13th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130079042 | NOTIFICATION SIGNAL TRANSMISSION METHOD AND MOBILE STATION FOR THE SAME - A method for transmitting a notification signal comprises a step in which each of a plurality of mobile stations (UE) compares first security information which each of the mobile stations manages with second security information included in a received first notification signal to thereby verify the validity of the first notification signal and a step in which each of the mobile stations (UE) performs the output corresponding to the first notification signal in the case of successfully verifying the validity of the first notification signal. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079043 | DTMF SIGNALLING BETWEEN MOBILE AND SERVER - In a method of processing an incoming sequence of one or more DTMF tones at a mobile device, the sequence is decoded to thereby identify any encoded message. Where the decoding does not identify a message, at least applying an error correction algorithm to the sequence to identify a message. Where the algorithm fails to correct the sequence, the sequence is compared to messages currently expected by the mobile device. If a message is not identified, a negative acknowledgement message may be sent. At a server, upon receipt of a negative acknowledgement message, it is determined if a message was sent to the mobile device in a previous pre-determined time window. If so, the message is re-sent. The server repeatedly sends certain messages to a mobile device until an acknowledgement message indicating receipt of the message by the mobile device is received. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079044 | METHOD FOR REPORTING SHORT MESSAGE STATUS AND SIGNALING INTERWORKING GATEWAY - The disclosure claims a method for reporting short message status and a signaling interworking gateway. The method comprises: S | 2013-03-28 |
20130079045 | WIRELESS DATA TRANSMISSION INCLUDING ASSIST SIGNALS - Methods, systems and apparatuses for dynamic spectrum access by both primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for communicating over a channel may include obtaining, at a secondary transmitter, first and second signals intended for a primary receiver and secondary receivers, respectively; generating, at the secondary transmitter, an assist signal based, at least in part, on the obtained first signal; generating, at the secondary transmitter, a data signal based, at least in part, on the obtained second signal; determining, at the secondary transmitter, a power split ratio between the data signal and the assist signal based, at least in part, on any of a power and a signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal; and generating, at the secondary transmitter, a third signal comprising (i) the data signal and (ii) the assist signal in accordance with power split ratio. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079046 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESS, ENABLEMENT AND CONTROL BY DEVICES IN TV WHITE SPACE - Methods and apparatus for access, enablement and control of devices in TV white space are provided. Methods and apparatus for channel scanning by a device are provided that shorten channel scanning time by using a 5 MHz Measurement Pilot frame at a predetermined location within an enabling device's channel, regardless of the operating bandwidth of the enabling device. Also provided are methods and apparatus for multi-band dynamic station enablement that locate information regarding an enabling device's supported regulatory classes and channel numbers within one accessible frame of information and also provide request and response messages to arrange for enablement of a requesting device on a network. Further, methods and apparatus are provided for identifying an interfering device on a network by providing increased information from within a DSE Registered Location element. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079047 | Node in a Communication System with Switchable Antenna Functions - The present invention relates to a node ( | 2013-03-28 |
20130079048 | Method and System for Small Cell Discovery in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks - A method and user equipment in a network having a macro cell and at least one small cell, the method receiving, from a network element, a plurality of small cell measurement configurations and at least one condition for utilizing each of the plurality of small cell measurement configurations; determining whether a condition is satisfied for one of the plurality of small cell measurement configurations; and configuring small cell measurement on the user equipment based on the one of the plurality of small cell measurement configurations for which the condition is satisfied. Further, a method at the network element, the method sending, from the network element to at least one user equipment, a plurality of small cell measurement configurations and at least one condition for utilizing each of the plurality of small cell measurement configurations. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079049 | Method and System for Small Cell Discovery in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks - A method and a user equipment in a network having a macro cell and at least one small cell, the method in one embodiment receiving a measurement restriction over a broadcast channel from the macro cell; and applying the restriction for a corresponding measurement at the user equipment. In one embodiment the method includes receiving a small cell list from the macro cell; and measuring at least one of a reference signal receive power and a reference signal received quality based on the received small cell list. The method includes, in one embodiment, receiving a neighboring small cell configurations from the macro cell; and utilizing the received small cell configurations to attach to a small cell. The method includes, in one embodiment, receiving an s-measure offset value over a broadcast channel from the macro cell; and applying the s-measure offset value to an s-measure for neighbor cell discovery. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079050 | Multi-modality communication auto-activation - Disclosed herein are example embodiments for multi-modality communication with auto-activation. By way of example but not limitation, user interaction with a device may be determined to correspond to a second communication modality based, at least partly, on one or more parameters relating to utilization of the device. The device may activate at least one feature that causes a communication corresponding to a first communication modality to comprise a multi-modality communication corresponding to the first communication modality and to the second communication modality. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079051 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULES ON WIRELESS NETWORKS FOR MACHINE-TO-MACHINE APPLICATIONS - A mobile station connected to a wireless network can comprise a subscriber identity module. The subscriber identity module can maintain a list of networks. The list can comprise forbidden public land mobile network data. Software can manage the forbidden public land mobile network data. For example, an applet transmitted to the subscriber identity module can periodically delete entries from the list and/or reset the subscriber identity module on predefined time intervals or when specified events occur. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079052 | Multi-modality communication - Disclosed herein are example embodiments for multi-modality communications. By way of example but not limitation, a local user may interact with a local communication device via a local communication modality for a given communication, and a remote user may interact with a remote communication device via a remote communication modality for the given communication. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079053 | Multi-modality communication initiation - Disclosed herein are example embodiments for multi-modality communication initiation. Described embodiments may include, but are not limited to, initiation of a multi-modality communication between an initiation communication device and a destination communication device. By way of example but not limitation, an initiating user may interact with an initiating communication device using a textual interaction modality, and a destination user may interact with a destination communication device using a voice interaction modality. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079054 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES CUES FOR OPTIMAL DATAPATH SELECTION - A wireless communication device is provided that includes a cellular telephony module to access a cellular network, a wireless communication module to access a non-cellular network, an antenna configured to be in wireless communication with a plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks including the cellular and non-cellular networks, and a mobile network selector to: display to a user of the wireless communication device, for an identified compatible and currently accessible communication network, network information comprising one or more of network speed, network reliability, network performance, network bandwidth, network throughput, and data transmission cost and receive, from the user for wireless communications by the wireless communication device, a selected compatible and currently accessible communication network from among the plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks; receive, from the user, a selection of at least one of a preferred network characteristics to be used in selecting, for wireless communications by the wireless communication device, a compatible and currently accessible communication network from among the plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks; and/or display to the user, an indicator of which network characteristic was selected by the user to be used by the mobile network selector in selecting, for wireless communications by the wireless communication device, a compatible and currently accessible communication network from among the plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079055 | MOBILE BANDWIDTH ADVISOR - A wireless communication device is provided that includes a cellular telephony module to access a cellular network, a wireless communication module to access a non-cellular network, an antenna configured to be in wireless communication with a plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks including the cellular and non-cellular networks, a mobile network analyzer operable to determine network information about cellular and non-cellular communication networks, and a mobile network selector to determine, based on network information supplied by the mobile network analyzer whether a currently accessed communication network is sufficiently capable to perform a device activity already initiated or to be initiated by a user. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079056 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A wireless communication device communicable with a first type and a second type of networks based on a first type and a second type wireless setting data respectively, includes: an obtaining section obtaining an identifier of an access point when a detection section detects the disconnection with the second type network through a certain access point; and a trial section trying to connect with the second type network through the certain access point if at least one second type wireless setting data stored in the second storage includes the obtained identifier, and the trial section trying to connect with the first type network through the certain access point any of the second type wireless setting data stored in the second storage does not includes the obtained identifier but the first type wireless setting data stored in the first storage includes the obtained identifier. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079057 | SYSTEM EFFECTIVE TO DEMODULATE A MODULATED CODE AND PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may produce a modulated code where different frequencies represent respectively logic 0s and 1s. The smart phone may apply a transform and peak detector to the modulated code to determine logic 0s and 1s to demodulate the code. The smart phone may send the demodulated code to a processor. The processor may receive the code, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and output the content on a display. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079058 | DEVICE EFFECTIVE TO MODULATE A CODE AND TO PROVIDE CONTENT TO A USER - A system and method effective to provide content to a user. The system may include a sound device, a smart phone, and a processor. The sound device may output a modulated code. The sound device may include a processor effective to generate a periodic wave based on a code and a speaker in electrical communication with the processor. The speaker may output the modulated code based on the code. The smart phone may receive and demodulate the modulated code to reproduce the code. The smart phone may send the code to a processor. The processor may receive the code, determine content associated with the code, and send the content over the network to the smart phone. The smart phone may further receive the content and display the content on a display. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079059 | Systems and Methods for Multi-Device Wireless SIM Management - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for automated multi-device, multi-persona wireless SIM management. A virtual SIM database associated with a user is maintained on the mobile service provider's network. Such a virtual SIM database contains multiple personas for that user. For each of the user devices they wish to use on the mobile service network, the user is furnished with one “stub” SIM to be installed on the user device, onto which may be loaded any one of the personas maintained by the virtual SIM database. Upon an event, a selected user device downloads a selected persona from the network and loads it onto its stub SIM, so that the selected device is now registered on the network with that persona. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079060 | CALIBRATION - An active transceiver array for a wireless telecommunications network. The transceiver array comprises a plurality of calibratable transceiver modules. Each transceiver module comprises a transceiver chain operable to process a primary signal and generate a processed primary signal; a comparator unit operable to compare said primary signal and said processed primary signal to determine a transceiver chain error induced by said transceiver chain in said processed primary signal; and a correction unit which uses the transceiver error to correct said primary signal to be processed by said transceiver chain. