Abstract: A gaming system of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming machines; and a common display device connected to the gaming machines, each of the gaming machines, comprising: a display device for displaying a plurality of symbols; a controller, which performs processes of: (a) executing a base game in which symbols arranged on the display device are rearranged after a gaming medium has been betted, and thereafter a payment is made in accordance with the rearranged symbols; (b) counting number of times of executing the base game; (c) causing the display device to display a countdown effect image stored in a memory, while the counted number of times of executing the base game reaches a second predetermined value after reaching a first predetermined value; and (d) transferring the base game to a free game executed without betting a gaming medium, in a case where the number of times of executing the base game reaches the second predetermined value; and a communication interface for notifying to the com

Abstract: A technique which easily removes the motion element of the game controller which is attributed to the vibrating motion of a vibrator from the output data of an acceleration sensor or reduces the element can be achieved by the present invention. In a game controller, an acceleration sensor detects the movement of the game controller. LPF is installed at the output of the acceleration sensor. Vibrators are installed inside of a housing. The cutoff frequency of LPF is set lower than the peak value of the natural frequency of the game controller. The cutoff frequency of LPF may be set to two thirds or less of the peak value of the natural frequency of the game controller.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting geographic data during game play. A game scenario includes an activity for the game player to perform. The game player may be given an incentive within the context of the game for performing the activity. The incentive may be of non-monetary, monetary or in-game value. Performing the activity within the context of the game directly or indirectly results in the generation of data that is collected and used for the purpose of updating, adding to or supplementing a geographic database.

Abstract: This invention in certain example instances relates generally to coin-operated video entertainment systems. More particularly, certain exemplary aspects of the invention provide methods and/or systems for controlling access to a portable coin-operated interactive entertainment device that may be used to play video games and access other forms of entertainment as well as providing features via such portable coin-operated interactive entertainment devices.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols. The symbols include at least two complimentary symbols that form resultant symbols on related reels or cards. In one embodiment, the resultant symbol is similar to a symbol and acts as a substitute for other symbols on the reels or cards. In another embodiment, the resultant symbol transforms adjacent symbols into symbols or other symbols on the reels or cards. In a further embodiment, the resultant symbol transforms a predetermined or random number of symbols on the reels or cards into symbols or other symbols.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a symbol pushing wagering game (40) includes a plurality of symbols (42) arranged in an array (44). The array (44) comprises at least one variable position (52) and a plurality of pass-through positions (54). At least one pass-through position is adjacent to the variable position. A first symbol in the variable position is varied and then stopped, wherein the first symbol is translated from the variable position to the adjacent pass-through position. In the direction of translation, symbols are pushed to adjacent pass-through positions. Payoff awards are distributed upon the occurrence of certain winning combination of symbols.

Abstract: A game control technique with high entertainment value is provided. In a game device, a confirmation sound output unit assigns a sound to each type of an operation input from a player; and upon the reception of the operation input from the player, the confirmation sound output unit outputs the sound assigned to the operation input. A command memory unit stores a plurality of types and patterns of the rhythms of the operation input in association with commands which is issued upon the reception of the operation inputs. A command determination unit acquires the type and rhythm of the operation input from the player and determines whether the type and rhythm of the operation input match the pattern stored in the command memory unit. A repetition unit outputs the sound corresponding to the pattern when the operation input from the player is determined to match the pattern stored in the command determination unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a gaming machine having one or more games and game configurations are disclosed. One aspect of the systems and methods includes providing a game framework including a game library manager that manages creation, update and deletion of multiple wagering games on a gaming machine.

Abstract: An input of an aiming point coordinate indicating a position of an aiming point is accepted from an input device, and it is determined whether or not the aiming point overlaps with an object based on the aiming point coordinate. When it is determined that the aiming point overlaps with the object, a target time for which the object overlapped by the aiming point becomes a target of shooting is set such that the target time is correlated with the object. Further, a shooting operation is accepted, and when the shooting operation is accepted within the target time after the target time is set for the object, shooting at the object for which the target time has been set is performed irrespective of the position of the aiming point, and the target time is reset for the object.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vehicle based climate regulation systems. Specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for extending and directing the flow of air-conditioning or heat within a vehicle by way of providing a connector and a detachable extension operable with a preexisting vehicle climate regulation system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more paylines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. A trigger event, such as the occurrence of a certain plurality of special symbols, initiates a series of free games. The number of free games and an award multiplier associated with each free game are dependent on the particular type of special symbols making up the trigger event.

Abstract: Methods and systems establish games with automation using verbal communication for exchanges between the automated game and the one or more game players. Game information data is converted into verbal information that is provided to the individual. The individual provides verbal instruction which is received and converted into the instruction data. The instruction data is applied to the current game to update the current game status. Information data for the current game status is converted to verbal information for the current game status which is provided to the individual. The game may be implemented on a local device of the individual or may be network-based and accessed remotely by the individual through verbal communication over a voice connection. The voice connection may be of various forms such as a conventional voiced call to a voice services node of a telephone network or a voice-over IP voiced call on a data network.

Abstract: A method and integrated golf club apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces, golf club head face, golf ball impact forces, and subsequent calculations of other metrics useful to a golfer's understanding of the effectiveness of his or her golf swing and impact result in totality. The physical parameters that are directly measured include three dimensional motion force vectors of club head prior to, during and after impact and full impact pressure force profiles across the golf clubface with respect to time. The sensors are connected to electronics which condition, record and store the time varying sensors information electronically, then process and translate the information into one of several forms for delivery to a human interface function.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.

Abstract: A video game system includes a plurality of servers and one or more client terminals. Each server provides game information to the client terminal. The client terminal carries out information communication with the server in accordance with a protocol; carries out the video game on a zone on the basis of the game information; and carries out, in response to a request to change zones, zone changing processing. In the zone changing processing, the client terminal updates a valid flag indicating that the protocol for a current zone is valid to a state indicating that the protocol is invalid; determines whether there is the session information for a new zone or not; and updates the valid flag indicating that the protocol for the new zone is invalid to a state indicating that the protocol is valid in a case where there is the session information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved grill grate wherein an automated cooking oil system is incorporated into the design of said grill grate. The invention includes a grill grate that has a plurality of outlet holes that align the top surface of the grill grate. The invention also includes a cooking oil pumping system that is in connection with the grill grate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a plurality of symbols for display on a display at a plurality of display positions, modifying the displayed symbols by applying a symbol characteristic to at least one of the symbols displayed within a designated area on the display, the designated area encompassing a subset of the plurality of display positions, and determining whether or not to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to golf data collecting and recording are described. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, optionally with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron).

Abstract: A louver system for controlling airflow in a duct from a forced air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a housing and a louver located on a mounting fascia. The system having a longitudinal slat located in the perimeter wall that is movable between the fully open position and the fully closed position via a slat positioning assembly. The slat positioning assembly is powered by a mainspring assembly. A winding assembly is operatively coupled to the mainspring assembly which is wound by a motor or a hand crank. A local control system having a microprocessor, a transmitter, and a receiver sends a positioning signal to the slat positioning assembly that rotates the slat to a specified position via power from the mainspring assembly.

Abstract: A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.