Abstract: The present invention relates to a game control technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a game control method using a user input, a game control apparatus, and a recording medium thereof, which variously control the displaying of components of a game screen so as to provide a game that allows various types of game play schemes.

Abstract: In a motor control device, a communication interface receives a control command defining a target rotation amount and a target rotation speed of a motor. A sensor interface receives a detection signal from a rotation angle sensor outputting a detection signal in every rotation of the motor at a predetermined angle. A controller decides a set value of a rotation speed of the motor. A drive signal generator generates and outputs a drive signal for rotating the motor. The controller calculates a difference between the target rotation amount and a total rotation amount of the motor from start of execution of the control command, based on the number of received detection signals, and determines whether an abnormality occurs in operation of the motor based on an update frequency of a minimum value of the difference or a non-update period when the minimum value of the difference is not updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating user interaction with a virtual environment are discussed herein. In various implementations, the virtual environment may comprise a virtual reality game and a visual depiction of an input device of a user. As the user moves an input device, the visual depiction of the input device may appear to move in the virtual environment to facilitate gameplay. For example, a series of images corresponding to different visual characteristics may appear to travel toward the user. A score for the user may be determined based on the number of the series of images the user is able to intercept by moving the input device such that the position of an image traveling toward the user corresponds to the end of the visual depiction of the input device having the same visual characteristic.

Abstract: An interactive system is built upon networked computing devices and cloud computing technologies that enables two or more players to prepare for and engage in a battle on a common battle ground. Prior to initiation of the battle, a player can select one or more stationary units and deploy them, as a defense team, in a home territory for the purpose of obstructing the movement or attack of the opponent. During the battle, the player can deploy attacking units that move without further player intervention, to attack the opponent. A garrisoning mode may be turned on by the player, allowing the player to form and organize an offense team of attacking units because they start to move on their own. The option of forming both defense teams and offense teams, which will carry out their mission without further player intervention presents an attractive gameplay strategy.

Abstract: A content providing apparatus capable of approaching user's interests can be provided. A computer-implemented method for providing a content can generate a virtual space where the user is immersed and a target object in the virtual space, and define a reference position in the virtual space and a target object position. The method can define a reference direction which is a direction of a line of sight of the user with respect to the reference position, specify a direction of gaze at the target object, which is the direction of the line of sight of the user, specify a duration of gaze where the user has gazed at the target object, and specify an adjusted duration of gaze based on the duration of gaze, the direction of gaze, and the reference direction. A prescribed content is provided to the user based on the adjusted duration of gaze.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: An audio analysis system that may analyze participant audio input in a game spectating environment. The audio analysis system may receive audio input for participants (broadcasters and/or spectators) in a game spectating system. The audio analysis system may analyze the audio input to generate audio analysis information for broadcasts, and provide the information to the game spectating system. The audio analysis information may be applied in the game spectating system in various ways. For example, the information may be used to determine active or popular broadcasts, broadcasters, games, and/or recordings of broadcasts, and the active or popular content may be indicated to spectators via a game spectating user interface. The audio analysis system may provide an application programming interface (API) to receive the audio input and to provide audio analysis information.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: A method includes defining a virtual space associated with a first user. The virtual space is associated with a first head-mounted device (HMD). The virtual space includes an avatar object associated with a second user. The method includes receiving line-of-sight data on the second user, wherein the second user is associated with a second HMD. The method includes receiving sound data that is based on utterance of the second user at a timing different from that of the line-of-sight data. The method includes synchronizing a timing of controlling the avatar object in accordance with the line-of-sight data and a timing of outputting sound that is based on the sound data from the first HMD. The method includes controlling the avatar object in accordance with the line-of-sight data based on the synchronized timing. The method includes outputting the sound that is based on the synchronized timing.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display, a timer and computing hardware configured to execute a software product. Execution of the software product results in generating and rendering a graphical user interface on the display with four or more user-selectable graphical objects. Selection of a first user-selectable graphical object at a first spatial position on the graphical user interface and a movement of the selected first user-selectable graphical object along a path towards a second user-selectable graphical object at a second spatial position is detected and a position of the first user-selectable graphical object is exchanged with the position of the second user-selectable graphical object. If, during a predetermined time period, a selection of a third user-selectable graphical object and a movement of the third user-selectable graphical object towards a fourth user-selectable graphical object is detected, the positions of the third and fourth objects is exchanged.

