Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; a single pedestal having an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines; a common image display supported by a supporting member provided such that a first end thereof is supported by the pedestal and the second end thereof is oriented upwardly; a secondary supporting member that is provided in the common image display and formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display; and a display board that is secured by a holding member provided in the secondary supporting member.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a controller attachment apparatus is provided configured to adapt a game controller having a battery compartment with a cover into a firearm-shaped game controller, the controller attachment apparatus comprising: a body; and a grip attached to and extending away from a rear section of the body; wherein the body comprises a cradle having a clip, the cradle configured to accept the game controller, the clip configured to selectively retain the game controller, and the cradle and clip further configured to attach to the game controller in place of the cover.

Abstract: A customizable moisture absorbing game controller cover includes a waterproof main body having a bottom half, and a top half that are joined together via a permanent seam along a first end and a removable seam along a second end. The top and bottom halves of the main body form a pocket into which a game controller can be housed. The main body includes a shape and dimension that is complementary to a particular game controller, and has a layered construction having a porous outer layer, a moisture absorbing middle layer and a waterproof inner layer. The controller cover also include a plurality of button nodules and/or joystick sleeves which are positioned along the main body at locations that correspond to the location of the buttons and/or joysticks of the game controller for which the device is intended to cover, and a plurality of removable markings securable to the main body at any location are provided.

Abstract: A first game controller that can be used by both a first game apparatus and a second game apparatus transmits its operation data by using a data format having a first data region including a header, a second data region including key data, and a third data region including data of an extended controller. A second game controller that can be used by the first game apparatus also uses a data format having similar three data regions, but the second data region is merely secured as a region, while all operation information is included in the third data region and transmitted.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for encouraging performance of kind acts. A toy object, a task identifier and a code are simultaneously provided to a user. The task includes an instruction to perform a kind act. Instructions further indicate that a user is to input the code into a website upon completing the identified task. Entry of the code causes a reward (e.g., a virtual reward or physical reward) to be distributed (e.g., to the user or to another party).

Abstract: An input emulation apparatus for any touch screen device with an input device having a receptive component for a user's hand and/or finger inputs and a contact component for contacting the touch screen device, where the contact component is operatively linked to the input component so that the contact device contacts the touch screen device as it responds to the user's hand input.

Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. For example, whether an operation of waving the controller has been performed is determined based on at least one of a pointed position on a display screen by the controller and acceleration. A wind object is generated and moved in virtual game space according to the waving operation. When it is determined that the wind object has collided with a windmill object disposed in the virtual game space, the windmill object is influenced by the wind and its rotation speed is changed.

Abstract: A device such as a gaming console comprises a display screen and a game controller arranged to allow a player to play a game and awarding a prize or feature if a winning combination results. A mechanical display filter is configured to visually distinguish at least two portions of the display screen from one another. The mechanical display screen may have buttons, including buttons which actuate a touch screen. The display screen can be used to illuminate portions of the mechanical display screen to produce visual effects, including using complex lighting patterns. The display screen may be used to illuminate buttons forming part of a user interface, or a separate screen may be used to illuminate the buttons from behind the buttons.

Abstract: In order to achieve the above objective, a game apparatus determines whether there has been an input to each of an A button and a B button. It is determined whether there has been an input to the other of the A button and the B button before a predetermined time period elapses after a determination that there has been an input to one of the A button and the B button, that is, whether a simultaneous operation has been performed. Then, it is determined whether one of: a first timing which is a timing of the input to the one of the A button and the B button; and a second timing which is a timing of the input to the other of the A button and the B button is within a simultaneous operation period. When a result of the determination is affirmative, and it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed, it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed at a correct timing.

Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, one or more speaker assemblies, and a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly includes a backrest and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has a polymeric honeycombed body comprising a plurality of ribs that define an array of compartments. Optionally, the mounting frame body has at least one contoured face. The mounting frame is attached to the backrest and speaker assembly, coupling both the backrest and speaker assembly to the base. The mounting frame may be fabricated with numerous fastening regions that are integrally formed with the polymeric body. In this optional configuration, at least some of the fastening regions lie in a respective plane divergent from the other fastening regions.

Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an automated gaming chair for a gaming system that conducts a wagering game. The gaming chair includes a seat portion and a backrest portion that are supported by a base. The seat portion includes one or more sensing devices for detecting the position of the player relative to the seat portion. The backrest portion includes one or more sensing device for detecting the position of the player relative to the backrest portion. The gaming chair also includes at least one actuator for automating movement of the gaming chair. The actuator(s) limits one or more ranges of motion within which the gaming chair is moved based upon the position of the player as detected by the sensing devices of the seat portion and backrest portion.

