Abstract: Individual users may log into the same online game from multiple different social networking platforms. The disclosed technology provides a way to unite users' accounts such that users that have logged into the online game from different social networking platforms can have their progress in the online game preserved regardless of which social networking platforms the user logged in from. Business intelligence about differences in the user's value when logging in from the different social networking platforms can be determined and incentivizing actions can be performed on the social networking platforms based on the business intelligence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one wagering game, a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, and a controller operative to process signals output from a movement sensor. A movement sensor is disposed in the handheld gaming machine to sense movements of the handheld gaming machine and/or a sub-portion thereof and to output signals relating to the movements to the controller.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer, including storing player-useable points at a network-accessible location, enabling a player to convert at least some of the points into monetary units at a conversion rate, wherein the monetary units are convertible into credits for wagering on at least one of the electronic gaming machines, awarding a personal points conversion rate multiplier to a player, and applying the points conversion rate multiplier to the conversion rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique play experience carried out utilizing an interactive “wand” and/or other seemingly magical actuation/tracking device. The wand or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside one or more compatible play environments, to achieve desired goals, master certain magical spells and/or produce desired seemingly magical effects within the play environment.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first stimulus signal from a first gaming accessory device used by a first contestant and a second stimulus signal from a second gaming accessory device used by a second contestant. Measures of the first and second stimulus signals are determined as are first and second performance factors are based upon the first and second measures. The first and second performance factors are compared and a ranking of the first and second contestants is determined based upon the comparison. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein in which a mobile device may enable cloud gaming. In one implementation, the mobile device may receive an information stream, from a remote game server, relating to an online game. The method may further include receiving user input relating to the online game; transmitting the user input to the game server; and screencasting, to a local display device, a video stream that is based on the information stream, the video stream representing a display corresponding to the online game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include improved communication system and methods. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a wireless communication method comprising, on a first wireless device, receiving one or more wireless device identifications associated with one or more other wireless devices, and transmitting at least one of the one or more wireless device identifications from the first wireless device to a remote computer system, and on the remote computer system, receiving the at least one wireless device identification, and accessing information associated with the at least one wireless device identification. Embodiments of the present invention may be used for electronic dating, social networking and other communication applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for integrating LC circuits into a user's jewelry for controlling systems such as computer games. The resonant frequency of the circuit at each of multiple rings worn by the user may be adjustable. A secondary coil within each ring may be moved in relation to the magnetic field generated by a primary coil that may be part of another piece of jewelry, such as a watch or a bracelet, to generate control signals. The magnetic field may inductively couple and power the rings, which may each contain an LC tank circuit. If powered, each of these circuits may oscillate at its resonant frequency. A receiver system may comprise an antenna and a tuning circuit to detect a resonant frequency as an input to control moves of a character within a game, for example for use with heads-up displays (HUDs) for augmented reality applications.

Abstract: An information provision apparatus includes a storage section that stores item data, an update section that updates the item data when an item quantity change event has occurred during a first game that is executed by a first terminal, and a control section that causes a communication section to transmit item information to a second terminal when a purchase request operation has been performed by using a second terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. One or more lottery tickets are generated by a lottery system and transmitted to the hybrid game where the one or more lottery tickets are held in a queue. Attendant rules for issuing a lottery ticket are also transmitted to the hybrid game. The hybrid game receives player actions from the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and, based on the player actions and the attendant rules, awards a lottery ticket to the player.

Abstract: A game apparatus executes game processing on the basis of microphone input information input through a microphone. The CPU of the game apparatus executes an imaging step for imaging a user with a camera, a detection determining step for determining whether or not a user is detected on the basis of image data indicating the image obtained by imaging through the imaging step, and a performing step for performing the game processing on the basis of the microphone input information when the detection determining step determines that the user is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote play device for an interactive entertainment system and may include a class D amplifier and at least one motion detection device. The remote play device may also include a processor to adapt sound effects played through the class D amplifier based upon the at least one motion detection device. A battery may also be included powering at least the class D amplifier.

Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing personalized leaderboards based upon user parameters, game parameters or a combination thereof. The personalized leaderboard determined by identifying a group of users (i) to which the first user belongs, and (ii) among which performance in the online game by the first user as characterized by the first set of game parameter values is relatively high. Providing leaderboards where the user features relatively high incentivizes the user to continue playing the game to continue progressing toward the top of the leaderboard, improving player retention.

Abstract: A portable, handholdable device includes global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, a camera, a user interface configured to receive user inputs, the user interface including a display; wireless communication circuitry for mobile wireless communications, and a processing system configured to execute a program using a position determined by the GPS circuitry.

Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. One or more optional auxiliary components modularly attach to the input device to selectively create a modified input device having different desired functions or aesthetics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to control interactivity with a video gaming system. The system includes a game console and a controller that is configured to be held in a plurality of handhold orientations. The controller further includes a handle that extends between a first end and a second end along a length axis and an input feature disposed at the first end. The input feature includes sensors to detect manipulations that cause a relative movement between the input feature and the handle. The manipulations that are detected include torque applied to the input feature about the length axis. Where the detected manipulation are relayed to the game console where the game console correlates the detected manipulation into control of the video game. The gaming system can be primarily executed through a local game console, or the game console (or computing device), can communicate to remote servers, over the internet, to processes primary execution.

Abstract: A system, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, and a method for adjusting a displayed user interface in accordance with a navigational state of a human interface device. For each measurement epoch, a base set of operations are performed, including: determining an unmodified user interface state in accordance with the navigational state, and generating current user interface data. Upon detecting an error introducing state, additional operations are performed, including: determining a modified user interface state; adjusting the current user interface data in accordance with the modified user interface state; and determining a user interface state error. Upon detecting an error compensating state, additional operations are performed, including: determining a compensation adjustment and adjusting the current user interface data and user interface state error in accordance with the compensation adjustment.

Abstract: A target region detector detects a target region in a display of a first device. A communicator receives positional information of an object, transmitted from the first device. An image generator generates an image including an object, in the detected target region, of the received positional information, and displays the image on an image display. In response to a predetermined selection operation on an object displayed on the image display, the controller generates selection information of the object, and then transmits the selection information to the first device via the communicator.

Abstract: Various embodiments that may generally relate to mobile gaming, location determination, mobile devices, authentication, and so on are described. Various methods are described. Various apparatus are described. Further embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibration and biasing are described herein. In one example, a method for determining a playing height of a user is described. The method includes receiving an identification of a first corner of a display screen from the user by associating a first position of a tracked object with the first corner using image data from a capture device, receiving an identification of a second corner of the display screen from the user by associating a second position of the tracked object with the second corner using image data from the capture device, and triangulating between the first and second corners and the tracked object to define a range of movement made by the user. The tracked object is held by the user. The method further includes defining a height at which the tracked object is held by the user based on the range of movement.

Abstract: A game system is provided in which, when data is transmitted to a game apparatus of a receiver side, the influence which the transmitted data has on a game progressing in the game apparatus of the receiver side is diversified and the interest of the game is increased. The game apparatus includes a display in which a field map represents all or part of a game field in a plan view as seen from the above. A placement request icon is displayed on the display. When touching the placement request icon, a sub-character can be placed at a position where a main character is located. When a sub-character icon is selected and content of an event is determined, the sub-character is placed. When a communication connection with a different game apparatus is established, information related to the placed sub-character is transmitted.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling a view of a virtual world character on a display are disclosed. One apparatus includes a controller, wherein the controller is operative to control translational movement and field of view of a character within a virtual world as rendered on a display based upon a first input and second input. The first input controls the translational movement of the character within the virtual world, and the second input controls the field of view as seen by the character within the virtual world. The video game apparatus further includes a sensor for sensing a spatial position of a user, wherein the sensor provides the first input based on the sensed spatial position of the user.