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079061 | HAND-HELD COMMUNICATION AID FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUDITORY, SPEECH AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS - The present invention relates to a hand-held communication aid and method that assists the deaf-dumb and visually impaired individuals to communicate with each other and with normal individuals. The method enables deaf-dumb and visually impaired individuals to communicate with each other and with normal individuals on remote communication means without any hardware improvisation. The method enables face to face communication and remote communication aid for deaf-dumb and visually impaired individuals. This method requires no modifications in hand-held communication device used by normal individual. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079062 | ORIENTATION ARBITRATION - Methods and devices for configuring and displaying individual display screens of a multi-display device. More particularly, the method includes determining and presenting the display orientation of each display independently of other displays. The method and device may present a portrait display orientation in one display screen while simultaneously present a landscape display orientation in another display screen. Display orientation may be based on the user's desires and/or requirements of a hosted application. Upon rotation of the multi-display device, each screen display may be configured to maintain its orientation or may be configured to allow its display orientation to change, for example from portrait to landscape orientation. The display orientation characteristics for each display screen may be selectable by the user. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079063 | BANDWIDTH THROUGHPUT OPTIMIZATION - A wireless communication device is provided that includes a cellular telephony module to access a cellular network, a wireless communication module to access a non-cellular network, an antenna configured to be in wireless communication with a plurality of compatible and currently accessible communication networks including the cellular and non-cellular networks, and a mobile network analyzer operable to periodically send a packet through each of the compatible and currently accessible networks and time each of the compatible and currently accessible networks to determine a measured data packet throughput speed and data packet integrity. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079064 | MOBILE PHONE, OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Provided is a mobile phone that comprises: a speaker; and an audio data storage unit configured to store therein a plurality of audio data pieces in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of levels of relative communication reception frequency, the relative communication reception frequency being calculated for each of a plurality of originators and indicating a ratio of frequency of receiving incoming communications from the originator to frequency of receiving incoming communications from a particular originator, specifies, when an incoming communication is received, from among the levels, a level of the relative communication reception frequency for an originator of the received incoming communication, and outputs a ringtone from the speaker based on one of the audio data pieces corresponding to the specified level. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079065 | MULTI-MODE POWER AMPLIFIER - There is provided a multi-mode power amplifier having increased isolation, including: a high power mode amplifying unit amplifying an input signal by a pre-set gain when the input signal has a power level higher than a pre-set reference level; a low power mode amplifying unit amplifying the input signal by a pre-set gain when the input signal has a power level lower than the pre-set reference level; a switch unit including one or more switches selectively proving a signal transmission path to the high power mode amplifying unit and the low power mode amplifying unit; and a controller providing a control signal having a pre-set voltage level for switching the one or more switches of the switch unit on or off, the voltage level of the control signal for switching the one or more switches off being set to be a negative voltage. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079066 | Mobile Device Support System, Apparatus and Method - A system and apparatus for supporting a mobile electronic device in vertical and horizontal orientations, the mobile device having a front with a viewing screen, a back, a top end, a bottom end, a left side and a right side, and a single, continuous frame affixed to the mobile device and having first, second, third and fourth pivots each located proximate to the top end, the bottom end, the left side and the right side, respectively. The frame is preferably formed of a rigid material such as metal or plastic that substantially maintains its shapes notwithstanding repeated deformation and is configured to bend away from the mobile device along the first and second pivot points and along the third and fourth pivot points while retaining its rectangular shape to support the mobile device in different orientations for a reasonable period of use. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079067 | SUBLIMATION COATED CASE FOR CELL PHONE - A decorative case is provided for a cellular phone having a predetermined shape. The case has a back portion, opposing sides and opposing ends configured to closely fit over the back and sides of the cellular phone. The back portion has an outwardly facing, substantially flat portion. A supporting sheet has an inner surface adhered to the substantially flat portion and has an outward facing portion having a sublimation image thereon. The image is personally selected by the owner of the case. The supporting sheet is made of metal. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079068 | OPTICAL ELECTRONIC PACKAGE - A package includes a substrate with an attached emitting IC chip and receiving IC chip. The emitting IC chip includes an optical emitter, and the receiving IC chip includes a main optical sensor and a secondary optical sensor. A case is provided with a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion to cover the IC chips, wherein the edge of the peripheral wall portion is mounted to the substrate. The bottom portion of the case includes a main opening above the main optical sensor and a secondary opening above the optical emitter. An opaque material is interposed between the case and the receiving IC chip to isolate the main optical sensor from the secondary optical sensor and delimiting a chamber containing the secondary optical sensor and the optical emitter. The chamber is optically isolated from the main optical sensor and main opening, and may be filled with a transparent material. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079069 | MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING ANTENNA - A mobile terminal that can prevent radiation performance deterioration of an antenna is provided. The mobile terminal includes a circuit board in which an antenna and one or more key buttons are mounted, a housing mounted on the antenna and the circuit board, and a case for enclosing a periphery of the one or more key buttons and having a plurality of openings according to the quantity of the key buttons, wherein an antenna adjacent opening among the plurality of openings is extended through a slot toward an edge of the case to embody a loop antenna. Therefore, radiation deterioration of an antenna due to a case can be prevented. In addition, production costs can be minimized, and a desired external appearance of the mobile terminal is not compromised. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079070 | CELL PHONE COVER - The present invention relates to a cell phone cover with improved dexterity and design that allows the user to secure the handling of a cell phone, specifically allowing the user to insert at least one finger underneath at least one band in the cell phone cover to secure the user's hold on the phone. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079071 | VIDEO GAME AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING AND IMPROVING OFFICIATING SKILLS - 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. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079072 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH NON-COMPETITIVE PLAY AND OPTIONAL COMPETITIVE PLAY - In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079073 | NEXT-GENERATION FANTASY FOOTBALL - System, method, network, applications, devices, non-transient computer readable medium are provided that implement next generation fantasy sports feature in particular application to fantasy football. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079074 | CAPTURE GAME APPARATUS - An electronic hand held capture-the-light game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a controller, eleven light sources in a linear display and two oppositely disposed movable handles. One of the handles activates a compression switch when the handles are pressed together. The controller is programmed to include a series of games to be played on the apparatus that become progressively more difficult. The games provide that the light sources are momentarily illuminated in a predetermined sequence at a predetermined tempo, and object of the game for a player is to activate the compression switch when one of three light sources in a capture zone is illuminated. If successful, the player earns a reward, if not, the player loses one of a limited number of chances to continue the game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079075 | Crew Creation for Quest Progression - Methods, systems, and computer programs for creating a crew to participate in a mission challenge in an online game includes identifying quests to complete the mission challenge. Each quest includes a plurality of tasks and each task includes a plurality of subtasks. A request feed is sent to members of a social graph of a user requesting the members to join the crew and to participate in completing the subtasks of the challenge. Skill set associated with each member of the social graph responding to the request feed is determined and matched with the skill set required for completing each subtask. A distinct subtask is delegated to each member based on the match. Each crew member's progression in completing the challenge is monitored and managed based on the progression made in the delegated subtask. Status of the challenge is updated and shared with the members of the crew. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079076 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH NON-COMPETITIVE PLAY AND OPTIONAL COMPETITIVE PLAY - In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079077 | DYNAMIC PUZZLE GENERATION - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a power-puzzler computer generated crossword puzzle which employs a unique and original combination of technology-based features to offer puzzlers of all skill levels a richer and more enjoyable crossword puzzle gaming experience. A master puzzle database (MPDB) consisting of clues and solutions associated with metadata is created and utilized to offer numerous improvements over previous crossword puzzle games. Features include offering multiple clues of varying difficulty for the same solution and improvement features to help a puzzler understand and develop crossword strategies, skills and techniques. Unique scoring is offered based on multiple variables such as level of difficulty, elapsed time to complete the puzzle, percentage of solutions correct, etc. Puzzlers can also create custom puzzles by defining game parameters such as categories of interest, level of difficulty and desired time to complete. Puzzler performance can be stored in a user profile. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079078 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SERIOUS GAME - A serious game providing apparatus comprises a content providing unit that provides at least one of a multiple number of serious game contents for cognitive ability measurement and development to a user terminal of a registered user; and an assessment processing unit that provides cognitive ability assessment data corresponding to the registered user based on a result of at least one time performance of the multiple number of serious game contents. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079079 | DIGITAL JIGSAW PUZZLE GAME FOR MOBILE DEVICE PLATFORMS - A system and method of providing a digital jigsaw puzzle game for mobile device is disclosed that comprises a computer physic simulation in which puzzle pieces are placed over a tilted surface displaying the picture of a puzzle. The tilted surface position and orientation within the 3D space of the simulation are driven by the motion sensors inputs of the mobile device. Each puzzle pieces are subject to gravity so that, as the user tilts the mobile device in a certain direction, the surface is tilted and the pieces slide down the surface in the corresponding direction. The motion of each puzzle pieces is computed using Newton's law of motion based on all external forces applied on each one. A puzzle piece moving close to its final position will be automatically placed and locked there. As a result of the above-mentioned, as the user moves the mobile device, he controls the motions of the pieces over the picture displayed on the mobile device screen in order to complete the puzzle. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079080 | PUZZLE WITH CONDUCTIVE PATH - System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079081 | METHODOLOGY FOR EQUALIZING SYSTEMIC LATENCIES IN TELEVISION RECEPTION IN CONNECTION WITH GAMES OF SKILL PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH LIVE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING - A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079082 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND MANAGING A COMPETITIVE PUZZLE-BASED GAME HAVING AT LEAST ONE RISK ELEMENT AND AT LEAST ONE ADVERTISING ELEMENT - A puzzle-based game system and method, having at least one risk element (e.g., wagering), is provided, enabling players to compete in a puzzle-based game of skill utilizing a system of risk-element-based rules, that are applied in a predetermined manner to: first partition a set of puzzles into a predefined plurality of puzzle elements, thereafter “dealing” the puzzle elements sequentially in a “round by round” sequence, and enabling, during at least a portion of the total game rounds, each player to selectively take one or more predefined risk-based actions (e,g., wagering), during a predefined time in each “risk” (e.g. wagering) round. The inventive system and method may also include an optional system and method enabling provision and management of dynamic online game environments and related infrastructures advantageously usable in plural multi-player online games having social interaction and competitive aspects, and utilizing virtual currency, with optional educational applications and/or advertising elements. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079083 | MACHINE-IMPLEMENTED METHOD OF HANDLING HAND TILES/CARDS OF A VIRTUAL PLAYER DURING A TILE/CARD GAME AND GAMING APPARATUS - A method performed by a gaming apparatus is provided for handling hand tiles of a virtual player during a tile game. The tile game is played using plural virtual playing tiles from which the hand tiles are drawn. The gaming apparatus stores a preference parameter set associated with the virtual player and including tile points of the respective virtual playing tiles and combination points of various permissible combinations of the virtual playing tiles. During a turn of the virtual player, the gaming apparatus computes priority points of the respective hand tiles according to the preference parameter set, and then, makes the virtual player discard one of the hand tiles that is selected according to the priority points. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079084 | CARD GAME COMBINING ELEMENTS OF BLACKJACK AND PAI GAO - A wagering card game, optionally electronically implemented, combines variations of Pai Gow and Blackjack. Player(s) and a dealer are each dealt five cards from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The player and dealer arrange their respective five cards into a three-card high hand and a two-card low hand, provided the numerical sum of the high hand does not exceed 21. To win the game the player must have a higher numeric value in both their high and low hands as compared to the dealer's high and low hands. A special high rank is ascribed to a high hand having a sum of 21 achieved through the combination of two ten-valued cards and one Ace. An option side wager is won by the player if the numerical sums of the player's high and low hands match. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079085 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ADVICE REGARDING GAMING STRATEGIES - Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079086 | BLACKJACK TYPE CARD GAME WITH DOUBLE-UP WAGER - A modified blackjack card game uses standard playing cards. If the dealer hand sum is 2-15, the dealer must take an additional card. If the dealer hand sum is 16-21 all wagers are resolved. A player's wager is won if their hand sum is higher than the dealer's. The player's wager is pushed if the dealer's sum is 16 and the player's sum is less than 22. An optional Double Up wager allows the player to increase the value of their primary wager without accepting any additional cards into their hand. The game rules can be modified to allow an automatic player win if their hand value is exactly 16 and the numerical sum of the dealer's hand is between 17-21. Optional Community and Poker-Style side wagers enable players to offset traditionally frustrating bad hands. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079087 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD CHANGING AWARDS AVAILABLE TO BE WON IN PENDING PLAYS OF A GAME BASED ON A QUANTITY OF CONCURRENTLY PENDING PLAYS OF THE GAME - Gaming systems, devices, and methods configured to change winnable awards of a pending play of a game based on a quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game are provided. The gaming system enables a player to sequentially initiate multiple plays of a game such that a plurality of plays are concurrently pending. Each play of the game includes one or more awards available to be won in that play. When a quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game is greater than or equal to a designated quantity of plays of the game, the gaming system changes one or more of the awards available to be won in one or more of those concurrently pending plays of the game, and they remain changed as long as the quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game is greater than or equal to the designated quantity of plays of the game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079088 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER PERSISTENT GAME - A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079089 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER PERSISTENT GAME - A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079090 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING A FEATURE CLUB SYSTEM - A gaming machine includes a feature club interface system. This feature club interface system provides an interface through which a player at the gaming machine may access a number of features available through the gaming machine which may or may not be related to wagering games offered through the gaming machine. The feature club interface system may rely on communications with a remote feature club server to initiate or enable various features at the gaming machine. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079092 | METHODOLOGY FOR EQUALIZING SYSTEMIC LATENCIES IN TELEVISION RECEPTION IN CONNECTION WITH GAMES OF SKILL PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH LIVE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING - A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079093 | METHODOLOGY FOR EQUALIZING SYSTEMIC LATENCIES IN TELEVISION RECEPTION IN CONNECTION WITH GAMES OF SKILL PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH LIVE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING - A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079094 | Method of Lottery Wagering on Real-World Events - Methods for direct wagering and lottery wagering on real-world events including outcomes based on fantasy sports league performance. One method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes selecting a set of variables, each variable representing a time-varying value capable of having a fixed value at a specified time. For each variable, the method includes selecting a range of values for the fixed value of the variable at the specified time, dividing the range of values into a set of n increments, randomly assigning a lottery number from a set of lottery numbers, | 2013-03-28 |
20130079095 | HIGH VOLUME ELECTRONIC LOTTERY TICKET DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A game server communicates game record groups to a site controller associated with a gaming site, and the site controller stores the game record groups in associated data storage. The site controller selects one of the stored game record groups in response to a game availability request associated with a respective game presentation, and communicates the selected game record group from the site controller to a player station services controller associated with the gaming site. The player station services controller stores that respective game record group in its associated data storage device and communicates data from a respective game record to a player station in response to a game play request from the player station, thereby allowing the player station to present a player with a lottery game result for the game play request. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079096 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A WAGERING GAME HAVING A SECONDARY GAME ARRAY FORMED FROM A PLURALITY OF PRIMARY GAME ARRAYS - The player makes a wager to receive a plurality of primary game arrays. Winning primary game outcomes occur when specific primary game array positions, designated by paylines, are randomly assigned winning combinations of indicia. The winning game outcomes of a plurality of primary game arrays are converted to symbols corresponding to the winning primary game outcomes to form a secondary game array. Winning secondary game outcomes occur when winning combinations of symbols occur on the secondary game array paylines | 2013-03-28 |
