Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing digital streaming media data to client devices via a digital media control room is described. The method may include receiving a request at a server computer system from a mobile device to join a digital media control room, where the digital media control room is a virtual location that provides access to digital media data of a real-world event captured by a plurality of different mobile devices. The method may also include locating one or more available media streams associated with the digital media control room that capture the real-world event as the real-world event occurs. The method may also include transmitting data indicative of the one or more available media streams to the mobile device.

Abstract: A communication device is provided for enabling a user to establish an automated call back from a communication system, such as a call center, for example. A software device application enables the communication device to communicate with the call center through the exchange of data. The communication device includes a display screen for displaying controls for allowing the user to interact with the communication system. The controls allow the user to request a list of providers from which to select a provider or company to contact. The communication device further provides controls for allowing the user to select a queue to join from a list of queues associated with the selected provider. An embodiment may also communicate contextual data between a communication device and a communication system, including information associated with the user of the communication device and information used to assist, instruct, or solve a user's problem.

Abstract: A device for extending the life of a detachable robotically controlled device that has an electrical interface for communicating between a control system and a robotically controlled device-based circuit mounted within the robotically controlled device includes a circuit that is connected to the electrical interface. The circuit has logic that intercepts requests from the electrical interface such that the logic array recognizes at least one request from the control system and the logic array responds to the at least one request by sending a response to the control system over the electrical interface. At least one other request is forwarded by the logic array to the robotically controlled device-based circuit of which a response from the robotically controlled device-based circuit is received by the logic array and the response is forwarded by the logic array to the control system over the electrical interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods that incorporate various techniques for teaching gestures to a user of a multi-touch sensitive device are disclosed herein. Such techniques can include presenting visible feedback of gestures, such as animated motion trails and/or hand motions, along with affirmative feedback for correctly performed gestures and negative feedback for incorrectly performed gestures. Such techniques can be expanded to provide training exercises that present tasks requiring a particular gesture or sequence of gestures to be performed. These training exercises can take the form of games or other engaging activities to encourage use.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method of collecting statistics about processor usage is disclosed. The method is performed on a data storage server having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system executes one or more processes, wherein each of the one or more first processes is associated with an entity from a group of one or more entities. The server system then receives an interrupt signal at a first predetermined interval. In response to receiving the interrupt signal and for each processor of the one or more processors, the server system interrupts the process currently being executed on the processor. The server system increments the counter associated with the interrupted process. The server system then resumes the interrupted process.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a robotic surgical arm that has an interface pin for communicating with a control system and is electrically connected through a conductor to a memory device for storing data associated with the robotic surgical arm, the method includes providing a circuit having a first interface and a second interface. The circuit recognizes at least one request from the first interface and the circuit responds directly to the at least one of the requests over the first interface. The circuit forwards at least one other request from the first interface to the second interface and the circuit forwards a response thereof from second interface back to the first interface. The method includes disconnecting the conductor and inserting the circuit such that the first interface is electrically interfaced to the interface pin and the second interface is electrically interfaced to the memory device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for emotion-based game character manipulation are provided. Each character is associated with a table of quantified attributes including emotional attributes and non-emotional attributes. An adjustment to an emotional attribute of a game character is determined based on an interaction with another game character. The emotional attribute of the first game character is adjusted, which further results in an adjustment to a non-emotional attribute of the first game character. The behavior of the first game character is then determined based on the adjusted non-emotional attribute.

Abstract: A gaming system for displaying real-time pushed data of tournament scores is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network each having a display capable of presenting a game, wherein each gaming machine enables play of chat-based games. The system also includes a gaming server and a chat server that are connected to the network. The gaming server is in communication with the plurality of gaming machines via the network. The chat server pushes real-time tournament data to the first and second gaming machines for presenting tournament data and on the display to facilitate competition between the first and second gaming machines.

Abstract: A particular method includes receiving video content at a set-top box device. Scene data defining a three-dimensional scene is accessed, where the scene data includes object data defining at least one three-dimensional graphical object, and where the scene data is accessed based at least in part on information associated with the video content. The method further includes processing the object data to render the at least one three-dimensional graphical object. The rendered at least one three-dimensional graphical object is overlaid on a portion of the video content, thereby generating dynamically modified video content. The method includes sending the dynamically modified video content to a display device.

Abstract: A method for updating game software is performed at a first client device. While a game session related to the game software is running at the first client device, the first client device performs steps including: identifying updating data for the game software and predefined criteria for locating one or more other client devices that possess the updating data; locating at least one second client device in accordance with the predefined criteria; sending an outgoing downloading request to the located at least one second client device; and upon acceptance of the outgoing downloading request by the at least one second client device, downloading the updating data from the located at least one second client device. The downloading further comprises dynamically adjusting respective bandwidth allocated to the downloading in accordance with data transmission need of the game session.

