Skill Level Adjustment (e.g., Speed Change, Complexity, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/23)
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Patent number: 9480915Abstract: A game system includes a game processing section that performs a process that implements a game that utilizes a moving object, the moving object moving in a game space based on operation information, a restoration processing section that performs a restoration process that restores the moving object that has reached an unable-to-continue state when it has become unable to continue to play the game that utilizes the moving object, the moving object being restored at a restoration point in the game space that has been selected by a player, and a charging section. The charging section performs a charging process that causes a charge to differ corresponding to the restoration point selected by the player.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Takahashi, Jun Tamaoki, Makoto Yonezawa
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Patent number: 9480920Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a content-related information display system capable of acquiring related information corresponding to contents, such as a game, during a reproduction of the contents by a first apparatus without stopping the reproduction of the contents by the first apparatus. The first apparatus displays the contents on a first display. When a predetermined condition is satisfied during the reproduction of the contents, the first apparatus transmits reproducing status information on a reproducing status of the content to a second apparatus. The second apparatus receives the reproducing status information and specifies content-related information according to the reproducing status information. The second apparatus displays the content-related information on a second display.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIXInventor: Kazuhiro Ooya
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Patent number: 9472051Abstract: A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Gregory F. Frank, Christopher T. Brune, Ryan W. Cuddy
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Non-transitory computer readable recording medium, game server, game control method, and game system
Patent number: 9468849Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on a computer, the instructions causing the computer to perform the steps of: storing a battle history (112) including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in a battle game; determining, based on the battle history (112) and on an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode; and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: GREE, INC.Inventors: Masahito Maeda, Yasushi Mikawa -
Patent number: 9433866Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLCInventor: Mark Lester Jacob
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Patent number: 9415301Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from a computer accessory a control signal for controlling a software application, determining a result that would arise if the control signal is supplied to the software application, and generating an updated control signal to produce a desired result responsive to detecting that the result is undesirable. Additional embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: STEELSERIES ApSInventors: Kim Rom, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Francis Arnold Grever, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
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Patent number: 9400681Abstract: Tasks scheduled to be performed at future times within a virtual space may be managed. Selections of one or more tasks performable within the virtual space may be received. The one or more tasks may include a first task associated with a first duration. The first task may be scheduled to be performed at a first time. The first time may be the first duration later than a time of receipt of the selection of the first task. Managing the scheduling of the first task may include one or more of (1) delaying performance of the first task so that the first task is scheduled to be performed at a time later than the first time, (2) advancing performance of the first task so that the first task is scheduled to be performed at a time before the first time, or (3) canceling performance of the first task.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: George Feil, Clifford J. Harrington
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Patent number: 9384631Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced head-to-head hybrid gaming are provided. An enhanced head-to-head hybrid game has a gambling game with a real world engine that provides a randomly generated payout for the gambling game, an entertainment software engine that executes an entertainment game providing outcomes upon a player's execution of the entertainment game, and a game world engine that manages the entertainment software engine and communicates gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's execution of the entertainment game that trigger the gambling game. A global betting manager receives player performance measurements from the game world engine, determines tournament eligibility, assigns a tournament handicap based at least in part upon the performance measurements from the game world engine and sends information concerning these parameters to the game world engine which is configured to implement each assigned handicap and tournament eligibility within the enhanced head-to-head hybrid game.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 9380342Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling media access based on crowd-sourced access control data and user attributes are provided. Crowd-sourced data is received from several sources in order to determine what media assets consumers are accessing, and catalog attributes of the media assets and attributes of the accessing consumers. A user-attribute-based access control function, such as a parental control feature of an interactive media guide, uses this data to control access to media assets provided by the system. When a user attempts to access a media asset, the access control function determines whether the media asset has an attribute similar to assets accessed by other users having one or more user-attributes similar to those of the accessing user. If the media asset is not sufficiently similar to assets accessed by other sufficiently-similar users, access to the media asset will be blocked unless an appropriate access code is entered.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Young A. Tang, Paul T. Stathacopoulos
