2385 results about "Video game" patented technology

A method and apparatus for an interactive video game to be displayed on a video display device. The gaming apparatus includes a game controller adapted to control the outcome of a game played on the gaming machine for display on the display device. A player interface is coupled to the gaming apparatus and is configured to input information data personally identifying a player operating the gaming machine. This personal identification data, such as a players name, birthdate, digitized facial pictures of player, etc., is then integrated into the game for integral display in the game outcome on the display device. Thus, player interaction is increased by customizing the game screen presentation to include their personal information.

A disclosed smart card includes a processor and memory configured to execute a number of gaming applications, such as a bonus game application, a progressive game application, a voucher application and a paytable application, and communicate with a master gaming controller on the gaming machine. Gaming instructions, generated during the execution of one or more of the gaming application on the smart card, may be used to affect game play on the gaming machine. The gaming instructions for various gaming services may be supplied to gaming machines operating in a “stand alone” mode or gaming machine connected to some type of dedicated network. In addition, the smart card may store game components including audio game components and video game components that may be downloaded into a gaming machine and incorporated into a game presentation on the gaming machine. The smart card may be utilized at many different venues including casinos, hotels, bars, restaurants and retail stores.

A device allows easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and a computer display system using the person's (or another object's) movement and position as input to the computer. In some configurations, the display can be projected around the user so that that the person's actions are displayed around them. The video camera and projector operate on different wavelengths so that they do not interfere with each other. Uses for such a device include, but are not limited to, interactive lighting effects for people at clubs or events, interactive advertising displays, etc. Computer-generated characters and virtual objects can be made to react to the movements of passers-by, generate interactive ambient lighting for social spaces such as restaurants, lobbies and parks, video game systems and create interactive information spaces and art installations. Patterned illumination and brightness and gradient processing can be used to improve the ability to detect an object against a background of video images.

A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.

An exercise computer monitors the exercises of a user, especially a child, and provides rewards for exercises done well and regularly, thereby motivating the user. Rewards take the form of video games, cartoons, music, and merchant coupons. The exercise computer also provides encouragement and advice as the user progresses in skill level. Exercises may be prescribed. A record of exercise performance can be produced, to track the user's progress over time. The system and method can readily utilize the current install base of handheld computers and video games pre-existing in the marketplace.

Systems and methods are provided that involve a player to a significant degree with an advertisement and its accompanying product or service. One setting of the system and method may be a network application that is adjunct to an online simulation such as an MMO game. The system and method may be implemented in either or both, or in video games that are embodied in just one of these. The system and method provide a convenient way to tie advertising to game content. By use of advertisements, the user (through the player character) can become aware of and can access in-game items, player character attribute modifications, and rewards. Such advertisements may be banner advertisements or any other type of advertising. By taking advantage of the offers presented in the advertisements, a user of the network application may obtain items for their own use or for that of a corresponding MMO character.

A device allows easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and a computer display system using the person's (or another object's) movement and position as input to the computer. In some configurations, the display can be projected around the user so that that the person's actions are displayed around them. The video camera and projector operate on different wavelengths so that they do not interfere with each other. Uses for such a device include, but are not limited to, interactive lighting effects for people at clubs or events, interactive advertising displays, etc. Computer-generated characters and virtual objects can be made to react to the movements of passers-by, generate interactive ambient lighting for social spaces such as restaurants, lobbies and parks, video game systems and create interactive information spaces and art installations. Patterned illumination and brightness and gradient processing can be used to improve the ability to detect an object against a background of video images.

Sound processing methods and apparatus are provided. A sound capture unit is configured to identify one or more sound sources. The sound capture unit generates data capable of being analyzed to determine a listening zone at which to process sound to the substantial exclusion of sounds outside the listening zone. Sound captured and processed for the listening zone may be used for interactivity with the computer program. The listening zone may be adjusted based on the location of a sound source. One or more listening zones may be pre-calibrated. The apparatus may optionally include an image capture unit configured to capture one or more image frames. The listening zone may be adjusted based on the image. A video game unit may be controlled by generating inertial, optical and / or acoustic signals with a controller and tracking a position and / or orientation of the controller using the inertial, acoustic and / or optical signal.

A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.

The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An embodiment of a method incorporating RDOG may include steps of requiring a player to purchase a predetermined amount of playing time for a predetermined amount of money; inputting an initial average Return-To-Player (RTP) percentage of the regulated game; initiating the regulated game, and during the purchased predetermined amount of playing time: providing a plurality of reward generating assets and enabling the player to interact therewith, a successful interaction with a reward generating asset generating a reward for the player, and providing a plurality of time penalty inducing assets, interaction with one of which imposes a predetermined time penalty during which the player is prevented from interacting with any of the plurality of reward generating assets whereby, after interaction with one of the plurality of penalty inducing assets, the initial average RTP percentage is reduced by an amount proportional to a length of the predetermined time penalty.

