Abstract: A CE device for, e.g., displaying the time can incorporate an accelerometer to provide various features and enhancements. For example, using position derived from the accelerometer, the signal strength of a wireless access point (AP) can be mapped in a house.

Abstract: A game system is provided in which a plurality of pairs, each consisting of: a first input device provided with a first operation section; and a second input device provided with a second operation section, are wirelessly connected to a game apparatus, and in which a game process is executed based on operation data obtained from the first input device and the second input device. As an example, each of the first input device and the second input device includes a display section, wireless communication means for performing communication for the operation data and information regarding each pair, and a display control section for controlling a display form of the display section. The display control section controls the display form of the display section so as to be a display form corresponding to each pair. The game apparatus executes the game process based on the operation data for each pair.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping natural input devices to legacy system inputs are disclosed. One example system may include a computing device having an algorithmic preprocessing module configured to receive input data containing a natural user input and to identify the natural user input in the input data. The computing device may further include a gesture module coupled to the algorithmic preprocessing module, the gesture module being configured to associate the natural user input to a gesture in a gesture library. The computing device may also include a mapping module to map the gesture to a legacy controller input, and to send the legacy controller input to a legacy system in response to the natural user input.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth a method for issuing an in-game virtual reward by visiting a physical location. The method includes offering an incentive for obtaining an opt-in authorization from a device; receiving the opt-in authorization from the device after the incentive is determined to be accepted; requesting the location of the device based on the opt-in authorization when receiving a notification message from the device; and issuing an in-game virtual reward after the notification message is determined to be sent at the physical location.

Abstract: An entertainment device is configured to receive a limited range wireless signal from at least one other entertainment device when adjacently arranged in close physical proximity to at least one other entertainment device, and to responsively operate in a first mode or a second mode based on whether the other entertainment device is adjacent a first side or second side. In the first mode, the entertainment device initiates one or more wireless activation signals to control an audio/visual element of another entertainment device. In the second mode, the entertainment device receives wireless activation signals from another entertainment device to control activation of an audio/visual element of the receiving entertainment device. Each device is interchangeable between operation in the first mode of controlling at least one other entertainment device and the second mode of being controlled by another entertainment device based on position of one entertainment device relative to the other.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a gaming machine and a controller operatively associated with the gaming machine. The controller is configured to temporarily pause a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of a pause event. The controller is also configured to reinstate a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of an end-pause event.

Abstract: A shooting toy used in a game for two or more players capable of allowing an opponent player to reliably receive an infrared ray signal even in an open air, e.g., under a scorching sun. The intensity of light included in a particular wavelength region around a toy is detected by an optical sensor 27. If the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is large, an infrared ray signal generating section 31 increases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated, whereas if the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is small, the infrared signal generating section 31 decreases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated. This prevents the infrared ray signal reception capability from being affected by the light included in the particular wavelength region around the toy.

Abstract: An acceleration data acquisition means obtains acceleration data repeatedly. An acceleration determination means determines whether an acceleration represented by the acceleration data acquired by the acceleration data acquisition means is an acceleration at the time of accelerating, which is applied when a housing is moved and accelerated in a predetermined direction, or an acceleration at the time of decelerating, which is applied when the housing is moved and decelerated in the predetermined direction. A moving direction calculation means calculates a direction in which the housing is moved, by using the acceleration at the time of decelerating determined by the acceleration determination means. A processing means performs a predetermined process based on the moving direction calculated by using the moving direction calculation means.

Abstract: A game device acquires gazing position information relating to a position where a game player is gazing at a game screen, and a first determination unit determines whether or not the game player is aware of a game character based on the gazing position information and a position of the game character. A second determination unit determines whether or not the game character is aware of a virtual viewpoint or an operation subject of the game player based on the position and a sight line of the game character and a position of the virtual viewpoint or the operation subject of the game player. An action control unit causes the game character to perform an action corresponding to the gazing position information or a predetermined action based on determination results obtained by the first determination unit and the second determination unit.

