Abstract: A data processing method is provided whereby, even if communication delay occurs between computer game devices connected through a communication network, data is processed practically simultaneously between the respective computer game devices. When a computer game contest is carried out through a network having communication delay, before the game is started, the delay times between the game devices are found and, using these, synchronization of the time counted by the individual game devices is obtained. Then, during the progress of the game, the operating data signal is processed after the lapse of the longest delay time of the delay times between the game devices measured beforehand after it is generated. In this way, the operating data signal can be processed simultaneously in a plurality of game devices.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels.

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 method for providing a product is described in which a selection of a product is received from a customer, a game is selected by the customer, the customer provides his credit card number, the customer plays the game and an outcome is determined. If the customer wins, the credit card is charged a game fee, if the customer loses, the credit card is charged the price of the product. In either case, the product is then provided to the customer.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The gaming device allows the game player to place a telephone call. A controller generates a prize. Several images of persons who may receive the telephone call are displayed to the game player. The telephone call is placed to one of the images. The prize is announced by the selected image to the game player. A second telephone call is placed to a telephone number in order to select a multiplier. The controller generates the multiplier. The multiplier is the last digit of the telephone number. The prize is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize.

Abstract: A card game system is disclosed, which enables to execute the card game using a basic function of a video game apparatus. The card game system includes a card acceptance means for accepting a plurality of cards of either a first category or a second category each having information attached thereto for identifying each, a memory for storing card data and a program for controlling a card game, and a controlling means for defining the first category cards as the cards for use in a card game based on the card data, and for controlling to execute the card game according to the program stored in the memory, wherein the control means controls to execute the card game depending on the number of second category cards detected by the card acceptance means.

Abstract: A modularized system and method for interactively diagnosing and addressing workplace issues that can lead to employee turnover includes computer-delivered assessment and training modules, each directed to a particular aspect of improving employee retention by focusing on retention competencies. Some modules are intended for employee use; others, for supervisors. The employee sector modules are primarily administered for the purpose of data collection, the resulting data utilized to prescribe assessment and training modules to the supervisor. The supervisor sector modules include an assessment adapted to create an individualized learning plan, wherein questions assess understanding of the topic, and then a job simulation is presented, guiding the user through a simulation applying the concepts from the lesson, followed by a mastery assessment. After passing the mastery assessment, the user can view and print learning activities and key learning points for each program.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that enables a player to initiate a randomly generated number, wherein said number determines the number of positions that a position marker will move along an enclosed path. Each time the marker lands upon a previously unmarked position, the game provides an award associated with that position to the player. When the marker lands upon a previously marked position, the game ends. The present invention also contemplates updating or changing the values of unmarked or unselected positions along the enclosed path by preferably adding to each unmarked or unselected position the value of the award of a previously selected position. That is, when the game randomly selects an unmarked position, the game provides the player with an award, wherein the game preferably replaces a previously achieved award with the award of the newly selected position.

Abstract: A wagering game in which a graphical indicator may be used to identify a positive outcome, or a negative outcome, or where multiple graphical indicators may be used to identify and distinguish both positive and negative outcomes in a selection game, which has a plurality of player selectable markers. The player may select markers to reveal an outcome. The outcome may be a credit award, a multiplier, or any other award that provides a player with a benefit, either monetary, or in the context of game play (e.g., a free selection). The graphical indicator is provided the player either on a random basis, as an incentive award for a player tracking system, or simply provided on the basis of game play criteria. The graphical indicator may also be used to denote a subset of markers, at least one of which has the indicated outcome.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. A value input device receives a wager from a player to play the wagering game. A processor is operative to define a plurality of possible destinations; define a plurality of possible different movement patterns for moving the objects to the destinations; and for a given one of the objects, assign probabilities to the respective possible movement patterns and select one of the possible movement patterns based on the assigned probabilities. A display depicts the object going to a selected one of the destinations in accordance with the assigned movement pattern. The assigned probabilities for the given object may, for example, depend upon the destination that is selected.

Abstract: A system for the storage and retrieval of audio files includes an audio storage and retrieval device and a label with an encoded memory storage address. The audio storage and retrieval device includes a memory for storing a plurality of audio files where each stored audio file corresponds to a unique memory storage address, a decoder for reading an encoded memory storage address from the label, and a control module: i) in communication with the decoder for deriving the memory storage address corresponding to the encoded memory storage address and ii) in communication with the memory for retrieving an audio file corresponding to the memory storage address.

Abstract: A primary or secondary game is provided for a wagering gaming device. The game includes a display of a plurality of values. The display associates a set of multipliers with each of the values. One of the values is generated randomly for the player. That generation also designates the set of multipliers associated with the generated value. One of the multipliers from the designated set is then generated. The designated value and multiplier form an award that is provided to a player.

Abstract: In a gambling game a collateral gambling game which can be won by players on at least one specific event occurring in the principal game, the collateral game being separate from the principal game but one when any of the possible winning events occur in the principal game, the payment to the player divided by the total number of players who bet on the specific winning event. The game gives a possibility for a large number of players to share in the success of a single player who has successfully won the main game. It may be used with various types of games including those using electronic gaming machines.

Abstract: A game management center linked to at least one remote game terminal, sends the terminals to which it is linked, a message containing a game identifier and a question. The response from a player entered via a remote game terminal is transmitted in a form blinded with the aid of a secret to the game management center so as to guarantee the anonymity of the player. If the blinded response message is received before the instant of broadcasting of the response, the game management center sends an acknowledgement of receipt to said game terminal. The response in answer to the question is subsequently broadcast to all the remote game terminals. If the player has given the right answer, the terminal must, to claim its prize, send a message containing the acknowledgement of receipt and an item proving that it is in possession of the secret used to blind the response.

Abstract: The user who has signed onto an online gaming service can be immediately joined in playing an instance of a game with a friend appearing in the user's friends list. After signing onto the online service, the user has the option to select “Quick Join,” causing the online service to immediately join the user in an instance of the game having an opening for the user and also being played by the first player found in the friends list. Alternatively, the user may selectively display the friends list and select a specific friend who is online, before activating the Quick Join option to immediately join in playing within the friend's game. Depending upon the type of game, the user will either be immediately placed into play or joined to a portion of the game that enables the user to select options, so that the user can participate in the next session of the game.

Abstract: A method and system for real-time rendering within a gaming environment. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of rendering a local participant within an interactive gaming environment. The method begins by capturing a plurality of real-time video streams of a local participant from a plurality of camera viewpoints. From the plurality of video streams, a new view synthesis technique is applied to generate a rendering of the local participant. The rendering is generated from a perspective of a remote participant located remotely in the gaming environment. The rendering is then sent to the remote participant for viewing.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to increase the game operability, and to increase the feeling of pressure and feeling of actual presence on the scene, by making it possible to display partial enlarged images of the scope displays or each of a plurality of players in a manner that allows mutual influence on the screen on which the game images are displayed.