Abstract: In a communication system including a server (1) and a plurality of communication terminals (2) capable of communication with the server (1), based on a variety of parameters indicating the status of a space formed within a game playable by the user of each communication terminal (2) over the communication system, the server (1) transmits advisory information (132), which suggests the next action for the space, to the communication terminal (2). The communication terminal (2) displays a screen including the received advisory information (132).

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A control method performed by a computer including a storage module and configured to control progress of a game played by a user registered in an application, includes storing, in the storage module, identification information of each of a plurality of users in association with registration information indicating whether the user is registered in the application, retrieving a game progress request including identification information of a first user from a first terminal device of the first user, determining whether or not the first user is registered in the application, transmitting display data for displaying a game screen used in the game to the first terminal device when the first user is registered in the application, and transmitting display data for displaying a registration screen for registering the first user in the application to the first terminal device, when the first user is not registered in the application.

Abstract: Peripheral visualizations are based on user movements and/or interactions with elements in a scene. Various user movements are detected while a scene is being rendered. Afterwards, the embodiments determine whether one of the movements corresponds with an increase in a level of focus by the user to the one or more elements and/or an interaction by the user with the one or more elements. Thereafter, peripheral visualizations are rendered on one or more peripheral displays proximate elements that correspond with the user movements/interactions/focus. In some instances, the selective rendering is performed in response to a determination that the user movement does correspond with the increase in the level of focus by the user to the one or more elements and/or the interaction by the user with the one or more elements.

Abstract: A method of producing simulated dialog outputs selected phrases in a sequence defined by a selected dialog model. When a state change is recorded one or more of dialog models which have non-zero state change type weights corresponding to the recorded state change type are identified and one of the identified dialog models is selected probabilistically with influence from the non-zero state change type weights. One or more unique characters are mapped to character indices of the selected dialog model and one or more phrases defined in the one or more mapped unique characters are identified which have non-zero phrase type weights corresponding to the phrase types of the selected dialog model. For each phrase type defined in the selected dialog model, at least one of the phrases are selected probabilistically with influence from the non-zero phrase type weights.

Abstract: A display control method includes generating first virtual space data defining a first virtual space including a first virtual camera and a display object. The method includes displaying a first visual-field image on a head-mounted display based on a visual field of the first virtual camera and the first virtual space data. The method includes updating the first visual-field image by moving the first virtual camera in synchronization with detected movement of the head-mounted display. The method includes generating second virtual space data for defining a second virtual space including a second virtual camera. The method includes displaying a second visual-field image on the display object based on a visual field of the second virtual camera and the second virtual space data. The method includes updating the second visual-field image by moving the second virtual camera in the second virtual space in synchronization with the detected movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a platform that allows individual users to compete against other users in a virtual league. The platform allows individual users to maintain personal performance statistics, which, collectively, are used to determine a projection result of the user's performance in a competition within the league. The platform employs projection result, in combination with, or as a substitute for, results associated with a real race completed by the user, in the scoring of the user against other competitors in the league.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein provide a high fidelity, rich, and engaging experience for spectators of streaming video services. The techniques disclosed herein enable a system to receive, process and, store session data defining activity of a virtual reality environment. The system can generate recorded video data of the session activity along with rendered spatial audio data, e.g., render the spatial audio in the cloud, for streaming of the video data and rendered spatial audio data to one or more computers. The video data and rendered spatial audio data can provide high fidelity video clips of salient activity of a virtual reality environment. In one illustrative example, the system can automatically create a video from one or more camera positions and audio data that corresponds to the camera positions.

Abstract: The game processor consumes paints of a plurality of colors to execute an attack in the game, reflects an effect of the attack in the game, and decreases possession paints according to consumption of the paints. The game processor consumes the paints of the plurality of colors according to consumption ratios determined for the attack to be executed and executes the attack. When at least one of the parameters necessary for the action to be executed is insufficient, the game processor changes the consumption ratios of the paints of the plurality of colors and executes the action. When the consumption ratios change, the game processor generates a game screen different from a game screen when the consumption ratios do not change. When the consumption ratios change, the game processor reflects an effect different from an effect when the consumption ratios do not change in the game.

