In A Race Game Patents (Class 463/6)
  • Patent number: 8210926
    Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores information associated with a field of participants for an event, each participant associated with particular odds for the event. The processor receives a bet that a lead participant from the field of participants will finish in a particular subset of finishing positions in the event, wherein the bet is associated with customized odds. The processor further select one or more additional participants from the field of participants to add to the bet such that the odds associated with the lead participant combined with the odds associated with the one or more selected additional participants at least approximates the customized odds for the bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, John W. Bristow, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 8202163
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Champagne, Shigeki Yamashiro, Shigeru Miyamoto, Claude Comair
  • Patent number: 8192262
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of gaming is provided that comprises receiving a determination of a particular race participant in a race event having a plurality of race participants. The method continues by determining a particular position of the particular race participant at each of a plurality of intermediate points within the race event. The method continues by determining a plurality of simulated playing cards based at least in part upon the determined positions of the particular race participant. The method concludes by determining an outcome of a game based at least in part upon the determined simulated playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher
  • Patent number: 8192263
    Abstract: A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion in which a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a timer capable of measuring time; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, and an image display capable of displaying an image; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) starting acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, (B) measuring the time from when the acceptance was started in the processing (A) by using the timer, (C) terminating the acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, when the time measured in the processing (B) reaches a predetermined value, (D) determining whether or not the side BET has been placed by using the input device provided in the station, since the acceptance was started in the processing (A), (E) increasing the predetermined value when deter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8192264
    Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image for a player to perform BET operations to a racing game is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image is displayed instead of the regular BET image on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. “2” is the minimum bet amount which can be specified in the high BET image. Alternatively, “1” is the minimum bet amount which can be specified in the regular BET image. In other words, the denomination of the high BET image is twice the denomination of the regular BET image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8182348
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for comparing the performance of a participant in an event that includes movement along a course to another performance. The performance by the participant is monitored. Using a geographic database that represents the area in which the course is located, the participant's performance is compared to another performance. Then, the participant is provided with information comparing the performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Kurt Brooks Uhlir, Michael V. Shuman, Christopher Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8177635
    Abstract: A clearinghouse is communicatively coupled to at least a first wagering facility and a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility hosts at least a first wagering event and the second wagering facility hosts at least a second wagering event. Bets on the first wagering event are placed at the second wagering facility and bets on the second wagering event are placed at the first wagering facility. The clearinghouse performs settlement of at least these bets between the first wagering facility and the second wagering facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: CFPH, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Joseph M Asher
  • Publication number: 20120115557
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique for timing participants in sporting events with RFID tags. RFID tags have read and writable memory that is loaded with race numbers or an encoding of it. RFID tags are distributed to participants by attaching them to race bibs that display the race numbers. RFID tags may be left on the race bibs, or removed from the bibs and attached to shoes, clothing, or other apparatus used in the race. A plurality of RFID tags may be used by each participant for pre-race, during race and post-race tracking and locating applications. This invention also includes methods for constructing RFID enabled race bibs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Arash Kia
  • Patent number: 8167693
    Abstract: A target information storage unit (203) stores information regarding a group of targets (target panels) which are disposed dispersedly on a virtual race course and which each have an objective speed set therefor. An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a moving object (racing car) to be run on the course. Then, a running condition managing unit (204) manages the running condition of the moving object based on this operation input. Meanwhile, a passage determination unit (206a) sequentially determines whether or not the moving object has passed on the course by contacting the respective targets, based on the managed running condition. Further, a speed comparison unit (206b) compares the speed of the moving object at the time of the passage and the objective speed of each target. Then, an evaluation unit (206) evaluates the operation input from a user based on the determination result and comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Fujii, Takeshi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20120094729
