Abstract: A print system, a server, a print method, and a program capable of bringing attention to a photo print of a player of an online game and acquiring a distinctive photo print suitable for communication are provided. A smartphone displays a composite image in which a captured image imaged by a camera unit and a computer graphics image showing a character and acquired from a game server during the online game are composited on a display unit, and acquires the composite image displayed on the display unit in a case where imaging instruction information is received. In a case where print instruction information is received, the smartphone generates a print image including the acquired composite image and status information related to the character of the game and acquired from the game server, and outputs the generated print image to a printer.

Abstract: A display signal associated with a pinball machine display is received. The display signal is interpreted. A network message is transmitted via a network interface based at least in part on the interpretation of the display signal. A network message is received via a network interface. A maintenance signal associated with the network message is submitted via a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to a pinball machine coin door panel driver board.

Abstract: An image processing system, an image processing method, a program, and an information storage medium for saving more time and effort than ever in excluding an unwanted image from an image to be delivered, the latter image being one in which is disposed an image captured of a user during play of a game, the captured image being disposed in a region occupying a portion of an image indicating the content of the game being played. A play image acquiring section acquires a play image indicative of game play content. A captured image acquiring section acquires a captured image captured by a camera during play of the game. A user image generating section generates a user image occupying in the captured image a region in which is disposed an image of the user as a delivery target. A delivery image to be delivered is generated on the basis of the play image and the user image.

Abstract: A method for use in presenting content includes the steps of generating an event in a software program and presenting content to a user in response to the event. The content may reflect one or more real-world events occurring after the software program has been released.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reading graphically-encoded identifiers from physical trading cards through image-based template matching in order to incorporate game items from the identified trading cards in a video game.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Abstract: Customized wait state experiences for an avatar in a virtual universe are provided by determining user alternative wait context preferences, selecting alternative wait state content objects accordingly, creating a wait state context in the virtual universe system using the alternative wait state content objects, and transporting the waiting avatar to the newly created wait state context for the duration of the wait. The custom context can include scenery, sounds, and even information streams and feeds. The avatar is optionally returned to the original context upon an event, such as a customer service representative, being available and ready to interact with the user. Artificial intelligence processes are optionally used to determine probable wait state context preferences for the user. Rewards may be given to the user for waiting, and for completing games or challenges.

Abstract: A game machine acquires predetermined information used to reproduce a image of character during a game from a character card, and uses the image of character for a progress of the game. The game machine includes a Bar code reader adapted and configured to acquire from the character card, information of player name that is associated with a image of character as information used to identify each player playing the game. And, the game machine reproduces a plurality of images of characters during the game based on the predetermined information of each character card, and classifies each image of character reproduced during the game based on the information of player name associated with each image of character into classifications which are dealt with differently from each other in the game.

Abstract: A main player operates a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor. A sub player operates a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device. A game image that is substantially identical to the monitor game image viewed by the main player is displayed on the LCD. By touching a touch panel provided on a screen of the LCD of the terminal device, the sub player can generate various events at a position in a game world corresponding to a touched position.

Abstract: A main player operates a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor. A sub player operates a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device. A game image that is substantially identical to the monitor game image viewed by the main player is displayed on the LCD. By touching a touch panel provided on a screen of the LCD of the terminal device, the sub player can generate various events at a position in a game world corresponding to a touched position.

Abstract: A regulated skill-based game includes a plurality of reward generating assets configured such that successful player interactions therewith increase the player's score and give rise to wagers whose outcomes are randomly determined. The amount of the wager may be a function of a time elapsed since the last wager was placed. The regulated game may be configured such that a predetermined duration of game play time thereon is purchased for a predetermined amount of money. A first portion of the predetermined amount of money funds the wagers and a second portion thereof funds a progressive jackpot to be awarded to a player having earned the highest score that is not been exceeded after a predetermined point in time. The regulated game is further configured to award credits when the randomly determined outcome is a reward generating outcome. Both the score of the skill-based game and awarded credits may be shown onscreen.

