Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a dripping system that displays an animation using different colored light sources. In one embodiment, the dripping system includes red, green, and blue light sources which can be activated individually or in combination to emit light that reflects off liquid droplets emitted by the dripping system. Controlling the timing of the light sources permits the dripping system to illuminate the water droplets at different locations along their path which generate the animations. In one embodiment, the dripping system changes animations or alters the animation in response to user interaction. For example, different user hand gestures may be mapped to different water droplet animations. An input/output (I/O) system detects the user interaction and changes the displayed animation.

Abstract: A novelty item for parties and other amusement which is a straw containing a jellied shooter, a granita or a slush. Preferably the jellied shooter, the granita or slush contains a potable alcohol. Alternative embodiments incorporate a holder for multiple straws which may be operably connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways.

Abstract: A centralized gaming system comprises a central server system and a plurality of display terminals remote from and linked to the central server system. The central server system includes a master game server, a game execution server, and a database server. The master game server stores a plurality of games of chance. Each game includes respective game play software and respective audiovisual software. In response to one of the games being selected for play at one of the display terminals, the game play software for the selected game is loaded from the master game server into the game execution server and is executed by the game execution server to randomly select an outcome. The audiovisual software for the selected game is selectively executed at the display terminal to visually represent the outcome on a display of the display terminal. The database server collects game activity data based on the outcome and maintains such data for report generation and player tracking purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and means for a game of physical skill for two or more players composed of a central hub (110) capable of supporting the weight of the players; and, tethers (140). Each tether clips to the hub on one end, secures around the waist of a player and is capable of supporting the weight of that player. The game is played by at least two players who start from a standing, upright position. Each player begins by securing one end of a tether around his or her waist and clipping the other end on to the hub. Then the players simultaneously begin leaning away from the center of the hub to an off-balance slanted position supported by their tether and the counterbalancing weight of the other players. Then, all players simultaneously, thrusting their bodies forward to regain a vertical balanced position without touching, holding anyone or anything else, or being held. The game is won when the players regain their freestanding vertical position and are balanced and under their own center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for facilitating group movement activities. The apparatus includes a set of arms that extend radially outward from a central area. In use, a group of participants arranged in a circle around the central area each grasp at least one of the arms at a suitable point along its length, and the participants pull on the arms so as to cause the central area to move in a desired manner. The central area can be integral with the arms, or can be a distinct object, such as a disk or a polygon, with the arms attached symmetrically around its perimeter. Graphics can be applied to the surface of the central area. Bells and/or other objects that make sounds when moved can be attached to the arms. A handle and/or a cuff can be attached to the end of each arm to aid in holding it.

Abstract: The specification discloses a progressive gaming system having a central system, at least one prize, a progressive method, and at least one monetary transaction acceptor. The central system is adapted to associate the progressive method with the prize and the monetary transaction acceptor thereby allowing the monetary transaction acceptor to participate for the prize. The progressive method is adapted to determine a participation outcome based at least on the monetary transaction acceptor's contribution percent factor. The specification also discloses a progressive gaming system and methods having the ability to expand the participation base for a progressive prize to include a wide variety of monetary transaction acceptors. The progressive gaming system and methods may have the capability to accept a monetary transaction value in a plurality of currencies or a plurality of denominations of the same currency. The progressive gaming system and methods may support multiple prizes simultaneously.

Abstract: An interpersonal towing system deploys two or more harnesses each worn by an individual, each harness connected to opposing sides of a highly elastic towline that is protected by a durable fabric cover. The harnesses are configured for detachable connection to the towline via a pair of loops or rings fixed at upper pelvis level at both the front and rear of each harness. The system is suitable for either person assisting the other to traverse difficult terrain with great efficiency yet without damaging the highly elastic towline.

Abstract: Summarization of video content, including sumo, may be achieved by identifying a plurality of segments of a video based upon an event that is characterized by a start time of sumo and an end time. One appropriate start time of an event may be sumo wrestlers'initial charge towards one another. One appropriate end time may be when one wrestler wins the match. The summarization of the video includes the plurality of segments, where the summarization includes fewer frames than the video.

