Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an information transmission control method, apparatus, and system. Implementation of the method includes: receiving, by a first communications server, information data from a first terminal served by the first communications server; determining, by the first communications server, a target identifier of the information data; and sending the information data to a second communications server if the target identifier belongs to identifier information of the second communications server, so that the second communications server sends the information data to a second terminal corresponding to the target identifier. The first communications server and the second communications server correspond to two communications platforms; and the first communications server determines a target of the information data from a local platform, and then performs cross-platform forwarding, thereby implementing cross-platform instant messaging.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for interactive computer-operated agents for user engagement in an interactive environment. Computer-operated agents are introduced to help populate a session and are configured to maximize engagement rates among users associated with user-controlled agents. During these interactions, engagement metrics are collected that indicate different interaction rates at different times by the computer-operated agents. The number of popular computer-operated agents (with relatively high interaction rates) can be kept in circulation while some less popular computer-operated agents (with relatively smaller interaction rates) can be kept in circulation for diversity or are purged from circulation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request, from a first client system of a first user, a request to play a game with a second user, the request being initiated from within a message thread in a first instance of a messaging application running on the first client system; sending, to a second client system of the second user, the request to play the game in the message thread in a second instance of the messaging application running on the second client system; receiving an indication the second user has accepted the request to play the game; and initiating a game session of the game between the first user and the second user in the message thread, the message thread being operable to allow the first user or the second user to perform one or more in-game actions in the game via the message thread.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication a first user is accessing a game, wherein the first user has a first user identifier (ID); generating, based on the first user ID, a first hashed ID for the first user; providing the first hashed ID to a game bot associated with the game, the game bot being a software agent configured to act automatically on behalf of the game; receiving, from the game bot, a request to initiate a message thread between the game bot and the first user on a messaging application running on a first client system of the first user; and sending instructions for presenting the message thread on the messaging application, the message thread comprising one or more messages referencing in-game actions in the game.

Abstract: A mobile device link system in which, to a mobile device detected by position information measurement to have entered a distribution area, recommendation information corresponding to the distribution area which the mobile device has entered is distributed; to a mobile device detected by local communication to have entered a local communication area, right information indicating that the mobile device has the right to receive service information is transmitted; and using the right information, service information is requested and service information is received.

Abstract: Techniques for emoji-based communications derived from facial features during game play provide a communication channel accessible by players associated with gameplay hosted by the online game platform and capture an image of a user using a controller that includes a camera. The techniques further determine facial features of the user based on the image, generate an emoji based on the facial features of the user, and transmit the emoji to the players associated with the online game platform over the communication channel.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes: requesting, from a player at the gaming machine, player account credentials associated with the player; receiving, at the gaming machine, the player account credentials, wherein the player account credentials are associated with a player's account on the account server and enable linking game play on the gaming machine to the player's account, and wherein the player account credentials are provided to the player's mobile phone in response to joining a players club prior to detection of the initiation event; transmitting, via the gaming machine, the player account credentials to the account server; receiving, from the account server, validation of the player account credentials based on comparing the received player account credentials with credentials stored on the account server; upon receipt of the validation, linking a wagering game session on the gaming machine with the player account.

Abstract: A gaming system including multiple gaming devices (e.g., slot machines) forming a network. The network includes a common bonus game, which when activated, is played by all players on the network. The bonus game may be skill based and played in accordance with time credits earned during play of a primary game. The multiple gaming devices may comprise linked standalone gaming devices, mobile gaming devices (e.g., smart devices), server-based gaming devices, etc. Individual gaming devices may also benefit from the timed, skill-based bonus game.

Abstract: An image rendering method for an electronic device includes, according to a first image displayed at a first moment, obtaining from a server at least one second image rendered in advance and to be displayed at a second moment, and after the second moment arrives and if a target image in the at least one second image coincides with an operation before or at the second moment, using the target image rendered in advance as an image corresponding to the operation. The second moment is later than the first moment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a content aggregation and assessment computing system that can be configured to host a network-based content platform. For example, content generated can accumulate value based on defined metrics. The system can automatically track the submitted content's value over time. The accumulated value may be associated with a user's profile based on pre-defined criteria. The accumulated value may be used to calculate a ranking for user profile. The user profile ranking may correspond to increased status and/or privileges in the online community and access to secured portions of the platform.

Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for aggregating user results, rankings and statistical data associated with playing video games across two or more games, normalizing the aggregated data to unified values and presenting the aggregated and unified data via an interface, such that data from one game may be fairly combined and/or compared to data from another game. The present system allows a user to obtain a unified ranking across multiple games, especially when the games are of a similar genre.

Abstract: Systems and methods for algorithmically arranging contests in a lobby interface are provided. A contest management system can generate, execute and maintain a plurality of contests, such as but not limited to, fantasy sports contests. Rank values can be assigned to the contests using pacing parameters of the contests and profile attributes of users who participate in the contests. The pacing parameters, such as registration ratios and registration deadlines, can indicate if a particular contest is on pace to meet a registration threshold prior to their respective registration deadline. The contest management system can dynamically update, responsive to receiving a plurality of registrations from a plurality of users, the rank value of one or more contests responsive to a change in a registration ratio of at least one contest and arrange the plurality of contests in a lobby interface based on the updated rank values.

Abstract: A matchmaking system and method is provided that facilitates optimization of player matches for multiplayer video games. The system may provide a generalized framework for matchmaking using historical player data and analytics. The framework may facilitate automatic determinations of an optimal mix of players and styles to produce the most satisfying user experiences. The system may dynamically update analytical processes based on statistical or otherwise observed data related to gameplay at any given time. In this manner, the system may continually tune the matchmaking process based on observations of player behavior, gameplay quality, and/or other information.

Abstract: A system and method includes a first device with one or more processors coupled to a memory that executes instructions from the memory to perform the steps of receiving a request to begin a videogame; streaming video of the videogame to an audience; determine a popularity of the streaming video; and changing the videogame mechanics based on the popularity of the streaming video.

Abstract: A system and method identifies activity data that is related to activity of a plurality of users of a gaming platform. The activity data is used by the gaming platform to perform a gaming process. The system and method identifies first data of the activity data based on a first characteristic. The first data is a subset of the activity data. The system and method determines a number of times that the first data of the activity data meets a first condition. The system and method responsive to determining that the number of times that the first data of the activity data meets the first condition satisfies a first threshold, modifies the activity data by removing the first data from the activity data. The system and method performs the gaming process using the modified activity data.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for determining a consumer's engagement with a brand of the business by tracking the consumer's activities in multiple platforms, such as social media platforms, content platforms, gaming platforms, other retailers, streaming video providers, service providers, etc. Method are described for probabilistically granting users variations of items that are otherwise being acquired. The granting may be random, but probabilities may be boosted based on the consumer's activities in the platforms.

Abstract: A system for providing gamification of a destination such as a theme park where guests use a venue app with an optional electronic ticket that allows for both self-serve access into the destination and tracking of individual guests throughout various access points. An extended range ID such as an RFID is provided to the guest either in the electronic ticket or in a wearable. Using combinations of RFID readers, pressure sensors and cameras the system tracks guests down the ride seat and tracks the movements of guided, free-floating and free-ranging vehicles. Using the combination of guest and vehicle tracking information along with information provided by a destination gaming system, the destination guest experience is customized including various effects for rides and attractions. Spot cameras are placed at tracked locations such as rides seats, where images are captured in response to either external triggers generated by the system or guest indications.

Abstract: A server which provides game play services, such as game play services associated with progressive games, is described. The server provides the game play services to remote gaming machines via a network protocol and a network interface. The server is configured to monitor the network connections associated with the network protocol in real-time to ensure that only valid processes executing on the server are utilizing the network connections. In one embodiment, software ports, associated with the network protocol and utilized to provide the game play services, are monitored. The monitoring can prevent malicious programs from utilizing the network connections for fraudulent purposes.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can be configured to identify a frame in a video stream, process a pixel row in the frame using a display engine to create blended and/or composited pixels, determine a coding unit (CU) row in the frame an encoder is encoding, determine if a distance between the pixel row in the frame and the CU row in the frame satisfies a threshold, and store the blended and/or composited pixels from the display engine in a cache if the threshold is satisfied or store the blended and/or composited pixels in memory if the threshold is not satisfied.