A method of balancing a user's input to an interactive computer program with the program's output is obtained by continually measuring the difference between the user's input and the program's output and adjusting one or more parameters of the program's output so that the difference from the user's performance is progressively reduced. The adjustment may be obtained dynamically through negative feedback dampening of the measured difference (delta) between user input and program output, and / or by selection of predetermined apposite values for program output corresponding to the measurement of user input. The adjustment results in dynamic generation and / or selection of premodeled segments of interactive output in closer balance with user input. The adjustment method can be applied to video games, educational games, productivity programs, training programs, biofeedback programs, entertainment programs, and other interactive programs. In video games, the adjustment method results in balancing user performance with game difficulty for a more engaging game experience. It can also enable embedded advertising to be triggered when the user is in an optimum state of engagement. The adjustment method may be performed by projecting future trends of user performance, selecting predetermined or dynamically determined levels of value, modifying user control of input devices, or even modifying the program's challenges to user capability over time.

Data supplied to a display having a plurality of pixels comprises both content to be displayed and metadata that identifies the content of the respective pixel as being of a particular type by setting the metadata for each pixel to a value that is one of a predefined set of values. The identification of the content as being of a particular type enables the classification of the pixels on a per pixel basis into one or more categories. Pixels containing data for an advertisement can be identified and metered to determine the total display space they occupy and length of time they are displayed, which are both considered measures of the effectiveness of the advertisement. This metering can therefore be used to more equitably charge for advertising on web pages because an advertiser can be charged on the basis of what a user actually sees on the display. If only a percentage of the advertisement is visible, the advertiser pays an amount in proportion to the percentage of the advertisement that is visible. Pixels belonging to an advertisement can also be metered by a video game in a manner that gives an incentive to a game player to view advertisements. Additionally, metadata can be used to identify a pixel as containing objectionable content or some other information or type of content not desired by a user. The pixels containing objectionable or undesired content, which usually are pixels that display an object or portions thereof, can then be filtered out of the picture in a more precise way to either delete or leave a blurred image of the object or objectionable / undesirable portion thereof only, without hiding an entire screen of data.

The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier. The reward due the player for successfully interacting with the reward generating asset may then be determined by a product of the reward multiplier and a collision wager that is dependent upon a time interval since a last successful interaction with the reward generating asset.

A video game character or avatar is generated using images of the player so that the on-screen avatar being controlled by the player appears like the player. Answers to a questionnaire or a psychological profile are provided by the player to determine characteristics that the player views as desirable, which are used to generate a final version of the avatar. Iterations of the avatar appearance are generated from the initial appearance to the final, more desirable appearance. Using the avatar, as play of the game proceeds the player's avatar begins as a character appearing like themselves and gradually becomes a character that is more as they would like to appear. The avatar increases the emotional impact of games by providing strong visual and psychological connections with the player. The avatar may instead begin from an initial character that does not appear similar to the player. The iterations may make the avatar gradually less appealing or with other changes in appearance, in some embodiments.

The invention refers to digital interactive games operable from specific terminals, video game consoles, personal computers, cell phones, digital interactive television, even when they include an initial bit of chance for their usual development, in order to incorporate the possibility to get a prize (including cash payments), besides of simply diversion. It comprises the incorporation of at least one random resource capable of sustaining a mathematical balance between winners and losers equivalent to that governing games of pure chance, keeping the condition that, for the resolution of each game, it requires the participation of the person, his / her with and his / her visual, motor, spatial, and linguistic skills, besides to his / her knowledge. The incorporated random resource is managed by a probabilistic balance system that ensures the proper ratio between winners and losers in terms of the predetermined “payout”. The incorporated random resource could be either a lottery of maximum results including the previous draw of the maximum result the player can reach (although he / she plays it perfectly), or a lottery of levels of difficulty that draws the level of difficulty set for each game between a maximum level (virtually impossible to overcome) and a minimum level (very easy to overcome), or a combination of both of them.

A targeted in-game advertising system is provided where advertising content may be delivered to a video game network environment. Advertisements may be delivered through the tagging of advertising assets in the video game environment according to one or more characteristics including user geographical location, personal preferences, a personal profile, video game preferences or video game genre. Methodologies for tracking advertising impressions are also provided based on monitoring the video game environment to determine the quality of impression to which the user is exposed in the video game environment.

A shooting video game machine includes a monitor screen, a light source near the monitor screen, and a mock gun having an image sensor with a pixel array for capturing an image including the monitor screen and the light source. A light source position detection unit detects as image position of an image of the light source in the pixel array. A hit position detection unit for determines a position aimed at on the monitor screen based on the image position. The light source position detection unit includes a detector for detecting pixels having data of the image of the light source and stores only address of the detect pixels to a memory. A light source position calculator calculate the image position of the light source according to the address data stored in the memory in a certain time period.

Systems and methods for defining and tracking advertising campaigns across a channel video game network are disclosed. The system allows advertisements to be dynamically activated in video games. Advertisements are tracked to determine user impressions and user exposure to the advertisement. In the system, an impression area is defined relative an advertisements in the game. Methods for redefining the impression area or for accounting for the existence of obstructions that distort the view of the advertisement are also provided

A virtual input device or apparatus that replaces the typical mouse, keyboard or other finger manipulated inputs currently used as inputs for any type of computing system such as signals used to control computers, PDAs, Video Games, Multimedia Displays and other similar electronic systems whether of a desktop or mobile configuration.