Abstract: A message playing system includes a plurality of comfort devices, each having a soft, huggable body and an electronic circuit in the body. The electronic circuit includes a WiFi or other wireless communication circuit for wireless electronic message communications. Each comfort device includes a display device for displaying messages. A server is connected over a communication network that includes at least one wireless communication link to each comfort device. The server is configured to receive and store messages and identification information for each message. The server is further configured to transmit the plurality of messages from the server to the comfort devices associated with the messages.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players may compete in a gaming context.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more controllers, cause the gaming system to initiate a wagering game to be played via a gaming machine and in response to a pause event, temporarily pause the wagering game-in-progress, prior to revealing a final outcome of the wagering game. While the game-in-progress is paused, the one or more controllers allow the gaming machine to participate in a community event along with a plurality of other gaming machines and in response to an end-pause event associated with the community event, reinstate the paused game-in-progress at the gaming machine.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing various forms of feedback are provided and can be implemented in a system, for example, between a gamer and a gaming system. One or more embodiments might be included and directed toward providing feedback between a gamer and the gaming system by way of one or more various forms of controllers that might be used by a gamer in playing a game or in setting up or configuring the game. Various bio-feedback mechanisms might be implemented to provide feedback from the game controller to the game in response to the condition, state, or behavior or the user. For example, in one embodiment, heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, or other biological or physiological sensors can be included with, incorporated in or integrated into the controller to sense a gamer's biological or physiological sensors condition.

Abstract: A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space position of a user interface and locks the hand to a handle of the user interface if world space parameters of the hand overcome a grab threshold of the handle. When the hand is locked to the handle, the computing system translates a world space position of the hand to a screen space handle position that is constrained along one or more interface guides. The hand is unlocked from the handle at a release position of the handle if world space parameters of the hand overcome a release threshold of the handle. The handle is retained at the release position after the hand is unlocked from the handle.

Abstract: A game system has at least two modes of operation, that is, a monitor game mode and a terminal device game mode. In the monitor game mode, a main game image is displayed on a monitor and a sub game image is displayed on an LCD of a terminal device. In the terminal device game mode, the main game image is displayed on the LCD of the terminal device. The mode of operation can be switched in accordance with a mode switching instruction from a user.

Abstract: A system and method (1000) for an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system (1000) preferably includes monitoring device (20) monitoring the vital signs of a user, an interface (1115), a game console (1010) and an accessory (1020). The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35), and a pair of straps (26a and 26b). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique play experience carried out utilizing an interactive “wand” and/or other seemingly magical actuation/tracking device. The wand or other actuation device allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment(s), thereby giving play participants the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic. Optionally, multiple play participants, each provided with a suitable “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device, may play and interact together, either within or outside one or more compatible play environments, to achieve desired goals, master certain magical spells and/or produce desired seemingly magical effects within the play environment.

Abstract: A first communication apparatus for use in a network established by a plurality of communication apparatuses to implement a predetermined system function includes a sending unit configured to send, to the network, information on an apparatus function for implementing the predetermined system function to accommodate a communication apparatus having the apparatus function in the network, and an execution unit configured to execute processing for accommodating a second communication apparatus having the apparatus function sent by the sending unit in the network according to a request from the second communication apparatus.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for a gaming device to determine when to offer a player an opportunity to play using a “jackpot only” pay table. The player may choose to accept the gaming device's offer to switch from using a conventional pay table to using a pay table that only pays top payout amounts. Play with a jackpot only pay table may only require a small wager amount as compared to play with a conventional pay table. Play with a jackpot only pay table may be automated to generate outcomes quickly to allow a player to relatively inexpensively avoid spending time playing a gaming device perceived to be in a “cold period.

