Abstract: Periodic prize draws are conducted by a jackpot controller (13) in a gaming system having one or more electronic gaming devices (10), where the probability of each electronic gaming device winning a particular prize draw is dependent upon the amount wagered on that gaming machine during a determined period of time preceding that prize draw. The prize can be a progressive jackpot with an initial value that is increased by contributions from the amounts wagered on the electronic gaming devices.

Abstract: A video game device allows a game player to set a degree of difficulty of a technique to be performed by a play character by continuously hitting a pair of buttons in a controller. A command guiding unit guides the input of a command which causes the play character to perform a technique corresponding to the set degree of difficulty, and a stick-shaped controller allows the game player to input commands in accordance with the guide given by the command guiding unit. Upon completion of the performance of the technique by the play character, an evaluating unit evaluates the technique performed in accordance with the commands inputted by the game player.

Abstract: In a laser gun, a signal generating unit generates an emission permission signal in response to a shooting permission signal. A laser beam bullet emitting unit emits a laser beam bullet based on the emission permission signal generated by the signal generating unit in response to an operation of the trigger.

Abstract: A game progress control program, game progress control method, and video game device, which reflect the player strategy in the video game and have excellent game properties, are provided. A procedure storage unit 51 stores a plurality of operation procedures of a controller 19; an operation reception unit 401 receives operations from the controller 19 performed within a prescribed time interval; an operation decision unit 402 selects one operation procedure from among operation procedures stored in the procedure storage unit 51 as an operation procedure equivalent to operations from the controller 19; a time calculation unit 404 calculates the holding time over which the final operation performed in the operation procedure selected by the operation decision unit 402 is held; and a point-awarding unit 406 awards points based on the decision result of the operation decision unit 402 and the holding time.

Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of player selectable selections, steps towards termination associated with each selection, a termination limit and an offer associated with each number of steps. The steps are associated with or determine the offers provided to the player. The game provides no further offers when the maximum number of offers have been awarded, the player accepts an offer, or the player's accumulated steps meet or exceed the termination limit. The game preferably provides a consolation award to the player when the player's steps meet or exceed the termination limit.

Abstract: A gaming system and method based on a Blackjack card game using a dealer hold criteria and allowing a single player at a location to play blackjack against a plurality of dealers from a casino. The system and method allows the player to select the number of dealer hand positions, a player hand position, wager placement positions corresponding with each dealer hand position. The system compares, based on the rules of Blackjack, the player hold hand to each dealer hold hand to determine if the player hold hand wins over any of the dealer hold hands. The single player is then credited for each dealer hold hand that is beat by the player hold hand and the casino is credited for each dealer hold hand that is not beat by a player hold hand, so that the single player carries out multiple games of blackjack based on the player hold hand.

Abstract: A kit for demonstrating Archimedes' principle, comprising a tub having an overflow spout, such that when fluid reaches the overflow spout, all additional fluid added to the tub will flow out the overflow spout; and a stable boat sized to float in the tub without touching the sides of the tub. The kit may further comprise a balance beam which can balance a tub edge, wherein one end of the balance beam has an attachment mechanism for attaching a counter weight, and the other end has an attachment mechanism for attaching a sample weight, such that when the sample weight is attached, and the balance beam is balancing on the tub edge, the sample weight will be submerged in the fluid. There is also a method for using this kit to demonstrate Archimedes' principle both for the buoyancy of a floating body, and the buoyancy for objects that don't float.

Abstract: A game information storage medium is removably connected to a first game machine having a first architecture, and includes a game program for a second game machine having a second architecture, an emulator program for converting the second architecture into an architecture compatible with the first architecture, and a game selection program. When the game information storage medium is started-up on the first game machine, by executing the game selection program, the first game machine displays a game title to be selected by a player, and executes a game program of the selected game title by using the emulator program.