Abstract: A compact gaming cabinet that efficiently allows both mechanical reels and LCD flat screen video to operate in tight areas with a unique, high security door design which offers additional protection against tampering while maintaining easy internal cabinet access for improved maintenance and serviceability. Additionally, extra “creature” conveniences are integrated into the cabinet to enhance player comfort.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a chair communicably coupled to a gaming device. The chair includes an audio playback device operable to receive audio playback commands. The audio playback commands may be received from a gaming device physically attached to the chair, a remote gaming device, or from a network interface communicably coupling the chair to a gaming establishment audio system, a player tracking system, or other gaming establishment system. Additionally, the chair may include an audio data storage device. Audio data from the storage device may be played through speakers on the chair, audio output devices on a gaming device, or audio output devices on a peripheral attached to the gaming device such as a top box or signage peripheral.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, and gaming display assemblies are presented herein. A gaming machine for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a support structure and an input device configured to receive an input indicative of a wager to play the wagering game. A primary display device is mounted to the support structure and configured to display randomly determined outcomes of the wagering game. A display interface device, which overlies at least a portion of the primary display device, includes a player-rotatable display interface rotatably mounted to the support structure and configured to be manually rotated by a player. The display interface device is operatively connected to the primary display device such that motion manually imparted to the player-rotatable display interface by a player affects one or more aspects of the wagering game displayed on the primary display device.

Abstract: Individuals can operate processor enabled devices at a high level of performance, even if they have little or no familiarity with those devices, by indirectly operating them through a first processor enabled device. The direct interactions of individuals with a familiar device can be communicated to one or more processors that perform signal processing functions in order to generate control signals that direct the operation of a second, unfamiliar processor-enabled device. In this closed-loop system, individuals can receive real-time feedback on the performance of the second device in a form associated with the operation of the first device.

Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, and at least one actuator attached to the seat portion to selectively move the seat portion. A movable shroud at least partially circumscribes the base and the actuator(s) to inhibit access thereto. The movable shroud is attached to the actuator(s) for concurrent movement therewith. Optionally, the base may be attached to both the seat portion and the actuator(s). In this instance, the actuator(s) may be pivotably mounted to a chair support structure, whereas the base may lack a direct connection to the chair's support structure. An optional flexible boot at least partially circumscribes the base and the actuator(s). The moveable shroud and flexible boot cooperate to substantially conceal and inhibit access to the base and the actuator(s).

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is provided that has a display unit capable of generating video images, an input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and input device. The controller has a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. A network interface may be operatively coupled to a network and to the controller. The controller may be programmed to allow the user to: play a game, access the network, view additional data on the display, input player data into the gaming unit, create a player card, input an event bet slip and select additional information on the event underlying the bet for viewing.

Abstract: A gaming system comprised of a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines and a mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator operable to individually indicate the gaming machines. The gaming machine indicator is mounted or positioned near the adjacently arranged gaming machines. A controller actuates the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to rotate or move. The mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator may also include lighting effects. The controller is operable to select a gaming machine and actuate the mechanical moveable gaming machine indicator to indicate the selected gaming machine.

Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.

Abstract: An improved controller (10) for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1), which has controls on the front operable by the thumbs (2), (3), (4), (5), and has two additional controls (11) located on the back in positions to be operated by the middle fingers of a user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming system, method, and device may have a memory having a plurality of power management rules and a processor configured to receive a power status information from at least one secondary gaming device, retrieve at least one power management rule from the memory, and configure a power state of the gaming device based on the power status information received from the at least one secondary gaming device and the at least one power management rule.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the seat post. The first electrical cable configured to communicate audio of the wagering game, from the wagering game machine to a speaker coupled to the wagering game chair.

Abstract: Techniques for recognizing the accomplishments of a game player are disclosed herein. In particular, a user identification profile is provided so that digital items awarded to the user for meeting specified performance criteria in a video game or some other event may be associated with such user identification profile. The digital item may be something that is usable within the current video game title, in a later version or the next generation of a particular video game title, or even in a different video game by the same developer. One technique involves receiving an identification representative of the digital item awarded to the user, associating the digital item with the user identification profile corresponding to the user, and storing an indication that the digital item is associated with the user identification profile. In this way, the indication may be utilized to display the digital item in the user identification profile.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe the addition of a haptic response to legacy games that were not originally programed to support haptics. The haptic capabilities may be added to the legacy game while it is being emulated by an emulator. The emulator is designed to generate a haptic stimulus that may be sent to the client device platform when a haptic trigger is present in the legacy game. The client device platform may then use the haptic stimulus to generate a haptic response. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A controller for a gaming machine, the controller adapted to receive data from a bill acceptor that may represent bill data or ticket data, the controller arranged to process the data and to output bill data to a game controller, and output ticket data to a ticket processing mechanism.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming machine has at least two gaming states; and an LED (light emitting diode) display having at least one of two colors respectively associated with the at least two gaming states. The at least two colors may be esthetic or mood producing colors that increase game play. The LED display may emit a color of the at least two colors that is associated with a current gaming state of the at least two gaming states. The LED display may emit a color of the at least two colors or an animation that may be part of the current game play of the gaming machine.

