Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide computer systems, apparatuses, computer-executable methods and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for receiving gesture input via virtual controls.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining first and second stimulus signals from first and second input functions of first and second gaming equipment devices used by first and second users to control a video game. A first contest between the first and second users is based on first and second game action results determined based on the first and second stimulus signals. A relative performance between the first and second users is determined from a comparison of first and second measures of the first and second stimulus signals. A second contest between the first user and the second user is based on the relative performance. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled device determines an orientation for its movement based on a pre-determined reference frame. A controller device is operable by a user to control the self-propelled device. The controller device includes a user interface for controlling at least a direction of movement of the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device is configured to signal the controller device information that indicates the orientation of the self-propelled device. The controller device is configured to orient the user interface, based on the information signaled from the self-propelled device, to reflect the orientation of the self-propelled device.

Abstract: A method for operating a list in a mobile terminal is disclosed. An example method includes displaying a first set of items from an item list in the mobile terminal, changing the item list based on a received command, determining a direction of most recent movement in the item list before the receiving of the command, determining items from the item list to display according to the determined direction and the change of the item list, and displaying the determined items from the item list.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a themed virtual environment is provided. A computer system is in communication with at least one remote user computer system, and a themed virtual environment creation module is executed by the computer system. The themed virtual environment creation module allows a user of the at least one remote computer system to: select a template virtual environment and a plurality of primitives to be placed in the virtual environment; define one or more attributes associated with the primitives; uploading indicia to be applied to the plurality of primitives; customize the plurality of primitives by applying the indicia to the primitives; and customize the template virtual environment by placing the plurality of primitives at desired locations in the template virtual environment.

Abstract: A system has a server coupled to a data repository and software executing from a non-transitory medium on the processor, the software providing a site serving games to players connected to the server, and providing discovering instances of interaction with the server by first-time players, serving links to a first percentage of the first-time players for games having known high retention value, defined as a characteristic that first-time players who play the game return to the site within a specified period of time, serving links to a remaining percentage of the first-time players for games having no well-developed retention value, marking selection by first-time players of games having no well-developed retention value, monitoring the site for return time of players having selected games having no well-developed retention value, providing a return time period, and using the return time period, assigning or amending a retention value for the game.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided including: a plurality of buffers, a first buffer from a among the plurality of buffers storing a first frame; and a controller configured to obtain frame information of a second frame, which includes second object information about a second object added in the second frame and second object location information indicating a second object area that is an area of the second object in the second frame, detect a duplicate area in the first frame, copy the duplicate area stored in the first buffer to a second buffer from among the plurality of buffers, and draw the second object in the second buffer based on the frame information.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an overlay buffer configured to store overlay data; a touch path logic to: receive first touch events from the first touch sensor panel and generate a first output based on the first touch events, and receive second touch events from the second touch sensor panel and generate a second output based on the second touch events; and a rendering logic to, when the first touch events occur: receive a first video image; receive the first output; and combine the first video image with the overlay data corresponding to the first video image to output at least one combined display image, and, when the second touch events occur: receive a second video image; receive the second output; and combine the second video image with the overlay data corresponding to the second video image to output the at least one combined display image.

Abstract: A video game includes an audio-video stream combined with game graphics and game sounds. The game graphics are overlaid on the video stream and updated in synchronization with the stream. Update of the game graphics and sounds depends on inputs received from a game player. The game player may provide input using a game controller coupled to the video game by an adapter. The video game may play on a Blu-ray player.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hosting a game are disclosed in which a user is granted a first base comprising a three-dimensional section with a base target. Game credit is earned through successful completion of campaigns in which the user, posed as an avatar, fights against a plurality of defendants of a second base in a three dimensional action format in which the avatar and the plurality of defendants use weapons against each other. The user is provided with a description of base upgrades, including three-dimensional pre-fabricated sections that can be dynamically added to the first base, and associated costs for the upgrades. Upon selection a base upgrade, the associated cost of the selected upgrade is deducted from the game credit accrued by the user. The first base is augmented with the selected base upgrade thereby augmenting a defense of the first base.