Abstract: The video game device comprising a game vibrator, a three-dimensional game space generator, a game object locator, and a game object entering detector, wherein multiple game objects are located in a three-dimensional game space, wherein the game vibrator is activated when the user controlled game object is identified to be located within a certain two-dimensional area, wherein when an incoming call is detected, the game vibrator is activated and generates a specific pattern of vibration, and wherein the multiple game objects are the digital data transferred from a host computer in a wireless fashion.

Abstract: A home entertainment system for video games and other applications includes a main unit and handheld controllers. The handheld controllers sense their own motion by detecting illumination emitted by emitters positioned at either side of a display. The controllers can be plugged into expansion units that customize the overall control interface for particular applications including but not limited to legacy video games.

Abstract: The video game device comprising a game vibrator, a three-dimensional game space generator, a game object locator, and a game object entering detector, wherein multiple game objects are located in a three-dimensional game space, wherein the game vibrator is activated when the user controlled game object is identified to be located within a certain two-dimensional area, wherein when an incoming call in detected, the game vibrator is activated and generates a specific pattern of vibration, and wherein the input device which is utilized for performing voice communication is allocated as the device to manipulate the user controlled game object when performing video game.

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: A remote control for use with a media player coupled to an output device. The media player is configured to receive signals from the remote control, to read and execute information stored on a game medium, and to cause the output device to transmit generated signals. The remote control includes a controller, an input coupled to the controller, a transmitter coupled to the controller, and a receiver coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to selectively operate in a first mode that causes the transmitter to transmit a signal upon user actuation of the input, and a second mode that prevents the transmitter from transmitting signals upon user actuation of the input. Reception of a first generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the first mode, and reception of a second generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the second mode.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing input to an interactive program are presented. An interactive system includes a server for executing the interactive program, and a game client interfaced with the server over a network. The game client is configured to send, over the network, position data defining a position of a controller device. The server is configured to define interactive zones, each interactive zone being defined by a spatial region having an associated specified function for an action of the controller device when the controller device is located within that interactive zone. The server is further configured to set the functionality of the action of the controller device to the specified function associated with the interactive zone within which the controller device is located.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for capturing a game history. Execution of a game of chance is facilitated in a network causing generation of a plurality of game presentation frames capable of being presented on a multimedia display of a first device on the network. First frame data are received from the first device via the network. The first frame data represent at least a portion of the game history and include a selected one of the game presentation frames.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a motion sensing controller, two calibration wireless transmissions that were transmitted from two different wireless emitters that are fixedly positioned to two different components of a wagering game system during calibration. The method includes receiving, by the motion sensing controller, two gameplay wireless transmissions that was transmitted from the two different wireless emitters for tracking of the wagering game play of the wagering game. The method includes determining a calibration movement difference between the two calibration wireless transmissions and determining a gameplay movement difference between the two gameplay wireless transmissions. In response to the calibration movement difference and the gameplay movement difference being unequal, outputting an indicator of at least one of a component movement and distortion of one of the two different gameplay transmissions.

Abstract: A branching tree program replays audio data, and thereafter, when the user performs a selection of alternatives, the branching tree program replays audio data in the branching tree which is the target of selection. The branching tree program progresses a game by repeating this type of selection and replaying. If the end of the branching tree is reached, or if the next item of audio data is not stored upon the portable telephone, then the required data or program is downloaded from a server device 50, and the game is continued. Accordingly, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program. As a result, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program.

Abstract: A first control unit includes a first operation data generation section for generating first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first control unit body included in the first control unit. A second control unit includes a second operation data generation section for generating second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player. Further, one of the first control unit and the second control unit includes a transmission section for transmitting the first operation data and the second operation data to a computer at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: An interactive game apparatus includes a game host and a game controller. The game host includes a game control module capable of running a game program and receiving at least one response signal outputted from the game control. The game controller includes a first motion sensor, a second motion sensor and a processor. The first motion sensor detects motion signals of the play, and the second motion sensor also detects motion signals. Furthermore, the processor includes a determination circuit determining the timing for activating either the first motion sensor or the second motion sensor.

Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. One of the game apparatuses functions as a parent apparatus, and at least one other game apparatus functions as a child apparatus. The parent apparatus transmits transmission verification data a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, the child apparatus receives the transmission verification data from the parent apparatus, and transmits to the parent apparatus the same number of pieces of reception verification data as those of the received transmission verification data. The parent apparatus receives the reception verification data from the child apparatus, and detects the number of the received pieces of reception verification data.

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. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting game related information from a hand-held gaming device through a game console to a game controller and vice versa. In one aspect, the game related information comprises command information that causes the game controller to respond either by vibrating, rumbling or other action associated with a game being played. In another aspect, the game related information may include controller signals that cause an action at the hand-held device.

Abstract: A video game allows dynamic transitions in the number of players. A player may join other players already playing the game without interrupting the play of the existing players, and a player may cease playing the game without interrupting the play of players who continue playing. The video game uses a method including providing game play for at least one game player including displaying video information based on game program instructions and inputs from a controller. The method also includes determining whether a further player is joining the video game, and if the further player is joining the video game, displaying player specific information associated with the further player to the video information. The method also includes determining whether a player is quitting the video game, and if the player is quitting the video game, removing display of the player specific information associated with the player.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input.

Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A racing car steering wheel assembly provides an input/output interface for a participant in a multimedia interactive electronic game. Two primary paddles on the underside of the wheel control throttle and braking functions, respectively. Secondary paddles or buttons may be included on either the side of the wheel for optionally controlling gear selection. Integral accelerometers are included for determining wheel rotation. Steering inputs are caused either by rotation about a fixed point to which the wheel may be affixed or by rotation in free air. A wired or wireless interface to a PC or game console provides communication with game software and optional wired or wireless communication between the user and other individuals. Switches and buttons may be included to emulate controls on real race cars and for inputting game information. A panel display and/or a decorative logo plate may be included on the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of user interface having multiple motion dots capable of detecting user inputs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user interface (“UI”) device includes a first motion dot and a second motion dot. The first motion dot is capable of attaching to a first finger and the second motion dot is configured to attach to a second finger. The first finger, in one example, is a thumb and the second finger is an index finger. The first motion dot includes multiple accelerometers used for identifying the physical location of the first motion dot. The second motion dot, which is logically coupled to the first motion dot via a wireless communications network, is capable of detecting a user input in response to a relative physical position between the first and the second motion dots.

Abstract: A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.

Abstract: A game controller comprising: a game controller housing; at least one user input device located on the game controller housing; a build digital data packet routine located in the game controller housing and in signal communication with the at least one user input devices; an add checksum routine located in the game controller housing and in signal communication with the build digital data packet routine; a convert to audio waveform routine located in the game controller housing and in signal communication with the add checksum routine; a headphone male connector attached to or on the game controller housing and in signal communication with the convert to audio waveform routine; where the headphone male connector is configurable to be in signal communication with an app on a computer device.

Abstract: A mobile fitness device and method of use are presented. The mobile fitness device includes a controller having a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions encoded thereon to record performance data that is based upon a performance of a physical activity by a user of the mobile fitness device and to transmit a communication, including the performance data, to a social network or to others for fitness, socialization, and potential game playing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating real-time geo-game using geocast messaging according to a scalable tiered geocast protocol. The method includes a first wireless terminal (WT), programmed with a geo-gaming application and the scalable tiered geocast protocol, geocasting a game declaration to a destination geocast region containing potential participants. The method also includes a second WT, of one of the potential participants, and programmed with the geo-gaming application and the scalable tiered geocast protocol, receiving the game declaration in the destination geocast region and responding by geocasting a response message indicating interest in participating in the real-time geo-game.

Abstract: In a game system 1 of the present invention, an image capturing device 2 captures a controller 20. The controller 20 includes a plurality of LEDs which express controller numbers assigned to the controller 20 in a game application to be executed, and periodically repeats the turning on and off of an LED in a flashing pattern defined in accordance with the controller number assigned. A cycle of the flashing is set so that the flashing appears to be continuous to a user, on the other hand, so that a continuous turning-off state and a continuous turning-on state are captured alternately in succession by the image capturing device 2. The game device 10 determines if the controller 20 is located in the image capturing space of the mage capturing device 2 based on the captured images which are captured continuously at a predetermined capturing speed by the image capturing device 2.

