Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.

Abstract: This document relates to techniques for addressing disruptions that prevent applications from receiving user input, prevent users from providing input to an application, and/or prevents or impacts users from receiving application output. One example method involves detecting a disruption to an interactive application during interaction by a user with the interactive application, generating automated user inputs, and providing the automated user inputs to the interactive application during the disruption to the interactive application.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for transmitting information, a terminal and a network device. The method includes: obtaining anchor transmission bandwidth information configured by a network device for a terminal, where a transmission bandwidth corresponding to the anchor transmission bandwidth information is at least one of transmission bandwidths supported by the terminal; and transmitting information via transmission resources corresponding to the anchor transmission bandwidth information.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets up the foundation of consistency for cloud authorization. Consistency is formalized as univalence and a scheme of inductive types, and consistency pushouts and pullbacks are derived for cloud authorization. Induction schemas are developed for services, repositories and messages. The consistency is characterized as relative consistency, paraconsistency, and three levels of inconsistency. Due to duality of consistency, consistency recovery is constructed with a semantic model and synthetic retry message type families.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a game stage switching method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes: obtaining a video stream of a game desktop; detecting a target object for each of image frames included in the video stream; and in response to detecting a specific target object in at least one image frame in the video stream, switching a game progress stage at a time point corresponding to a first image frame in a plurality of continuous image frames where the specific target object is detected.

Abstract: During output of a primary media stream from a cable, satellite, television, radio or internet source, a condition, signal or indication of a commercial break is detected causing a context switch to occur and enabling other services, programming or devices to intervene during the commercial break and causing an alternative output to be produced by a process or device. When the commercial break is over, the system may optionally rejoin with the primary media stream.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.

Abstract: A method for tracking patronage of a customer in at least one casino property is described. The method comprises monitoring a wireless handset that determines the location of the customer. The method then proceeds to generate a user profile that comprises user preferences and monitored betting activity associated with the customer and accumulated points stored in a customer account according to a monetary value of the monitored betting activity. Complementary goods or services are determined based on the accumulated points associated with the customer account. A message is sent to the wireless handset associated with the complementary goods or services that is consistent with the user preferences.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the synchronizing on-air commercial programming with interactive applications, providing interactive content synchronized with on-air television programming. There is provided a system comprising a client device with a display device and an input device and running a synchronization application. The client device receives digital data transmitted from a server, and transmits user feedback information generated from user interactions with the digital data back to the server. The digital data are interactive advertisements, such as online social games, that increase users' awareness of the advertised products or messages. The digital data are delivered to the user's client device in synchronization with the broadcasting of on-air television commercials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming system including a plurality of networked electronic gaming machines and a wireless network that communicates with mobile devices carried by attendants. The system detects when an electronic gaming machine is engaged by a player and disables at least one adjacent electronic gaming machine. When the player disengages from the electronic gaming machine, it is disabled and an attendant is dispatched to the electronic gaming machine via their mobile device to implement a cleaning protocol. When the cleaning protocol is completed, the attendant so indicates via an input on the mobile computing device, and the electronic gaming device is enabled for play.

Abstract: To provide a video display system for allowing a user to look at and listen to video and sound on various means. A video display system has a video display device and a portable video display device, connected to each other for communication. The video display device produces own device video data and own device sound data to be displayed and reproduced, respectively, on the video display device; displays the own device video data and reproduces the own device sound data; encodes these data into a data format which the portable video display device is able to handle, to thereby produce other device video data and other device sound data; and sends to the portable video display device. The portable video display device receives these data, and decodes and displays the other device video data, and decodes and reproduces the other device sound data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for aggregating and presenting content relevant to a particular video game. In some embodiments, the method comprises: identifying videos related to a video game; selecting videos relevant to each of a plurality of categories; selecting videos based on popularity; receiving a request to present a user interface related to the video game; determining user subscription information for a user associated with the request; selecting videos based on user subscription information; causing the user interface to be presented including representations of: videos relevant to a first category in a first portion, videos selected based on popularity in a second portion, and videos selected based on the user subscription information in a third portion; receiving a request to present a video selected via the user interface; and causing the user device to present the requested video.

Abstract: In a method according to the present disclosure a user in a virtual reality space identifies a desired location for moving another user within the space. The desired location is tested for suitability for teleportation or summoning. A list of clients available for moving to the desired location is identified and stored. The user selects one or more clients to move to the desired location, and the selected clients are summoned to the desired location.

Abstract: One example embodiment may provide a system for trace-based transaction validation and commitment in a network. The system includes at least one endorser peer and at least one committer peer. The at least one endorser peer is configured to generate a binary trace during simulation of a transaction, resulting in an endorsed trace. The at least one committer peer is configured to validate the transaction by executing a smart contract and using the endorsed trace as a witness.