Abstract: An improved computer implemented process for providing an interactive game event for two or more users. A game event is configured to comprise one or more independently progressing sub-processes (SP1-SP6) into which groups of game characters (C1-C3) are selected. Selected game characters (C1-C3) are provided with a set of allowed interaction functions for activation in the sub-process (SP1-SP6). The state of the sub-process (SP1-SP6) is changed in response to a game character (C1-C3) activating an interaction function from the set of allowed interaction functions, and the set of allowed interaction functions of the game characters (C1-C3) is updated in response to state change of the sub-process (SP1-SP6).

Abstract: A gaming console composites a camera video overlay on gameplay video for broadcasting such that the gameplay area that is rendered by the gaming console is not obscured, even when the camera video overlay is composited on the gameplay video for broadcasting. The gaming console or a companion device of the gaming console can also allow a user to specify placement of the camera video overlay on the gameplay video for broadcasting, permitting the user to choose the portion of the gameplay video for broadcasting that is obscured by the camera video overlay.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a display, a game player input means and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller controls play of a game in which a winning game result causes a prize to be awarded to a game player. The game comprises an interactive sequence related to a tournament in which a representation of a first video-player, of one team is displayed. An action of the first video-player to be executed is selected by the game player via the game player input means and the game controller selects an action to be performed by another video player. Depending on an outcome resulting from the selected actions, an award is made to the game player.

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

Abstract: A method for real time processing of images providing a real time preview of face images for interaction with a game environment. Images from one or more image sensors are processed providing a modified image of a certain size and certain shape, for algorithmically detecting and tracking faces in the modified image for a real time preview of face images overlaid on a game environment. The real time preview of face images is configured for user control for interaction with the game environment. A facial gesture control functionality is disclosed for the execution of game commands allowing control of the real time preview of a face images for interaction with the game environment. The method of the present invention further discloses real time processing of images from a second image sensor for a real time preview of a second face images for interaction with the game environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that determines a control scheme for a video game and maps the performance of particular media guidance application operations, unrelated to the video game, to the particular user input type already mapped to a video game function such that when the user performs the video game function, the particular media guidance application operation is also performed.

Abstract: Screenshots are captured for a visual summary of an online meeting using a dynamically determined inactivity threshold time period. The inactivity threshold time period may be the sum of i) an average time interval between arrival times of screen update messages in a set of received screen update messages, and ii) a multiple of the standard deviation of such time intervals. If no significant updates to a shared screen occur during the inactivity threshold time period, a screenshot may be captured for the online meeting visual summary. A premature screenshot threshold time period may also be determined. If significant visual data is received during the premature screenshot threshold time period, the previously captured screenshot is replaced with an updated screenshot.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a game controller module, a trigger satisfaction module, a metadata module, and a marker module. The game controller module may be configured to receive user control signals and execute gameplay based on the user control signals. The trigger satisfaction module may be configured to determine whether one or more events that occur during the gameplay satisfy one or more trigger conditions of a trigger. The metadata module may be configured to generate one or more trigger satisfaction indicators based on the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions of the trigger. The marker module may be configured to associate the one or more trigger satisfaction indicators with video of the gameplay to generate one or more game event markers to be used to enable a viewer to jump to one or more game segments associated with the trigger.

Abstract: A method and system for using a touch interface to detect a lateral edge of a human hand of a user to selectively reveal an item to the user. The method includes providing a general purpose computer having a main board with program memory, software, a processor and RAM connected in operative communication, providing an interface in operative communication with the processor, the interface being accessible by the user. The interface includes a touch screen that detects multiple points of contact indicative of the lateral edge of the human hand and reveals the item to the user in response to the step of detecting. The interface detects movement of the multiple points of contact and reveals the item at a position on the touch screen determined by the position of the multiple points of contact. Detecting movement further causes the item to track the movement.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations can include receiving a video feed of a casino wagering game presented live via a first device. The video feed depicts at least one first symbol from a set of wagering game symbols used for outcomes of the casino wagering game. The operations can further include, after receiving the video feed, compositing a computer-generated image with the video feed to generate a composited video feed. The image represents at least one second symbol from the set of wagering game symbols. The operations can further include providing the composited video feed for presentation of the casino wagering game via a second device separate from the first device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods, systems and apparatus for lighting control. For example, light output of a lighting system (100) that illuminates a play area (101) may be altered, e.g., by a lighting system controller (102, 302), based on characteristics of toys (104) one or more children is playing with in the area, as well as alterations of the toys or relationships between the toys that the one or more children are effecting.

