Abstract: A system for continuously checking the integrity of the memories of a computer controlled gaming device. The gaming device includes a plurality of EPROMs for storing software and fixed data according to which the gaming device operates. A checksum algorithm stored in one of the EPROMs is periodically implemented throughout the operation of the gaming device to calculate individual checksums for each EPROM. The checksum calculated for an EPROM is compared to a checksum value stored for that EPROM to determine whether changes in the contents of the memory have been made.

Abstract: Operation of a video game or an exercise system utilizing a video display is enhanced by a floor controller utilizing weight sensitive pads that allows an operator to input information into the system by locating his feet in specific portions of the floor controller. The system includes an interface circuit which obtains foot location signals from the floor controller and transmits this information to a system microprocessor which in turn is used to control the video display. The system can also include light segments that are under control of the microprocessor and which are associated with each of the weight sensitive pads.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine having an improved user interface. The user interface has a cable for accepting user exercising stroke movements each stroke having a power and return portion. The cable is carried on a cable drum which is mounted on a shaft such that when the cable is unwound and rewound rotation to the shaft is imparted. A flywheel is connected to the shaft for receiving and conserving angular momentum imparted thereto. The machine also includes a brake for opposing the rotational displacement of the flywheel. The user interface further includes a stainless steel eye staked into one end of a strain relief spring with an end of the cable being staked in the opposite end of the spring. A handle is secured to the eye which is capable of withstanding the concentrated forces to which the user interface is subjected.

Abstract: A reel mapping scheme which allows one standard reel stop control software routine to control the stopping of the reels when the device is operated as a standard gaming device, a multiple stop gaming device or a virtual reel gaming device. The gaming device includes a number of rotating symbol bearing reels, each reel having n stop positions associated with each symbol on the reel. For each reel, the gaming device stores a map of the symbols on the reel in a symbol map memory and a map of the stop positions on the reel in a stop map memory where the data stored in the first location in the reel map memory represents the first stop for a symbol whose data is stored in the first location in the symbol map memory. Three mapping indexes are stored for each reel. One index stores only one value representing an address offset to the reel map memory at one location for each symbol on the reel to provide a standard gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming device of the type that utilizes multiple rotatable reels or a video display to display a random combination of predetermined symbols, and which issues a win indication or a payout whenever one of several predetermined winning combinations of symbols is obtained. Certain ones of the predetermined winning combinations of symbols are defined by the machine and others are player selectable.

Abstract: A joystick position transducer system for use in a video game. The joystick position transducer includes a pair of inductors each having a movable slug, the slugs being coupled to a control handle or knob by means of respective linkages. The control handle or knob is responsive to external stimulus to move the slugs, the inductors providing respective first and second analog signals which are proportional to the position of the slugs. Coupled to each of the inductors is an oscillator and counter for providing a pulsed output, the pulse width of which is proportional to the position of the respective slug. A controller, such as a computer control or logic sequence circuit, is provided to control the oscillators and counters. The controller is further responsive to the counter outputs to control a display presentation on a video display coupled thereto.

Abstract: An improved rowing exercising machine is disclosed. The machine has a mechanical apparatus for accepting user stroke movements; each stroke has a power portion and a return portion. The mechanical apparatus converts the energy from the user stroke movements into rotation of a flywheel. In order to closely simulate the feel of momentum in actual rowing activity, electronic circuitry is used to control a brake to apply a force to slow the motion of the flywheel. The amount of force supplied by the brake is independent of the speed at which the user is rowing the machine and is under software control. The brake force can be varied to additionally slow down the rotation of the flywheel during the return portion of a stroke. The rowing machine includes a video display which gives the user the sense of competitive scull racing. The display shows an animated rowing figure having stroke movement synchronized with the user stroke movements. A pacer rowing figure is also displayed.

Abstract: A video amusement gaming system with pool prize structures including remote game terminals and a central controller with two-way communications between the remote game terminals and the central controller. Prize awards are based upon random shuffling of a set of prize awards among a predetermined pool of plays for each remote game terminal. This ensures an equal distribution of prize awards to each remote game terminal. The shuffling of prizes is based upon a random seed produced either by the remote terminal of the central controller or by both.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device is provided in which a set of symbols is displayed on a cathode ray tube. A set of winning symbols is also displayed in response to selection by a player. Upon actuation of a lever arm by the player, the first-mentioned set of symbols is randomized and the resulting display is compared with the selected winning symbols. A reward output is provided in response to match of one or more of the randomized symbols with the selected winning symbols.