Abstract: An image is displayed on a portable display apparatus that outputs at least body state data based on an attitude and/or a motion of the portable display apparatus body and touch position data based on a touch position on a touch panel provided in the portable display apparatus. On the basis of the body state data and the touch position data, an attitude and/or a position of a first virtual camera for generating an image of a virtual world is controlled. A first image representing the virtual world viewed from the first virtual camera is displayed on the portable display apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a housing formed to have a box shape, and a terminal derived from inside to outside of the housing to be exposed and extending along a wall surface of the housing. The housing includes a pair of projecting portions formed by causing both external ends of end portions in an end surface on a side where the terminal is derived to project beyond the terminal. The external ends are external ends in a width direction crossing an extending direction in which the terminal extends. The end portions are located on a deriving source side in the extending direction. The terminal has an exposed portion that is located on an imaginary plane, or closer to the wall surface than the imaginary plane is. The imaginary plane includes a pair of corner portions of the wall surface facing the terminal and end portions of the projecting portions.

Abstract: A hand-held image display apparatus includes a touch panel, a stereoscopic display apparatus, a first imaging section, and a second imaging section. The hand-held image display apparatus detects a marker from a real world image shot by at least one of the first imaging section and the second imaging section, and determines the relative positions of a virtual object and a pair of virtual cameras with respect to each other in a virtual space, based on the result of the detection. Then, the hand-held image display apparatus superimposes virtual space images drawn based on the first virtual camera and the second virtual camera, onto the real world images shot by the first imaging section and the second imaging section, and displays images that are stereoscopically visible by naked eyes, on the stereoscopic display apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which can not be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like.

Abstract: A virtual capacity acquisition unit acquires a size of virtual capacity of a save data area from an application. A storage capacity acquisition unit acquires a size of save data of the application. A writing control unit prohibits the application from writing the save data exceeding the virtual capacity in a recording device. A free space acquisition unit acquires a size of free space of the recoding device, and the writing control unit prohibits the writing of save data whose size is larger than that of the free space.

Abstract: An example portable, handheld game console includes a main body incorporating a first display screen, and a cover body incorporating a second display screen. The main body is hingedly connected to the cover body along adjacent forward and rearward edges, respectively, such that the cover body is movable between closed and open positions. The main body is provided with a plurality of control buttons and a pair of game card slots for receiving game cards of different dimensions. One of the game cards is substantially square and comprises a substantially flat card body having a plurality of electrically conductive terminal strips adjacent the forward edge. One of the side edges of the card has a single continuous step configuration along substantially the entire length dimension of the card.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring video games are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to identify a video game include generating a memory signature based on a pattern of memory locations of a game medium accessed by a device to play the video game. Such example methods also include determining an identity of the video game based on the memory signature.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game including one or more parameters that affect a user's participation in the game, the gaming device including a memory storing a data structure that associates each one of a plurality of device configurations with a respective game configuration, wherein each game configuration differently specifies one or more parameters of the game; means for identifying the current device configuration for the device; means for using the data structure to determine a current game configuration associated with the current device configuration; and means for controlling the game by setting parameters in the game as specified by the current game configuration.

Abstract: The medication usage monitoring and reminding device and method enables a user to easily monitor usage of medications by weighing the medications using a weighing component, a processing component and an I/O component. Additionally, the device is able to remind a user regarding the medications if the medication has not been timely taken. The device is also able to obtain information regarding medications such as possible conflicts, updates and other information. The device is able to be used for food/drink information or dietary information.

Abstract: A video game includes a reader that senses the identity of various game objects. Each game object includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. The game objects may be in a form of characters or items, for example structures or articles. Each of the game objects is associated with a animate game character or an inanimate item, for example a structure or article manipulable by an animate game character, in the video game. Game play proceeds depending on what game object is placed on the reader.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a device; detect a status level corresponding to the device; receive content on the device based on the status level; and display the content on the device based on the status level.

Abstract: A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform.

Abstract: Gaming systems, devices, and methods are described for enabling wager gaming with a gaming operator using a game cartridge, such as a USB key, and game storage medium, such as a DVD. The cartridge and disc are inserted into a video game console and a connection with the gaming operator is made via the Internet. Once a connection is made and the identity of the game cartridge user has been verified and authenticated, the user can begin wager game play. Game play data are transmitted between the console and the gaming operator in an encrypted format. An encryption key is transmitted to the gaming operator via a digital certificate stored on the cartridge which has the corresponding private key. The game cartridge is capable of capturing a biometric sample of the user which is compared to a sample provided when the cartridge was issued to the user.