Abstract: The information processing device relating to the present invention configures, in association with a stage where each of a plurality of players can engage in battle play, a player character owned by the player as a support character that provides support in a stage where another player engages in battle play, generates a game screen displaying a list view of support characters associated with the selected stage once a first player among the plurality of players performs an operation to select a stage, directs the selected support character and a player character belonging to the first player to engage in battle with an enemy character configured in the selected stage once the first player performs an operation to select a support character from the list, and provides benefits to a second player, from among the plurality of players, who owns the selected support character.

Abstract: An information processing system in which an object corresponding to each of two or more users are arranged in a virtual space and moving image information indicative of a moving image indicative of a manner in which the virtual space is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint arranged in the virtual space is generated, this information processing system comprising activity information acquisition means for sequentially acquiring activity information indicative of an action of at least one of the two or more users, arrangement region determination means for determining a partial region in the virtual space, in the partial region of which the object is arranged in accordance with the acquired activity information, motion data acquisition means for acquiring motion data stored as related with the activity information in accordance with the acquired activity information, and object control means for making the object act in the partial region in accordance with the acquired motion data.

Abstract: A customized interactive computing environment may allow for a customized interactive user experience. The interactive computing environment may be defined by session parameters to customize a session of the interactive computing environment. The session parameters may include customized interactive user objectives that may be defined by a user. Each objective may be defined with a number of points awarded to a user for completing the objective. Real-time interactive user data may be received from user devices for completion of the custom objectives. Custom profile information may be defined by a user to customize user interfaces provided to users that log into a session of the interactive computing environment. Data analysis about the session and/or the defined objectives may be generated and displayed to users to indicate progress or other data about the session.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamic calculation of weakpoints in objects during gameplay. A player strikes an object and a weakpoint appears somewhere on the surface of the object. If the player strikes that weakpoint, the weakpoint disappears, and the amount of damage imparted to the object is some multiple (or factor) of the normal damage imparted. The player's camera position and direction is used to find points on the surface of the object that was struck. The position and direction of the player's camera is used to ensure that the player will be able to see any weakpoint that might be created. The points on the object are recorded. The recorded points are compared against each other and the best point is chosen based on certain criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication among mobile applications are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for a first mobile application and a second mobile application on a mobile device to share information includes (1) a first mobile application executed by a computer processor on a mobile device determining that a second mobile application is present on the mobile device; (2) receiving, from a user, permission for the first mobile application to access data from the second application; (3) the first application executed by the computer processor requesting data from the second application; and (4) the first application receiving the requested data from the second application.

Abstract: The fantasy sports contest application of the present invention alerts the user of necessary roster changes before an upcoming fantasy sports competition. The fantasy sports contest application may evaluate the user's team roster before an upcoming fantasy sports competition to ensure that all roster spots on the team roster are filled with athletes available for real-life competitions. The fantasy sports contest application may also identify roster changes and roster transactions that may be beneficial to a user's fantasy sports contest team roster. The fantasy sports contest application may recommend roster changes and roster transactions to the user by evaluating the performance of athletes using performance criteria. The performance criteria can be based on the past performance of athletes, either overall, or for certain situations. The performance criteria may be predefined by the system, user-editable, or any suitable combination thereof.

