Abstract: A gaming system (10) utilizes a game designation generating component (16), a gaming establishment component (11), and a set of predefined bingo card representations. Each bingo card representation is stored in electronic format as a data structure or data record defining a predefined pattern of game designations chosen from a pool of available designations. The game designation generating component (16) generates sets of game designations from a pool of available designations. The method employed in the gaming system (10) includes pre-matching the bingo card representations to a given set of game designations to produce a matched card set. This pre-matching occurs prior to the sale, distribution, or assignment of card representations to players in the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to conduct a game associated with a physics simulation, the physics simulation being adapted to generate a game result based on a set of input parameters. According to one embodiment, a game condition associated with a game to be played by a player is established. For example, a three-dimensional terrain associated with a golf putting green may be established. It is then determined that at least one set of possible input parameters to the physics simulation will produce a successful game result given the established game condition. For example, it may be determined that a player can use his or her mouse to provide a set of inputs parameters to the physics simulation such that a simulated golf ball will reach a simulated golf hole based on the three-dimensional golf putting green terrain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified chess game for two players comprising a chessboard having a central section having a first side and a second side, said central section containing squares arranged in vertical rows and horizontal rows, and a first field section located along the first side of said central section and a second field section located along the second side of said central section, wherein each of said first and second field sections contain squares arranged in vertical rows and horizontal rows; preferably at least twenty playing pieces for each player consisting of ten pawns, one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and at least two additional pieces. In a preferred embodiment the two additional pieces are identical and can move a maximum of three squares in any direction. The additional pieces are preferably adapted to represent dragons.

Abstract: When a client computer informs that a learner cannot understand the current learning material unit, a server computer specifies keywords linked with the current learning material unit that is attended by the learner as a first keyword set and specifies keywords linked with one of the learning material units that are already attended by the learner as a second keyword set. The server computer extracts keywords that are common between the first and second keyword sets as a selectable keyword set and transmits a list of keywords within the selectable keyword set to the client computer. When the client computer informs the keyword chosen by the learner, the server computer specifies the learning material unit that corresponds to the keyword chosen by the learner based on the keyword information and resends the specified learning material unit to the client computer.

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: A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.

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: The present invention includes a gaming device and preferably a bonus round of a gaming device having a processor and a game that presents one or more selectable choices to a player. After a selection is made, the processor accesses an award database and generates an award for the player. Certain awards of the database provide pecuniary gain outcomes, such as a gaming device credit or a game multiplier. One or more supplementing awards of the database include a pecuniary gain outcome and an additional award generation outcome.

Abstract: An improved insurance wager for Blackjack includes defining an insurance outcome set containing two or more predetermined holdings and an insurance payout associated with each holding. Each player makes an initial wager and the Blackjack game is dealt in a fashion known in the art. The insurance wager is available if the dealer's face-up card has a predetermined value, optionally ten. After each player completes his hand or busts, the dealer forms a final hand by hitting or standing according to the conventional rules of Blackjack. If the dealer's final hand is within the insurance outcome set, remaining players are rewarded based on the player's insurance wager without regard to the player's final hand. Otherwise, the player loses the insurance wager.

Abstract: A remote control running toy comprises a pair of uprights (24), each having a kingpin (22) for steerably supporting the wheels (20); and a steering mechanism (32) which is coupled through steering rods (30) with the uprights (24); wherein the running toy comprises a coil-shaped spring member (40) for absorbing a shock transmitted via the uprights (22) to the steering rods (28). Thereby, the remote control running toy is provided, which is able to prevent the steering rods from being damaged, even if a strong shock acts onto the front wheels, thus improving the reliability of the running toy.

Abstract: A method for providing an interface to and customizing an interactive application for one or more players. The interactive game of the presently preferred embodiment is played in a wireless environment using a mobile station as a user interface. Data related to activity of the space without the virtual space is collected storing the user-profile data and applied to activity in the virtual.

