Abstract: A music-oriented game machine with a feature to increase a feeling of competitiveness between players. Based on an evaluation of a performance of the first and second players based on their steps, the number of times step timing is presented as guidance is varied. Specifically, while reference arrows (46, 48) are displayed, a plurality of timing guidance arrows (50, 62) approaching the reference arrows (46, 48) are also displayed on a game screen image (40). As a result, guidance as to where step timing is arriving is shown to the player. Then, a speed at which the reference arrows (46, 48) approach the timing guidance arrows (50, 62), respectively, is changed from a default speed to speeds of half, twice, and three-times the default speed based on the result of evaluation on the respective player's stepping performances, to thereby change the guidance level.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is provided with a display unit, a promotional credit member processing apparatus, and a controller that may be programmed to allow a person to obtain a first number of promotional gaming credits in response to processing of a promotional credit member by the promotional credit member processing apparatus, to allow a person to make a wager using at least one of the promotional gaming credits, and to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on the display unit. The controller may also be programmed to determine a second number of promotional gaming credits based on the first number of promotional gaming credits and at least one wager and to cause the promotional credit member processing apparatus to record the second number of promotional gaming credits on a promotional credit member.

Abstract: A video gaming device, comprising a housing that incorporates: communication means for receiving interaction data from at least one control device operable by a user; processing means for executing interactive program at least partially in reliance upon the interaction data, thereby to generate display images for output to an image display means; and a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed mechanism, said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said processing means to print one or more gaming images onto print media in response to execution of said interactive program, the gaming images being at least partially based on at least some of the display images.

Abstract: A video gaming device, including a casing that includes a receptacle for accepting detachable storage means, the detachable storage means containing an interactive program, the casing incorporating: communication means for receiving interaction data from at least one control device operable by a user; processing means for executing said interactive program at least partially in reliance upon the interaction data, thereby to generate display images for output to an image display means; an interface for receiving a cartridge incorporating ink and print media; and a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed mechanism, said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said processing means to print one or more gaming images onto print media in response to execution of said interactive program.

Abstract: A combined representation display method is provided in which a main display and a representation display are combined whereby various combination displays with enormous representation effects and great funs are made possible. The combined representation display method according to the invention is a combined representation display method for a display screen 1G which has a main display section 25e1 and a representation display section 25e, and the representation display section 25e shows combined representation in combination with main displays 26an, 26bn, 26cn of the main display section 25e1.

Abstract: A video gaming console (and corresponding method of printing gaming information onto a substrate) is configured to accept gaming data on a detachable CD-ROM, cartridge or the like. A user plays the game via a controller device. At predetermined points in the game, such as a certain level being achieved or a task being completed, an integral printing apparatus prints gaming images. Enhanced interactivity is achieved.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing a DVD-based game using a remote controller are provided. Example embodiments provide a DVD game remote controller “DGRC,” which provides input to DVD-based games, access to additional game functions and special features such as game hints, enhanced timing and scoring functions, die roll simulation, and support for buzz-in remotes. The buzz-in remotes provide automated support for turns in which multiple participants can respond to challenges. In one embodiment, the DGRC provides a transmitter, an integrated display screen, game-related selection buttons, navigation buttons, a roll button, a timer button, a score button, and a media slot. The DGRC also provides buzz-in remotes and a receiver for receiving signals therefrom.

Abstract: A lockable security cabinet for game controllers of the type used to operate electronic slot and card games in gambling casinos. The cabinet includes multiple key locking doors and key operated control switches to allow access to specific areas and controls of a main cabinet thereof housing the computers and other electronics only by authorized persons having the proper key for reach particular area or control switch. The cabinet is slidably mounted of a locking base which bolts into a recess in a gaming table allowing the main cabinet to also be recessed therein yet slide out in a cantilevered fashion to access the doors and controls. The base includes a side or rear cable locking enclosure allowing access to an disconnecting of ends of cable connected to the game controller only upon unlocking of the base and outward sliding of the main cabinet.

Abstract: A gaming machine that provides free long distance telephone calls, or audio entertainment, as a reward for the continued playing of the gaming machine. The player may continue the free long distance phone call, or continue receiving the audio entertainment, as long his play meets a predetermined level of usage criteria.

Abstract: A computer networked, multi-user game system utilizing subscription based membership and alternative methods of entry, as well as the award of prizes of immediate value to the winner is described. A game tournament is hosted by a game server computer coupled to client computers operated by participating players. The games offered are games that involve elements of both skill and chance and require active player participation and decision making. A subscription-based membership is established for each player by charging a fee for a pre-determined membership time period. An alternative method of entry is provided to allow non-subscription players to participate in the tournament without payment of the fee. The non-subscribing players receive equal access to the games and at least the same chance of winning as the subscribing players, but are limited to a single entry per game or tournament.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention an offer is presented to a player (e.g., at a gaming device or a table game in a casino). The offer defines a benefit to be provided in exchange for the player's commitment to an obligation defined by the offer. The offer may be provided once it is determined that a condition of a gaming device satisfies a predetermined criterion. The benefit defined by the offer may be provided to the player and/or to one or more associated persons designated by the player.