Abstract: Wireless communications among devices in a wager-based gaming environment are provided, including between an RFID-enabled player tracking card (or “smart card”) and an electronic wagering token. Wireless communications between the smart card and a plurality of electronic wagering tokens may be periodically initiated. Electronic wagering tokens which are detected as being within possession or control of a patron in possession of the smart card may be tracked during various events. Electronic wagering tokens which are within possession or control of the patron of the may be detected and identified. Token-owner association information which includes information relating to an ownership association between the patron and the electronic wagering token may be generated.

Abstract: A secure slot tower that is configured to be fixedly coupled to a gaming machine is described. The secure tower comprises a top housing component, a hollow tube, a collar, a second window segment, a printed circuit board, and a base. The hollow tube is coupled to the top housing component. Additionally, the secure tower includes pressing the base, the second window segment, the collar, the first window segment, the hollow tube, and the top housing component together. The printed circuit board is disposed between the first window segment and the second window segment and the printed circuit board comprises at least one light.

Abstract: Playing card creation for wagering devices is provided. An example system for a wagering device includes a card generator for creating real playing cards in real time. The system may generate only those cards needed for a round or a hand of a card game from a more complete deck or decks of virtual playing cards being electronically processed by the wagering device. A random number generator creates random hands and decks, and ensures certifiable odds. Players may select or input some custom graphic aspects of the playing cards to be created. The real playing cards may also include coupons, advertisements, or prizes. The real playing cards generated can be disposable, and the system can replace a conventional shuffler.

Abstract: An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body and first and second finger-manipulatable operating units positioned symmetrically on the main body. The operating device may include first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the main body, with the first and second operating units being positioned adjacent the first and second grips. The operating device may further include vibration-imparting units for imparting vibrations to the user's hands.

Abstract: A music based video game provides an auxiliary palm input on an associated guitar shaped video game controller. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input is positioned near a strum input on a body of the guitar shaped video game controller, allowing for simultaneous operation of both the strum input and the auxiliary palm input with one hand. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input modifies audio outputs generated in the music based video game. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input triggers an alternate game mode, for example, a bonus mode, during video game play of the music based video game.

Abstract: A lens accessory for a video game sensor device and a method of adjusting a sensing distance of a video game sensor device. A lens accessory for a video game sensor device includes a first lens configured to cover an infrared light emitter of the video game sensor device, a second lens configured to cover an infrared light receiver of the video game sensor device, and a body portion coupling the first lens and the second lens together, the body portion being removably attachable to the video game sensor device, and the first lens and the second lens having a magnification for adjusting a sensing distance of the video game sensor device.

Abstract: Wireless communications among devices in a wager-based gaming environment are provided, including between a number of RFID-enabled player tracking cards (or “smart cards”) and an electronic wagering token. The electronic wagering token periodically samples and stores updated information received from the smart cards; periodically acquires updated wagering token ownership information relating to an identity of a current owner of the wagering token, based on the sampled and stored updated information; stores, in a memory of the wagering token, at least a portion of the updated token ownership information; and provides, to at least one external device, wireless access to a first selected portion of the updated token ownership information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A connector for a video game controller including electrical circuitry and a plurality of buttons. The connector includes: a plurality of contacts for receiving and transmitting electrical signals; and a plurality of pins electrically coupled to the plurality of contacts for communicating the electrical signals with the electrical circuitry of the video game controller. The plurality of contacts includes at least one contact for receiving an electrical signal that corresponds to pressing one of the plurality of buttons from among the plurality of electrical signals.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence.

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wagering environment are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment comprises a wagering terminal including a processor, a memory, a primary display, and a secondary display. The primary display is configured for displaying visual messages. These visual messages are displayed as part of a graphical user interface and include at least one wagering transaction message. The secondary display is configured for displaying additional visual messages associated with the visual messages of the primary display. These additional visual messages are displayed as part of an additional graphical user interface. The wagering terminal may further include a proximity detector configured for detecting the presence of a gaming patron, a user identification unit configured for sampling a unique physical attribute of a user, and an image capture unit configured for capturing at least one image in a vicinity of the wagering terminal.

