Abstract: An input device comprises a board 14B whereon a player stands with both feet, and supporting the board such that it can oscillate, and it supplies oscillatory information when the player causes the board to oscillate to the game machine. In the supporting mechanism, the central axis of oscillation is positioned on the lower portion of, or below the board. The center of rotation of swinging movement in the supporting mechanism is positioned below the board 14B. The object is to make the swinging movement of the board, when the player is standing on the board, such as skis, skateboard, or the like, and playing the game, as close as possible to a swinging movement in real life, thereby increasing realism and improving the player's interest in the game.

Abstract: A method of scoring a video wagering game is disclosed. The method includes placing a wager to participate in a video wagering game, and playing a first segment of the game. The first segment is played until a set of predetermined conditions has been met. A payout value is assigned to a winning outcome of the first segment. When the predetermined conditions have been met, the player plays a second segment of the game. The outcome of the second segment determines a factor that is at least equal to one. The payout value assigned to the first segment is multiplied by the factor to determine the game payout.

Abstract: A system for playing electronic games includes a game server and one or more player terminals. Game results are based on a random number generated in each of the game server and the player terminals. The game server and the player terminals cooperate to ensure that the random numbers are generated independently. As a result, game players and the game host, such as a casino, can be confident that play results are not fraudulent. In one embodiment, the random numbers are transmitted between the game server and the player terminals at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the random numbers are encoded and exchanged between the game server and the player terminals. Then, keys to decode the random numbers are exchanged.

Abstract: Loss-less data compression/decompression especially useful in a limited resource environment such as a handheld portable video game system allows graphics and/or attribute data to be efficiently and quickly decompressed on an as-needed basis in real time response to interactive user inputs. A two-level run-length-encoding is used to encode redundant patterns and redundant symbols. A common sentinel field format encodes whether data following the field is non-redundant data, a symbol run, or a pattern run. Compression ratios of 60% for representative symbol-mapped video display graphics/attribute files can be achieved.

Abstract: An electronic assembly that incorporates a heat sink. The subassembly includes an integrated circuit package that is mounted to a substrate. The substrate is mounted to a spacer block which includes a pin field that contains a plurality of pins. The heat sink is coupled to the integrated circuit package by a clip that wraps around the sink and is attached to the spacer block.

Abstract: A tool which accurately controls the thickness of a thermal grease applied to an integrated circuit that is mounted to a printed circuit board. The tool includes a bracket that supports the printed circuit board and the integrated circuit. A thermal grease is applied to the top surface of the integrated circuit. A lid is attached to the bracket to capture the printed circuit board. The lid has a platen that is separated from the integrated circuit by a space which has a predetermined thickness. The space defines the thickness of the thermal grease. Any excess thermal grease is pushed out of the space by the lid so that a consistent thickness of thermal grease is applied for each integrated circuit assembly. The bracket, lid, integrated circuit and printed circuit board can be mounted to a motherboard as a single integrated circuit module. Alternatively, the lid can be detached from the base so that the grease covered integrated circuit can be removed from the tool for subsequently assembly.

Abstract: Method, computer-readable storage medium and video game device are provided for generating a maze map. First, a floor composed of plural rectangular blocks is generated. Next, one of the blocks is designated from the floor as the start block. Then, a sequence of blocks is designated from the floor as a trunk path starting from the start block. After that, at least one block is designated as an intersection block from the trunk path. Finally, at least one sequence of blocks is designated from the floor as a branch path starting from the intersection block.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a metal ceramic substratum for use as a substrate in electrical or electronic circuits or components which includes utilizing an unique form mold process. At least one blank ceramic plate is shaped in a form mold through a desired set of process steps. The steps include heating and cooling to desired temperatures at desired heat and cool rates.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method enabling a participant to control the multi-dimensional kinetics of their avatar in a virtual environment. The participant accomplishes this control by selectably transitioning among various movements (“motion states”) from which are derived avatar motions and motion-related positions. The participant's motion states not only comprise interaction data and are correlated to avatar motion, but also are associated with selected, minimal actual motion in the participant's physical surroundings. The apparatus comprises a mount, a motion base and a support: the mount interfaces with the participant, enabling the participant to have a selected range of motion; the motion base is disposed relative to the mount so as to enable contact with the participant and, associated with such contact, provides for detection of the motion states; and the support couples the mount and the motion base so as to provide the relative disposition thereof.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.

