing of a game by more than the plurality of players assumed to be playing the game device is prevented. A setting for a number of a plurality of players to participate in the game is received and the game takes place using the set number of the plurality of players. The players constituting the plurality of players participating in the game is then detected during the game. The detected number of the players and the set number of the players are then compared, and the difficulty level of the game is changed when the detected number of players exceeds the set number of players. For example, continuation of the game is made difficult by increasing the difficulty level, and the time for which a cheating can take place is shortened. Further, the game can be made less interesting by lowering the difficulty level, and the time for which a cheating can take place can be made shorter.

Abstract: In a game played by a plurality of game machines through teamwork, an evaluation is performed according to the correlation among operation information obtained through communications with each of the game machines. A plurality of game machines communicate with one another to establish timing synchronization. After the game, input timings at which buttons are operated during the game are collected and then evaluated so as to determine an absolute and relative timing coincidence in a predetermined period (unison part). A predetermined number of points are added to its game score based on the evaluation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data optionally alongside specific content provided by 3rd parties related to skill-based games in the gaming industry, in particular gambling. Data from users are collected and analyzed against the best practices or special style of playing to discover patterns and other related relationships which can be helpful to the user or gambler.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for adjustment of game parameters based on users' performance are described. During play of a game a user's performance is monitored. It is then determined if the player's performance is within a desired range of performance, and game parameters are adjusted if the user's performance is outside the desired range. In a multi-player game, parameters can be adjusted differently for each of the players to make the overall game play more competitive.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically determining game content based upon dynamically adjusted individual skill levels are provided. Example embodiments provide an Electronic Gaming Engine (“EGE”), which includes a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster for supporting multi-player, individualized skill-based games. In one embodiment, the EGE comprises game flow logic; game content models, for example, question and answer (“Q&A”) challenge models; a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster; one or more scoring modules; challenge data; participant data; and an input/output interface. These components cooperate to determine and assign skill level indexes on an individual basis and to automatically present game content appropriate to each individual player's skill level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating, managing, and operating electronic games are provided. Example embodiments provide a DVD game environment (“DGE”) that includes game flow logic, interactive DVD game content, enhanced methods of scoring and play, automatic skill level adjustment, and an electronic game board. In one embodiment, the DGE comprises DVD game logic with scoring management, game and participant state information, video and audio game content, and an electronic game board. These components provide functionality that can be incorporated into a DVD game that presents challenges for entertainment, education, training, or testing purposes. The DVD games produced thereby can automatically provide challenges based upon participants' skill levels and automatically detect the correctness or incorrectness of a response in order to maintain an electronic game board.

Abstract: Particular embodiments provide multiple games of chance that can be played in a stacked manner substantially simultaneously. For example, a first game may be played along with a second game where game symbols for the second game are displayed on top of game symbols for the first game. The game symbols for the second game may be translucent or may include portions that are translucent that allow a user to see game symbols for the first game and the second game even though they are being displayed on top of each other.

Abstract: A gaming system allows a game manager to manage and run a multiplayer game and adjudicate all player characters with the ability to control the game and game play for all players from a centralized command facility in real-time. Interactive cards can be used that relate to investigated objects. The cards include information relating to the usage of the discovered objects as well as provide a method whereby the cards can interact based on predetermined orientation(s). Furthermore, an object discovery and investigation methodology is outlined that provides characters with a roadmap for determining the consequences of interaction with an object.

Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.

Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed herein teach a game system comprising a wide area network, a game unit coupled to the wide area network and capable of uploading game data concerning game play, and a server coupled to the wide area network and capable of receiving the game data and storing the game data in a database with other game data. According to certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the wide area network is the Internet. Encryption may be used to protect game data before it is uploaded. The game unit may be, for example, directly coupled to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider, or coupled to a local area network which may be coupled to the wide area network.

Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.

Abstract: A gaming machine has at least one video screen, but preferably three. One screen displays a primary game and the other two screens preferably display pay tables, a secondary game, or artwork related to the primary and/or secondary game. The content of the video screens is reconfigurable. The content may be downloaded over a network connecting a plurality of gaming machines to a central computer or the content of several different games may be stored locally within the gaming machine.

Abstract: A materialization system for virtual objects and a method thereof are disclosed. The system and the method according to the present invention transform information of a virtual object in a virtual game into a physical machine so as to make the physical machine have the same characters as the virtual object. Thus according to various characters of virtual objects, the user can create his/her own physical machine. The users can carry the physical machine with them to play games with others face to face with a new sense of fun, a sense of presence and visual realism.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to testing for purposes of diagnosis and general research in the area of cognitive function, especially with respect to participants with below average abilities to inhibit their actions in response to stimuli. This disclosure also relates to the use of a game scenario to exercise an ability to react to the presentation of a stop-signal by inhibiting the execution of a response to a go-signal presented shortly before. This is known as a Stop-Signal Task. Additional tasks that require inhibitory control such as Differential Reinforcement of Low rates (DRL) or Reversal Learning may be implemented alone or in combination with the Stop-Signal Task in either a testing or imaging implementation or in software used to provide therapeutic exercise of inhibitory control.

Abstract: A game machine includes, an operating portion, a signal detector, a prompter, a determination receiver and a speed changer. The operating portion outputs a signal in accordance with a player's operation for proceeding a game. The signal detector detects either a consecutive signal within a predetermined period of time or an intermittent signal within a predetermined period of time from the operating portion. The prompter prompts a player to determine whether to change a speed of progress in the game when either the consecutive signal or the intermittent signal is detected. The determination receiver receives a player's determination regarding the change of the speed of progress in the game. The speed changer changes the speed of progress in the game in accordance with the player's determination when the player's determination is received.

Abstract: A video game on a computer readable media that has a plurality of team characters under a single control is disclosed. Action Points (an activity parameter) are assigned to each team character. The Action Points can be combined together and can be used by one or more of the team characters. The Action Points will decrease if a team character moves, fights against an enemy character or performs another activity. Following the turn and use of the Action Points by one of the team characters, the remaining Action Points can be passed on to the next team character during their turn for use at that time. After the next team character has completed their turn, then the remaining Action Points can be passed on to the further team character during their turn for use at that time. When the amount of Action Points of the team becomes zero (0), no team character can move any further during their team's turn.

Abstract: A system for real-time communication between a plurality of different games, including: a plurality of different gaming engines that transmit and receive a plurality events between the plurality of different games; an interchange protocol for permitting use of a common vocabulary between the plurality of dissimilar/different engines of the plurality of events; and a vocabulary generation system for mapping internal events from a first engine of the plurality of different gaming engines to external events of a second engine of the plurality of different gaming engines; wherein each of the plurality of different games includes an event table, a build event mapping function, and a use built-in event mapping function, the event table being unknown in advance to each of the plurality of different games.