Abstract: A fraud detection system which detects fraud in a game of performing collection and redemption of chips in accordance with a win or lose result includes a camera which captures an image of chips contained in a chip tray of a dealer, an image analyzing apparatus which analyses the image captured by the camera to detect an amount of the chips contained in the chip tray, a card distribution device which determines a win or lose result of a game, and a control device which compares the win or lose result of the game and the amount of the chips contained in the chip tray before and after collection and redemption of the chips to detect fraud.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for integration of table-top role-playing gaming and online role-playing gaming experiences are provided. A method includes receiving authentication input from each of a first player, a second player, and a host. The method may further receive table input from the first player corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the first player. The method may also receive table input from the second player corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the second player. The method may further still receive table input from the host corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the host. The method may also receive electronic input from the first player corresponding to electronic in-game interactions of the first player. The method may output the table inputs and the electronic input to a device. The method may also subsequently receive, from the device, output that reconciles the table inputs and the electronic input.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is an information processing device that can dynamically determine point allocation of a question and provide a user with enjoyment of receiving a test. [Solution] Provided is the information processing device including a control unit configured to determine point allocation of each question in a test on a basis of answer results of the test made by a plurality of users during a test time, calculate a score of a predetermined user on a basis of the point allocation in response to a request of the predetermined user, and generate information for disclosing the score of the predetermined user.

Abstract: A dialogue system comprising: an input for receiving input data relating to a speech or text signal originating from a user; an output for outputting speech or text information specified by a dialogue act; and a processor configured to: update a belief state, the belief state comprising information corresponding to one or more dialogue options, each dialogue option comprising a slot and a corresponding slot value, based on the input signal; determine a dialogue act, wherein a dialogue act is determined by applying one or more rules to world state information, the world state comprising information relating to the dialogue, wherein rules are applied in two or more ordered stages for each dialogue turn, wherein one of the stages is a first update stage, comprising applying one or more further rules controlling updating of the world state information based on the belief state information, and another of the stages is an act selection stage, comprising determining the dialogue act by applying the one or more rule

Abstract: Systems and methods providing for determining physical location of a device of a user of an augmented reality environment corresponding to a physical space. The systems and methods involve requesting and receiving a list of participating users having a GPS location within a predetermined radius of a first device; sending advertising and scanning beacons, via a first wireless network, to generate a second list of devices present in the physical space; performing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) using the participating devices of the second list; generating a third list based at least partly on a Bluetooth connection between the one or more participating devices of the second list; and identifying the participating devices of the third list.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing a virtual reality session for a scene. The system includes a scene state server for maintaining a shared state of the scene in the virtual reality session and a first messaging queue server having a communication interface. The communication interface is configured for a first set of user devices to establish a connection to the first messaging queue server to participate in the virtual reality session for user-interactions within the scene. The first messaging queue server is configured to receive a first message from a first user device of the first set of user devices and to further broadcast the first message to rest of the first set of user devices and to the scene state server, wherein the first message corresponds to a user action within the scene that is in the shared state at the first user device.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a first group seeking members, detecting one or more users seeking to join a group, retrieving group parameters corresponding to the first group, and retrieving user parameters corresponding to each of the one or more users. The group parameters may include group characteristic data and group requirements. For each user of the one or more users, the group parameters corresponding to the first group are compared against the user parameters corresponding to the user. A score is determined for each of the one or more users based on the comparing. One or more selected users of the one or more users is recommended to the first group at least in part based on the score. One or more computer programs may be adapted to execute the above steps, and a processor may be configured to perform the above steps.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide various devices that enable users to participate in a multiplayer session. The examples allow a user that is unable to speak, or that is incapable of speaking, to participate in an in-session voice chat by inputting text and having the text converted to speech (e.g., synthesized voice data) that can then be sent to other devices participating in the session. The user enables a text-to-speech conversion feature on his or her own device. Based on the enabled feature, functionality enabling text to be entered is activated and the entered text is converted into speech data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a client system of a first user, receiving an input to initiate a first game within a first layer of a communication interface, wherein the communication interface comprises one or more layers containing a live video communication between the first user and a second user, wherein the first layer comprises a video communication of the second user; executing a gaming protocol associated with the first game; generating a game container in a second layer of the communication interface to contain the first game in a full-screen view of the communication interface; reducing the first layer containing the video communication of the second user to a thumbnail within the communication interface; and overlaying, by the client system, the first layer onto the second layer based on one or more parameters set by the gaming protocol.

Abstract: Techniques including data collection, organization and usage are provided, including in connection with computer-based gaming. Methods and systems are provided for establishing a set of data chronicling at least a portion of a duration of a computer-based gaming event that includes at least one user engaging in gaming using a computer or a computer-based device. Event data is obtained for chronicling chronologically ordered in-game events. Hardware and software related data is obtained that relates to the computer or the computer-based device and is relevant to the chronicling of the portion of the gaming event. Utilizing a distributed ledger technology or blockchain, the event data and the hardware and software related data are recorded in establishing the set of data chronicling at least a portion of the duration of the gaming event.

