Abstract: A device for obtaining media content from a source and storing the media content for subsequent playback. A response mechanism enables a listener to generate response information associated with particular media content that is being rendered by the device. This response information can be delivered to a third party system for triggering the performance of specific actions related to the media content. A content system interfaces to the device and to the Internet. The content system obtains media content from one or more sources via the Internet and delivers the content to the device.

Abstract: A closed loop system for and method of delivering information obtained from an information content source to a playback device and to receive response information related to the information content. The system comprises an information source (710), a mobile-content server (735) and a playback device (755). The mobile content server (735) comprises a web site, a database, and a server application. The web site interfaces to the information content source (710) and is available for access by a user. The database stores, among other things, user information. The server application operates on the mobile-content server (735) and enables the mobile-content server (735) to: retrieve the user information from the database; retrieve content segments or programming information from the information content source (710); deliver the content segments or programming information to the playback device (755) to the client platform; and receive response information from the playback device (755).

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system that allows the operator of video gaming machines or other systems to define promotional events for the particular machines or systems, monitor the activity of the particular machines or systems, and grant awards. More specifically, the promotional events may include scheduling information, winning criteria and awards. During the period of time that the promotional event is active, the activity of the machine or system is monitored to determine if the winning criteria has been satisfied. If the winning criteria are satisfied, information pertaining to event is recorded. The present invention is applicable to a variety of embodiments including video poker machines, black jack machines or other gaming and gambling machines, as well as other systems that include a display mechanism and an activity that can be monitored.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a high-definition media distribution system for use in connection with a media distribution network. At least one HD media source is provided. A plurality of non-HD media sources is provided. A media vault has access to the plurality of non-HD media sources. At least one HD streamer is configured to decode an HD signal from at least one said HD media source and re-encode the HD signal as a streamable HD signal capable of being sent from an Ethernet connection on the at least one HD streamer to the media distribution network. At least one player is configured to receive media signals sent across the media distribution network from the at least one HD streamer and/or the media vault and to cause at least one said HD display and/or at least one non-HD display to display corresponding media content.

Abstract: A video output signal analyzes that analyzes a video output signal to determine game play information. In video poker, card values and player strategies can be determined based on a “reverse encoding” of the video signal to determine the original video bitmap. The bitmap can then be analyzed to determine what is taking place during a game, without having to receive this information directly from the processing unit that is actually implementing the game.

Abstract: The provision of a paragaming event on an electronic gaming machine is provided by intercepting a cashout event, identifying the account balance and presenting an offer to participate in the paragaming event. If the customer agrees, the account balance is appropriately reduced and a voucher in followed by a cashout event is initiated to maintain a record of the transaction. A cash voucher and a transaction receipt are then printed for the customer.

Abstract: A modified gaming machine includes a plurality of gaming machine peripheral devices for use in implementing one or more games to a player, and a master gaming controller configured to implement primary gaming machine functionality, including generating and transmitting information to the plurality of gaming machine peripherals. The modified gaming machine further comprises a secondary controller interposed between one or more of the plurality of gaming machine peripheral devices and the master gaming controller, whereby the secondary controller may forward information generated by the master gaming controller to the gaming machine peripheral devices and transmit secondary information to the peripheral devices.

Abstract: Mobile operation of a video gaming machine is achieved through the use of a controller box that interfaces to the control circuitry of the video gaming machine and a mobile device. The mobile device is associated with a video gaming machine and provides an activation request or signal to the controller box. The controller box verifies that the access is available, then operates to bridge the control and operation of the video gaming machine to the mobile device platform.

Abstract: A network based lottery gaming system that generates or receives lottery entries as users perform certain actions. The numbers are identified with the users and collected over a period of time—the game interval. At the conclusion of the game interval, the collected entries are compared to a winning entry to identify if and who the winners are. Awards can be generated and paid out to the winners based on a payout table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system that allows the operator of video gaming machines or other systems to define promotional events for the particular machines or systems, monitor the activity of the particular machines or systems, and grant awards. More specifically, the promotional events may include scheduling information, winning criteria and awards. During the period of time that the promotional event is active, the activity of the machine or system is monitored to determine if the winning criteria has been satisfied. If the winning criteria are satisfied, information pertaining to event is recorded. The present invention is applicable to a variety of embodiments including video poker machines, black jack machines or other gaming and gambling machines, as well as other systems that include a display mechanism and an activity that can be monitored.