Abstract: A television viewer interface system provides a viewer interface that allows the viewer to access different functions of a system. A highlight bar is responsive to the user's commands and is used to indicate the current menu item that can be selected by the user. Information is presented in a successive disclosure format where the user navigates through menus by moving the highlight bar to the right to obtain more information or to the left to see less information and return to the previous location. The background colors of each set of menus remains consistent throughout the user's experience such that the user intuitively knows what menu area he is in through the color cues. The invention provides indicators that tell the user that more information is available in a particular direction for a menu item.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to enable the indication positions of respective indicators (e.g., fingers) to be detected (multiple-point detection) and also to enable detection of the users of the indicators (user detection). Signal generators for generating different signals for respective users are provided, and the signals from the signal generators are supplied to a sensor section through indicators. In a multi-touch and multi-user detecting device 1, a transmitting section 200 supplies determined signals to respective transmitting conductors 11Y. Respective receiving conductors 12X receive the signals from the transmitting conductors 11Y and also the signals from the signal generators of the users. Based on these signals, a user-and-position identifying circuit 33A and a position detecting circuit 34A in a receiving section 300A function to detect indication positions indicated by the respective indicators as well as the users using the indicators.

Abstract: When the player identifies herself to a gaming machine at a casino, for example by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader, she is, at generally the same time, logging onto a game provider's backend system (the game provider being different from the casino operator). This concurrent sign-on to the game provider's system is done in a non-intrusive, transparent, and passive manner. The player is not distracted from the normal steps leading to game play on the machine until she is ready to redeem points with the game provider or for some reason additional authentication is needed from the player. By virtue of this single sign-on to the game provider network, in addition to continuing game play across different casinos, the player can publish events to the Internet, such as on social networking sites, take advantage of offers targeted specifically for her, or facilitate responsible gaming programs.

Abstract: A network-based gaming system includes a website hosted by a web server connected to the network, the website including a member login interface, a social graph application program interface (API), and at least one hyperlink to a multi-dimensional game served by a game server connected to the network and a social graph information reader accessible to the game server, the social graph information reader for identifying one or more players of the game by correlating identification information provided or known about the players with social graph data aggregated about the players, and a game configuration interface resident on and executable from the digital medium accessible to the game server, the game configuration interface enabling a member to configure rules pertaining to game and or game object recognition of, and treatment of certain players of the game determined to be friends of the member.

Abstract: A game system is provided with a communication mode using communication and a task mode in which a player selects one task from a plurality of tasks (operations), and plays a game with an aim to achieve the task, and operates operation management data 111 so that it is changed by following a predetermined condition whether the status of task is permission or forbiddance. The game system allows the player to select at least one task achieved by the player, and communicates data 112s, 112r in association with the game-play of communication mode between the game apparatuses, the data 112s, 112r being for permitting the selection of task specified by each player. And, the game system operates the operation management data 111 so that the selection of task corresponding to the data 112r received gets permitted.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing application events are provided. In embodiments, a notifier is received that indicates a usage of an application installed on a user device and a date associated with the usage. A verification notifier is also received that verifies that the user device is registered in association with the application and indicates a date associated with the verification. The date associated with the usage and the date associated with the verification are compared to determine whether the dates occur within a predetermined time period relative to one another. In such a case, it might be determined that a provider of the application installed on the user device should be rewarded.

Abstract: A gaming system including a tracking system or a player tracking system and plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines include at least one display device and a plurality of player preferences selections. These player preference selections enable a player to choose one or more elements of the background or an entertainment setting of the gaming machine while they are playing a game at the gaming machine. The gaming machine enables the player to enter identification information at the gaming machine and choose at least one preference. The gaming machine tracks all of the preference selections made by the player. Upon meeting certain promotional criteria, the gaming machine determines a promotion to provide the player based on the preferences of that player. That is, the player does not directly select any promotions. The gaming system determines personalized promotions for the player based on the preference selections made by that player.

Abstract: A user profile for an online gaming service is created. The user profile contains user gaming information received from a first location. The user profile is stored in a database, and the user is permitted to access the user profile from a second location.

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: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.

Abstract: A system for sharing score experiences includes one or more devices on which one or more games are played, a gameplay experience service arrangement and a communication arrangement for communicatively coupling the devices to the gameplay experience service arrangement. The devices include computing hardware for executing one or more games software products for implementing the one or more games when executed upon the computing hardware. The devices are operable to record a gameplay experience (GEV) played thereupon including an associated score, wherein the one or more devices are operable to upload their recorded gameplay experiences (GEV) and associated score to the gameplay experience service arrangement which maintains a score list corresponding to the uploaded gameplay experiences. The score list is accessible to the devices for identifying relative gameplay performances of users of the devices, for example via replaying of the recorded gameplay experiences.