Abstract: A game console capable of communicating with other game consoles over a link or network is provided with a headphone and microphone for each player who will engage in voice communication. Verbal communications directed to one or more other players are converted to pulse code modulated (PCM) digital data and are encoded and compressed in real-time, producing data packets that are transmitted to another game console. The compressed data packets are decompressed and decoded, producing PCM data that are converted to an analog signal that drives a headphone of the intended recipient. Players can selectively mute voice communications to and from a specific other player. The PCM data can be encoded in a round-robin fashion that reduces the number of encoders required. A predefined level of computing resources is used for voice communication to avoid aversely affecting the quality of game play.

Abstract: A launch monitor system including a support structure, a first light-reflecting element disposed on this support structure, a lighting unit and an camera unit. A computer receives signals generated by light patterns received by the camera unit and computes a variety of flight characteristics for the object. The system may be moved back and forth to vary the field-of-view of the camera unit. The system also computes and displays object trajectories from the computed flight characteristics which account for the characteristics of the object and the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: An interactive information console is configured to accept information defined by an interactive program on a detachable storage medium, such as a DVD, CD-ROM, cartridge or the like. The information, may include educational and/or gaming data, with which a user interacts via a controller device. At predetermined points defined by the program, such as a certain level being achieved or a task being completed, an integral printing apparatus prints images pertaining to the information. Enhanced interactivity is achieved.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 12 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 12. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 12 and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The game controller monitors and stores data relating to a number of free games awarded to a player during a playing session. The gaming machine 10 includes a selector for operation by the player so that the player can choose when, during the playing session, any free game is to be played.

Abstract: A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. A player enters play preferences at a remote wagering terminal. The remote wagering terminal transmits the play preferences to a slot network server that stores the play preferences. Based upon the play preferences, the slot network server identifies one or more slot machines and transmits outcome data from those slot machines to the remote wagering terminal. The outcome data may be live or historical. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slot network service generates simulated outcome data to the remote wagering terminal. The slot network server keeps track of the player's wins and losses based upon the outcome data.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided with a cabinet, at least one user-interface button, a value-receiving mechanism associated with the cabinet, a display unit associated with the cabinet, a processor disposed in the cabinet, system software representing a game that may be played by a player, encoded data generated from at least one message digest that was generated based on using an encoding function with the system software, loading software stored in memory that loads system software into random-access memory and verifies correctness and authenticity of the system software, and operating system (OS) software stored in memory that comprises an application programming interface including an application programming interface portion that provides a software interface to the display unit.

Abstract: Pictorial characters are used to replace one or more words or even one or more full sentences of a message for communication to one or more people. In the context of an electronic communication device, a person (“sending party”) can use pictorial characters to “encode” words or sentences of a message to be sent to another person (“receiving party”). The receiving party, upon receiving the message, decodes the coded message and, if appropriate or desired, replies to the message. The communication devices used by the sending and receiving parties can be provided with various pictorial character-related features. For example, the communication devices may be provided with processing circuitry that conditions the use of a particular pictorial character for sending messages upon prior entry of a valid authorization (unlocking) code for that character.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device having a refractive light display. The gaming device includes a housing, a refractive light display including at least one refractive surface, and a processor for controlling the refractive light display to indicate a game function. Light is directed into the refractive light display and directed from the refractive surfaces to a player. In one embodiment, the refractive light display and an award display are adjacent to each other on a gaming device and co-act to indicate a symbol on the award display in a game. In another embodiment, the refractive light display includes at least one refractive surface that functions as a payline where the payline refracts light and indicates one or more symbols on the reels. In a further embodiment, a reflective layer is formed on one or more of the refractive surfaces to illuminate specific sections in a game.

Abstract: A portable information terminal inserted in an entertainment apparatus operates as if it had a life therein and functions as company that the user can talk to. The portable information terminal comprises a display unit and a casing surrounding said display unit. The display unit and said casing representing a form comprising a head and a body. The display unit functions to present facial expressions of the form. The display unit has a display screen for displaying an image based on image data generated by an image processor. The image processor has a facial expression display controller for reading facial expression information selected by a facial expression selector from a plurality of items of facial expression information, and displaying a moving image representing a deformation from a present facial expression to a facial expression based on the read facial expression information according to a morphing technique.