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Patent number: 9370713Abstract: A game device includes: a screen generation unit configured to read data for a character and an object located in a three-dimensional game field from a storage device, generate images of the character and the object, and display the images on a displace device; a character control unit configured to control the movement of the character landing on the object; a gravitational direction control unit configured to change the direction of gravitational force exerted on the character in accordance with a command input from a player acknowledged by an input device; and a fall control unit configured to cause the character to fall in the changed direction of the gravitational force. The gravitational direction control unit displays a marker indicating a position where the character would land after falling.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Junya Okura
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Patent number: 9358464Abstract: In some cases, one or more tasks may be selected for inclusion within a content item or portions of a content item such as different story arcs. Each such task may be completed based, at least in part, on an associated set of one or more actions and an associated set of one or more parameters. Also, in some cases, one or more node layouts may be generated in association with a content item or portions of a content item. Each node within a node layout may, for example, have at least one associated task within a respective content item or content item portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brett Ethan Johnson, Robert Duane Rost, Matthew James Van Gorder, Thomas Richard Leonard
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Patent number: 9352218Abstract: A twist amount is calculated based on an angular velocity around a Z-axis of an input device when a player performs a shoot operation. Based on a value of a difficulty level stored in an external main memory, a minimum successful twist amount and a maximum successful twist amount are determined. As a result, the higher the difficulty level is, the narrower a successful range of the twist amount becomes. Further, the twist amount of the input device, which is obtained when the player performs the shoot operation for a first to a fourth shots, is stored in the external main memory. When the player performs the shoot operation for a fifth shot or thereafter, the twist amount of the input device at the time of the shoot operation for the fifth shot and thereafter is corrected with the use of the twist amount of the first to fourth shots.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Shimamura, Takeshi Miyamoto
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Patent number: 9349253Abstract: A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device includes determining an amount of credit on commencement of game play. A number of symbols displayed in the game is adjusted as a function of the amount bet, to thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITEDInventor: Claudio Daniel Dias Pires
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Patent number: 9323516Abstract: An electronic device system includes a connection device configured to store a plurality of types of boot data and an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a connection unit to which the connection device is connected, a selection unit configured to select boot data to be obtained from the connection device connected to the connection unit, an obtaining unit configured to obtain the boot data selected by the selection unit from the connection device, a storage unit configured to store the boot data obtained by the obtaining unit; and a boot processing unit configured to perform processing in relation to booting of the electronic device by using the boot data stored in the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuaki Amemura
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Patent number: 9305434Abstract: A gaming system including at least one gaming machine enabling a player to select at least one of a plurality of different selectable side bets. A side bet controller maintaining at least one side bet. A side bet revenue manager configured to communicate with the gaming machine and side bet controller to accept and track fund data associated with a side bet from the gaming machine; transfer fund data to the side bet controller; accept and track fund data from the side bet controller; and transfer fund data to the gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: IGTInventor: Cara Iddings
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Patent number: 9275520Abstract: A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Gregory F. Frank, Christopher T. Brune, Ryan W. Cuddy
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Patent number: 9266026Abstract: A method for use with a simulation includes running the simulation, receiving information from a control interface used by a user to interact with the simulation, analyzing the received information, forming at least an indication of the user's level of skill based on the analysis of the received information, and adjusting a difficulty level of the simulation based on the indication of the user's level of skill. A storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system and an apparatus for use with a simulation are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment LLCInventor: Mark Lester Jacob
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Patent number: 9254437Abstract: An interactive gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one sensor that conveys information to the system about the physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, psychological or other type of ability of a user. The system uses the information to assess the existence and extent of a disability, and then implements a change to an aspect of the gaming environment, thus optimizing the gaming experience for the game player by accounting for the game player's disabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Electronic Entertainment Design and ResearchInventors: Gregory T. Short, Geoffrey C. Zatkin, Christopher R. Taylor
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Patent number: 9218717Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a gaming method, system and game controller for a game of skill. The result of the game of skill is evaluated to determine whether any potential award value for the game of skill is lost based on the player's skill based result. Potential award value for the game of skill may be lost as a result of application of the player's skill based result. Any lost potential award value is applied to a prize pool.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventor: Kuppam Y Indrakumar
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Patent number: 9214057Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Talcott
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Patent number: 9202337Abstract: A gaming machine and method are provided which allow a player to play a gaming machine. The gaming machine and method allow a player to make a wager, display a first game on a display device, generate an outcome associated with the first game, and award the player an award for the first game based at least in part on the generated first game outcome. In addition, the gaming machine determines if a triggering condition occurred, displays a second game if the triggering condition has occurred, and calculates a current trigger cycle of the generated second game. The current trigger cycle is equal to a number of first games played after an occurrence of a previous second game triggering condition. The player is provided an award for the second game based at least in part on the second game current trigger cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Arthur Lee, Scott Delekta