A video slot reel game is provided with a supply of symbols for the play of video gaming formats. The supply of symbols appears as an image of a continuous strip or continuous element of images in a virtual continuous loop or extended strip. For example, a continuous loop may contain 1000 symbols, the loop progresses through a first column in a video slot image (exposing the desired number of frames within the strip of the loop, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 frames exposed for active play), the forward part of the strip of the loop is then returned to another column to expose the desired number of frames, and then the forward part of the loop is again returned to the video screen in still another column to expose another desired number of play active frames. This manner of providing the frames in a continuous (or at least extended) strip or loop provides both additional imagery and an opportunity for varying the probabilities of the game easily.

A system and method for interactive video advertising comprising advertising overlays that are displayed on a video screen to prompt user interaction. User interaction causes additional advertising content to be made available in a user interface that may be accessed immediately or at a later time point. Advertising content that populates the user interface is chosen based on marketing and behavioral data and parameters. The user interface allows users to access advertising material, send advertising materials to other users and networks such as social networks, social media, telephone networks, wireless telephone networks, cellular telephone networks, computer networks, cable television networks, satellite television networks, video game system networks, the internet, individuals, or combinations thereof. The types of data and advertising materials that may be shared are videos, pictures, photographs, text messages, sweepstakes, contests, emails, telephone calls, popularity indicators, and combinations thereof.

A moving character and a background image are displayed on a display screen with a touch panel thereon. When the player operates the touch panel to draw a line in an intended path extending between a start point and an end point along which the player wishes to guide the moving character, an operation trace image having the shape of the line drawn is displayed on the display screen. Then, the moving character moves along or in parallel to the operation trace image. The operation trace image is gradually erased after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Thus, it is possible to provide a video game device and a video game program in which the player can influence the moving path or the moving direction of the player (moving) character based on the shape and / or the direction of the line drawn by the player.

A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.

The disclosure provides methods and systems for warning a user of a head mounted display during gameplay of a video game. A game is executed causing interactive scenes of the game to be rendered on a display portion of a head mounted display (HMD) worn by a user. A change in position of the HMD worn by the user, while the user is interacting with the game, is detected. The change in position is evaluated, the evaluation causing a signal to be generated when the change exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. When the signal is generated, content is sent to interrupt the interactive scenes being rendered on the display portion of the HMD. The data sent provides descriptive context for the signal.

A noise-free portable EEG system is provided. The system has hardware and software and can evaluate mental state quantitatively. The quantitative data of mental states and their levels can be applied to various areas of brain-machine interface including consumer products, video game, toys, military and aerospace as well as biofeedback or neurofeedback.

Methods and apparatus for selecting a wireless communication network based on quality of service criteria associated with an application are disclosed. In one illustrative example, one of several different software applications of a mobile communication device is executed. The software application may be, for example, an e-mail application, an Internet data application, a voice-over-IP application, a video player application, an audio player application, or a video game application. Each software application is associated with different quality of service (QoS) criteria for data communications through a wireless network. The quality of service criteria may include, for example, a bandwidth criterion, a delay criterion, a delay variation criterion, and a data loss criterion. A scanning operation is performed to identify a plurality of a wireless networks available in a coverage area of the mobile device. One of the identified wireless networks is selected for communication based on a match between its available quality of service and the quality of service criterion associated with the executed software application. Advantageously, the most suitable network may be chosen and utilized for each software application.

A video game system that includes a console and hand-held controllers with LCD screens. Each game operates in a simulated world populated with animated characters and static objects which are displayed on a TV screen, and are also displayed on the LCD screens of the hand-held controllers. While one part of the simulated world is displayed on the TV screen, different parts of the simulated world may appear on the LCD screens in a natural pictorial setting. Alternatively, some of the pictures displayed on LCD screens and TV screens may represent the same part of the simulated world at different times, or the same part at the same time. Pictures displayed on an LCD screen may appear concurrently or later on the TV screen. Objects and characters can be selected, moved, constructed, changed, or deleted by a player without revealing to other players these objects of interest or their disposition. This video game system will provide a new game experience in which hand-held controllers do more than just control a console game, and also do more than just a standalone hand-held game.

Novel tools and techniques are provided for enabling or implementing presence detection and / or automatic content filtering of media content based on detected presence of users. In some embodiments, media content—including, without limitation, movies, television programs, music, video games, and / or the like—may be presented to a user(s) via a presence detection device (“PDD”). The PDD and / or a server over a network may collect presence information of a user(s), and may determine, based on the presence information of the user(s), whether (and how) at least one portion of the media content should be filtered or censored. Based on a determination that at least one portion of the media content should be filtered or censored, the PDD and / or the server might implement filtering or censoring of the at least one portion of the media content prior to presentation of (the at least one portion of) the media content to the user(s).