Abstract: A system, including a tablet gaming table, allows casino dealers to connect with players both in-person and in Virtual Reality (VR). This system can be used for popular casino games such as blackjack or baccarat, and can also serve as a tool for casinos to increase player traffic while maximizing dealer employee efficiency.

Abstract: A system for remotely playing an arcade game, such as a “claw game”, in an “Internet of Things” (IOT) enabled arcade gaming system. One or more players interacts with the system using web enabled smart electronic devices. The system also manages one or more remote players as they interact remotely with a single physical arcade game.

Abstract: A method for gaming. The method including receiving location based information of game play of a user playing a gaming application as displayed on a first computing device, wherein the location based information is made with reference to a location of a character in the game play of the user in a gaming world associated with the gaming application. The method including aggregating location based information of a plurality of game plays of a plurality of users playing the gaming application. The method including generating contextually relevant information for the location of the character based on the location based information of the plurality of game plays. The method including generating a companion interface including the contextually relevant information. The method including sending the companion interface to a second computing device associated with the user for display concurrent with the game play of the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, apparatus, and system of authenticating a mobile server may have at least one mobile server configured to execute games of chance on a plurality of mobile gaming devices and an authentication server configured to: determine a location of the at least one mobile server; determine a wireless communication means to communicate with the at least one mobile server based on the location of the at least one mobile server; communicate with the at least one mobile server via the determined wireless communication means; and initiate authentication, by an authentication server, of the at least one mobile server.

Abstract: A handheld and/or optical and/or audio device for electronic and/or wireless transactions providing dedicated communication and dedicated function activatable components to extend or expand the operation of the device to permit the user to perform additional actions and/or transactions facilitated by the RFID/NFC-operability. Methods of using the device for conducting business or social transactions are also included.

Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

Abstract: A gameplay aspect, such as a hit volume, can be determined for a player-controlled gameplay element based at least in part upon a variance in input packet receipt timing. For games such as asynchronous multiplayer games where client devices are authoritative with respect the passage of time, players can obtain an unfair advantage but adjusting the timing of the input packets sent for those players. In order to address this potential unfairness, a hit volume for a player character can be increased in size according to the amount of timing variance, such that the player cannot avoid interactions as a result of the variation. A velocity vector can be used to sweep the hit volume in the direction of the velocity vector, and the variance can be used to increase the magnitude of the vector in order to expand the size of the hit volume for that gameplay object.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for detecting facial expressions according to EMG signals.

Abstract: A game of skill played simultaneously by several players whereby each participant effectively competes only against players having a similar skill tier to provide a better opportunity to win awards. The system includes a central computer system with each remote participant having a mobile device such as a cell phone. The system also provides for effective promotion or updating to a higher skill tier of successful players of the game. Each skill tier adds complexity which increase point potentials. The game play is relatively easy initially, permitting new users to enjoy success in the game. As the user becomes more skilled and reaches higher tiers prizes increase and game elements become more challenging thus motivating continued play while retaining a player's interest. While players are able to view all scores including those in higher tiers, they will know that players in other tiers had more opportunities to earn points.

Abstract: An example system including a plurality of terminals configured to be operated by respective users each belonging to one of a plurality of groups executes a game process involved in a game related to a virtual area in the plurality of terminals, respectively, updates area information about the virtual area for each group, based on the game process executed in the plurality of terminals, determines, for each of a plurality of periods of time, which group acquires the virtual area based on the updated area information for each group, and outputs a result of the game in which the plurality of groups compete against each other to acquire the virtual area after repeatedly performing the determining.

Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing an event space associated with a primary virtual space is provided. An event space is provided to users of a primary virtual space, wherein the event space comprises one or more event objectives. Users of the primary virtual space having primary user accounts have associated event space accounts indicating event user parameters, event game parameters, and event inventory information for the first user. The user may be provided with event virtual items for purchase wherein the event virtual items are used in the event space during the event period. In response to a determination of the progress of the user associated with one or more event objectives an event award is determined for distribution to the user, wherein the event award may be used within the primary virtual space.

Abstract: Aggregating virtual reality (VR) sessions includes supporting a plurality of requests for a VR session. Further, aggregating VR sessions includes determining a similarity between a first VR request and a second VR request. Still further, aggregating VR sessions includes merging a first VR environment supporting the first VR request and a second VR environment supporting the second VR request.