Abstract: The dynamic selection of players for a gaming session, or users for an application session, can be based at least in part upon player relationship data. Social graph data can be maintained that indicates game experience that particular users have shared in prior game sessions. This relationship data can be used with other selection criteria, such as similar skill level or complementary play characteristics, to select players for a gaming session that are familiar to a specific player, enabling the player to have recurring experience with similar players in order to build relationships with those players and help to develop a sense of community within the game, which can improve the user experience and thus utilization of the game. Other factors can be considered as well, such as whether players have connected or blocked each other through a social network or gaming environment.

Abstract: A cross-platform game battle method and apparatus, a terminal, and a system are provided. The method includes sending a first request to a game server in response to a first operation, with respect to a game, on a first web page. A first response is received in response to the first request, and a game address is obtained according to the first response. The game address is sent to a second terminal, the game address being usable by the second terminal to obtain a second web page to start the game. The second terminal is on a platform that is different from a platform of the first web page.

Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.

Abstract: In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices. Data based on which a first promotion associated with a first advertiser may be displayed on a mobile gaming device. The data may include a first set of criteria identifying when the first promotion should be displayed.

Abstract: A game system comprising at least one processor configured to: execute a sport game based on a first character group operated by a user; set any one of a plurality of roles as a role to be played by the user in a match; acquire basic locations of first characters based on formation data on the first character group; set a plurality of the first characters corresponding to each of the plurality of roles based on the basic locations of the first characters; select a plurality of operation subject candidates from among the first characters based on the role of the user and a setting of the plurality of the roles; switch an operation subject of the user among the plurality of operation subject candidates during the match; and cause the operation subject of the user to act based on the user's operation during the match.

Abstract: A method for automatically locking and unlocking a screen during a chat includes: determining a current scrolling direction of message in a chat window; and setting the chat window as a screen locked state when the current scrolling direction of message in the chat window is opposite to a scrolling direction of loading new message, wherein, in the screen locked state, the chat window is not automatically scrolled to a position of a new message upon receiving the new message. According to the present disclosure, compared with related art, intentions of a player for screen locking and unlocking are predicted by determining a scrolling situation of a chat window, such that the player can be facilitated in screen locking or unlocking before a manual operation of the player, thereby greatly improving the user experience of chat.

Abstract: A program conversion device includes converting a program including second loop processing that repeats first processing and determination processing a plurality of times to a program including third loop processing and fourth loop processing; converting the converted program to a first-number-of-times repeating processing that includes second-number-of-times repeating processing of the first loop processing and the second-number-of-times repeating processing of the determination processing; converting the first processing and the determination processing to processing that accesses to memory areas that are different for fourth loop processing and that are continuous in a processing order in the fourth loop processing; and exchanging a processing order of the fourth loop processing and the first loop processing, wherein the third loop processing is the-first-number-of-times repeating processing related to the second loop processing, and the fourth loop processing is the-second-number-of-times repeating proces

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided to enable casino operators to provide printed tangible items for patron uses, such as lottery tickets. Such embodiments accept tangible indicators of financial consideration from patrons, such as currency or tickets associated with certain verifiable values, such as valid and winning lottery tickets and other forms of consideration which a patron can provide to a casino in exchange for one or more points.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for session management. The disclosed system allows for seamless merging and splitting of network sessions in a multiplayer network gaming environment. Seamless session management allows dynamic movement of players in a virtual world during gameplay without unnecessary loading and/or stalling. As the players in the virtual world move around, the management of active game sessions can be improved to effect a more realistic perceived population.

Abstract: A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system or gaming platform via a network. The plurality of player terminals may be located at a plurality of licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals may be configured to engage the plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer system. The plurality of player terminals can include means for dispensing player winnings from the player terminal.

Abstract: A method, system, and quiz server for providing a quiz and an advertisement simultaneously in an IMS chat is provided. The method includes creating a chat room from a mobile terminal while inviting a pre-registered quizbot as a chat participant, displaying a quiz and an advertisement within the chat room on the mobile terminal in the form of a chat message composed by the quizbot, and displaying, within the chat room, an answer of a certain chat participant with respect to the quiz, and inputting a result of determination of whether the answer is correct into the chat room by using the quizbot, displaying, within the chat room, the answer of the certain chat participant with respect to the quiz, and inputting a result of determination of whether the answer is correct into the chat room by using the quizbot.