    Abstract: A wagering system has a processor through which information regarding a plurality of competing contestants in a horse or dog race is made available to entities betting on the outcome of the race to seek a payout from a wagering pool. The information for at least one of the competing contestants is prepared based upon selected handicapping criteria to give the at least one of the competing contestants a time adjusted race identity. An input is provided for wagers to be placed on the race. The outcome of the race for wagering purposes is determined using the time adjusted race identity for the at least one of the competing contestants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Richard A. Herbert
  • Patent number: 8142268
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to interactive computer systems and more particularly to systems and methods for simulating a particular user's behavior in an interactive computer system. In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events. The simulator is further configured to record one or more user inputs in response to the occurrence of the one or more events, store the one or more user inputs in one or more data fields, and associate the one or more data fields with the one or more events and the one or more current circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Take Two Interactive Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Thomas, Abraham J. Navarro, Gordon K. Read, David M. Zdyrko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8142269
    Abstract: A gaming machine displays on a display a horse racing game in which racehorses race against each other, and receives, via a gaming terminal, a bet made by a player regarding an order of arrival of the racehorses in the horse racing game. Thereafter, the gaming machine periodically calculates odds for the horse racing game. While remaining time to reception deadline for bets is a certain length of time or more, a value obtained by reducing the calculated actual value of odds by a predetermined proportion is displayed on the display as an effect value of the odds at that point. The longer the remaining time to the bet reception deadline, the larger the predetermined proportion reduced from the actual value of the odds to obtain the effect value. Moreover, the gaming machine displays on the display the calculated actual value of the odds as the effect value when a certain length of time or less remains before the bet reception deadline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Nakayasu Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 8128470
    Abstract: A competition cheat-preventing system and method are applicable in a pigeon racing competition, wherein racing pigeons each wear a pigeon ring. An encrypted code-generating module is configured to generate contest encrypted codes from contest codes of the racing pigeons through specific parameter calculations. A barcode converting module is configured to convert the contest encrypted codes into two-dimensional barcodes. A barcode reading module is configured to read the two-dimensional barcodes to obtain original contest encrypted codes. An information transmission module is configured to transmit the original contest encrypted codes to a computer apparatus. An information-receiving module is configured to receive the original contest encrypted codes. A barcode decoding module is configured to perform reverse calculations to restore the original contest encrypted codes to original contest codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jin-Hao Chao Cheng, Yu-Lun Ho
  • Patent number: 8128471
    Abstract: In a racing game, a main controller 20 accepts bet from each of a plurality of terminal devices 30, during a bet accepting period. In a case where final odds, calculated after the expiration of the bet accepting period, is not greater than a predetermined threshold, the main controller 20 executes a recompense processing for bets on the final odds and disqualify the bets from an award, and, when a race is determined to be finished, provides an award by calculating payout for bets qualified for the award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Oomori
  • Patent number: 8123618
    Abstract: A system for distributing entertaining multimedia episodes and crediting payouts to authorized remote-player's wagers, off-site or on-site regulated premises, comprising a system for randomly selecting episodes, with randomly generated episodes outcomes appended thereto. The selected episodes could be from a database or from ongoing live games. The database could be pre-processed audio-video, from authorized content producers depicting a hired cast of entertainers, playing a selected variety of games of chance and skill. The system includes authorized server based episode and outcome distribution to secure remote-player stations, including an intra-episode biometric (e.g., face) authentication system, and an accounting systems, for rewarding authorized remote-players with products, services, cash and playing credit payouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jayant S. Karmarkar
  • Publication number: 20120040728
    Abstract: An inflatable vehicle for simulating a driving experience while playing realistic computer-video driving games such as the WII games. The vehicle is life-like in construction and allows a player to sit therein while playing driving game. A steering wheel or handle bar is configured to receive a game controller—which controls the video game when the steering wheel or handle bar is manipulated like a real life equivalent thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Lipa Markowitz, Tang Chun Kit