Abstract: A novel lottery ticket as well as a lottery game and method of playing that game using the lottery ticket are disclosed. The lottery ticket can be used to participate in at least one of a plurality of drawing events that occur over a period of time. The lottery ticket comprises a number of panels that conceal a number of playing game pieces and/or free spaces. The playing game pieces and/or free spaces are concealed by a removable coating material. Participants can choose which drawing event to play, manifesting their intent to play a particular drawing event by revealing the playing game pieces associated with the panels that are designated specifically for that particular drawing event. The game is played further by selecting a combination of winning game pieces and determining whether any of each participant's playing game pieces match some or all of the winning game pieces.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The gaming device allows the game player to place a telephone call. A controller generates a prize. Several images of persons who may receive the telephone call are displayed to the game player. The telephone call is placed to one of the images. The prize is announced by the selected image to the game player. A second telephone call is placed to a telephone number in order to select a multiplier. The controller generates the multiplier. The multiplier is the last digit of the telephone number. The prize is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize.

Abstract: The present invention provides a play extension system enhancing a fun of a toy system by use of network. The play extension system is used by combination with the toy system in which a user can change the setting of parameters affecting motion control of a driving machine, for extending a playing method with the toy system. In the system, the setting information corresponding to the setting state of the parameters is received from a predetermined user terminal through a network, and estimation on the obtained setting information is created by referring to a database which stores the setting information and the information for estimating the setting state correspondingly. The created estimation is transmitted to a predetermined destination through the network.

Abstract: A “magic mirror” wand toy has a body having a mirror element that is partially transparent. An image illuminating apparatus is mounted rearward of the mirror element. An image transport apparatus has a plurality of images that can be positioned selectively and alternately in front of the illuminating apparatus. When an image is stationary, it is lit up and an audible message associated with the image may be played. The wand can be operated in sampling mode, in which each of the set of images is displayed in sequence, and in an individual selection mode.

Abstract: An amusement device has a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.

Abstract: An apparatus for modeling a skeletal structure before and after a surgical procedure is performed on the structure. The apparatus comprises a base, the base including a generally planar surface, at least one bone member coupled to the base, the bone member representing a bone involved in the surgical procedure, and at least one bone portion movably coupled to the bone member, the bone portion representing a part of the bone involved in the surgical procedure that is repositioned in the surgical procedure from a preoperative position to a postoperative position. The bone portion may be selectively moved between a preoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone before the surgical procedure is performed, and a postoperative position, representing the position of the part of the bone after the surgical procedure is performed. The bone member may be coupled to the base generally parallel to the surface of the base.

Abstract: A gaming device is provided that requires the player to successfully perform a skill event and randomly receive a winning outcome to ultimately receive an award. The gaming device is suitable for gaming jurisdiction requiring skill.

Abstract: A method comprises linking a plurality of units with a central server, operating a virtual game on the server, and offering purchasing options to users of the units to purchase virtual non-monetary assets for use in the virtual game. Also described is a system comprising a central server, and a plurality of units linked to the server via a communication link, wherein a unit of the system includes purchasing means operable by a user to purchase virtual non-monetary assets for use by a user in the virtual game.

Abstract: A gaming machine with devices able to output entertainment content (e.g. movies, TV programming, audio programs and advertising) from entertainment content sources located within the gaming machine or outside of the gaming machine is described. A player utilizing the gaming machine may access, independently of game play, entertainment content on the gaming machine where access to the entertainment content is granted according to a predetermined fee. In addition, the player utilizing the gaming machine may receive personal messages on the gaming machine. For example, while utilizing the gaming machine, a player may receive, e-mail, stock quotes, news and advertising that is of particular interest to the player utilizing the gaming machine.

Abstract: An electronic card game playable in an amusement device having a display includes an electronic deck of cards having a plurality of cards that each have an associated face value. A first layer of cards is disposed on a playing area and a second layer of cards is disposed in overlying relationship thereto. The rules include scoring points based upon a run of play which is a duration of time when the player can selectively remove cards that are one face value higher or lower than the face value of the last card in the shoe, permitting a card in the first layer to become playable when all the cards of the second layer which were partially covering the card in the first layer have been removed, and allowing three or more cards in the first layer to become playable when one card of the second layer is removed.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for quickly and easily providing desired paytable information to a player of a gaming device. The invention utilizes the game's display device containing a plurality of game generated symbols as an index of symbols from which a player can choose a desired symbol. The present invention enables a player to touch or otherwise select the desired symbol and produce desired paytable information, which includes a plurality of different types of information. The invention contemplates the game maintaining one or more databases for every single symbol. Alternatively, the game can maintain one or more databases having information on all the symbols of the gaming device and immediately scroll to the desired symbol upon the player's selection.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.