Abstract: The provision of a paragaming event on an electronic gaming machine is provided by intercepting a cashout event, identifying the account balance and presenting an offer to participate in the paragaming event. If the customer agrees, the account balance is appropriately reduced and a voucher in followed by a cashout event is initiated to maintain a record of the transaction. A cash voucher and a transaction receipt are then printed for the customer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system that allows the operator of video gaming machines or other systems to offer an event for customer participation, receive funding for participation in the event, and providing feedback regarding the results. More specifically, a video game customer may receive notification of an invitation to place a bet on an event, participate in a transaction, or otherwise receive information or interaction. The use can press buttons on the video gaming machine to indicate choices, provide funding, and placing bets on an event. The funding for such participation may be directly deducted from the customer's balance on the video gaming machine.

Abstract: A system for interacting with players of video gaming machines is described. The system includes a video gaming machine, a database for storing player information and player interaction rules for a plurality of players, and a server. The server is coupled to the video gaming machine and the database. The server is programmed to monitor the video gaming machine including identifying a player utilizing the video gaming machine and recording activities of the identified player on the video gaming machine. The server is also programmed to determine whether a player interaction rule is satisfied based on the identification of the player and the recorded activities of the identified player, and display an award offer on the video gaming machine for inducing the identified player to continue playing when a player interaction rule is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system that allows the operator of video gaming machines or other systems to define promotional events for the particular machines or systems, monitor the activity of the particular machines or systems, and grant awards. More specifically, the promotional events may include scheduling information, winning criteria and awards. During the period of time that the promotional event is active, the activity of the machine or system is monitored to determine if the winning criteria has been satisfied. If the winning criteria are satisfied, information pertaining to event is recorded. The present invention is applicable to a variety of embodiments including video poker machines, black jack machines or other gaming and gambling machines, as well as other systems that include a display mechanism and an activity that can be monitored.

Abstract: An interactive sales and marketing network. The network includes a common database that can be accessed by a plurality of websites. Users of the websites can search for database records within the common database. The users can then purchase the retrieved database records.

Abstract: A security system having two-way communication with a central monitoring station. The security system is equipped with a computerized control and communications unit. The control and communications unit is connected to a position determination device and to a calling unit. The control and communications unit is also connected to several intrusion detection devices. Upon direction of the control and communications unit, for example, in response to the detection of a violation of an intrusion detection device, the calling unit establishes a communications link with the central monitoring station and communicates thereto the status and location of the vehicle in which the security system is located. The control and communication device is operable to receive commands from a handset electrically connected thereto. The central monitoring station, by communicating with the control and communications unit, is operable to control functional units of the vehicle.

Abstract: A security system having two-way communication with a central monitoring station. The security system is equipped with a computerized control and communications unit. The control and communications unit is connected to a position determination device and to a calling unit. The control and communications unit is also connected to several intrusion detection devices. Upon direction of the control and communications unit, for example, in response to the detection of a violation of an intrusion detection device, the calling unit establishes a communications link with the central monitoring station and communicates thereto the status and location of the vehicle in which the security system is located. The control and communication device is operable to receive commands from a handset electrically connected thereto. The central monitoring station, by communicating with the control and communications unit, is operable to control functional units of the vehicle.

Abstract: A security system having two-way communication with a central monitoring station. The security system is equipped with a computerized control and communications unit. The control and communications unit is connected to a position determination device and to a calling unit. The control and communications unit is also connected to several intrusion detection devices. Upon direction of the control and communications unit, for example, in response to the detection of a violation of an intrusion detection device, the calling unit establishes a communications link with the central monitoring station and communicates thereto the status and location of the vehicle in which the security system is located. The control and communication device is operable to receive commands from a handset electrically connected thereto. The central monitoring station, by communicating with the control and communications unit, is operable to control functional units of the vehicle.