Abstract: Users are arranged to employ gameplay terminals which including computing hardware for executing one or more software products The users share gameplay experiences by including in the one or more software products a host game software application for implementing one or more games on one or more of the terminals, and appending one or more software components to the host game software application for providing control of the host game software application on a real-time basis for recording gameplay experiences for sharing amongst the users based upon one or more of: game view, sub-game view, sensor data employed to control the game, video camera views of one or more users playing the game, game events occurring during playing the game. A software development kit is also described.

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: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments operate an anti-cheating hybrid game. One embodiment includes an anti-cheating hybrid game constructed to communicate occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game that triggers a randomly generated payout to a gambling game; where the anti-cheating hybrid game incorporates an anti-cheating module constructed to: receive player data for a player, where the player data is indicative of the player's current gameplay performance at the entertainment game; analyze the player data to determine whether cheating is occurring by comparing the player's current gameplay performance with historical gameplay data to evaluate whether the player's current gameplay performance is beyond the statistical limits of the randomness inherent in the anti-cheating hybrid game; and send a command to penalize the player during play of the entertainment game based upon a determination that cheating has occurred from the analyzed player data.

Abstract: A user profile for an online gaming service is created. The user profile contains user gaming information received from a first location. The user profile is stored in a database, and the user is permitted to access the user profile from a second location.

Abstract: A printing and dispensing system for an electronic gaming device has been developed. The system includes a gaming device with a processor that generates an outcome for the gambling device and a bonus system that generates payout that is supplemental to the payout of the gaming device. The supplemental payout is generated is response to gaming events in the gaming device.

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 devices are described that allow a casino to dynamically service patrons. The dynamic systems and methods collect data related to the behavior of multiple people in a gaming establishment, and collect data for entertainment resources in the gaming establishment, such as gaming devices and services. The data may be flexibly used. In one embodiment, a person is at least partially identified in the casino. The gaming establishment uses a model that selects tailor offerings for a person, such as advertisements for services that the person may enjoy or games on gaming machines that the person may enjoy. The model selects a tailored offering for the person based on the at least partial identification and the data previously obtained for multiple people and entertainment resources. The identification, selection and offering may be performed in real time.

Abstract: A game system includes multiple game machines which implement a game by alternating turns. Each game machine implements the game on its turn, and transmits game progress information to the other game machines. The game is implemented in accordance with the transmitted game progress information. A host game machine of the game machines transmits turn determination information to the other game machines, and receives turn completion information from each of the other game machines. When the turn confirmation information is not returned from one of the other game machines, the host game machine recognizes that communication has been cut off. When the communication has been cut off, the host game machine functions as a substitute for the cut off game machine.

Abstract: A system for allowing a user to remotely access a game includes: a game console; a remote console client configured to receive a game control signal; and a remote console server. The remote console server includes an audio and video encoder configured to receive an audio output and a video output from the game console and to convert the audio output and the video output to a network packet. The remote console server also includes: a game controller emulation unit and a network interface configured to send and receive the network packet. The game controller emulation unit is configured to receive a game controller signal from the game console and to send the game controller signal to the remote console client and to receive a game controller input from the remote console client and send the game controller input to the game console.

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: A method and system is provided to tie role-driven gaming purchases to executable transactions during a game so that on-line or related gaming systems create economic value inside the game itself. Players may control characters within a game which uses money to exchange goods or services to reach a goal, accomplish a task, or succeed in an event. The invention also provides for a participant to enter a game as a service provider to other players wherein the player receives compensation for the service. The service may be to provide aid in the form of a character or to provide educational services, for example. Accounts may be created to accumulate winnings or earnings as games are played.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gaming are provided. A transpiring of a collective element in an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game is determined where the collective element is shared by two or more players of the entertainment portion of the hybrid, and where the hybrid game includes a gambling game portion and the entertainment game portion. A wager is triggered in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game based on the transpiring of the collective element in the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game. A real world credit gambling game result is distributed in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game between the two or more players. The distribution may be made on the basis of various parameters of the use of the shared collective element by the players. In addition, an allocation of an amount of a real world credit for the wager may also be based on various parameters of the players use of the shared collective element.

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: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving emotive light presentation data from a variety of emotive light control sources and determining presentation priorities for the emotive light presentation data. The operations can further include controlling the emotive light presentation data, from the variety of emotive light control sources, based on prioritization of the presentation priorities. In some embodiments, the operations can include controlling priorities based on locations of emotive lighting devices on a wagering game machine. In other embodiments, the operations can include assigning priorities based on wagering game types and other classifications. In yet other embodiments, the operations can utilize priority values to determine lighting prominence, which in conjunction with transparency values, can generate blended, or composite lighting effects.

