Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a central processing unit and a local microcontroller. The CPU operates a gaming machine in response to a wager. The local microcontroller is distinct from and coupled to the central processing unit. The local microcontroller performs the low-level coin handling operations independent from the central processing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for individually exercising one or more parameters of hand movement such as range, speed, fractionation and strength in a virtual reality environment and for providing performance-based interaction with the user to increase user motivation while exercising. The present invention can be used for rehabilitation of neuromotor disorders, such as a stroke. A first input device senses position of digits of the hand of the user while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. A second input device provides force feedback to the user and measures position of the digits of the hand while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. The virtual images are updated based on targets determined for the user's performance in order to provide harder or easier exercises.

Abstract: A game machine comprises shift and display section for shifting and displaying various kinds of symbol marks, the shift and display section having prize winning lines formed thereon, in which a predetermined set of symbol marks stopped and displayed on one of the prize winning lines cause a wining prize to be awarded to a game player, the predetermined set of symbol marks including a plurality of symbol marks neighboring to each other to form a specified symbol mark.

Abstract: A laser based tactical engagement simulation training system, and in particular a MILES type system, is characterized by an improved communication code structure for the system. The improved code word structure comprises a standard MILES code word that is modified to contain information over and above that required to be embodied in a standard MILES code word. This is accomplished by FM modulating the logic level “1” pulses of the standard MILES code word in a manner that embeds additional information in the word and enhances the system, while at the same time maintaining downward compatibility with existing MILES systems. Apparatus also is provided for encoding, transmitting, receiving, decoding and processing information embodying the improved code structure, which significantly enhances tactical engagement simulation for direct fire force-on-force training and that yields more accurate simulation to improve tactical training results.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a display device which can provide both a slot game having realism and a colorful and rich display by mechanical reels. A superimposed display device according to the present invention comprises an image display section disposed in a position to face a player side, mechanical reels disposed on a line which intersects another line connecting the image display section and the player side, a lighting section for illuminating the mechanical reels, a half mirror which is inclined in a plane including a region where the above lines intersect, in which virtual images of designs on peripheries of the mechanical reels are shown in the same plane to a player, and images are shown by superimposing in the entire region or a part of the region of the virtual image display region.

Abstract: A game method for providing a mid-game wager for a base game begins with designating an intermediate game point, a qualifying intermediate holding, and a qualifying final result. Players place a base game wager and initiate the base game. The base game is played the designated intermediate game point is reached. A player holding a qualifying intermediate holding at the intermediate game point may place an optional mid-game wager. The base game is played to completion. Players with a final holding that is a qualifying final result are rewarded based on the mid-game wager.

Abstract: A Consolidated Online Assessment System (COLA System) that creates, manipulates, and distributes an objected-oriented paradigm that represents the scoring and related activities as a unified and integrated family of loosely coupled objects, most notably a “Case” representing a state-machine that replaces the constructed response from the test taker as the unit of work. The Scoring Model and associated Properties that encapsulate the business rules associated with what actions are appropriate or required for a unit of work and the Responses to the unit of work which represent the test-taker-contributed content (e.g., essays or other text-based responses, audio responses, digitized video responses, scanned images, diagrams, lessons plans, etc.) and ties that content to its creator are linked to a Distinct Scorable Unit (DSU) which represents a tree-based mechanism that connects and provides inheritability for the other primary system objects.

Abstract: A remote controlled apparatus (4), e.g., a remote controlled toy, for remote control from a remote control unit, e.g., a pocket torch (2). The apparatus is characterized in that it is adapted to respond to a sequence of light pulses which have a frequency of repetition that is lower than the maximum frequency which a human being can produce manually, e.g., by alternately turning the torch on and off. In a special embodiment, after a received sequence of light pulses, the apparatus is adapted to emit an acoustic acceptance signal by means of a sound generator (15).

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.

Abstract: Multiple staged follower magnets in a topper construction each constitute an award in and of itself. When stopped on selected sites assigned designated values increase the follower's value by multiplication in the visible cuing area, thereby increasing the available range of awards exponentially.

Abstract: A gaming bonus device and method of use in a gaming system. A game player is allowed to play a game for a prize on a primary game. The primary game generates a bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game, in response to the bonus-qualifying event, generates and displays three either/or binary outcomes entitling a player to a predefined payout. The game player can be allowed to select the winning outcome. The payout depends upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed as compared to the selected winning outcome.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game program executing system executing a game program and one or more controllers supplying user inputs to the game program executing system. An interface between the controllers and the game program executing system is programmable to periodically poll the controller without involvement of the game program executing system.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed that bridges the entertainment gap that currently exists between skill-based video game entertainment and the traditional formats of video games of chance. The present invention as described herein, provides a three dimensional software “world” as the gaming environment, and, through the incorporation of human interface devices, provides the player with the feeling of control experienced when playing a skill-based video game, while maintaining the random outcome requirements of standard video games of chance. In certain circumstances, the present invention may actually provide an element of control over the game outcome, but it is the feeling of control—not necessarily actual control—that provides the unique entertainment value. The present invention also provides a two-way video gaming apparatus for accommodating a plurality of players.

Abstract: A digital camera accessory is provided for use with a game system having a processing system to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a user to generate video game control signals. The digital camera accessory includes an image sensor for capturing video images, communication circuitry configured to transmit the captured video images, and a connector that, in use, electrically connects the digital camera accessory to the game system.

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: The present invention provides a gaming device having a wild activation symbol displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.

Abstract: Memories coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes identification, negotiation, downloading and verification information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. Hardware devices are used to identify gaming terminals or components.

Abstract: A game system executes a game in which game elements appear in a progress of the game based on a predetermined appearing rates determined for each game element and the game elements are collected. The game system includes: a condition judging unit for judging a certain condition associated with the game at the time of starting the game; and an appearing rate varying unit for varying the predetermined appearing rate only for specific game element based on a result of the judgment by the condition judging unit and for permitting the specific game element to appear in a progress of the game based on the varied appearing rate.

Abstract: A method for producing a pressure sensor, in which a semiconductor pressure pick-up is mounted on a mounting section of a lead grid, in particular a leadframe. The semiconductor pressure pick-up is electrically connected to contact sections of the lead grid. The lead grid, together with the semiconductor pressure pick-up, is inserted into an injection molding die. A die part is brought into contact at the side of the semiconductor pressure pick-up facing away from the mounting section or at side of the mounting section facing away from the semiconductor pressure pick-up. The semiconductor pressure pick-up in the injection molding die is subsequently enclosed by a housing made of mold compound. In order to prevent the mounting section from giving way, it is proposed to clamp the mounting section of the lead grid in the injection molding die when producing the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the sound volume of a gaming machine based on the ambient noise level to an appropriate level. The gaming machine may implement an open loop control algorithm when the machine's sound output is inactive as determined, e.g., by software, or by analyzing samples from a soundboard. A closed loop control algorithm may be implemented when the gaming machine is active. Alternatively, the machine may implement only an open loop algorithm that provides volume adjustment only when the machine's sound output is inactive, in which case the adjusted volume is maintained through an active period, then adjusted again at the next inactive period. A saturation back off feature prevents the sound level of the gaming machine from escalating to, and remains at, a maximum, saturation level.