Abstract: Sports simulations may include sports nodes providing a user interface for players to participate in a sports simulation. A user interface for a player to interact with a sports service may be hosted on a computing device. The sports service providing the sports simulation game may be hosted on a server. The user at the user interface of the computing device may interact with the sports service via a network and/or the Internet. Multiple players may interact on their computing devices with the sports service. The multiple players may interact in one simulation, or may interact in multiple simulations, or may each interact with the sports service in solo simulations. Players may be matched in pairs where each pair plays a simulation to determine a winner.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods that can alleviate the burdens on professional advisors of preparing snapshots and answering client questions, particularly questions that do not require professional judgment or strategy. Such embodiments can automate creation of snapshots of account data collected from multiple institutions, suggest questions that are relevant to a user's accounts, and provide programmatic responses to factual or definitional questions pertaining to those accounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an information obtaining method performed at a terminal, the method including: displaying a web page, where the web page includes a scan window control and at least one hidden information region; when the scan window control is dragged, detecting whether an overlap exists between the scan window control and the hidden information region; and if an overlap exists between the scan window control and the hidden information region, displaying hidden information located in an overlap region between the scan window control and the hidden information region. In the present disclosure, a web page is scanned by using a scan window control, and hidden information in a hidden information region of the web page is obtained. The hidden information needs to be obtained by means of interaction with a user, so that a problem that a manner in which information is presented in the web page is excessively simplex, and the user often ignores the presented information.

Abstract: A method of managing a live broadcast of multiplayer video game activity operates a multiplayer game server system to provide game data to a plurality of client devices, the game data defining a multiplayer video game environment that includes a plurality of game characters. The game server system receives a character identifier corresponding to a targeted game character, determines that a currently active altercation in the multiplayer video game environment involves the targeted game character and an opponent game character, and communicates altercation data to a client device operating in a spectator mode. The altercation data includes first gameplay attributes to display with a first user interface (UI) element associated with the targeted game character, and second gameplay attributes to display with a second UI element associated with the opponent game character.

Abstract: To make predictions about racing, a point to pay attention to in pre-race movements of each racer can be presented. To this end, for racers entered in a race to be processed, a plurality of captured pre-race movement images of pre-race movements made by the racers before a race are retrieved. By using the retrieved pre-race movement images and racing result information corresponding to each pre-race movement image, an attention point to be paid attention to while each racer is making pre-race movements are identified. Presentation information for presenting information about the identified attention point is then generated and controlled to be presented to a user on an external terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for operating system includes a first user device, a second user device, and a first device having a controller and a first database storing a first data object of a first type of data associated therewith and a second database storing a second data object of a second type of data associated therewith different than the first type of data. The second database is accessible separately from and simultaneously with the first database. The second data object forms a second portion of a display. The controller has an application interface selecting a selected database from the first, second database or both and separately and simultaneously accessing the first and second database based on the first user input command and the second user input command to obtain stored data and separately and simultaneously communicating stored data to the first user device and to the second user device.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing a program, which, when executed by processing circuitry of a terminal device that communicates with a server device, causes the processing circuitry to: execute a game part, the server device being for storing ranking information including a plurality of first points each corresponding to each of a plurality of user groups to each of which one or more users belong, the ranking information also including a rank of each user group determined based on the corresponding first point; in response to an execution result of the game part satisfying a first condition, transmit, to the server device, a request for changing the first point corresponding to a first user group among the user groups to which the user of the terminal device belongs; and receive, from the server device, the ranking information updated based on the first point after being changed.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for online gaming are disclosed. A method includes providing and streaming a video of the gaming machine, which is to be remotely played by a user; displaying the video at a client station of the user; and receiving from the client station input data including data indicative of the user's interaction with controls of the gaming machine which appearing in the video; and activating the gaming machine based on the input data. Activation of the gaming machine based on the input data can be based on mapping data associating regions of the video with controls of the machine, which appearing at these regions of the video, and includes processing the input data by using the mapping data to thereby map the one or more regions of the video with which the user had interacted to respective controls of the gaming machine that appear in those regions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game using playing cards derived from the insertion of a physical denomination of currency. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.

Abstract: A method and system for physically interacting with a live broadcast stream is described. For example, in one embodiment, the users swipe or swing a mobile phone device to virtually swing and hit at a live pitch on a standard TV broadcast. The invention can also be used while present at the event.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a player input device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) display a search pattern matrix to a player on the display, the search pattern matrix includes a plurality of cells that are selectable by the player; (ii) receive an input selection of cells of the search pattern matrix from the player; (iii) search a pay table associated with a wagering game provided by the gaming machine for winning patterns included within the pay table and having at least the same plurality of cells daubed as are indicated by the search pattern matrix; and (iv) display the winning patterns identified by the searching to the player via the display, the displaying including presenting the winning patterns in a matrix display format identifying one or more daubed cells of the associated winning patterns within the matrix display.

Abstract: In various embodiments a display may allow a secondary player to select a game of an appropriate primary player.

