Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing bingo having a prize structure which is based upon the true mathematical probabilities of forming pre-announced winning bingo patterns after each random bingo number is drawn and telecasting the mechanical random number generating process live, while simultaneously transceiving information interactively over the telephone or a global communications network, for example, the Internet. In this game, players are not required to assemble in one place. An unlimited number of players can participate simultaneously from different remote locations without changing any individual player's chances of winning.

Abstract: By enabling exchange of information relating to players, apart from game data, “communication” between the players is increased, and the sense of rivalry and level of interest generated by a game are raised. The communicative game system 1 forms a network comprising a plurality of game devices 2a-2d connected mutually by communications media 3. The plurality of game devices 2a-2d respectively comprise a communications system 31 for receiving data transferred over the network and transferring the received data and data generated by the home game device onto the network, and a host system 32 for accessing the received data. By this means, data comprising a game packet, sound packet and video packet can be transmitted by conducting broadcast communications based on the communications system 31 and host system 32 between the plurality of game devices 2a-2d.

Abstract: The cycle time for mounting electronic components supplied from a tray can be shortened. An electronic component feeder (16) for mounting electronic components has a plurality of height levels (L1, L2, and L3) and can move tables (19, 20, 21) horizontally at the respective levels (L1, L2, and L3). A plurality of conveyers (22, 23, 24) are provided for the respective tables to move them to a pickup stage (A) from a standby stage (B). Transfer head (13) includes nozzles (14a, 14b, 14c) for attracting electronic components by suction, and an upward-downward moving mechanism which moves the nozzles in accordance with the height level of each tray on the pickup stage (A). Since the trays are arranged at the different height levels at the pickup stage position, the conveyers can be moved independently and the transfer heads can individually move the nozzles between the position at which each nozzle picks up electronic components and another position at which the nozzle does not interfere with the pickup operation.

Abstract: A method for a game of skill tournament that is challenging and provides the player a reliable gauge of his skill level as compared to other players. The tournament has a qualifying round and a playoff round, and is played over an interactive computer system. In the qualifying round, a player competes against a host computer. The object of this round is to score a sufficient number of points to qualify for the highest level of performance possible. Once a player obtains a level of performance, he is recognized for his accomplishment and given a reward. This allows the player to gauge his skill level. In the playoff round, those players reaching a predetermined level of performance, play the same game simultaneously against the host computer under the same rules and conditions for a set amount of time. At the end of this time frame, the results are analyzed. Those players with the highest point totals will be recognized and given a reward.

Abstract: An interface device between a user and a CPU or a network terminal, e.g. a microcomputer keyboard or a game console accessory, includes control apparatus such as keys provided on the top surface of a housing and at least two buttons on each of the two side surfaces of the keyboard, the buttons being connected to the connections of certain keys. The keyboard may also be provided with supporting areas on both front corners and on the front edge of the top side, with a microswitch being provided beneath each of the areas and connected in parallel to any one of the keys on the keyboard.

Abstract: With respect to a play equipment for staging an entertainment show, for example inside a television studio, it is suggested that specific areas of the monitor wall (2) be assigned to the individual players to permit a more dynamic dramatic scene layout of the entertainment show. A control device (10) which is electrically connected to the mechanically operated switches (3) is designed such that upon activation of a mechanically operated switch (3) by the player reacting first, an optical signal (e.g. signaling color) is displayed in an area of the monitor wall (2) that is assigned to the respective player.

Abstract: Multilayer circuit lamination methods and circuit layer structures are disclosed which enable one to manufacture high-density multichip module boards and the like at lower cost, with higher yield, with higher signal densities, and with fewer processing steps.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making dynamoelectric machines which include use of two sheet metal cup-shaped members to form a housing that completely surrounds and encloses the stator. The stator is assembled with a can in such a manner that the core of the stator is completely contained within the can. Thereafter, a cap is positioned at the exposed face of the stator and the cap and can are joined together by a sheet metal fastening technique which displaces material from one superposed sheet into a second sheet of material. The can and cap are precision formed so that they will have precision sized and located bearing receivers and core retention regions. Both the cap and the can are provided with multiple flange locations which are utilized for fastening the can and cap together during the assembly process.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.

