Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which works in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for a remotely updateable service sign. Such a service sign encompasses a first portion for indicating an exit or other location indicator of off-road service facilities and/or attractions, another portion having one or more logos or logo panels for identifying specific service or attraction providers, and an indicator region associated with or included within the logos or logo panels. Advantageously, the indicator region is configured to provide an indication of whether or not the specific service identified by the associated logo or logo panel is currently available by being remotely updateable. Other embodiments of the present invention include methods of providing such updateable service signs and methods of updating such signs.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized global positioning satellite or other secure location information, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant. An internet specific account number can alternatively be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which can work in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing through the exit positions select symbols for display in the payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone deflector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing through the exit positions select symbols for display in the payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone deflector.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which works in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized global positioning satellite or other secure location information, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing through the exit positions select symbols for display in the payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone deflector.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which can work in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.

Abstract: A playing card shuffler for shuffling a stack of playing cards with random distribution. The playing card shuffler includes an infeed playing card stack holder supporting an unshuffled playing card stack and discharges playing cards from incremental positions of the unshuffled playing card stack directly to the shuffled card receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which works in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing through the exit positions select symbols for display in the payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone deflector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.