Abstract: A swing measurement method of directly measuring a swing behavior without being influenced by flexure of an impact implement, such as a golf club or baseball bat is provided. In addition, a golf swing analysis method and computer program product having computer program code for a simple and effective model of the behavior of a grip portion during a golf swing is provided. A three dimensional magnetic sensor capable of measuring position and direction is fixed to a grip portion of the impact implement within magnetic fields in which the magnetic field distribution of intensity and direction are known, and the behavior of the swing is directly measured. In addition, the path of the grip portion is approximated as an arc within a swing plane using the three dimensional position coordinates of the grip portion obtained in this measurement, and thus an arm angle, a wrist angle, and an angle of shaft rotation are found.

Abstract: The system is loaded with a database of developmental networks and associated activity modules. The user selects a node in a developmental network and an associated activity module is activated which gives the student a multimedia presentation of some area of learning. The student's responses are evaluated and the corresponding node is marked as passed or failed accordingly. The nodes in a network are connected by links between nodes for a skill and nodes for easier skills that a student should have, it is expected, if the student has that skill. The student'schoice of activity if restricted according to which nodes in a network have been failed. Interfaces for allowing the user to make a selection among the available nodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing student performance defines student performance by classifying student performance into discrete performance classifications associated with corresponding activities related to the electronic course. An observed student performance level for at least one of the performance classifications is measured. A benchmark performance level or range is established for one or more of the performance classifications. It is determined whether the observed student performance level is compliant with the established benchmark performance level for the at least one performance classification. Instructive feedback is determined for the observed student based upon any material deviation of the observed student performance from at least one of the following: the benchmark performance level, the benchmark performance range, a group of benchmark performance levels, and group of benchmark performance ranges.

Abstract: A gaming machine with a visual display shows an array of symbols that includes one or more special symbols. During the play of the gaming machine, a bonus game may be triggered by the alignment of these special symbols. This bonus triggers interplay between the special symbols, which portray an action that determines a bonus game outcome. The action portrayed is randomly selected from a plurality of possible actions. An award is made based on the game outcome.

Abstract: A method is proposed for analysing the usage of a toothbrush made by a subject. The position of the toothbrush is monitored using a position sensor on the brush, and the position of the teeth is monitored by a position sensor mounted in a known fixed relation to the teeth. The resultant data is used to find the relative positions of the toothbrush and teeth over time. Statistical analysis of this data permits the identification of habitual brushing failures by subjects of the toothbrush. The toothbrush may transmit the output of its position sensor to a data analysis unit as a wireless signal. The toothbrush may also be provided with further sensors, such as pH and pressure sensors, the output of which is used in the statistical analysis to enrich the results.

Abstract: A method of gaming and related gaming devices and systems. A base, or primary game is employed wherein qualification for an additional feature event is based upon one or more predetermined activities associated with the primary game. The primary game may include a slot machine type game, video poker, or other electronic or electromechanical type gaming machines. The feature event wagering opportunity for which qualification is sought to be earned by a player may include a live contest, a reenacted live contest, or what is termed herein a future feature contest. Banks of machines may be networked for qualified participation in the feature event and such networking may include the linking of machines at remote locations and even the inclusion of gaming conducted via the Internet.

Abstract: The disclosed game keyboard device comprising: a key matrix, a direction control mechanism, and a microprocessor. A switch key is used to change the direction control mechanism between the functions of a joystick and a mouse. The game keyboard device can selectively implement the function of the joystick or mouse through a single direction control mechanism. Therefore, the hardware manufacturing cost of the game keyboard device can be considerably reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for interactively playing a lottery-type game among a number of players. In one embodiment, this is accomplished on a network of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. An objective of the game is for a player to select the number closest to the randomly selected number that represents the winning number for the lottery game. This is a significant departure from the prior art, in that the game of the present invention does not require an exact match to produce a win and in that the game results in a win for every drawing. Thus, the lottery-type game of the present invention improves the gaming experience for the player, which will result in prolonged and more frequent play, thereby maximizing revenues for the operator of the game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container-item holder for a gaming device and a gaming device which removably receives the container-item holder. The container-item holder is inserted within a ledge connected to the gaming device. The container-item holder holds containers and personal items for players while they play games. This type of gaming device provides players with increased convenience and security when playing gaming devices.