Abstract: A system and method having a first software module of a server recorded on a computer-readable medium programmed to receive a request for information from a user. The user requests a purchase of a lottery ticket, information on lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information using at least one of a short code and a long code and a generic assigned identification. The system obtains a lottery ticket number, lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information requested by the user. The system send the lottery ticket number, lottery laws and regulations, and lottery winnings distribution information requested by the user to a mobile device of the user through at least one of a short message service (SMS) gateway, a mobile phone network, and the Internet.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) within the gaming system can be configured to allow play of wager-based games and interact with portable electronic devices. The EGMs can be configured with one or more of mechanisms that enable a user to establish and then determine a status of a communication session between a portable electronic device and the EGM. In addition, the EGMs can be configured with one or more mechanisms that enable a user to determine a status of a transaction or application involving a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power management on a wagering game machine. Inrush power may be reduced by staggering application of power to various power supplies in a wagering game machine. A processor or timer may control the activation of power supplies. Further power management may be provided by placing wagering game machine peripherals in a power consumption mode appropriate to the activity or lack of activity on a wagering game machine.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating performance of tasks by users in a computer game environment. In some situations, the techniques include automated operations of a system that receives multiple tasks from a task fulfillment system, provides the multiple tasks to multiple users as part of playing an electronic game, receives results of performance of the tasks by the users as part of the game playing, sends the task performance results to the task fulfillment system, receives and retains monetary compensation for the performance of the tasks, and provides non-monetary virtual rewards to the multiple users for the performance of the provided multiple tasks. The non-monetary virtual rewards may be rewards that are part of the electronic game and are usable by the multiple users as part of the playing of the electronic game.

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 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: A system according to an embodiment includes a game progress control unit configured to control progress of a game, a screen output unit configured to output a game screen containing a path area in which a path of a puzzle game is formed to a terminal device, a placement unit configured to place a path object that functions as part of the path on the basis of advancement of turns in the path area according to an instruction from the player, a moving unit configured to advance the turns to move the moving object according to a predetermined rule, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the moving object has reached a goal point.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes: detecting a plurality of wagering game machines in proximity to the mobile phone, and selecting a first of the plurality of wagering game machines with which to establish a connection. The method can also include requesting the connection with the first of the plurality of wagering game machines, and transmitting, from the mobile phone to the first of the plurality of wagering game machines, player account information for configuring a wagering game. The method can also include receiving, from the first of the plurality of wagering game machines, content indicating a result of the wagering game, and presenting, on the mobile phone, the result of the wagering game.

Abstract: An automatic verification system for automatically verifying a winner of an on-line game is disclosed. The verification system (a server/memory connected to the Internet) contains information about subscriber players and contains accounts that are used for betting on outcomes of skill games. The subscribers access the system via the Internet to set up an on-line game with other subscribers. The players then compete against each other normally via the game (e.g., Halo™) network server. The verification system then automatically receives the final game information from the server or console(s) via an e-mail, or by accessing published results of the game, or by accessing the players' published career summaries. Based on that automatically generated data, the verification system automatically determines the winner and awards the winner money or points.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive system and method whereby participants may engage in a contest that is simultaneously or subsequently broadcast. The broadcast signal may be for the purpose of a pure entertainment source or may be an enticement to play the shown or other interactive games. The games may be computer simulation games, role-playing games, strategy games, question and answer games, casino games, or other games as desired. The broadcast signals may show a specialized view of the game being played and may contain live commentary or other enhancements. The games may be played with set top boxes connected to a television, a broadcast network, and a server system.

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

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: A system and method are disclosed for providing an in-game offer to one or more players of an online game. The offer is provided to players that have newly joined the game and/or to players that have not yet made a purchase. In some implementations, the offer may be meant to incentivize purchase upon entry into the game. The in-game offer may comprise an offer to one or more items and a bonus comprising one or more bonus items provided to the player responsive to the offered items being purchased. The in-game offer may only be made available to a qualifying player for a certain amount of time.

Abstract: One object is to provide a server device that enables accurate expectation of cost required to acquire a desired game content. In accordance with one aspect, a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a game to one or more players via a network. This server device includes a won game content selecting unit configured to select one or more game contents as first won game contents from the game contents contained in a first deck allocated to a first player of the one or more players, an owned game content information storage unit configured to store the one or more won game contents in association with the first player identification information, and an updating unit configured to update the first deck by clearing the one or more first won game contents from the first deck.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone that receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.