Abstract: Based on posture/motion information obtained from predetermined detection means for detecting a posture or a motion of an input device operated by a user, a virtual plane is calculated at a predetermined timing and set as reference plane. Then, based on motion information, the posture of the input device is calculated as necessary. In accordance with the posture of the input device with respect to the reference plane, predetermined game processing such as moving an object in a virtual space or the like is executed.

Abstract: A game system executes a first match based on at least one first game object which a first player uses and a plurality of opponent game objects which an opponent uses and are not the opponent itself, executes a second match based on at least one second game object which a second player uses and the plurality of opponent game objects, and identifies at least one opponent game object which is selected by the first player as at least one selected game object. The game system also acquires input information that is input by the first player during or after the first match in regard to the at least one selected game object. The game system records, in an online storage, the input information in association with the at least one selected game object and presents to the second player, the input information.

Abstract: A device for online gaming includes a gaming accessory provisioned with a configuration that includes a group of settings of operating parameters for the gaming accessory. The group of settings corresponds to selections from first equipment of a user via an accessory management application. Upon initiation of a gaming session, the gaming accessory is in communication with second equipment of the user. The gaming accessory is not in communication with the first equipment of the user and is not in communication with the second equipment of the user prior to the initiation of the gaming session. The accessory management application can be a client application of a server remote from the first equipment of the user and the second equipment of the user. The group of settings can be received from the first equipment of the user via a graphical user interface presented by the accessory management application.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The present invention has an objective to improve operability in information input in an information processing device that includes a head mounted display to enable head tracking display. [Solution] An information processing device includes a hand-held operation unit (10), a head mounted display (20), a first motion sensor (506 to 508) that can detect at least the orientation of the head of the operator, and an information processing unit (30) that executes a head tracking displaying process in which the first motion sensor is used, and a specific process corresponding to an indication of the operator identified by the motion of the operation unit, wherein the motion of the operation unit is detected using a second motion sensor (1603 to 1605) incorporated in the operation unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to alter one or more characteristics of a digital object or profile, such as developing a character in an online computer game. Using the systems and methods, a user of a computer system, e.g., a player of a computer game, can control how digital objects develop over time both through the direct use of that object by the user as well as by the passage of units of time.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided which has a convenience where another function such as photo taking by a camera can be used while playing a game by causing a game program and another application program to work together and which increases interest of the game by relating a result of execution of the application program to the contents of the game. When a camera icon displayed on a display section is selected by an operation of a touch panel, an application for controlling a camera function launches, and an image can be captured at an arbitrary timing. The captured image is converted according to a predetermined condition. The converted image is displayed on a display screen and image data is stored in a flash memory.

Abstract: A method of generating a cut-out from an image of a scene which has been captured by a camera is described.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system to improve enjoyment in information processing using data obtained in non-contact communication. The information processing system includes a dedicated figure, a non-contact communication unit, a processing unit, and a first storage unit. The dedicated figure is configured to store data and has a non-contact communication function. The non-contact communication unit is configured to read data from the dedicated figure by using the non-contact communication function of the dedicated figure. The processing unit performs figure data processing based on the data read by the non-contact communication unit. The first storage unit stores the number of times of execution of the figure data processing. Processing details of the figure data processing performed by the processing unit depend on the number of times of execution stored in the first storage unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: Generating in real-time multiple gameplay videos in a cloud computing network of a mobile game played on multiple mobile devices is disclosed. A cloud-based video system of the cloud computing network receives gameplay state information of the mobile game played on the multiple mobile devices, where the gameplay state information associated with a mobile device describes the states of the mobile game while the game is played on the mobile device. The video system generates a gameplay map comprising the gameplay observed by the multiple mobile devices. Responsive to a viewer or a virtual director selecting the gameplay associated with a mobile device, the video system generates a gameplay video of the mobile game associated with the mobile device based on encoded audio frames and video frames of the mobile game played on the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is technology for providing in-game bonuses to a user's in-game persona. The technology involves affiliation virtual items that provide quality-based bonuses and level based bonuses. The technology provides systems and methods for upgrading an affiliation virtual item's level and/or enhancing the affiliation virtual item's quality. If an upgrade or enhancement is unsuccessful, the affiliation virtual item may be broken and the quality bonuses and/or level bonuses may be decreased until the item is repaired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game apparatus that can cast various attacks only by pressing the same operating button without performing any complex operation. In an attack method setting screen, attack method setting panels are displayed arranged. Each attack method setting panel is provided with a positional condition display area that displays a positional condition regarding the positional relationship between a player character and an enemy character, and an attack method display area that displays an attack method performed on the enemy character by the player character. For example, in the case in which the positional condition is “less than 3 m from player character” and the attack method is a “close attack with ax”, when a player provides an attack operation instruction, the player character does an attack with an ax on an enemy character present at a distance of less than 3 m therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: A method for managing league points of a point lapsing league mode includes: by a point lapsing league mode providing server, providing a point lapsing league mode that is a mode in which predetermined league points are allocated for a predetermined period and progress of a game is restricted when all the league points are consumed to the user terminal; outputting a game character information selecting interface that is an interface for accessing the user terminal to select a game character for progressing a game of the point lapsing league mode from among at least one game character to the user terminal; consuming predetermined league points of the user when the user terminal finishes playing the game of the point lapsing league mode through the game character selected by the user; determining whether all league points of the user having participated in the point lapsing league mode are consumed; and outputting information for notifying that the game cannot be progressed in the point lapsing league mode to t