Abstract: A system for two-factor location-based device verification includes a processor and a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: (i) receiving, from a client device, a first location factor; (ii) receiving, from the client device, a second location factor; (iii) determining, based upon the first location factor and the second location factor, that the client device is within a predefined area; and (iv) creating, in response to the determining, a new wagering account in association with a user of the client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intelligently accessing media content based on rights. This may be accomplished by a media guidance application that generates a DRM score associated with a first copy of the media asset. The media guidance application determines that plurality of alternative copies of a media asset are available from other sources and determines DRM scores for the alternative copies. The media guidance application determines that one of the alternative copies has a lower digital rights management score as compared to the first copy of the media asset and stores the alternative copy instead of the first copy of the media asset.

Abstract: A server provides activities and/or services to a player through a mobile device. In response to a request from the mobile device, information known to a player is determined and sent to the mobile device via the server. In this fashion, verification can be made that the mobile device is communicating with the server.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating a multi-player game session including a set of players with compatible preferences and behaviors. Each player can be associated with a set of behaviors exhibited by that player, as well as a set of preferences for those behaviors. On a request to initiate a game session, a first player can be paired with a set of other players whose behaviors are compatible with the preferences of the first player. Graph analysis may be used to facilitate selection of players. For example, each player may be represented as a node within a graph, and be connected to other nodes via an edge weighted according to a compatibility of preferences of the two players with their respective behaviors. In some instances, behaviors or preferences of players are determined based on analysis of in-game actions.

Abstract: A game system, comprising: a data processing system configured to execute program instructions allowing a user to engage in digital game play; a physical toy; and a detection device configured to detect a presence of the toy within a detection area of the detection device; wherein the toy comprises two or more identification elements each detectable by the detection device when the identification element is positioned within the detection area, wherein the toy is configured to allow a user to selectively position the toy with a user-selected subset of one or more of said identification elements within the detection area; and wherein the data processing system is configured to control said digital game play responsive to the detected subset of identification elements.

Abstract: Methods, systems, storage media for authentication are described. On the methods includes receiving, at a smart contract on a distributed ledger, a signed authentication challenge. The method includes verifying the identity of the user who signed authentication challenge. The method includes raising an event that indicates that the user has been authenticated; wherein a server listens for events from the smart contract, and associates a session between the browser and the server with the user based on the event.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a data interface to obtain first sensor data from a first sensor and second sensor data from a second sensor of a monitored system; a data analyzer to extract a feature based on analyzing the first and second sensor data using a model, the model trained based on historical sensor data, the model to determine the feature as a deviation between the first and second sensor data to predict a future malfunction of the monitored system; an anomaly detector to detect an anomaly in at least one of the first sensor data or the second sensor data based on the feature, the anomaly corresponding to the future malfunction of the monitored system; and a system applicator to modify operation of the monitored system based on the anomaly.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine, including a player interface, a game display, and a game controller. The player interface is configured to receive player selections from a player. The game controller is coupled to the player interface and the game display. The game controller is configured to control the game display to present the player an option to participate in a wagering game tournament, to receive, from the player interface according to the player selections, a first selection to participate in the wagering game tournament, to control the game display to present the player an option to select from among a plurality of games for the wagering game tournament, to receive, from the player interface according to the player selections, a second selection of a tournament game from the plurality of games, and conduct the tournament game via the player interface and the game display.

Abstract: A data processing method and a server are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a server, first service data that is sent by a first client (for example, an instant messaging application based client), and sending the first service data to at least one second client that has a friend association relationship with the first client; detecting one or more second clients responding to the first service data, selecting, according to a preset selection rule, a target second client, and assigning a processing permission to the target second client, so that the target second client generates second service data according to the processing permission and the first service data; and receiving the second service data, using the target second client as a first client, and using the second service data as first service data. The present disclosure can improve utility of an instant messaging application and enhance user stickiness.

Abstract: Selective acceleration of emulation of programs written for a legacy computer system on a more modern computer system is disclosed. The host system processes emulated program assets that are synchronized with host outputs. When a reduced need for synchronization between the emulated program assets and a host output is detected, synchronization of processing of emulated program assets and the host output is unlocked and the host system accelerates processing of the emulated program assets for which the synchronization has been unlocked.