Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.

Abstract: A service that provides for setting up game sessions for a plurality of game players. A number of game players that each have a computing device capable of playing a computer game are linked together by the service. The service allows a player to set up a common game session so that a subset of the players can simultaneously start playing the game at the same level. Additionally, the service allows game competitions to be structured and played among a subset of the game players.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.

Abstract: A portable sensor unit for capturing motion and/or other data may be securely mounted on objects such as a user's limb, a vehicle, or other items. The sensor unit may then collect motion and/or other data from the object to which it is affixed, and may provide this data to a data logger which stores the data. The data logger may subsequently communicate the data to a gaming system which may tailor the motion characteristics of a virtual object to resemble those of the real-world object from which the motion data was captured. Thus, a user can (for example) capture motion data from a vehicle, with this data being supplied to a video gaming unit which provides a virtual vehicle having the same acceleration/deceleration, handling, and other characteristics.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a point or count based system to provide one or more awards to one or more players. Such points are accumulated by a player based on one or more events associated with the player's gaming experience. The points or counts utilized in the gaming system are selectively redeemed by the player in exchange for one or more opportunities to win an award. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the equalizing units disclosed herein are different, separate and independent from any monetary based points or credits, any promotional based points or credits, or any player tracking points.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to one embodiment of the invention has a rotating reel display device that variably displays a plurality of kinds of identification information required for a game, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 30 that enables symbol information of the rotating reel display device to be visually recognized and that is subjected to non-glare treatment on its surface. Then, a covering member 50 to enhance transmittance is attached to the surface portion of the transmissive liquid crystal display device 30.

Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine with layered displays and separable graphics that leverage the layered displays to enhance game play on a gaming machine. The separable graphics include separate but related content on each of the display panels for a game. The layered displays include a proximate screen and distal video display device that provide actual physical separation between graphics items output by proximate and distal video display devices. This distance provides parallax, which improves three-dimensional perception of video graphics and games by the gaming machine.

Abstract: A disclosed player tracking unit provides a display and a player tracking controller designed or configured to provide a web-browser on the display. The player tracking unit may include one or more input devices that can receive selections associated with the web-browser. Furthermore, the player tracking unit can include a multimedia board for processing digitally formatted program files for output on the display.

Abstract: A formation information storage unit (240) stores formation information regulating a formation which characters should form. A character control unit (250) turns off assessment of contact between allies when the characters are to formate and, based on formation information, assembles the respective characters in respective positions. Then, after the characters are assembled, the character control unit (250) turns contact assessment back on. Further, when the characters are to attack, the character control unit (250) moves front row characters toward enemy characters and makes back row characters follow the front row characters, while maintaining a certain amount of space therebetween. Then, when a front row character is destroyed, a back row character replaces the destroyed character.

Abstract: A guitar shaped game controller with a removable neck.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and recording medium for controlling a game where a battle occurs in virtual space between one or more player characters acting according to manipulation of a player and one or more enemy characters acting independently of the manipulation of the player, including a command information storage for storing command information sets which includes a command to a player character and a plurality of numerical values, a card display for displaying a card showing a command included in the command information set or symbols related with the numerical values, and a command input acceptance unit to accept an input which selects the card displayed as well as one of the numerical values or symbols attached to the card.

Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for presenting gaming wheels are disclosed. Gaming machines can include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, specialized wheel processor, speakers and a network interface. A multi-layer display device adapted to display a gaming wheel having a plurality of wheel stops distributed thereupon can include a display controller that generates or transmits display signals, a first display screen that presents a first visual display and a second display screen that presents a second visual display, where the second display screen is positioned behind the first display screen such that the first and second visual displays combine for a single visual presentation that can include a gaming wheel. Different portions of the gaming wheel can be presented on both of the first and second display screens. Multiple spinning wheels can overlap and/or align concentrically for alternative wager-based games.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a handheld user input device, a processor for receiving input data from the handheld user input device and a gaming application for receiving data from the processor based on the received input data from the handheld user input device. The handheld user input device emulates one of a plurality of different devices associated with the gaming application. Each of the plurality of different devices have a set of input commands associated therewith. The set of input commands associated with the one of a plurality of different devices includes a command based on one of motion and orientation of the handheld device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an overhead sign in a system of gaming machines and a sign controller are described. One aspect of the systems and methods includes allowing a gaming machine to send events comprising a script to a sign through a sign controller.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in the game apparatus, letters are displayed as visual support for a sound generated by a message generating object. When a game message is displayed, a distance between the message generating object and a player object is calculated. Then, a form of the letters to be displayed on a billboard is changed depending upon the calculated distance. The form to be changed is, for example, transparency and a size of the letters. Thus, a game image in which the form of the letters is changed depending upon the distance between the player object and the message generating object is displayed.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method of conducting a wagering game are disclosed. The method comprises displaying a plurality of selectable elements and an indicator defining an area having a size adapted to contain at least one of the plurality of selectable elements. The size of the area defined by the indicator is variable during the wagering game. The variation of the size of the area defined by the indicator varies a quantity of the selectable elements contained within the indicator. The indicator is moved to vary which of the plurality of selectable elements are contained within the indicator. The indicator is stopped with one or more of the plurality of selectable elements contained within the indicator. An award is provided based on the one or more selectable elements contained within the indicator when the indicator is stopped.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method comprises revealing a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to form a plurality of user-playable hands. At least one hand from the plurality of user-playable hands is discarded, via player selection. A first plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is revealed. The plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is capable of being combined with one or more of the non-discarded plurality of user-playable hands to form an individual best hand.

Abstract: A secure smart card or other secure modular memory device is plugged into (or otherwise connected to) a port of a game controller board internal to a gaming machine, where it is not accessible to a player. The smart card is programmed to detect an encrypted “challenge” message from the host CPU and output an encrypted “response.” If the host CPU determines that the response has the expected properties, then the host CPU verifies that the game program (an application program) is also is authentic, and the game can be played. The challenge/request exchange may be performed periodically to ensure the smart card is still installed. If the response is improper, then the host CPU will issue a halt command to halt play of the game.

Abstract: A pay line system has a novel type of pay line that can be provided in a variety of different display systems, including at least 3×3 reel-type displays, 3×4, 4×3, 3×5, 5×3, 4×5 and 5×4 displays. The pay lines are preferably displayed on 3×5 or 5×3 window formats and comprise “horseshoe” arrays of frames or H-Configuration arrays of frames. The horseshoe arrays may be provided with the horseshoe opening at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° with respect to vertical on the screen or with respect to the vertical orientation of a column, and the horseshoe may have three adjacent frames parallel to three of the four sides of the rectangular display created by the columns and rows. In a 3×5 display format, this allows for the horseshoe pay lines to provide twelve new pay lines and six H-Configuration pay lines. These new 7-symbol pay lines may be in addition to other pay lines or as alternatives to other pay lines. The preferred pay line is a series of three lines of equal dimensions (e.g.