Abstract: Techniques introduced here enable cloud-based file prefetching for gaming applications running on electronic devices. The electronic devices store certain gaming data files on a remote storage server and preload some of the files locally to include file access efficiency. Gaming data file access patterns on the electronic devices are analyzed, individually and collectively, using a cloud service to detect global access patterns and help determine which gaming data files to preload on each of the electronic devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for optimizing a golf swing by measuring and providing feedback on a combination of various key parameters of a subject's movement to both generate more power and reduce injury.

Abstract: A method for alerting a player about a wagering game machine is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include receiving, via a communications network from a handheld computing device, player preferences for an opt-in proximity alert. The method can further include creating the opt-in proximity alert based, at least in part, on the player preferences. The method can further include determining, via one or more processors, that the handheld computing device is in proximity to a wagering game machine matching the player preferences. The method can further include causing the handheld computing device to present an alert about the wagering game machine matching the player preferences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and media for allowing access to quantum computers in a distributed computing environment (e.g., the cloud). Such methods and systems may provide optimization and computational services on the cloud. Methods and systems of the present disclosure may enable quantum computing to be relatively and readily scaled across various types of quantum computers and users at various locations, in some cases without the need for users to have a deep understanding of the resources, implementation or the knowledge that may be required for solving optimization problems using a quantum computer. Systems provided herein may include user interfaces that enable users to perform data analysis in a distributed computing environment while taking advantage of quantum technology in the backend.

Abstract: Embodiments of computers, non-transitory mediums having one or more computer programs stored therein, and methods are provided to enable multiple users of a video game to defeat a character in a fight. Embodiments of a computer device include, for example, a communication module, an enemy vitality management module, a fight application accepting module, an enemy vitality determination module, first mode execution module, a second mode execution modules, a first enemy vitality transmission module, and an enemy vitality updating module. Embodiments of the computer device operate in a first mode when a vitality number of a gaming character is greater than a predetermined value, and a second mode when the number is less than or equal to the predetermined value. Updates to the vitality number are enabled only in the first execution mode according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: Tutorial assets may be dynamically integrated into a mobile application at different locations in game play in a staged manner such that individual tutorial assets can be integrated into the mobile application without requiring a wholesale update of the mobile application. The staged updating may be effected without requiring users to access an updated version of the application from an “app store” or other similar online marketplace for mobile applications. This may be accomplished by implementing the mobile application as an “app” including compiled code that implements game assets and tutorial assets to provide a view of the game to the user. The game assets and tutorial assets may be non-compiled information objects, such as images, scripts, and/or other non-compiled information.