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Patent number: 9186584Abstract: Software at an online game website assigns to a player game tasks in a conditional series of game tasks based at least in part on a measure of difficulty associated with the each game task. The measure of difficulty of each game task depends on a profile associated with the player. At least one of the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks is a social game task. Then the software provides a reward to the player upon termination of the conditional series of game tasks. The reward depends at least in part on the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks that are completed by the player.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Travis Morrison, Chandra Janakiraman, Brian Crowder
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Patent number: 9168458Abstract: Software at an online game website assigns to a player of an MMO game a first game task in a conditional series of game tasks. Each game task includes a specified duration. At least one of the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks is a social game task. The software determines whether the player completed the first game task within the specified duration. If the player did not complete the first game task within the specified duration, the software assigns the player a second game task in the conditional series of game tasks that is less difficult to complete than the first game task. Then the software provides a reward to the player upon termination of the conditional series of game tasks. The reward depends on the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks that are completed by the player.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Chandra Janakiraman, Brian Crowder
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Patent number: 9069441Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLCInventor: Mark Lester Jacob
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Patent number: 9039505Abstract: Action history writing means (92) of a game device (10) writes, into storing means (80), in a game being executed, action history data indicative of an action history performed by a specified character (62) among a plurality of characters (62). Action history condition determination means (94) determines, in the game being executed, based on the action history data, whether or not any one of a combination of a current action of the specified character (62) and one or more previous actions of the specified character (62) and a combination of a plurality of actions of the specified character (62) satisfies an action history condition. In a case where it is determined that the action history condition is satisfied, action control means (96) causes a character (62) to act based on action information associated with the action history condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuta Yahiro
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Publication number: 20150126268Abstract: Techniques for controlling a casino game machine include detecting, via one or more muscle activity sensors worn by a player of a wagering game played on the casino game machine, voluntary muscle activity of the player while playing the wagering game on the casino game machine. The detected voluntary muscle activity of the player may be analyzed to infer a state of the player indicative of the player's level of interest while playing the wagering game. The inferred state of the player may be mapped to one or more game adjustments appropriate for increasing a likelihood that the player in the inferred state will continue to play the wagering game or another wagering game. The game adjustments may be applied by changing one or more operating parameters of the casino game machine controlling one or more aspects of the wagering game while the player is playing the wagering game.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Stefan Keilwert
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Publication number: 20150126269Abstract: A videogame playable on a traditional gaming platform has an associated metagame playable on a handheld “second screen” device. In some embodiments, a player's performance in the videogame affects the player's performance in the metagame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: John Linden, Trey Watkins, Mark Rubin, Brian Bright
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Publication number: 20150119130Abstract: Various embodiments relating to adjusting a variable audio parameter of a game are provided. In one embodiment, based on a user ability level, a variable audio parameter of the game is adjusted to an adjusted audio parameter that either increases the difficulty level of the game or decreases the difficulty level of the game. The adjusted audio parameter is utilized to provide audio content of the game to a user via an electronic gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Andrew William Lovitt
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Patent number: 9017161Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more additional payline awards made through special symbols appearing in the game. The number of additional paylines is determined based at least on the special symbol present. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a payline meter zone on a dedicated display or beside the reels which emphasizes to the player the amount of additional paylines provided and their application in the prize award.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.Inventor: Brian Watkins
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Patent number: 9005010Abstract: Gaming systems and methods provide a tournament game which selectively awards an enhanced tournament play result. The enhanced tournament play result may be of variable value which is selected for the given instance in order to place the receiving tournament player in some predetermined rank in the tournament. Such a variable enhanced tournament play result in the tournament game may be used to help keep all participants interested in the tournament, even those participants who trail the tournament leaders by a wide margin.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.Inventors: Brian Watkins, Clint Owen, Allison Pope, Michael Conway, Charles Speer