Abstract: A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: An exemplary handheld controller includes a shell, a gas pressure detecting member and a processing unit. The gas pressure detecting member is received in the shell and exposed to the ambient environment. The gas pressure detecting member is configured for detecting a pressure exerted by ambient air at the outside of the shell, and generating a signal relating to the pressure. The processing unit is electrically connected with the pressure detecting member. The processing unit is configured for receiving the signal, identifying a movement of the shell according to the signal, and generating an instruction based on the identified movement.

Abstract: A electronic gaming device that distributes data based awards has been developed. The gaming device includes an outcome processor that determines certain machine events and an award delivery device that delivers data based awards in response to the machine events.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video-captured model vehicle simulator including at least one model vehicle, a track layout, at least one video imaging unit, at least one computer, at least one input device and/or control system and a customised software application whereby the simulator provides a user with a realistic simulation of the operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a multi-player wireless video-game session is disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless device is configured to establish a wireless ad-hoc connection with another wireless device capable of serving a video game over the ad-hoc network. The wireless device is capable of communicating with the ad-hoc connection through other networks such that a video-game player in one region may move between geographic regions without loss of game play and/or may join other video games associated with other networks. In one embodiment, in response to the user joining the video game, a selection of characters along with personalities and behaviors based on attributes supplied by the user is presented to the user for selection thereof. In another embodiment, the user may transfer a selected personality to another character associated with the video game, such as a computer operated video-game character.

Abstract: A toy set 100 is provided which enables a communication between a game device and a toy without changing a hardware configuration of the game device.

Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A trace gesture of the computer user is identified and an action performable within an interactive interface is selected based on the shape of the trace gesture.

Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A first gesture of the computer user is identified as one of a plurality of different action selection gestures, each action selection gesture associated with a different action performable within an interactive interface controlled by gestures of the computer user. A second gesture is identified as a triggering gesture that causes performance of the action associated with the action selection gesture.

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: An example game system includes a home-console type game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The portable display device includes an infrared emitter capable of emitting infrared light. The controller device wirelessly transmits to the game device operation image data from an image-capturing section, inertia sensor data, and operation button data. The game device receives the operation data from the controller device, and performs game processes based on the operation data. Moreover, the game device compresses first game images, which are generated based on the game processes, to generate compressed image data. The compressed image data is wirelessly transmitted to the portable display device. The portable display device receives the compressed image data from the game device, expands the compressed image data to obtain the game images, and displays the game images.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide a dynamic and scalable gaming system in which a plurality of gaming machines are connected to a network switch. The gaming switch has two sets of data ports configured into two virtual local area networks (VLANs). The gaming machines are connected through their network interfaces to a first set of data ports of the network switch to form a first VLAN. The gaming machines are connected through their serial interfaces and serial-to-network adapters to a second set of data ports of the network switch to form a second VLAN. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with devices external to the gaming network through their network interfaces. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with each other through their serial interfaces. External and internal communications within the gaming network are segregated both at the device and network levels.

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. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for playing browser based game with alternative controls and interfaces are presented. In one method, a definition of native inputs defined for the game is received. The native inputs are originated in a native device and are capable of causing actions in the game. Further, the method detects an alternate device that does not have all the native inputs. The native inputs are mapped from the native device to alternate inputs from the alternate device. The inputs generated with the alternate device are translated to corresponding native inputs according to the mapping and causing the corresponding actions in the game. In another method, a game area inside a web page is identified for playing the game. The game area is expanded by increasing the size of the game area while decreasing the size of other elements in the web page.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for use in providing input to a system that includes the steps of determining position information for a controller for the system, comparing the determined position information for the controller with predetermined position information associated with commands, and providing a command to the system if the determined position information matches predetermined position information for the command.