  • Publication number: 20120034961
    Abstract: Computer implemented gaming methods are provided that include the identifying a plurality of securities to participate in a race; computing odds at an open of the race for at least one type of bet for each of the plurality of the identified securities; publishing using at least one computing device details of the race; generating a visualization of the race, the visualization comprising a plurality of participants each representing an identified security; determining a price of each of the plurality of securities at a start of the race and at least once during a running of the race; and updating the visualization of the race to reflect a change in the price of at least one of the securities in the race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Alan Berman, Stephen Ferrando, Richard Taylor, Leslie Whiteford, Jarrett Lilien
  • Publication number: 20120028694
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for image recognized content creation. There is provided a method comprising capturing an image from a camera, analyzing the image to recognize a plurality of elements, converting the plurality of elements into custom content data, and executing an interactive application using the custom content data. In one embodiment, the interactive application may comprise a racing video game, and the image may comprise a racetrack layout for use in the racing video game. Thus, a user can provide a racetrack by drawing simple lines and curves on a piece of paper, which are detected by the camera and converted into valid data assets for the video game. In this manner, even young children can leverage common drawing skills using familiar physical drawing implements for quick and simplified content creation, bypassing the need to use complex, tedious, and proprietary conventional on-screen user interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Kohout
  • Patent number: 8100771
    Abstract: In a car racing game, one player is given a crown in racecourse units which indicates that the player is the fastest player (champion) of the racecourse. A player can play a crown competition with the player possessing the crown aiming to acquire the crown. For example, when a player Px challenges the crown of the racecourse 1, the player Px operates a player's car PC and plays a match against a player Pa who is a crown-possessing player of the racecourse 1. Specifically, the player Px plays a match against a ghost car GC controlled based on ghost data Ga1 of the player Pa for the racecourse 1. When the player Px has won the match, the crown of the racecourse 1 possessed by the player Pa is transferred to (acquired by) the player Px.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Masaki Uchida, Kei Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8075378
    Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, a performance point is calculated on each of the player's racehorses, based on the results of respective racing games (S501). The number of wins, the number of races, a winning percentage, best time, etc. by the racehorses are taken into consideration when calculating the performance point. If the performance point satisfies a predetermined condition (S502: YES), an expense that was paid about that the player is an owner of a racehorse is refunded to the player (S503). The expense includes, for example, a credit amount which is required of the player to purchase a racehorse, or includes a credit amount or the points which is required of the player to make a race entry in a racing game for the player's racehorse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8062111
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L Aronson, Richard E McNutt
  • Publication number: 20110275425
    Abstract: A system for wagering on a jackpot race event, comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores a qualifying bet associated with a customer and comprising a first bet component and a second bet component. The first bet component is associated with a first qualifying race event and comprises a first bet amount. The second bet component is associated with a second qualifying race event and comprises a second bet amount. The processor identifies the outcome of the first and second bet components. If both the first bet component and the second bet components are winning bets, the processor allocates to the customer a particular number of jackpot bets for a jackpot race event. The particular number of jackpot bets is based at least in part upon the first bet amount and the second bet amount. The first bet amount is allocated to a common pari-mutuel pool for the first qualifying race event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Kenneth L. Miller, Peter Christopher Rotondo
  • Patent number: 8052509
    Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, a performance point is calculated on each of the player's racehorses, based on the results of respective racing games (S501). The number of wins, the number of races, a winning percentage, best time, etc. by the racehorses are taken into consideration when calculating the performance point. If the performance point satisfies a predetermined condition (S505: YES), a part or all of a jackpot prize amount is awarded to the player (S506). However, a side bet must be made for this racing game in order that a part or all of the jackpot prize amount is awarded to the player (S502: YES). Incidentally, to have a player's racehorse run in this racing game, there may be a case that the player is required to pay an entry point given to the player in accordance with BET amount specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8052510
    Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “1”, is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “2”, is displayed instead of the regular BET image, on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. For executing the high denomination process of S208, for example, a player has to insert an IC card 119 into a reader/writer 118 (S203: YES), and further, the player has to touch a high button in the regular BET image of the sub monitor 113 (S207: YES).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8052508
