Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of displaying three-dimensional images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The display unit may include a display screen which may have a plurality of display pixels and a lenticular screen coupled with the display screen. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to cause the display unit to generate a game display, to receive image data relating to a combination of a plurality of perspective views of an image, said plurality of perspective views being interlaced to form said image, to cause the display unit to generate a three-dimensional display from the image data, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing two or more wagering events or gaming opportunities at two or more different locations to two or more different players at the same time or concurrently though multi-tasking or other shared processing arrangement of a shared control module or processor. In one embodiment a control module is configured with a processor, memory, and one or more interfaces configured to communicate with two or more game terminals. The two or more game terminals may be located remote from the control module or in close proximity. The game terminals may be configured with a display and player interfaces to receive input from a player. In one embodiment one or more video adapters are located with the control module or the game terminal. As an advantage over the prior art, controlling and enabling two or more game terminals with a shared control module or a shared processor reduces costs and the required space on a per game or per terminal basis.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device that physically stimulates an input device of the gaming device to stimulate a player. The input device, includes a component stimulator and an actuation member. The input devices sends a signal or plurality of signals to a processor upon actuation of the actuation member of the input device. The processor sends an electronic signal to the component stimulator. The component stimulator causes the physical stimulation of the actuation member. The player feels this movement, which may be in correlation to the image being displayed by a display device. This physical stimulation of an input device may be employed in any suitable manner in relation to a game in a wagering gaming device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing automated and secured verification of configuration data for a volatile progrannmable electronic device, such as an FPGA, is disclosed. A configurator including at least one memory unit, such as a ROM or EEPROM, contains a configuration file, which file is transferred to the volatile programmable electronic device or FPGA on demand. Data from the configuration file is compared with data from a separate custodial file, which custodial file is substantially identical to the configuration file and resides in a location separate from the memory unit or units that store the actual configuration file. In some instances the comparison is made before any actual loading of the configuration file into the FPGA occurs, whereby loading is prohibited if no match is confirmed, while in other instances the FPGA is configured using the configuration file and is then shut down if no match is later confirmed.

Abstract: A system controls access to a plurality of devices with only four lines by grouping the devices in nodes, wherein each node includes a local control circuit and a predetermined number of the devices, with each local control circuit defining a shift register, the positions of which are respectively connected to the devices. The nodes are connected in series with a host controller, so that the shift registers of the several nodes cooperate to form a system shift register. The nodes are serially addressed by a serial data message from a DATA OUT line of the host controller, which message includes M×N data bits followed by strobe indicator, where N is the number of nodes and M is the number of devices at each node. All controllers are connected to a V+ line and a COMMON line and a RETURN line. The system register forms a fourth line, one end of which is connected to the host controller DATA OUT terminal and the other end of which may be connected to the RETURN line.

Abstract: A casino gambling unit may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a detection apparatus capable of detecting the presence of a person by detecting radiation from the person, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the detection apparatus. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a video gambling game to be generated on the display unit, to determine an outcome of the video gambling game and a value payout associated with the outcome of the video gambling game, and to cause an attract sequence comprising a plurality of video images displayed on the display to be performed in response to detection of the presence of a person.

Abstract: A casino gaming apparatus is disclosed which includes a controller programmed to generate an audio signal. The controller is operatively linked to an ultrasonic audio processor. The ultrasonic audio processor is programmed to convert the audio signal received from the controller into an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic audio processor is operatively linked to an ultrasonic emitter which emits the ultrasonic signal along a column of air in front of the gaming apparatus. The ultrasonic signal is demodulated into audible sounds along the column by interaction of the ultrasonic signal with air to produce audible sound substantially confined within the column. The column intersects the position where the player stands or sits. Accordingly, sounds are generated by the gaming apparatus are confined to an area occupied by the player and provide little or no distractions for players using adjacent gaming apparatuses.

Abstract: A casino gaming apparatus is disclosed which includes a controller programmed to generate an audio signal. The controller is operatively linked to an ultrasonic audio processor. The ultrasonic audio processor is programmed to convert the audio signal received from the controller into an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic audio processor is operatively linked to an ultrasonic emitter which emits the ultrasonic signal along a column of air in front of the gaming apparatus. The ultrasonic signal is demodulated into audible sounds along the column by interaction of the ultrasonic signal with air to produce audible sound substantially confined within the column. The column intersects the position where the player stands or sits. Accordingly, sounds are generated by the gaming apparatus are confined to an area occupied by the player and provide little or no distractions for players using adjacent gaming apparatuses.

Abstract: A gaming machine, specifically a slot machine, having a viewing region through which one or more internal reels are visible. The internal reels having a flexible display, mounted on the outer circumferential region of the reel, capable of displaying an infinite number of different indicia to a player of the machine. By allowing an infinite number of indicia to be displayed, the gaming machine may be programmed with a variety of gaming options and payouts.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit that is capable of generating gaming images and a value input device. A touch pad assembly may be provided including at least one touch pad having a touch detection field, wherein at least a portion of said touch detection field defines a touch area and wherein a user touch in said touch area creates a disturbance in said touch detection field to generate a switch activation signal. A controller is operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. Said controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager and cause a gaming image to be generated on said display unit, said gaming image representing a game selected from said group of games consisting of poker, blackjack, slots, keno and bingo. Said controller is programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game, and respond to said switch activation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method affords, to authorized persons, access to one or more lockable areas of one or more gaming machines. Each area includes a door or switch and an associated electrically operable lock mechanism which controls access to the area either directly, or indirectly by controlling enablement of an associated manual key-operated latch assembly. Each machine has a local processor communicating with a central host computer and with lock processors for each of its lockable areas. Personnel identification and access authorization data is stored at the host computer. Part of the data may also be stored on personal data cards, respectively assigned to individual persons. A person seeking access inputs identification data at the machine, using a card reader or other data input device, and the host computer responds with signals to unlock lock mechanisms for areas which the identified person is authorized to access. Each machine monitors, and sends to the host, the states of all of its locks and doors.