Abstract: A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. During a transition from one mode to another, a host gaming system detects when the controller is physically disconnected (for wired mode to wireless mode) or connected (for wireless mode to wired mode). Upon detection, the host gaming system stores the game data and user information and the game controller stores an identifier in its nonvolatile memory. The host gaming system and game controller then establish a new communication link. The game controller retrieves the identifier and submits it to the host gaming system, which uses the identifier to reassociate the game data and user information with the game controller as it begins operating in the new mode. This allows the player to continue game play without interruption.

Abstract: A system and process for network-based, interactive, multi-media learning is presented. The learning system and process employs high quality, low latency audio/video links over a multicast network (such as Internet2), as well as an interactive slideshow that allows annotations to be added by both the presenter and lecture participants, a question management feature that allows participants to submit questions and receive answers during the lecture or afterwards, and a complete archiving of the data streams and metadata associated with the foregoing features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing improvements in video poker games. A second draw can be offered to the player, allowing the player an additional chance to improve the player's hand. The second draw can be always offered or triggered upon predefined conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value output device. The value output device includes a frame, a hopper mounted to the frame having a hopper opening, an outlet spaced from the hopper opening, a first plate moveable relative to the hopper opening between a first position wherein the plate blocks the hopper opening and a second position wherein the plate is spaced from the hopper opening, and a carrier moveable between the outlet and the hopper opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: Game processing apparatus comprising: an indication generator operable to generate an indication of a sequence of target actions to be executed by a user; a detector operable to detect user actions executed by said user; comparison logic operable to compare said target actions with said user actions to determine whether said target actions have been successfully completed by said user actions; and scoring logic operable, when in a non-scoring mode, to detect a first pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering a scoring mode upon detection of said first pattern, said scoring logic operable, when in said scoring mode, to detect a second pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering said non-s

Abstract: When a player starts playing a game by operating a MAXBET button (e.g. when the bet count is 30 bets) and determined that the currently owned credit count is insufficient to the credit count required for the MAX bet, the current game rate set in a slot machine (the credit count per bet required for betting) is changed to a lower game rate.

Abstract: A method for wagering comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. The method continues by determining a first value for a first reel of the slot machine based at least in part upon the value of a digit of a first financial market indicator. The method proceeds by determining a second value for a second reel of the slot machine, and by determining a third value for a third reel of the slot machine. The method concludes by determining the outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the first value, the second value, and the third value.

Abstract: A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. The sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g. tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g. tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.

Abstract: A method for wagering, comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. The method continues by determining a first symbol for a first reel of the slot machine based at least in part upon a first value and a second value. The first value is associated with a value of a digit of a first financial market indicator at a first point in time, and the second value is associated with the value of a digit of a second financial market indicator at the first point in time. The method continues by determining a second symbol for a second reel of the slot machine, and by determining a third symbol for a third reel of the slot machine. The method concludes by determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a game system, program and image generating method which can generate a more realistic image with reduced processing load by using an alpha value set depending on a depth value. Z-value for each pixel in an original image is transformed into Z2-value that is formed of bits I to J which are positioned lower than the most significant bit in the Z-value. The alpha value for each pixel is set at a value corresponding to the Z2-value. Representation of the depth of field or fog image is enabled by using the alpha value to generate an image. The Z2-value is clamped to a given value depending on a bit value other than the bits I to J of the Z-value. Bits M to N and K to L (where K?I?L>M?J?N) in the Z-value are set as index numbers in LUT1 and LUT2 and used to perform texture mapping for transforming the Z-value into Z3- and Z4-values. These Z3- and Z4-values are used to determine the Z2-value.

Abstract: A powered scale model vehicle having a transmission with a forward gear and a reverse gear. The transmission is shiftable between the forward gear and the reverse gear. The vehicle has a radio control receiver, a sensor and a microcontroller. The receiver is adapted to output a throttle signal and a shift signal to the microcontroller. The sensor is adapted to obtain a vehicle speed measurement. The microcontroller is electrically coupled to the receiver and the sensor. The microcontroller may be adapted to control a timing and execution of a forward/reverse shift on the transmission based on at least the vehicle speed measurement, the throttle signal, and the shift signal, for example.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a primary gaming display for presenting the outcome of a wagering or bonus game and a video display. In response to a wager, an outcome is generated and displayed in a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon primary game display. The video image may be interactive with the primary game display and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.

Abstract: A gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a plurality of parent regions and sub-regions. The gaming device moves at least one symbol with respect to the sub-regions and enables the player to use his/her skill to stop the symbol and indicate a sub-region within a parent region. Which sub-region the symbol will indicate within such parent region is determined by the gaming device, preferably unbeknownst to the player. The gaming device preferably awards the player with value associated with the sub-region which is indicated by the stopped symbol. This type of game provides players with skill-based activities thereby adding excitement to gaming devices and increasing player entertainment.

Abstract: An interaction competition provides an entertaining enjoyable environment for a player to compete against a celebrity in a head-to-head trivia game. The questions may be associated with the celebrity rather than random general information or general trivia. The celebrity can participate via stored audio media, stored audio-visual media, or in a live real-time format. A goal of the competition is for a player to gain more points than the celebrity. Another goal of the competition is for the player to answer more questions correctly than the celebrity. At least one or more game episodes can be provided on computer-readable media. A game episode may be implemented with a product featuring a celebrity. The competition can be provided in many different gaming environments. The competition can be provided online via a web-based format; a television game show format; telephone call-in radio talk show format; or a cellular phone game format.

Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.

Abstract: A game player can change the rate at which a game character is rendered in a video game with respect to the rendering rate of its surroundings. This change results in a visual appearance in which the game character seems to be time traveling. This visual appearance can be that the game character and its surroundings are moving in opposing directions in time, in the same direction in time but at different rates, or that the game character is moving in time but its surroundings are not moving in time. A user interface is provided through which a player can change the relative rendering rates of the game character and its surroundings to provide the visual appearances of several display modes including fast forward, slow forward, pause, rewind, or recording/playback display modes.