Abstract: An electronic computing system for dynamically controlling user interface device settings for an electronic game playable by multiple players over a computer network.

Abstract: A system for cooperative game control. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a cloud game engine for executing game code configured to create a game, generate a video stream corresponding to a particular player and accept a response stream from the particular player to allow the particular player to play the game and (2) a cooperative play engine associated with the cloud game engine for communication therewith and configured to multicast the video stream from the cloud game engine to the particular player and at least one other player, combine separate response streams from the particular player and the at least one other player into a joint response stream and provide the joint response stream to the cloud game engine.

Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing leaderboards based upon in-game events within a game space. The leaderboards based on user progress to achieving one or more administrator defined objectives within the game space, where each objective requires the completion of one or more activities. An objective metric for the first user, indicating the first user's progress toward achieving the objective may be determined, based upon one or more activity metric values for the first user. The activity metric values providing an indication of the first user's progress toward completing activities required to be completed to achieve the objective, as defined by an administrator.

Abstract: Technologies related to location graph adapted video games are generally described. In some examples, location graphs may be generated for received environment inputs, such as received three dimensional (3D) models of environments. Video games may be adapted to generated location graphs, such as by placing video game content at nodes of location graphs. Video game and/or user parameters may be accommodated when adapting video games to location graphs.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to determine a user of a headset and transmit, based on the determination of the user, a first portion of content of a first rating to the headset for presentation at the headset concurrently with presentation of a second portion of the content on a display separate from the headset. The second portion is of a second rating different from the first rating of the first portion.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for frequency routing based on orientation are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, by a playback device, an audio data stream. The example method includes determining, by the playback device, an orientation of the playback device. The example method includes routing, by the playback device, a first set of frequencies in the audio data stream to at least one of a plurality of speaker drivers based on the first orientation. The example method includes routing, by the playback device, a second set of frequencies in the audio data stream to the at least one of the plurality of speaker drivers based on the second orientation, wherein the first set of frequencies is different than the second set of frequencies.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating segmented notifications relating to a virtual space are disclosed. Such notifications may be segmented for different user segments within the virtual space. In some examples, the segmentation of the notification may be at least in part with respect to contents included in notification for different user segments. The content segmentation may be with respect to a communication style, pattern, format, a language expressed in, one or more culture references used and/or any other aspects related to contents that may be included in notifications for the different user segments. In some examples, the notifications may include incentive offers and may be segmented with respect to parameters of the incentive offers for presentation to the different user segments. In some implementations, transmission frequencies for transmitting notifications to the different user segments may be determined.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein provide an input mechanism that allows a user to select characters for input to a text area of a computing interface. The technology can be implemented as a virtual keyboard. Selecting a single output for the keyboard requires a user to provide two inputs. Each input is provided with reference to a different layer. Providing the first input to the first layer activates a second layer specific to the key selected with the first input. Each key in the first layer can be associated with a unique second layer. The output (e.g., a character) is determined from the second layer by providing a second input. The combination of the first and second input selects the ultimate output. In one aspect, the first input and the second input only have a directional component.

Abstract: A game machine operating device mounted on a game machine with a game board and provided on a front side of the game board includes: an operation unit which receives an operation; and a projection unit which radiates light in a direction toward the game board to project a first image on an area in a field of view of a player viewing the game board. The projection unit includes: a first light source; and a light guide into which light emitted from the first light source is guided. The light guide has a light diffusion pattern formed on one or both of a front surface and a rear surface, wherein light is emitted through the light diffusion pattern to form the first image. A part on which the light diffusion pattern is formed is disposed to be directed in the direction toward the game board.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a virtual camera configured to capture a character in a virtual space; a display unit configured to display the character and a background, the background including an object; a detection unit configured to detect first contact position information on a first position at which a first virtual object provided between the virtual camera and the character contacts the object of the background; and a motion control unit configured to control a motion of the virtual camera based on the first contact position information detected by the detection unit such that the virtual camera avoids the object of the background.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing advertisements in virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include providing at least one advertisement to be displayed within a virtual world environment distributed to a plurality of user computer systems. The method may also include determining that a user is interacting with the advertisement in the virtual world environment. In one embodiment, the method may further include tracking one or more factors associated with the interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for educating vehicle drivers. Auto insurance claim data may be analyzed to identify hazardous areas associated with an abnormally high amount or severity of vehicle collisions. A virtual navigation map of roads within the hazardous areas may be built or generated. A common cause of several vehicle collisions at a hazardous area may be identified, and a virtual reconstruction of a scenario involving the common cause and/or a road map of collisions locations of may be created. The virtual reconstruction of the scenario may be displayed on a driver education virtual simulator to enhance driver education and reduce the likelihood of vehicle collisions.