Abstract: A game device is provided. The game device includes a first execution section, a game screen updating section, and a game situation data acquiring section. In the case where a first execution time which comes every first time period is reached, the first execution section generates game situation data. In the case where a second execution time which comes every second time period is reached, the game screen updating section updates a game screen based on game situation data corresponding to an attention time which comes a time period before the second execution time. The game situation data acquiring section acquires the game situation data corresponding to the attention time by executing interpolation processing based on first game situation data corresponding to a time which comes before the attention time and second game situation data corresponding to a time which comes after the attention time.

Abstract: A portable electronic device 100 includes a horizontally long casing, both ends of which are gripped by a user's both hands, respectively. The device further includes a LCD fit into the front face of the casing 10. Outwardly projecting bulges are respectively formed at both sides of the rear face of the casing where fingers of the user gripping the casing 10 placed. Since the fingers and palms are naturally flexed to fit to the dome-like bulges 42L, 42R, the portable electronic device 100 fits comfortably in the user's hands. The operability is hard to be degraded even if the device is vibrated strongly during a game play with the device.

Abstract: A method and system tracks, analyzes or sorts behaviors of user or players across a network to draw correlations from, or characterizations of, those user or players and identifies similarly characterized or mutually complementary user or players. For example, the method automatically obtains player data regarding interactions by each of multiple players with a multiplayer electronic game via each player's corresponding data processing device connected via the network. The method can then sort, classify or suggest additional activities, games, groups, or other different activities or actions for the players.

Abstract: In a game program for a multi-player game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: A trading card, a game system and method for interactive game system is disclosed. The trading card includes a substrate and a personality module configured to store one or more attributes of the trading card. The game system includes at least a first trading card and a second trading card. The first trading card and the second trading card include a substrate, a processing engine and a wireless interface configured to detect the presence of the other trading card. The first trading card sends a message to impact the second trading card. A method for interactive game system using first trading card and second trading card is also disclosed.

Abstract: A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A storage medium includes an ID registration area for storing therein a main body ID which is an ID unique to an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus has the main body ID stored therein. The information processing apparatus includes copying means for, when the storage medium is attached thereto, copying a program stored in the storage medium thereinto in the case where the main body ID has not yet been registered. When the copy is made, the main body ID is stored into the ID registration area of the storage medium. The information processing apparatus also includes execution program selecting means for selecting, from the copied program and from the program stored in the storage medium, a program to be executed.

Abstract: A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between two kinds of maps, namely, a narrow-range map and a broad-range map game, and arbitrarily change the displayed state of at least one of the broad-range map and the narrow-range map by manipulating a touch panel which is mounted on a liquid crystal display section for displaying the broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, thus designating a scroll direction, the broad-range map is moved (scrolled).

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive system, comprising a presentation device for presenting interactive content. The system comprises an input device for controlling a presentation parameter of a content object of the interactive content. The system further comprises at least one token representing a content object, the system further comprising association means for associating said token with said input device, and means for selecting the content object represented by the token as the content object to be controlled by the input device in response to said association.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that documents and authenticates cap removal data. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus measures a parameter indicative of the number of times that a cap has been removed by a user. The apparatus also encodes at least the parameter indicative of the cap removal data, thereby deriving encoded cap removal data. The apparatus outputs the encoded cap removal data to a user. According to a second aspect of the present invention, another apparatus receives the encoded cap removal data and decodes it to authenticate the cap removal data. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a medicine container is operable to output a result of a game based on cap removal data associated with the medicine container.

Abstract: A user can move the position of a pan flute in a horizontal direction on a screen by sliding a touch position in the horizontal direction on the screen while touching a touch panel with a stick. Moreover, when the user blows on a microphone hole, a musical sound of a pitch corresponding to a pipe of the pan flute which is displayed in an overlapping manner with a valid position display image at this time is outputted via a sound hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scenario-based load testing apparatus and method. The scenario-based load testing apparatus includes a packet analysis unit, a scenario creation unit, and a load generation unit. The packet analysis unit creates a virtual map and game grammar by capturing and analyzing packets sent between a server and a client. The scenario creation unit creates a scenario of a virtual user on the virtual map. The load generation unit generates a load by creating packet data corresponding to the virtual user in compliance with the game grammar and the scenario.