Abstract: A test strip (209-211) is associated with a circuit board (201-203) to facilitate inspection of the circuit board (201-203) during an assembly process (100). The board (201-203) has a plurality of pads (208) to receive solder paste (400) and electronic parts (600). The pads (208) are electrically coupled such that the received parts (600), once assembled, form an electronic circuit. The strip (209-211) has at least one pad (308, 310), electrically isolated from the pads (208), to receive solder paste (400) and/or parts (600). Inspection of the received solder paste (400) and/or parts (600) of the strip (209-211) indicates the accuracy of the received solder paste (400) and parts (600) on the pads (208) of the board (201-203).

Abstract: A networked computer online gaming system and process arranged in a client/server online gaming architecture and utilized to run gaming programs. The client computers are configured to run a gaming client program. The server computers are coupled to the client computers via a network. The server computers run server programs including a master control program (MCP) that governs access of the server programs to the online gaming architecture, a servorum program (SV) for creating instances of a server program, a matchmaker program (MM) that supports rendezvous services, a game instances class server program (GICS) that enables games and provides user to user communication, and game upper level protocol server program (GULP) that supports the user to user communication provided by said GICS.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insertion/extraction tool for inserting and extracting printed circuit boards from a card cage. The invention uses fewer parts than the prior art and reduces bending stress on the printed circuit board by simultaneously applying the insertion or extraction force to both sides of the plane of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system and method for wiring electronic components in a three-dimensional manner. The wiring system includes a means for temporarily placing components on a substrate, a means for directly or indirectly connecting electrodes of the components together with wires, a means for removing the temporarily-placed components from the substrate, and a means for rearranging the components in a three-dimensional manner. The movable section permits the means for bonding to bond the wires to the components from any direction in the three-dimensional space. The means for directly or indirectly connecting the electrodes of the components together with wires includes a means for placing a wiring-branch pad in a space between the electrodes of the components to be indirectly connected together, and a means for bonding the electrodes of the components to the wiring-branch pad.

Abstract: A component mounting machine for mounting electronic components onto a plurality of circuit boards in high speed with a simple structure is disclosed. The electronic component mounting machine includes a board conveyer section which has first and second positioning areas, where the first positioning area is movable in the Y direction, and a plurality of transport units, each unit having a plurality of component pick-up units and being movable independently in the X direction on a same X-guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a game system. The game system has a window image including an action command frame and a non-action command frame. When it is a player's turn to designate an action parameter, the window image including the action command frame and the non-action command frame is displayed on a display plane of display means of the game player to enable the game player to select a command in the action command frame or the non-action command frame and accept the selected command. Concurrently, a window image solely including the non-action command frame is displayed on a display plane of display means of the game player who is not assigned with the turn to enable the non-assigned game player to designate the command in the non-action command frame on the window image and accept the designated command while allowing the game player to see an overall image in a game space through the window image.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of displaying guidance and of setting the operating environment for an application program when the capability of a computer system is different from the operating environment expected by the application program. The image processing apparatus comprises: a CD-ROM drive 8 for loading an application program; a main processing unit 2 for forming graphic signals by executing the application program; and a display 3 for displaying the graphic signals. The main processing unit comprises: a determining unit 211 for determining whether or not the main processing unit 2 has provided the operating environment expected by the application program; a display control unit 212 for displaying guidance on the display 3 based on the results of the determination of the determining unit 211; and a setting unit 213 for allowing the operating environment of the application program to be set by the main processing unit 2.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by inducing a magnetic field of a selected strength at the surface of the PCB to temporarily hold the IC device onto the PCB. The IC device is provided with magnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field. The magnetic field is maintained while the IC device and PCB are tested, and then subsequently during soldering when the IC device is permanently bonded to the PCB.

Abstract: A portable electronic hand-held device for recording and computing basketball data during the game includes an impact-resistant housing having a top surface equipped with an LCD (liquid crystal display) of rectangular contour, and a series of control touch keys. The keys are arranged in groups which relate to player or teams, game events, and operational features of the device. A microcontroller, interactive with separate non-volatile data storage systems provides the ability to record and manipulate game, team and season information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a programmable electronic activity detector and command generator for electronic devices, particularly a casino gaming device, which includes at least one read-only detection device such as an optic isolator, which is adapted for connection to an electronic apparatus, the read-only detection device operative to detect selected event occurrences on an electronic apparatus and output event occurrence notification signals upon detection of an event. An event detection sampling device is connected in information transmission connection with the read-only detection means, the event detection sampling device operative to detect and receive event occurrence notification signals from the detection devices, analyze the received event occurrence notification signals and output event occurrence information signals including information specifying event occurrences.