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Patent number: 8992303Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU displays a difficulty level setting screen on a second LCD prior to a start of the virtual game. On the difficulty level setting screen, a player sets a difficulty level so as to be higher or lower than an initial value by using coins that a player character obtains by playing a virtual game. For example, in a case that the difficulty level is high, the virtual game is made difficult, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made high. On the other hand, in a case that the difficulty level is low, the virtual game is made easy, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made low.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Sakurai, Michiko Sakurai, Kou Otani, Nagi Koike, Nobuhiro Yamasaki
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Patent number: 8992302Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
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Patent number: 8986117Abstract: Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 8986090Abstract: An interactive game designed for learning to play a guitar. A guitar may be connected to a computer or other platform, capable of loading music and displaying notes and chords and other feedback and visual learning aids on a display screen, allowing a user to read music and play along. The goal of the software or interactive game engine is for players to learn how to play a guitar. Users may operate the game in a number of modes with different goals, playing mini-games throughout the levels of the game. The game provides feedback and statistics to help users learn how to play the guitar.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Ubisoft EntertainmentInventor: Joseph Charles Epstein
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Patent number: 8986093Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system and method modifying of one or more options provided to a player based on the player's previously chosen options. When a triggering event occurs, the gaming system displays an indication of each of a first plurality of options and enables the player to choose one of the first plurality of options. The gaming system stores player choice data representing the player's chosen one of the first plurality of options. Upon an occurrence of one or more modification events, the gaming system modifies the first plurality of options based at least in part on which of the first plurality of options were previously chosen by the player. Following a subsequent occurrence of the triggering event, the gaming system displays an indication of each of the modified first plurality of options and enables the player to choose one of the modified first plurality of options.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Kevin N. Taylor
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Patent number: 8973821Abstract: In one embodiment, an account is established for non-negotiable credits provided by an entity to one or more users. Interactions that earn a quantity of non-negotiable credits are detected. The quantity of non-negotiable credits from the interactions is added to the account. The non-negotiable credits have redemption restrictions imposed by the entity. In absence of a conversion operation that converts the non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds, a commerce partner does not accept the non-negotiable credits for goods/services that it provides. A quantity of the non-negotiable credits is subtracted from the account. The subtracted quantity of non-negotiable credits corresponds to a quantity of entity independent funds resulting from the conversion operation that converts the non-negotiable credits to a quantity of the entity independent funds in accordance with agreement terms mutually established by the commerce partner and the entity. The commerce partner is compensated by the entity.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventors: Sean I. McGhie, Brian K. Buchheit
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Patent number: 8974309Abstract: Multiple object information, in which first kind of object information indicating information on a first kind of object is associated with second kind of object information indicating information on a second kind of object, is stored in a multiple object information memory. The second kind of object is an object protected against a damage by means of the first kind of object. Multiple objects constructed by the first and second kinds of objects are displayed on a game screen on the basis of the multiple object information stored in the multiple object information memory. A damage cause indicating a cause of the damage that the displayed multiple objects receives is specified. At least the damage, which the second kind of object receives, is specified on the basis of the specified damage cause and a state of the first kind of object in the video game.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square EnixInventors: Jim Deal, Yosuke Shiokawa
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Patent number: 8974286Abstract: A device and method of operating a device to modify the rate of behavior of a user and a method of operating the device which may be a gaming device. The gaming device comprises a display, an input device, a timer and a processor circuit in communication with the display, the input device and the timer. The processor circuit calculates a rate of inputs from the input device and compares the rate of inputs against a predetermined threshold and determines a game result utilizing a variable interval schedule of reinforcement when the rate is above a predetermined threshold and causes the display to display a game result to the user. The method comprises receiving a plurality of inputs from the user at a user input device, calculating a rate of input from the plurality of inputs, determining a result from the inputs utilizing a combined differential reinforcement of high rate schedule of reinforcement and a variable interval schedule of reinforcement and providing the result to the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Antonio Mariano Parrottino
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Publication number: 20150065226Abstract: Data characterizing a quantifiable outcome for each of a plurality of game trials can be accessed. Each game trial can be associated with one of a plurality of players and a game. The game can be a digital game played on a computing platform. Using the accessed data, a first variance measure of the quantifiable outcome for all game trials associated with the plurality of players can be computed. For one or more of the plurality of players and using the accessed data, a second variance measure of the quantifiable outcome for the game trials associated with the one or more of the plurality of players can be computed. Based on at least the first variance measure and the second variance measure, a skill factor for the game can be computed. Data characterizing the skill factor can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: SKILLZ INCInventors: Andrew Paradise, Casey Chafkin, Jason Petralia, Peter Winkler
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Patent number: 8968076Abstract: A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Paulina Rodgers, Karen Cregan, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow
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Publication number: 20150057071Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a gender and age of a player of a game. There is a method comprising capturing an image of at least one player, and determining the gender and age of the player based on the image. In this manner, the game may be customized to he more relevant or attractive to the player's gender and/or age group.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Philippe Paquet
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Publication number: 20150050986Abstract: A game control device includes an associator configured to associate a game-playing user with one or more users; a game executor configured to execute a game for the game-playing user; a determiner configured to determine whether a progression degree of the game made by the one or more users satisfies a condition; and an effect provider configured to provide the game-playing user with an advantageous effect if it is determined by the determiner that the condition has been satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Eisaku Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8956218Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for adjusting a number of game mechanics associated with a game system. During operation, the system obtains a psychosocial profile associated with a user, adjusts the game mechanics based on the obtained psychosocial profile, and updates the game system based on the adjusted game mechanics.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Nicolas B. Ducheneaut, Nicholas K. Yee
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Publication number: 20150045104Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for allowing players to challenge other players in an online game to compete by playing a modular game within the online game. One method includes an operation for providing an interface to a first player for challenging a second player to compete in the modular game after detecting completion of the modular game by the first player. The modular game is played within an online game. Further, the method includes operations for sending a challenge to the second player, and for detecting that the second player completed the modular game in response to the challenge. The first player is rewarded a challenge award if the first player obtained a higher score than the second player in the modular game.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Sean Leslie, Joseph E. Kaminkow
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Publication number: 20150045109Abstract: A method for generating a game character according to the present invention includes: a step of providing a tutorial game to measure an ability of a user in a game to a user terminal; and a step of controlling to generate the character for the game corresponding to the ability measured in the tutorial game when the user of the user terminal performs a tutorial game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jae Ick Shin
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Patent number: 8951111Abstract: A gaming system. A symbol selector selects a plurality of symbols for display at display positions. A symbol hierarchy evaluator evaluates the selected symbols to identify a column corresponding to a highest winning symbol combination to be applied to one of the columns. A column selector selects a column to apply the designated modification. A display modification element selector selects a designated number of display modification elements to be in a subset of the plurality of display elements changed to an active state. A modification applier applies the designated modification to the selected column subsequent to changing the subset of display modification elements to an active state. A symbol evaluator evaluates the symbols displayed at the display positions subsequent to the modification being applied to determine whether to make one or more awards.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventor: Billy Ho Ching Tam
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Patent number: 8944908Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and methodology for dynamically adjusting the difficulty of a game based on upon the specific hardware configuration and/or network connectivity capabilities available to specific users in connection with the interaction of those users with the game. In exemplary implementations, dynamically adjusting the difficulty of playing a game based on hardware and network connectivity capabilities may be performed by processors executing computer program modules.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Kabam, Inc.Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
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Patent number: 8944906Abstract: In a gaming device means for providing the player with interactive features that include at least one of establishing at least one new winning combination of symbols, establishing at least one new pay line, and enabling a player to bet on the occurrence of a specific combination of symbols at a particular pay line for one or a plurality of spins.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly
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Publication number: 20150024829Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention include: a gambling game; an entertainment game; and a game world engine constructed to communicate, to the real world engine, gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game that triggers a wager in the gambling game, the game world engine utilizing a skill calibration module constructed to receive, from the entertainment software engine, player performance information for the player, analyze the player performance information to determine the player's skill level in playing the entertainment game, determine whether the terms of the wager of the gambling game are calibrated in a manner appropriate to the player's skill level in the entertainment game, and send, to the real world engine, a command that causes the real world engine to calibrate the terms of the wager in the gambling game.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 8926438Abstract: Provided is a gaming machine having a cabinet. Between the back as a back face and the right side face of the sides of the cabinet, the gaming machine has a right end side, which is formed by cutting a plane parallel to the gravitational direction in a manner to join lines spaced at predetermined distances in the individual directions of the back and the right side face from a line of intersection, on which the back and the right side face intersect when extended. The gaming machine also has a left end side between the back and a left side face. Moreover, the right end side and the left end side are symmetric with respect to a plane dividing the cabinet equally to the right and left.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventors: Yoshitomo Sasaki, Akira Shimizu, Katsuhiro Kido, Kenta Kitamura, Hideaki Kishi, Hiroatsu Ike