    Abstract: In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “1”, is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “2”, is displayed instead of the regular BET image, on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. For executing the high denomination process of S208, for example, such conditions should be satisfied as the player has become an owner of any racehorse (S202: YES), and the racehorse whose owner is the player is going to run in this racing game (S202-2: YES).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20110269516
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a game of chance involving a plurality of traveling animals 10, each animal having a left foot 12 and a right foot 14, wherein a result is obtained by a determination of the relative positions and/or direction of movement of the left and right feet of at least one animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: HOOFS UP LEFT RIGHT OR EVENS PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Terry Tsangaris
  • Publication number: 20110256912
    Abstract: Method, article and apparatus for executing computer games, and in particular, computer-based racing games. In a racing game, a player may be allowed to earn one or more game play options which may be exercised during the race. The game play options, when exercised, may modify the predefined race path to create an advantage for the player or a disadvantage to the competitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Nick Baynes, David Jefferies, Jason Green, Serkan Hassan
  • Publication number: 20110256913
    Abstract: Some embodiments of invention provide a method for creating a player made tournament. The method can comprise displaying a tournament creation page including a plurality of variables and at least one option for each of the plurality of variables. Some embodiments further provide receiving the at least one option for each of the plurality of variables. In some embodiments, operational parameters of the player made tournament can substantially comprise the at least one option for each of the plurality of variables received. Some further embodiments provide processing the operational parameters to create a player made tournament, and then displaying the player made tournament on a tournament main page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: John J. Ford
  • Publication number: 20110250938
    Abstract: A gaming method enabling betters to bet on the incremental outcome of a race. A selected race is divided into a plurality of segments. Bets are accepted from betters who select numbers corresponding to a time or fraction thereof of a racer having the fastest elapsed time for each of the selected segments of the race. A winner is determined after the race is completed based on the actual race times of the racers through each of the selected segments of the race. If there is one or more winning betters the winning betters are paid an amount proportional to the total bet divided by the number of winning betters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: HIPICA RIOPLATENSE URUGUAY S.A.
    Inventors: MARCELO EDUARDO BASSIGNANA, JOSÉ RAMÓN RIONDA JEAN
  • Publication number: 20110250937
    Abstract: Method of tracking race participants via the Global Positioning System, providing near real time feedback to the race participant, and optionally to others individuals or to publication on the web at the user's preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jason R. Hubbard, Floyed Jeffries Duncan, JR.
  • Patent number: 8033911
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of conducting wagers, such as pari-mutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment, an event, such as a horse race, dog race, a combination of races, etc., is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager. Each bettor of the plurality is enabled to provide input regarding at least one portion of their respective at least one wager prior to the event. At least one other portion of each bettor's at least one wager is randomized prior to the event. The wager then comprises the combination of the bettor selected portion and randomized portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the player selected portion may include selecting bettor-preferred participants of the event while the randomly selected portion may include the randomly assigning a finishing order to the player selected participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: United Tote Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Vlazny, Joseph J. Tracy, Victor I. Harrison, Stephen M. Smith, Mark G. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8032451
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and process that employs contractual bargaining with agent-based computational methods for the dynamic allocation, optimization, and pricing of contingent rights and obligations between multiple counterparties with overlapping interests. The processes employ a dynamic and endogenous hierarchy or tiering of binding incentive compatible contingent strategies, which may include optimal liquidation policies for matched assets and liabilities based upon stochastic volume/price schedule related to statistically non-stationary supply/demand elasticities and order-flow, as well as variations in market microstructure. The invention includes a dynamic open system with distributed stochastic control of strategic interactions among dynamic optimizing agents across random states, wherein the actions of any one affects the joint costs and benefits for all the agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: David K. A. Mordecai
  • Patent number: 8029359
    Abstract: A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: World Golf Tour, Inc.