Abstract: A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides various modules for use with gaming machines. One such module is configured to receive data from a portable memory device and/or from a network device, e.g., from a game server. In some embodiments, the module includes, or is disposed within, a player tracking unit. Some embodiments of the module include a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a memory device such as a dual-ported random access memory (“DPRAM”). Data, such as software or content, may be downloaded to the module's CPU and written to the module's memory. According to some embodiments, data are written to a DPRAM in the module and simultaneously written from the DPRAM to the gaming machine via a high-speed digital bus. In some implementations, a memory in the module is configured to emulate a memory of the gaming machine. This allows a CPU of the gaming machine to execute software stored in the memory in the module.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity. The electronic game apparatus may include a base unit with a game processor adapted to receive a plurality of input signals including an actuator signal and a plurality of directional signals. The game processor may be adapted to determine the game activity based upon the input signals and to transmit output signals representative of the game activity to a monitor device. The apparatus may also include a handle element extending transversely from the base unit in a substantially fixed position relative to the base unit, and may include an actuator that is configured to be manipulated in order to transmit the actuator signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a direction element, which may be movable in two dimensions relative to the base unit and adapted to transmit the directional signals, extending transversely from the base unit.

Abstract: A system for allowing a user to remotely access a game includes: a game console; a remote console client configured to receive a game control signal; and a remote console server. The remote console server includes an audio and video encoder configured to receive an audio output and a video output from the game console and to convert the audio output and the video output to a network packet. The remote console server also includes: a game controller emulation unit and a network interface configured to send and receive the network packet. The game controller emulation unit is configured to receive a game controller signal from the game console and to send the game controller signal to the remote console client and to receive a game controller input from the remote console client and send the game controller input to the game console.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cover for top and side surfaces of an electronics device operable for playing games. The cover comprises an opening being configured for enabling access to a game slot of the electronic device. The cover further comprising a first part of a capturing mechanism disposed proximally about at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening. An opening cover is configured to at least cover the opening. The opening cover comprises a second part of the capturing mechanism being configured to be removably joined to the first part of the capturing mechanism to form a seal where the cover and the opening cover are operable for mitigating entry of liquids and particles in covered areas of the electronics device and for mitigating impact and abrasion damage to covered areas of the electronic device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a controller attachment apparatus is provided, comprising: a handle portion configured to accept and hold a controller; and an attachment portion affixed to the handle portion such that it allows a covering to be diposed over the handle portion once the controller is placed into the handle portion. For such an embodiment, the attachment portion may be in the shape of a sporting good or a weapon. For example, with respect to sporting goods, the attachment portion may take the shape of a tennis racket, paddle tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, hockey stick, lacrosse stick, or fishing rod. Alternatively, with respect to weapons, the head portion may take the shape of a sword, dagger, blade, a light saber, a gun, or a phaser.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting that a gaming system has presented a first of a plurality of gaming venue states of a game, presenting a first of a plurality of screen shots at a touch screen display responsive to detecting the first gaming venue state, detecting that the gaming system has transitioned to a presentation of a second of the plurality of venue states, and presenting a second of the plurality of screen shots at the touch screen display responsive to detecting the second gaming venue state. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a first peripheral device having a controller to store operational settings tailored for a gaming application, interact with the gaming application using the operational settings and user inputs, and share the operational settings with a second peripheral device for use with the gaming application. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive system, comprising a presentation device for presenting interactive content. The system comprises an input device for controlling a presentation parameter of a content object of the interactive content. The system further comprises at least one token representing a content object, the system further comprising association means for associating said token with said input device, and means for selecting the content object represented by the token as the content object to be controlled by the input device in response to said association.

Abstract: An electronic terminal (10), in particular for the management of games, comprising an upper cover (16) fulcrum-mounted on a fixed external structure (11) and suitable for assuming, with respect to the latter, a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2), in which the upper cover (13) is made of a first part (13a), arranged adjacently to the relative fulcrum-mounting area (17) on the fixed structure (11), and a second part (13b), arranged away from the fulcrum-mounting area (17), which bears a keyboard (14) for the entry of data, and in which a screen (16) for displaying data is rotatingly mounted on a central area (13c) of the cover, between the first (13a) and the second part (13b), so as to be adjustable with respect to the fixed structure (11) when the upper cover (13) is in the closed position (P1).

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing thermal feedback are presented. In one embodiment, a controller for interfacing with an interactive program includes an outer surface having a plurality of first surface regions and one or more second surface regions. The second surface regions are arranged in an alternating and adjacent fashion with the first surface regions. A heating source is coupled to the plurality of first surface regions, and a cooling source is coupled to the second surface regions. A thermal controller is provided for determining when to activate the heating source to heat the first surface regions and when to activate the cooling source to cool the second surface regions, based on thermal trigger data generated by the interactive program.

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.