20130079097 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING INDICATIONS OF AWARDS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN WON - A gaming system, gaming device, and method which provide a display of one or more missed awards based on one or more numbers generated by a random number generator (“RNG”) for possible use in determining a randomly generated outcome for a play of a game, but which are not used to determine any outcome for the play of the game. The unused or unemployed RNG numbers: (a) may be the numbers generated by the RNG before the numbers which are actually used or employed for that play of the game (i.e., the employed numbers); (b) may be the numbers generated by the RNG after the numbers which are used or employed for that play of the game; or (c) if no plays of the game are occurring, the numbers unused numbers generated by the RNG at one or more points in time. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079098 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079099 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079100 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A USER DEVICE THAT RECEIVES AND STORES REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - System and method providing reel sets for subsequent plays. A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. The user device displays a base reel set spinning. A server determines an outcome for the current play and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates second reel set data and outcome data to the user device. The reels are stopped in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays the second play of that game using the second reel set, the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount, and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079101 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SERVER THAT DETERMINES A REEL SET FOR AN INITIAL GAME PLAY AND REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. A server determines a first reel set for the current play, an outcome for the current play, and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates first reel set data, second reel set data, and outcome data to the user device. The user device spins and stops the first reel set in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays that play of that game using the second reel set, and the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079102 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A USER DEVICE THAT RECEIVES AND STORES A REEL SET FOR AN INITIAL GAME PLAY AND REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. A server determines a first reel set for the current play, an outcome for the current play, and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates first reel set data, second reel set data, and outcome data to the user device. The user device spins and stops the first reel set in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays that play of that game using the second reel set, and the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079103 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SERVER THAT DETERMINES REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - System and method providing reel sets for subsequent plays. A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. The user device displays a base reel set spinning. A server determines an outcome for the current play and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates second reel set data and outcome data to the user device. The reels are stopped in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays the second play of that game using the second reel set, the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount, and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079104 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME WITH VARYING VOLATILITY - A gaming machine and method provide electronic games to a player. A controller is configured to set a volatility factor to a first volatility value, set a number of plays to a first random number of games, and establish a counter of a number of games played. The controller is also configured to display a first instance of the game on a display device, randomly select an outcome of the first instance of the game, display the outcome on the display device, and award an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the first instance of the game and the volatility factor if the outcome of the first instance of the game is a winning outcome. The controller counts the number of games played and, if a predetermined number of games have been played, sets the volatility factor to another volatility value. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079105 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor configured to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079106 | Gaming Machine Displaying Special Symbol Having Randomly Selected Functions - Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a special symbol that offers various special functions. The special symbol switches between two or more states, where each state provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved in the array or provides other functions. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079107 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FACILITATING TOURNAMENT PLAY - A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward to an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079108 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PERSISTENT GAME - A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079109 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER PERSISTENT GAME - A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079110 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079111 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079112 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079113 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079114 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT WITH A MULTIPLE PLAYER COIN DROP GAME - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079115 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MODERATING REMOTE HOST INITIATED FEATURES FOR MULTIPLE CONCURRENTLY PLAYED GAMES - The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079116 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MODERATING REMOTE HOST INITIATED FEATURES FOR MULTIPLE CONCURRENTLY PLAYED GAMES - The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of optimizing the redemption of credits in a variable value transaction are disclosed. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be assigned an order of availability for redemption based on credit redemption criteria such as a redemption priority, a product value, an expiration date, and/or a redemption value. The credits with a higher order of availability may be redeemed prior to credits with a lower order of availability. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079118 | GAMING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A gaming apparatus configured to provide a main game and being capable of triggering at least one game event includes a component for storing a main game wager value. A player operable input means provided by the apparatus is operable to allow a player to place a wager which is supplementary to the wager placed on the main game and which has a value which is variable by the player in independence of the main game wager value. A processor is responsive to the supplementary wager value so as to determine a characteristic of the game event. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079119 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FACILITATING TOURNAMENT PLAY - A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079120 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING A MESSAGE AT A GAME MACHINE - The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079121 | BONUS GAME POINTS IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for using bonus points, where bonus points may be accumulated by a player in a casino setting to invoke a bonus play or bonus game ordinarily reachable only through a random event. Bonus points are usable in combination with tiered bonus levels, allowing the issuance of points or credits that a player may accumulate until they have enough to trade-in for a bonus round, event, or game at the chosen level. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079122 | CASHLESS CONTROLLER SYSTEM AND BOARD - A controller board and system for converting a cash-based game machine to a cashless, wireless system employing wireless network connectivity is disclosed. The controller board consists of a circuit board, one or more emulation circuits, a serial interface, one or more switches and a microcontroller. The controller system consists of the controller board with the serial interface connected to a display and a card reader, and a wireless communication interface for communicating with the accounts server. Said one or more emulation circuits emulate the signals of cash-based peripherals on the game machine, once the peripheral cables are reconnected from the peripheral into the emulation circuit. The user's account is identified through the card reader and the user's account is debited or credited as a result of losing or winning gameplay by the microcontroller. Changes to the account balance are encrypted and sent to a casino server by means of the wireless interface. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079123 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER, MULTIPLE GAME BONUSING ENVIRONMENT - A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079124 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REPORTING FOR MULTIPLE CONCURRENTLY PLAYED GAMES - The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079125 | GAMING SYSTEM - A gaining system comprising an electronic gaining machine having an associated players station interface device configured to monitor the turnover of the electronic gaming machine and having an interface device display configured to display an interface device electronic game such that a predetermined proportion of the electronic gaming machine turnover is pulled into an interface device electronic game jackpot controlled by a control server in communication with the player station interface device wherein an electronic trigger is sent from the control server to the player station interface device to commence an interface device game and wherein the control server is configured to provide a payout for a user winning the interface device game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079126 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VARYING TAKE-OUT ON PARI-MUTUEL WAGERS - In a method of pari-mutuel wagering, one or more primary bettors place wagers having an applicable base take-out rate, and thus yielding a base pari-mutuel payout for winning wagers. One or more secondary bettors may place wagers having an applicable modified take-out rate (preferably lower than the base take-out rate), thus yielding a higher payout for winning wagers than the base payout. In one embodiment, primary bettors may place wagers through a host, such as a track. Secondary bettors may place wagers through a non-host distributor, such as an off-track betting location (OTB). Secondary bettors may apply take-out points to lower the base take-out rate to a new modified take-out rate which is applicable to their wager. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079127 | System, Method and Computer Program for Enabling an Interactive Game - A system, method and computer program enable an interactive game. A game server, in response to a user request, provides a unique identifier associated with an instance of the interactive game. The game server forwards one or more invitations to join the interactive game in accordance with the user request. Thereafter, the game server registers one or more wireless communication devices to be used as data controllers for use by participants that join the game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079128 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMIFICATION OF REAL-LIFE EVENTS - There is a system and method for gamification of real-life events over a computerized network. The system includes an observer module configured to generate real-life data in response to observation of a real-life event. The system includes an interface engine module configured to operate an ongoing computerized game that includes game objects. The system includes an implementation module configured to receive an implementation instruction and automatically effect a real-world occurrence associated with the implementation instruction. The system includes a control module, including a processor, configured to convert real-life data from the observer module into a game object, provide the created game object to the interface engine module for injection into an ongoing computer game, and convert a player interaction into an implementation instruction and provide the same to the implementation module. The system includes a player module configured to permit a player to play the ongoing game. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079129 | Networked Television and Method Thereof - A television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, and a decoder operable to process a multimedia data stream received via the first network interface. The television is operable to display content of the multimedia data stream on the display promptly upon receipt of a user request to power up the television. A method includes receiving a multimedia data stream at a network interface of a television, processing the multimedia data stream to generate content, and providing the video content to a display of the television. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079130 | FANTASY SPORTS GAME - A fantasy sports game allows a user to obtain a roster corresponding to a real-life sports team's roster and adjust the roster via transactions based on real-life transactions. The participant's roster is scored against the real-life sports team's roster. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079131 | MOBILE DEVICE INTERFACE FOR ONLINE GAMES - The present disclosure generally relates games and applications in general and in particular to computer-implemented online games playable on mobile devices. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079132 | PERSONALIZED CLIENT-SIDE VISUALIZATION IN A MULTIPLAYER NETWORK VIDEO GAME - A method for providing customized content in a video game over a computer network to a plurality of game clients operated by different players is disclosed The method includes: storing a library of content that can be selectively delivered to the plurality of game clients during gameplay of the video game; receiving information about each of the players from the respective game client; selecting content from the library to be delivered to each of the game clients based on the received information about the respective player; and synchronously delivering the selected content to the corresponding game client. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079133 | GAME DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING GAME DEVICE, AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Dominated area setting means sets, for each of a plurality of game characters, in a game space, at least two of a first dominated area including a position of each of the plurality of game characters, a second dominated area including a position defined according to a position and representative direction of each of the plurality of game characters, and a third dominated area including a position defined according to a position and a movement direction of each of the plurality of game characters. Motion control means controls a motion of at least one of the plurality of game characters based on a positional relationship of a position related to the game character and at least two of the dominated areas mentioned above. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079134 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING A MESSAGE AT A GAME MACHINE - The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079135 | METHODOLOGY FOR EQUALIZING SYSTEMIC LATENCIES IN TELEVISION RECEPTION IN CONNECTION WITH GAMES OF SKILL PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH LIVE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING - A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079136 | INTEGRATED DISPLAY AND INPUT SYSTEM - A method is set forth for providing for the integration of gaming functions and system functions into a gaming device of the type having a video touch screen display. The method includes configuring a platform for the gaming device to have at least a first processor for real time processing of hardware tasks and game logic processes and a second processor for processing system logic and game and system information display processes. At least one first processor and second processor are arranged to control said display to display a gaming interface for viewing a wagering game for play by a player and the second processor is configured to display a systems interface into said gaming interface to display non-game system information from said system-based information signals. The systems logic processes are kept separate from said game logic processes. In various embodiments the method includes displaying a system interface when a player or employee inserts a card into a card reader. In some embodiments the gaming interface may be controlled to relinquish the display to the systems interface. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079137 | GAME SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD, AND A STORAGE MEDIUM STORING A COMPUTER PROGRAM USED THEREOF - A gaming system is provided with a monitor ( | 2013-03-28 |
20130079138 | Game Apparatus, Game Control Method, and Computer-Readable Non-Transitory Information Recording Medium Recording Program - A storing unit stores, for example, positions of various objects, such as a player character and an enemy character. A detector detects the object present within a predetermined range according to a position of the player character. A determiner determines a tactical situation of the player character with regards to the detected object. A changer changes activation/deactivation of the lock-on function based on the determined tactical situation. That is, in the case of a melee, etc., the changer changes the lock-on function into an activated status, and in the cases other than the melee, etc., the changer changes the lock-on function in a deactivated status. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079139 | OVERLAYS FOR TOUCH SENSITIVE SCREENS TO SIMULATE BUTTONS OR OTHER VISUALLY OR TACTUALLY DISCERNIBLE AREAS - Overlays for use with touch sensitive display devices are provided, which are configured to simulate visually and/or touch discernible areas with the look and feel of actual buttons or activators. The overlay may be provided over an otherwise smooth surface of a display device to augment its look and/or feel, to enhance its user operability as a touch sensitive display device. The overlay includes one, a plurality, or a pattern of visually and/or touch discernible area(s), and is overlaid on the display device such that the discernible areas are registered with active regions (touch sensitive regions) of the display device. Thus, a user can readily discern the active regions of the display device based on the visually or touch discernible areas overlaid thereon. When an area is touched, an active region corresponding to the area is activated, and an activation signal is generated to trigger execution of a corresponding routine. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079140 | GESTURES TO ENCAPSULATE INTENT - A method is provided for enabling gameplay with a character in a game environment on a mobile device. In the game environment, a player can play a game via a character. When there is an expectation of action from the character in the game, a touch gesture input is received on the mobile device. The fidelity of the touch gesture input is calculated with reference to an optimal gesture in a reference gesture table. If the fidelity is within a predefined range associated with the optimal gesture, the touch gesture input is matched to the optimal gesture and an associated game script is called wherein the character would be shown as having successfully completed the expectation. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079141 | WIRELESSLY POWERED GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention provide an interactive toy or gaming device for actuating various interactive play effects within a compatible play environment. The gaming device comprises a portable housing having an internal cavity configured to receive one or more batteries or other power sources for powering the device. Optional lighting, laser or sound effects may be provided as well as one or more optionally-powered infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) wireless communications devices. The interactive toy or gaming device may also comprise an optional RFID (radio frequency identification device) transponder that is operable to provide relatively short-range non-battery-powered RF communications with one or more receivers or transceivers provided within a compatible play environment. The interactive toy or gaming device may further include an optional magnetic inductance energy source or motion-generated energy source for wirelessly powering the device by motion and/or using an externally applied electromagnetic field. | 2013-03-28 |
20130079142 | MATCHING SPONSORED GAME CONTENT TO LOCATION BY GENRE AND PLAYABILITY - Technologies are generally described for matching sponsored game content to location by genre and playability. In some examples, a search system for finding real-environment matched gaming content for a user based at least partially on analyzed properties of potential locations may employ game script/flow information and match against local features from map data to screen content for which a game plot can be executed across appropriate areas and transitions or other physical requirements. Additionally, a broker server system may enable businesses to advertise or sponsor a game in order to get the game set up in their location. A keyword auction or similar process may be used during keyword related game organization that is also within specific geographic locations such that the game is set up with the auction winner's location as a plot related-location. | 2013-03-28 |