    Inventor: YuChiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8029348
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a video game machine. A CPU provided in the video game machine controls movements, etc. of a player character operated by a player. There exist a predetermined number of player characters (e.g., four persons), and all of them are assigned to players depending on the number thereof. For example, four player characters are assigned to one player in a 1P mode, and two player characters each are assigned to two players in a 2P mode. While playing a game, each player may change formations of the four player characters or plunder a player character existing in an array belonging to another player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110230244
    Abstract: A reroute table MT in which a new route is set to a reroute point Lr with respect to each of the routes R1, R2, R3 where a predetermined destination is set, a route determining portion 40d which determines the present route R, a position determining portion 40a which determines the position of moving body CA, and a reroute thinking portion 40e which determines whether the position of moving body CA reaches the reroute point Lr which is set for the present route by referring to the reroute table MT are comprised. The route determining portion 40d determines as the present route, the new route set to the reroute point Lr by referring to the reroute table MT, when the moving body CA reaches the reroute point Lr.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Inubushi, Hidetomo Nishiura, Yoshiko Oiwa, Hiroshi Naraoka
  • Patent number: 8021222
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 8021221
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a coding competition. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coding competition includes transmitting a coding problem to contestants, receiving computer code created by a contestant, determining a response of the computer code to test data, and evaluating the response of the computer code to the test data. In another embodiment, a method for evaluating a skill level of a contestant includes electronically communicating a coding problem to contestants, electronically receiving a software program in response to the coding problem from one of the contestants, evaluating the received software program, awarding points to the contestant based on the received software program, and determining a rating for the contestant for the competition based on the number of points awarded to the contestant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: TopCoder, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lydon, John M. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8016653
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for three-dimensional rendering of a live event such as an automobile race over a client device such as a personal computer. Moving and stationary objects at the event may be rendered using computer-generated graphics of the moving and stationary objects and real time positional data giving the position of the moving objects over time. The positional data may be streamed to the client device and displayed in real time or substantially real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Rand Pendleton, Kenneth A. Milnes, Marvin S. White
  • Patent number: 8012005
    Abstract: A traveling time calculation program causes a computer to function as the following: position determination mechanism which determines a position of a movable object using a velocity vector with every update of a game screen, virtual position setting mechanism which sets a virtual position between positions immediately before and after the movable object passes through a second position, and shifts the virtual position using an infinitesimal unit vector obtained by dividing a velocity vector at the position immediately before the movable object passes through the second position into predetermined numbers, and traveling time calculation mechanism which calculates a traveling time from the first position to a position immediately before or after the virtual position crosses the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keizo Ohta
  • Patent number: 8002636
    Abstract: A communication game system includes a parent device and at least one child device. When a predetermined operational designation has been carried out with respect to an object at the child device, for example, the child device transmits to the parent device a request for permission to perform an action corresponding to the operation. Until a conclusion as to the request is received, the child device reproduces an image in which a player character is performing a first act of the action. The parent device determines whether the action can be permitted or not in response to the request from the child device, and transmits a conclusion of determination to the child device. When receiving the conclusion by the time of end of the first act, the child device reproduces an image in which the player character is performing a second act according to the conclusion after end of the first act.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Nogami, Ryuji Kobayashi, Kunihiro Komatsu, Toshinori Kawai
  • Publication number: 20110201395
    Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Charnjit Singh Bansi, Paul Kerby, Peter Hall, Gareth Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110195763
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for providing a board game in a mobile terminal of a mobile communication system. An apparatus for providing a board game service in a mobile terminal, said apparatus comprising: a display means for displaying a game progress status; a sensing means for sensing a piece, a game board on which said piece moves and a location of the piece movement on said game board; a memory storing a game program and algorithm for said board game service; and, a controller for controlling said sensing means to sense the location of the piece movement according to the game program stored in said memory, producing game progress information about the location of the piece movement, and controlling said display means to display game results having said game progress information applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Sung-Wouk Kang, Hyun-Sun Park, Na-Yeon Gong