Abstract: In a game system such as a television game system, a television game machine main unit includes a protocol controller and each game operation device connected to the television game machine unit via a serial port also has a protocol controller. The television game machine main unit when connected to a game operation device which has a unique identifier, combines a communication protocol that transmits and receives data for each character with a communication protocol which transmits or receives data for two or more characters in a row and switches the communication protocol which corresponds to that game operation device based on the identifier thereof to minimize the amount of information required between the television game machine main unit and the game operation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel form of entertainment in which participants compete in a “tug of war” against opponents who are remotely located, stored in electronic form in memory, or are virtual opponents graphically generated in real-time by a computer. One embodiment implements “tug of war” in a manner compatible with international standards for Tug competitions. The invention consists of a rope attached to a motor to supply a counterforce to the pulling team. A tensiometer is attached to the rope to determine the force being applied to the rope by the pulling team. In one embodiment, there is a corresponding assembly being used by an opposing team and in data communication with the first assembly. The motor applies a counterforce to the rope being pulled by one team based on the force being applied by the other team to their own rope. In this manner, the system works as if the teams were each pulling on the same rope.

Abstract: Summarization of video content including sumo.

Abstract: A game suited for children from five years to adulthood. Game apparatus is spider or web shaped electronic device having a grounding stake. Included are 25 foot spider or web-like attachments, having a corresponding colored lights thereon disposed. A proximity sensor monitors a specified perimeter triggering a signal light and/or buzzer, and, alas, cause for elimination. In play, the game involves two ball tossers who attempt to hit the other participating players with web-like round balls, each tosser having five chances to do so. When a player is hit, that player is deemed “snarled,” and ousted. Players are “snarled” by crossing a perimeter defined by a pre-set proximity sensor. The tosser may replace the “snarled” player. The last remaining un-“snarled” player wins. Other rules are contemplated.

Abstract: A linked progressive gaming system and method of operation is disclosed that is capable of accepting wagers in different currencies and different denominations of the same currency and allowing players in diverse locations to play for common progressive prizes. The system periodically computes each current prize value using the data acquired from each gaming device, and displays the values at each location where participating gaming devices are located, in the currency used at each particular location. Multiple prizes may be supported simultaneously. Each gaming device may be linked to one or more prizes. Progressive prize award events may be triggered by random events associated with play based on wagers made on gaming devices or by the central system based on prize criteria exceeding a boundary limit. A Free Play apparatus is disclosed that allows non-progressive gaming devices, as well as other traditional games, to participate in progressive play.

Abstract: A method and system for gaming is provided in which a plurality of players each connect to a host which enables players to participate jointly in the same games of chance. According to one embodiment, a computerized method of gaming is provided that includes connecting a plurality of players to a host remotely located from the plurality of players. Each player jointly participates in a turn-based game of chance.

Abstract: The invention provides a game system, a game machine, a game data distribution machine, a network system and an information storage medium whose clocks can be synchronized. The game system comprises a game data distribution machine having a master function and including a clock selection section for generating indication data for obtaining clock information and a transmitting/receiving section for transmitting the generated indication data and a game machine having a slave function and including a transmitting/receiving section for receiving the indication data sent from the game data distribution machine and a clock selection section for adjusting the clock speed of own machine so as to synchronize the clock of own machine with the clock of the game data distribution machine based on the received indication data.

Abstract: A game having circuitry for the conversion of a player's brain wave intensity to direct the movement of a rotating circular visual display. The game in one embodiment can be played by two players competing with one another and the visual display can include a variety of changing patterns.

Abstract: A recreational apparatus for propelling a person about a fixed point. A base is fixed with respect to ground. An extendable link is pivotally attached to the base. A handle is attached to the opposite end of the extendable link. The extendable link extends from an equilibrium position to an extended length upon application of an outward force applied to the extendable link. The outward force has an outward force component directed outward from the base along a longitudinal axis of the extendable link. After release of the outward force, the extendable link returns to its equilibrium position with an inward force. The inward force has an inward force component equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the outward force component.

Abstract: A recreational apparatus for propelling a person about a fixed point. A base is fixed with respect to ground. An extendable link is pivotally attached to the base. A handle is attached to the opposite end of the extendable link. The extendable link extends from an equilibrium position to an extended length upon application of an outward force applied to the extendable link. The outward force has an outward force component directed outward from the base along a longitudinal axis of the extendable link. After release of the outward force, the extendable link returns to its equilibrium position with an inward force. The inward force has an inward force component equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the outward force component.