Abstract: Sensor fusion algorithm techniques are described. In one or more embodiments, behaviors of a host device and accessory devices are controlled based upon an orientation of the host device and accessory devices, relative to one another. A combined spatial position and/or orientation for the host device may be obtained based on raw measurements that are obtained from at least two different types of sensors. In addition, a spatial position and/or orientation for an accessory device is ascertained using one or more sensors of the accessory device. An orientation (or position) of the accessory device relative to the host computing device may then be computed based on the combined spatial position/orientation for the host computing device and the ascertained spatial position/orientation for the accessory device. The relative orientation that is computed may then be used in various ways to control behaviors of the host computing device and/or accessory device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an interactive sports gaming device and methods of manufacturing and utilizing same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an interactive sports gaming device simulating the feel of an authentic sports accessory, capable of providing a cost-effective training device for actual sports play. In one embodiment of the present invention, an interactive sports gaming device comprises a housing for supporting a motion detection controller, the motion detection controller for wirelessly communicating with a video game system, and an authentic handle projecting from a first end of the housing, wherein the interactive sports gaming device simulates the feel of an authentic sports accessory.

Abstract: A multi-stage variable resistance triggers includes an input device comprising a communicative output configured to send control information to a computing device for controlling the computing device. The input device further comprises a multi-stage variable resistance trigger assembly configured to provide a first trigger resistance sub-profile throughout a first stage of a trigger pull and a second trigger resistance sub-profile throughout a second stage of the trigger pull.

Abstract: A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects.

Abstract: A game apparatus comprises an operation data acquiring means for acquiring operation data from a first input device including at least a first acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor and a second input device including at least a second acceleration sensor, and a game processing means for performing game processing on the basis of first acceleration data output from the first acceleration sensor, second acceleration data output from the second acceleration sensor, and angular velocity data from the angular velocity sensor, in the operation data.

Abstract: A hybrid separable motion controller is provided. The controller includes a first portion including a first handle, a first medial connector defined along a length of the first handle, and a first geometric object defined at an end of the first handle. The controller further includes a second portion including a second handle, a second medial connector defined along a length of the second handle for coupling to the first medial connector, and a second geometric object defined at an end of the second handle. The first portion or the second portion includes a connection sensor for determining whether the controller is in a connected configuration or a disconnected configuration.

Abstract: A system and method are described below for encoding interactive low-latency video using interframe coding. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for performing video compression comprises: detecting a maximum data rate of a communication channel between a server and a client; dynamically selecting a tile size for encoding a sequence of images based on the detected maximum data rate; logically subdividing each of the sequence of images into a plurality of tiles sized according to the selected tile size, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images; encoding each tile within each image of the sequence of images using a first compression format or a second compression format, wherein a tile at a particular position of a first image in the sequence of images is encoded using the first compression format and the same tile within one or more subsequent images is encoded using the second compression format.

Abstract: Technology is presented for generating directional force feedback in free space to a user using a mass rotatable about a movable axis. The mass and movable axis are responsive to a control signal to generate a force vector having a direction and a magnitude in three-dimensional space to provide feedback to the user. The force vector is created in response to an event in application executing in a processing device. The force vector represents feedback regarding an event in the application.

Abstract: A method of communicating data between a game console unit and at least one wireless mobile game controller is disclosed. The method includes establishing an uplink from the at least one mobile game controller to the game console unit via a first millimeter-wave wireless link, and establishing a downlink from the game console unit to the at least one wireless mobile game controller via a second millimeter wave wireless link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.

Abstract: A game controller arrangement includes a first control unit generating first operation data including linear acceleration sensed within a first control unit body. A second control unit generates second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player. One of the first control unit and the second control unit includes a transmission section for wirelessly transmitting the first operation data and the second operation data to a computer.

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 bingo system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player bingo game on the large screen and a plurality of bingo game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary bingo game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication mans for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a motion-based media control system comprising a motion-based controller comprising a motion sensor; a media center comprising a display; a network in communication with the media center and a server; a network in communication with the motion-based controller and the server; and an application configured to execute on the motion-based controller and to capture movement coordinates from the motion sensor of the motion-based controller, and to send the movement coordinates to the server. Various embodiments provide an optical-based media control system comprising an optical-based controller comprising a touch screen and an image sensor on a surface opposite of the touch screen.