Abstract: A gaming device having random multiple payouts. The device has a random number generator which generates a multiple payout random number. The device further includes a counter for accumulating the number of game wins. When the multiple payout random number equals the number of accumulated wins in the counter, a multiple payout is made for a winning game. The device also includes a multiple payout indicator to provide an indication to the player that a multiple payout will be made for the next winning game.

Abstract: A high speed CPU/sequencer for use in a video game provides multi-channel binary output for display control purposes. The CPU/sequencer includes a macro-section that is user programmable with macro-instructions and a micro-section that is user programmable with micro-instructions. The CPU/sequencer is responsive to display information provided by a game microprocessor during a brief handshake period and carries out display computations independently of the game microprocessor, at higher speed, and using larger binary data words.

Abstract: A home computer system provides a video processor for use with a television receiver. The video processor can selectively perform a variety of modifications to pixel data under the direction of the CPU of the computer system before the pixel data is stored in a random access memory to effectively increase the speed or data handling power of the system.

Abstract: A video amusement game terminal for a gaming system for playing a game providing the illusion of skill. A game processor provides a video game presentation in response to player control wherein a prize award is disclosed through presentation of achievement by the player of a designated objective. The presentation provides to the player the illusion that the prize award is determined by player skill in achievement of the designated objective.

Abstract: A pinball type game includes a play surface having at least one target thereon adapted to be engaged by either of two game balls which can be propelled onto the play surface so as to traverses the play surface and return to a return end thereof. The two game balls are distinguished from each other by color or other indicia and each has a corresponding return and ejector mechanism controlled by a control circuit which enables only one ball to be on the play surface at any given time. The control circuit is operatively connected to the targets so as to receive a signal when a target is engaged by a game ball, and is operative to increase the normal game score so as to provide a bonus score when the targets are engaged by a selected one of the balls when on the play surface, thus providing an increase in scoring opportunity should the selected one of the balls being placed in play during a player's turn.

Abstract: A ball detector senses and signals the presence of a metal containing ball near preselected points on a game playfield. The ball detector is positioned to avoid contact with the ball and includes an electromagnet for generating a magnetic flux near the preselected points on the game playfield and a sensor for measuring the time rate of change of the magnetic flux induced by passage of the ball through the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A shock and overload relieving pawl structure for driving and indexing operations in which the pawl element is part of a floating carrier structure having simple and complex multi-angular mobility in coaction with a bi-directional normalizing spring arrangement all operative such that the carrier and its pawl element are capable of multiplex yieldability linearly, angularly or in compound linear and angular displacement from a normal operating position responsive to engagement with or by the working load or mechanism in either driving or indexing action, as in ratcheting, advancing, or arresting gears and analogous toothed and notched members, with capability of relieving adjustment in the event the engaged or controlled member becomes immovable due to malfunction or intentional restraint. The pawl structure may take variant forms for adaptation to gears, levers, slides, etc. in rotary, oscillatory, or reciprocatory action.

Abstract: A priority ordered multiple video object display system is disclosed for use with a raster scan display having a plurality of display locations on a plurality of display lines. The display system comprises means for generating a list of ordered video object data packets, and buffer means for storing the list of ordered data packets at locations spatially associated with respective display locations. Also included are means for varying the order in which the packets are written into the buffer means, and means for selectively suppressing zero overwrite for secondary writes to a single location in said buffer means during the construction of a common single display line stored within said buffer means. A method of presenting a video display is also disclosed.

Abstract: Coin-release amusement apparatus dispenses tokens in response to a winning combination and includes a coin-release device for activating the apparatus; a repository for receiving coins from the coin-release device; a token storage and dispensing device separate from the coin-release device for storing a supply of tokens and dispensing controlled quantities of the tokens on a win, the token storage and dispensing device including an upper storage section, a mid transfer section and a lower dispensing section; and a provision to allow replenishing of the token supply without interrupting the operation of the amusement apparatus.