  • Patent number: 7991492
    Abstract: A method of conducting a competition with remote controlled vehicles involving young, or young-at-heart people from a plurality of local institutions or establishments, and involving a hierarchy of competitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kerry T. Namanny, Kenneth D. Namanny
  • Patent number: 7985136
    Abstract: An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a virtual vehicle. A running condition managing unit (203) manages the running condition of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input. An image producing unit (204) produces a view field image seen from the viewpoint of the moving object based on stored image information and the managed moving condition. A velocity calculation unit (205) calculates the velocity of the moving object based on the managed moving condition. A deformed image producing unit (206) extracts an image of a rectangular area based on the velocity from the produced view field image and produces a deformed image obtained by deforming the extracted image into a trapezoidal shape. A display control unit (207) synthesizes the produced view field image and the produced deformed image and displays the synthesized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Konomi Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20110159936
    Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Tipping, Mark Andrew Hatton
  • Patent number: 7967671
    Abstract: A game apparatus can achieve a game in which an object is transferred from one game apparatus to another by showing it flying on a screen. When a management data acquisition unit acquires management data indicating that the object is transferred to a game apparatus itself, an object control unit displays the object on-screen and accepts a user's operation instruction from an input unit. The object control unit determines whether or not the object is to be transferred in accordance with the user's operation instruction. A destination selection unit selects the destination of the object. A management data transmission unit transmits management data to the other game apparatuses. The object control unit updates a management data storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kouno, Akira Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7967678
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating development of computer games that depict or represent actual geographic locales or imaginary locales as part of the play scenarios of the games. A computer game factory system includes inventories of map data products, road models, 3D models, game shells, and game engines. Configuration parameters identify which components to select from the inventories to produce games for various different computer platforms. The selected components are combined with a geographic data API and geographic data tools to produce computer games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Navteq North America, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Dougherty, Kurt Brooks Uhlir, Michael V. Shuman
  • Patent number: 7965295
    Abstract: Improved human-like realism of computer opponents in racing or motion-related games is provided by using a mixture model to determine a dynamically prescribed racing line that the AI driver is to follow for a given segment of the race track. This dynamically prescribed racing line may vary from segment to segment and lap to lap, roughly following an ideal line with some variation. As such, the AI driver does not appear to statically follow the ideal line perfectly throughout the race. Instead, within each segment of the course, the AI driver's path may smoothly follow a probabilistically-determined racing line defined relative to at least one prescribed racing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ralf Herbrich, Mark Hatton, Michael E Tipping
  • Patent number: 7950990
    Abstract: The present invention is systems and methods for interactive wagering. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate a wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers, wagering events, and wagering account and facilitates the use of a variety of user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. For example, a user of the present invention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicate with the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use a two-way cable system, computers preferably use a computer network, and telephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with wagering data hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: ODS Properties
    Inventors: Connie T. Marshall, Joni L. Hamilton, Jon C. Zaring, Kevin D. Satterfield, Jennifer A. Vogh, Masood Garahi, Richard E. McNutt, Thomas L. Aronson
  • Patent number: RE43216
    Abstract: Smooth, stable and high quality game image is provided by accurately pre-reading background data required for image processing each time. The game device therefore reads background data required for a game that displays a condition of a moving vehicle within a virtual three-dimensional space together with a background in the main memory from a CD-ROM (recording medium) prior to image processing. This device comprises a pre-reading unit for pre-reading background data from a recording medium when reading a start line (reference line) set at a distant position in a specified distance away from the limit line of the visual field direction of display is crossing a new area. A recording medium is a medium that records background data by dividing it into a plurality of areas in advance, and the pre-reading unit comprises a unit for judging on which of the areas the reference line is crossing, and a reading unit for reading in memory the background data of the area judged as being crossed with the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventor: Masaaki Ito