Abstract: A peripheral device is configured to obtain configuration information from user equipment. The configuration information is for the peripheral device, wherein during receipt of the configuration information the peripheral device is not in communication with the user equipment. The configuration information is based on selections obtained via the user equipment and associated with operational parameters for the peripheral device. The configuration information is stored in a memory that is remote from the user equipment. Provisioning information is provided to the user equipment, wherein the provisioning information is associated with the configuration information and wherein the provisioning information enables configuration of the peripheral device with the operational parameters.

Abstract: A game system includes a stick for being tilted in a direction in which a player character moves in a virtual space and for being pressed for an operation of a virtual camera in the virtual space, and a CPU for moving the player character in the virtual space on the basis of tilt, moving the virtual camera in a first control method when the stick is not pressed but tilted, and moving the virtual camera in a second control method on the basis of tilt when the stick is tilted and pressed at the same time.

Abstract: A universal player tracking system includes a gaming machine interface. The interface is connected to a communication port of a gaming machine and is configured to connect with a mobile device. The system further includes a remote host, such as one or more servers. The host is independent from any local casino network and communicates with the interface and/or mobile device to receive game play information from the gaming machine and/or to provide information to those devices.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for display devices including holographic optical elements for directing light toward image producing panels. An example display device includes a phase modulating image producing panel, and a holographic optical element configured to receive collimated light and to output converging light toward the phase modulating image producing panel, the phase modulating image producing panel being configured to use at least a portion of the converging light to produce an image with collimated or diverging light.

Abstract: A system and method for non-deterministically providing denominated virtual currency in a virtual space are disclosed. The units of virtual currencies may be classified by different denominations and levels. Non-purchasing utilities may be obtained for the denomination and level of the virtual currencies and provided to users in the virtual space. In one example, the denomination and level of the virtual currencies may be used as socketing elements to provide boosts to base attributes to virtual items. In some implementations, an amount of boost provided by a denomination and level of virtual currency when socketed to a virtual item may be determined based on numerical relationships among the denomination and level of the virtual currencies. The denomination and level of virtual currencies may be harvested non-deterministically by users based on probabilities determined for the users.

Abstract: A computer system is provided that stores data for a plurality of virtual objects and elements that are positioned within a virtual space. Each of the virtual objects can adopt different states depending on which elements are determined to have collided with the virtual objects. Once it is determined that an object is collided with an element a further determination is made as to whether that element effects the virtual object. If the element does affect the virtual object, then the state for that object is updated. Further, a new element is then generated based on this change in state of the virtual object.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first group of gaming results associated with a first gamer, receiving a second group of gaming results associated with a second gamer, presenting renditions of first and second peripherals, where the first peripheral represents a first gaming accessory for use by the first gamer to generate a first group of stimulus signals, and where the second peripheral represents a second gaming accessory for use by the second gamer to generate a second group of stimulus signals, and presenting competitive information of the first and second gamers determined from at least a portion of the first and second group of gaming results, the first and second group of stimulus signals, or combinations thereof. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An image generation device includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to implement a reception process that receives a command selected by a player from a plurality of commands, a game process that includes a process that implements the effect of the received command, and a display process that displays a game image based on the results of the game process. The processor is configured to implement the game process that includes a process that implements the effect of the command that corresponds to information about a character that is the target of game play performed by the player and viewpoint information about the player.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the human heartbeat rate, comprising the steps of: 1) obtaining a video of the measured subject; 2) parsing the video into a series of image frames; 3) arranging the multiple generated image frames in sequential order; 4) detecting the position of the region of the face in each image; 5) obtaining the facial fluctuation frequency of the measured object according to the change of the position of the face region in the image frame system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide functionality simulating the physical behavior of at least one object in a three dimensional (3D) scene that is divided into a plurality of zones. One such example embodiment comprises: providing at least a first zone and a second zone topologically adjacent, each zone having its own computing resource, providing an object located in one or both zones, and simulating the physical behavior of the object, the simulation being performed by the computing resource of each one of said first and second zones.