Abstract: A system for playing electronic games includes a game server and one or more player terminals. Game results are based on a random number generated in each of the game server and the player terminals. The game server and the player terminals cooperate to ensure that the random numbers are generated independently. As a result, game players and the game host, such as a casino, can be confident that play results are not fraudulent. In one embodiment, the random numbers are transmitted between the game server and the player terminals at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the random numbers are encoded and exchanged between the game server and the player terminals. Then, keys to decode the random numbers are exchanged.

Abstract: A method for behavior modification and memory enhancement utilizing a central processing unit, comprising compiling a symbolic profile of a subject participant, interpreting the subject participant's stored symbolic constructs, instructing the subject participant using virtual reality means, evaluating and recording physiological parameters of the participant and delivering symbolic containers to the participant; and delivering symbolic prescriptions to the subject participant for behavior modification and memory enhancement. The methodology allows for accessing and recognition of stored memory symbolic constructs by isolating symbolic quests embodied within multiple multimedia virtual reality events, and delivering the multimedia virtual reality events to a user by artificial intelligence and multi-media means, applying the symbolic constructs to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.

Abstract: Iridium electrodes of very small diameter such as 35 microns are formed from larger-diameter commercially available iridium wire by an electrolytic etching process. A saturated solution of sodium chloride in a preferred etching solution. The electrodes are formed with sharp conical tips which can be rounded or blunted if desired by additional etching. Platinum lead wire is welded to the electrode shank, and the electrode is coated with an insulating varnish which is ablated at the electrode tip to expose a conductive surface.

Abstract: An interlayer connection structure in a circuit board characterized in that a local part of a conductive circuit layer disposed at one surface side of an insulative sheet is bent inwardly of the insulative sheet so that an apex of a projectingly bent portion is formed, and the apex of the projectingly bent portion is abutted with another conductive circuit layer disposed at the other surface side of the insulative sheet so that an interlayer connection is established therebetween.

Abstract: A video coloring book includes a processor, a display device and a selecting device. The processor displays a coloring picture on the display device. The coloring picture has a plurality of selectable coloring regions. The processor further displays a plurality of selectable colors on the display device. The processor receives a first selection of one of the colors and a second selection of one of the coloring regions from the selecting device. The processor then fills the selected region with the selected color. Additional colors and/or regions can be selected. When a predetermined time expires, the processor animates the coloring picture.

Abstract: A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. The gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes an external ROM. This external ROM is previously memorized with player object data, basic shadow object data and light object data. A direction in which a shadow is thrown is determined according to the player object data and the light object data, to thereby determine a length of each leg of the player object. Based on the length of the leg and the height of the light, a length of the shadow is determined. Based on the height of each leg, a depth of the shadow is determined. A shape of a displaying shadow object is determined from a state of a ground object to which the shadow is thrown.

Abstract: An instrumented sports apparatus includes a closely spaced array of discrete sensor elements coupled to a contact surface thereof for converting a contact force between the contact surface and an object into a plurality of discrete output signals. The signals are processed and information based thereon generated, which is representative of one or more parameters of interest. In an exemplary embodiment, as instrumented golf club displays information such as club head speed, club head angle, and club head elevation upon impact with a golf ball, permitting the golfer to adjust his swing on the next stroke. Since the instrumentation and display are entirely self-contained in the club, a golfer is not constrained in the use of the club and may enjoy the benefits thereof during play on a golf course.

Abstract: A transformer includes a core assembly having a coil, a core with at least a portion extending through the coil, and terminals for providing electrical connection with the transformer. The core assembly is impregnated with a thermally conductive material to form a unitary core mass. An outer coating which is also highly thermally conductive encapsulates the core mass. The outer coating includes a plurality of finned or ribbed surfaces that provide an increased heat transfer area to a surrounding cooling medium such as air.