Abstract: An interactive video game is provided on a video gaming system in which one or more sports teams having individual players compete in a simulated sporting event that has a set of rules enforceable by an official. A method of operating the video game includes allowing a user to control the actions of the official in enforcing the set of rules by manipulating a controller to provide input data, processing the input data and comparing the input data against a reference set of appropriate actions of the official, and assigning a performance grade to the user based on the comparison of the input data against said reference set of appropriate actions of the official. In this manner, the officiating skills of the user may be evaluated against a reference set of appropriate officiating calls or rulings involving the actions of the individuals in the simulated sporting event.

Abstract: A method and system tracks, analyzes or sorts behaviors of user or players across a network to draw correlations from, or characterizations of, those user or players and identifies similarly characterized or mutually complementary user or players. For example, the method automatically obtains player data regarding interactions by each of multiple players with a multiplayer electronic game via each player's corresponding data processing device connected via the network. The method can then sort, classify or suggest additional activities, games, groups, or other different activities or actions for the players.

Abstract: In a third-person shooter video game, the viewing perspective is smoothly transitioned between an “explorer” viewpoint and a “ready” viewpoint as game conditions change. In the “explorer” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from a camera positioned behind and removed from a character. The explorer viewpoint offers a wide angle of view of the surrounding combat area, enabling the game player to scout the terrain. In the “ready” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from the camera as it is repositioned close to the character. The ready viewpoint provides a narrower angle of view to facilitate better aiming when the character is engaged in armed combat. The transition between the explorer and ready viewpoints tracks a non-linear path.

Abstract: A universal method and system for downloading game software to ROM based legacy gaming machines, activating selected games and providing new services. The method includes a ROM emulator for replacing the game program image and an NVRAM emulator for swapping the game context and critical meters accordingly. The method includes detection of the state of the current game activity such as to activate a new game only at an authorized time, when no player is playing a game or is carded-in for example. The system includes emulation of the original peripherals fitted to the legacy gaming machine such as to offer extended functionality and services. The universal method and system therefore prolongs the useful life of legacy machines which otherwise would be prematurely retired.

Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: In a game program for a multiplayer game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.

Abstract: There is provided a game in which a first game piece has a first game piece level value, a second game piece has a second game piece level value, and a third game piece has a third game piece level value. The first game piece also has an attacking ability value such that the first game piece, when within an attacking range with respect to the second and third game pieces (i) is permitted to concurrently attack both of the second and third game pieces if a total of the second and third game piece level values is less than or equal to the attacking ability value, and (ii) is not permitted to concurrently attack both of the second and third game pieces if a total of the second and third game piece level values is greater than the attacking ability value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique of executing a suitable file from plural files of the same type. In a game apparatus, a ROM medium with game data recorded therein is loaded into a drive device. A patch file acquisition unit acquires a patch file for the game data, and stores the patch file in a HDD. The ROM medium and the patch file respectively include boot files for initiating a main program. An execution processor loads into the memory, the boot file having newer version information, and executes a boot sequence. The execution processor does not execute the boot sequence, when the ROM medium is not loaded into the drive device, and executes the boot sequence, as a condition that the ROM medium is loaded into the drive device.

Abstract: A matching game and method implemented on a mobile computing device, the method including displaying a virtual game card on a display of the computing device. The virtual game card may have a plurality of indicia displayed in a grid format. Next, the method may include receiving information scanned by the computing device and either positively or negatively marking one of the indicia depending on the information scanned by the computing device. The method may then include continuing to receive information scanned by the computing device and positively or negatively marking corresponding ones of the indicia until each of the indicia on the virtual game card is positively or negatively marked or until at least one winning combination of indicia is positively marked. If at least one winning combination is positively marked, the method may include displaying an indication that a user of the computing device won.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: A localization system for mounting a game, in a portable storage device, on a game console, includes a portable storage device and a game console. After the game console is connected with the portable storage device via an application-program menu in the game console, a target and game information in a header is searched for. Next, a step of checking if any cover information or setup-file information has correspondence to a correspondence code in the header, wherein in the case of YES, cover information or setup-file information are returned to the application-program menu and displayed on a screen. Next, a game can be performed to read a game file, including a game main program, in the portable storage device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to DVD gaming systems that include DVD game remote systems having card readers, and methods of playing games using those DVD gaming systems.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between a narrow-range image and a broad-range image of map. The user can manipulate a touch panel which mounted on a display section for displaying the broad-range image. If the user manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range image, thus designating coordinates for the narrow-range image, a changed narrow-range is displayed. If the user indicates a moving direction on the broad-range image, thus designating a scroll direction, the displayed broad-range image is moved (scrolled).