Abstract: A social game capable of informing a player of the attractiveness of a group fighting event is disclosed herein. A server device comprises: an information storage unit that stores information on the game; and a control unit that executes an arithmetic operation relating to the game and performs processing to display an image of the game at the terminal devices. The information storage unit stores, as a part of the information on the game, information on a fighting event, and the control unit performs processing to, in accordance with an instruction from a player, display the information on the fighting event at a terminal device operated by the player.

Abstract: A group of buffers are connected via pointers as free-lists implemented in hardware, such that shader information and output processing information can be efficiently accessed by a multi-rate shader. A free-list storage picks the first available entry. The first free entry that gets allocated then becomes a pointer to another entry.

Abstract: A method of changing a virtual world of a computer-implemented game based on real-world locations of players of the computer-implemented game is disclosed. A presence of a player of the computer-implemented game is detected at a physical location. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game is detected at the physical location based on a communication received from the player of the computer-implemented game. An aspect of the virtual world of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting of the presence of the player at the physical location and the detecting of the presence of the additional player of the computer-implemented game at the physical location.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to transform events and/or mood associated with playing media into lighting effects are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a content identifier to identify content presented via a media presentation device based on a fingerprint associated with the content and derive metadata from the identified content. The example apparatus includes a content driven analyzer to determine a light effect to be produced by a light-generating device based on the metadata, generate an instruction for the light-generating device to produce the light effect, and transmit the instruction to the light-generating device during presentation of the content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating attract sequences on gaming machines based on a determined presence of a player through a camera are described. The gaming machine includes a cabinet. The gaming machine further includes a display coupled to the cabinet. The gaming machine includes a user input coupled to the cabinet. The gaming machine includes a video camera coupled to the cabinet, the video camera configured to output video data, wherein the video camera is positioned to capture video data of players walking by the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a master gaming controller. The master gaming controller is configured to receive the video data from the video camera, determine the presence of a player in the vicinity of the gaming machine, and initiate an attract feature based on the determined presence of the player.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a position detection device including a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a processor. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes, and the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrodes. A gap is formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The processor detects a plurality of capacitive values between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes so as to measure the movement track of a conductive object passing through the gap.

Abstract: A system that collects, analyzes, and applies physical metrics from participants in game environments. Participants (players and/or spectators) in a game may wear or hold devices that collect physical data from the participants via sensors, generate metrics data from the sensor data, and provide the metrics data to a participant metrics module. The module may receive the metrics data from the devices, analyze the metrics data to generate game inputs based on the participants' physical metrics, and provide the game inputs to the game system to affect game play. The module may also receive alerts or other information from the game system or from players, determine feedback for participants according to the received information, and signal the devices to provide feedback or alerts to the participants in the game. The devices may include indicators that are activated by the signals to provide visual, audio, and/or haptic indications to respective participants.

Abstract: A player character is placed so as to be linked to a given edge position of a board. A plurality of puzzle pieces including an enemy character piece that represents an enemy character are placed on the board. The player inputs a selection path from the puzzle piece situated at the given edge position or the player character without removing the finger from the board so as to select and delete puzzle pieces among the plurality of puzzle pieces that are placed on the board and belong to an identical type, or are considered to belong to an identical type. When the enemy character piece lies in the selection path, the player character that corresponds to the puzzle piece set to be the start point, or the player character set to be the start point, attacks the enemy character represented by the enemy character piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively displaying an operational area comprising an internal and an external environment separated from another by at least one physical obstruction, the apparatus comprising a headset including a screen for placing over a user's eyes, the system further comprising a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional virtual environment, and an image capture device for capturing images of the internal environment, said processor being configured to blend image data representative thereof into said three dimensional virtual environment to create a mixed reality environment including a representation of said at least one physical obstruction, the processor configured to receive image data representative of said external environment and to remove at least a portion of said physical obstruction from said mixed reality environment displayed on said screen, and blend said image data of said external environment into said mixed reality environment wherein said physical obstruction appears to be