Abstract: A slot machine which selects combinations of symbols on prize-winning lines by causing a plurality of lengthwise movable symbol rows arranged side by side, each of which comprises a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged at regular distances thereon, to move lengthwise, and then stopping each symbol row at one of the possible stop positions, in each of which it displays at least one complete symbol to a player through a window to position the symbols shown in the windows shifted lengthwise a half of the distance between the transversely adjacent symbols. When all the reels stop, a win decision is made base on the combinations of complete symbols stopping on the winning line or lines. The winning lines are therefore necessarily all diagonal.

Abstract: A gaming device employs a plurality of video displays, each presenting an output consisting of gaming symbols which are scrolled to simulate the effect of a revolving mechanical reel. The device includes electronic circuitry effectively storing, for each video display, an electronic signal sequence corresponding to a sequence of gaming symbols which is scrolled on the associated video display. Each electronic symbol sequence consists of a series of separate, sequentially-addressable sectors of electronic data storage, each sector containing a sequence of symbol addresses which access a single, common symbol signal storage space containing the symbols which occur in all of the presented sequences. A symbol sequence is scrolled by randomly selecting a starting symbol, sequentially addressing, from the starting symbol, the symbols defined by the symbol addresses in the reel for a predetermined period of time during which the reel rotates, and then halting the rotation at a stopping symbol.

Abstract: A reel mapping scheme which allows one standard reel stop control software routine to control the stopping of the reels when the device is operated as a standard gaming device, a multiple stop gaming device or a virtual reel gaming device. The gaming device includes a number of rotating symbol bearing reels, each reel having n stop positions associated with each symbol on the reel. For each reel, the gaming device stores a map of the symbols on the reel in a symbol map memory and a map of the stop positions on the reel in a stop map memory where the data stored in the first location in the reel map memory represents the first stop for a symbol whose data is stored in the first location in the symbol map memory. Three mapping indexes are stored for each reel. One index stores only one value representing an address offset to the reel map memory at one location for each symbol on the reel to provide a standard gaming device.

Abstract: A joystick position transducer system for use in a video game. The joystick position transducer includes a pair of inductors each having a movable slug, the slugs being coupled to a control handle or knob by means of respective linkages. The control handle or knob is responsive to external stimulus to move the slugs, the inductors providing respective first and second analog signals which are proportional to the position of the slugs. Coupled to each of the inductors is an oscillator and counter for providing a pulsed output, the pulse width of which is proportional to the position of the respective slug. A controller, such as a computer control or logic sequence circuit, is provided to control the oscillators and counters. The controller is further responsive to the counter outputs to control a display presentation on a video display coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target having conductive fibres in a plurality of beds into which a transmitting/receiving projectile may be embedded with a portion of the projectile remaining protruding from the target. Each bed indicates a score and is electronically insulated from the other. In some embodiments the separate scoring portions of the target transmit different signals with the signal from the projectile embedded in that portion of the target being radiated at a greater strength. The strongest signal (indicative of the portion of the target struck) is received by a nearby receiver and the score displayed. An alternative embodiment utilizes an externally transmitted signal and the projectile acts as a receiving antenna, conveying the signal to only that target bed in which the projectile is embedded and the individual beds are connected to the scoring display system.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the practice of the mother tongue or a foreign language, with a view to total assimilation thereof, comprises a standard signal generator constituted by a mobile support of sound recordings on which are previously recorded, independently of one another, blocks of phrases or words, expressed in the language to be assimilated by a subject. A reader of these blocks of information emits the standard signals.An analysis and comparison circuit compares a standard signal and a vocal signal which corresponds to the word pronounced by the user, based on at least one parameter. When the vocal signal is not within a predetermined tolerance of the standard signal, the standard signal is repeated. If the vocal signal is within the tolerance, the next standard signal is generated. In this way, the user repeats each word until he pronounces it correctly.

Abstract: An electronic language learning machine is disclosed which comprises a memory having words stored therein, a sub-memory having sub-data relating to the words stored therein, a control circuit connected to the memory and sub-memory to derive the stored words and the related sub-data and a display connected to the deriving control circuit to visualize the words and sub-data.