Abstract: Provided is an incentive granting device, comprising: a second game notifying unit 16 which notifies an existing user of the existence of a second game during the execution by the existing user of a first game app; an introduction code issuing unit 18 which issues an introduction code during the execution of the second game app by the existing user who has received the notification; and an incentive granting unit 20 which grants a prescribed incentive for the existing user's first game, with respect to a new user receiving an introduction from the existing user and downloading the second game app. By allowing an existing user to be aware of the existence of a second game during the execution of a first game, and to obtain an incentive for the first game by executing the second game and introducing a new user thereto, the existing user is given a motivation to proactively spread the word about the second game.

Abstract: A method and system are set forth to enable a player using a wireless remote portable device to wager on a live table game. The system and method includes one or more servers configured with the portable device to cause a video display on the device to display information including a video presentation of a selected live table game, a graphic representation of the time remaining for the remote player to register a wager and to reject wagers received after the time for placing a wager has elapsed. In an embodiment the remote player may backline bet on a live player or wager on an outcome of the game itself. Other features include the display at the portable device of the outcome history of a live player. The remote player may enter queries for available live games as well as selected players.

Abstract: A coding toy includes a control object (a figure body) having a control unit, an input unit and an output unit, and a part (an icon block) having a code identifier (an icon) that corresponds to a control detail of the control object. The control unit of the control object obtains code identifier information and positional information from the code identifier indicated by the part disposed in a predetermined position and the position of the part and controls the output unit to a control detail and in a control sequence that are determined by the code identifier information and the positional information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting instant play includes pre-loading one or more instances of select ones of games on one or more game consoles on a cloud game server. The loading of instances is based on usage history of the games. Users are assigned to select ones of the instances of the games loaded on the one or more game consoles, in response to user interaction detected at the select ones of the games exceeding a pre-defined threshold value. User interactions are monitored at the instances of the select ones of games assigned to the users. Based on the monitored interactions, the number of instances of the games loaded on the one or more game consoles are dynamically adjusted. The dynamic adjustment includes scaling up or scaling down the number of instances of the games loaded on the one or more game consoles.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to dynamically altering an in-game experience based on a user's connection to the online game. The online game may monitor connection strength of a device of the user to a network via which the user may access the online game. The online game may dynamically alter the user's experience based on the connection strength of the device. The online game may make available or remove the availability of one or more modes of game play to the user based on the connection strength of the user's device.

Abstract: A device implements anonymous communication between users through an anonymous communication system. The device transmits a search query to a server of the anonymous communication system, where the search query corresponds to a motor vehicle identifier. The device receives from the server, an indication of whether the motor vehicle identifier is registered or is not registered with the anonymous communication system. If the motor vehicle identifier is registered, the device enables creation of content to be communicated and transmits the content to the server for retransmission to a device associated with the registered motor vehicle identifier.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus that enables adequately grasping the gaming environment. The information processing apparatus receives environmental information representing a gaming environment at a place where a gaming machine is installed in a gaming hall and performs image processing to create a floor map of the gaming hall in which gaming machines installed in the gaming hall are mapped to corresponding positions by associating the environmental information with the position of the gaming machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a localized, electronic card game tournament adaptable for play in private homes and public venues with no equipment or system modifications are disclosed. In one embodiment the tournament players' identities are verified. Once the players' identities are identified, they are provided with handheld electronic game units and tournament entry credentials. Players will enter their tournament entry credentials into the respective handheld electronic game units. Once the tournament entry credentials have been entered into the handheld electronic game unit, game events are transmitted to the handheld electronic game unit from a single remote server. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tournament entry fee, if any, is maintained separately from the remote game server and the handheld electronic game units. The fees may be collected and/or winnings may be paid in case, through electronic transfer or through electronic currency.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the field of computer technologies, and discloses a method and apparatus for running a game client. The method includes: receiving a startup instruction of a target game client, and sending a startup request corresponding to the target game client to a server; receiving startup data, sent by the server, corresponding to the target game client, and starting, based on the startup data, the target game client; sending, when a preset data obtaining condition of a target game unit in the corresponding target game client is satisfied, a data request carrying a unit identifier of the target game unit to the server; and receiving operating data of the target game unit sent by the server, and running, based on the operating data, the target game unit. By means of the present disclosure, storage resources of a mobile terminal can be saved.

Abstract: Technologies for executing a virtual character development application using machine learning are described herein. In typical simulation applications, a user may be enabled to create a virtual character and navigate a virtual world. A typical simulation application may accept inputs from the user, determine actions initiated by the user based on the inputs, determine subsequent outcomes of the user initiated actions, and mold the simulation according to the outcomes. However most outcomes may be predetermined and predictable by design. In contrast, some embodiments may include a server configured to execute a virtual character development application in conjunction with one or more client devices. A user may utilize a client device to create and develop a virtual character within the application. The user may be enabled to provide inputs to the virtual character development application, and the artificial component may process the input and extract information associated with the virtual character.