Abstract: A method of scoring a video wagering game is disclosed. The method includes placing a wager to participate in a video wagering game, and playing a first segment of the game. The first segment is played until a set of predetermined conditions has been met. A payout value is assigned to a winning outcome of the first segment. When the predetermined conditions have been met, the player plays a second segment of the game. The outcome of the second segment determines a factor that is at least equal to one. The payout value assigned to the first segment is multiplied by the factor to determine the game payout.

Abstract: A viewer for slot machines has a dihedral support (7) equipped with a large circular window (8) extended through the faces of the support (7), for the display of a disc (1) of flexible transparent or translucid plastic provided along its circumference with an alignment of images (2). The disc (1) is retained by the support (7) across its circumference and, in one embodiment, permanently maintains a dihedral configuration, showing an observer an alignment of images (2) according to a circumferential arc of variable amplitude according to the level of concealment of the front face of the assembly. In another embodiment, the disc is supported by two bracings so as to assume a “U”-shaped configuration, with two semicircular sectors and one intermediate sector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for verifying honest gaming transactions over a communications network includes structure and process whereby a host processor receives a random number from a satellite processor over the communications network. The host processor generates a game seed based on the random number. The host processor also receives an arbitrary game input from the satellite processor and generates a game result based on the game input, the game seed, and predetermined game rules. The satellite processor provides the random number and the arbitrary game input to the host processor over the communications network, and receives data corresponding to the game seed and the game result from the host processor. The satellite processor verifies the honesty of the transaction by (i) generating a game result based on the game input, the data corresponding to the game seed, and the predetermined game rules, and (ii) compares the generated game result with the received game result.

Abstract: A method of configuring a reel-slot gaming device to randomly generate game outcome is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting a set of game symbols, assigning a probability of occurrence to each symbol, selecting a plurality of outcome templates, each template comprising X variables, selecting a probability of occurrence for each outcome template, assigning a subset of symbols from the set of game symbols to each template for defining the variables, defining payouts for selected outcomes, and configuring a reel-slot gaming device having X reels, which randomly selects a template, randomlu selects a symbol for each position in the template from the subset of game symbols assigned to the selected template, randomly fills at least a portion of the positions in the template and displays the outcome. A gaming device configured to randomly generate game outcomes is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic system for contests between professional competitors and amateurs, the former moving about in an actual environment (19) and the latter moving about in the same environment in virtual reality. In its application to an automobile race on a closed circuit (19), the invention resides in the fact that, associated with each real circuit is a circuit server device (21) which stores the positions and the performance of the actual vehicles, each of which is piloted by a professional competitor. This circuit server device (21) is connected to terminal devices (28, 29, 30), each of which is associated with an amateur competitor via local server devices (22, 23, 24). Each terminal device comprises a cockpit which simulates a cockpit in an actual vehicle and comprises means to display, on its screen, the contest circuit, and to process the data from the cockpit and to compare said data to the performance of the other virtual vehicles and the actual vehicles.

Abstract: The invention includes a system to teach a student to sight read using a computer. The term "Sight read" means to instantly recognize words without having to sound them out or go through other processes such as explaining the definition of the word. The invention utilizes a computer to systematically and continuously adjust the requirements for word perception and recognition based on characteristics and ongoing responses of the individual student in a way that increases the speed and accuracy of word recognition. The inventive method utilizes three main types of interactive process types including (1) Choose from list, (2) Fill in letter blank, and (3) Determine Sequence. Each interactive process type includes three interactive processes in which a target word is communicated by showing only, saying only, and/or showing and saying the target word.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system and a method for a computer-based data integration and management processing system and a method to support an efficient management of employee development, training and performance improvement in a performance-competence based organization. The present invention includes an integrated system that provides an ability to develop training material, career paths or to determine an employee's qualifications and performance. The present invention provides comprehensive support for job and task analysis; learning objective development; standards and processes; objective, reference based test items; examination and evaluations; training program identification and content description; training scheduling; training-evaluation documentation; and reporting. Each job defined in the current system has specific duties, tasks and skills associated with an identified job.

Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.

Abstract: A competitive video game system has a plurality of display units and a plurality of manual controllers for a plurality of game players to play a competitive video game such as a soccer game. The game players select respective viewpoints, and image data representative of images to be displayed on the display units is generated on the basis of control signals supplied from the manual controllers and the viewpoints selected by the game players. The generated image data is supplied to the display units to display images based thereon. Each of the game players to select two different viewpoints for a field, such as a soccer field, of the competitive video game. The field comprises an elongate field, and the two different viewpoints comprise a viewpoint for viewing the soccer field in a transverse direction thereof and a viewpoint for viewing the soccer field in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A manual controller of a video game system has a plurality of control switches for controlling the motion of an image displayed on a display screen, and an analog joystick for designating a point in a given area on the displayed image. When the analog joystick is operated by the game player of the video game system, it is tilted to a position in a desired direction in a two-dimensional plane, and outputs a positional signal depending on the tilted position thereof. A coordinate transforming unit converts first and second two-dimensional coordinates of the tilted position respectively into third and fourth two-dimensional coordinates of an image position with respect to a predetermined reference position on the displayed image, with a first conversion constant for converting the first coordinate into the third coordinate and a second conversion constant, which is different from the first conversion constant, for converting the second coordinate into the fourth coordinate.

Abstract: A method of configuring a video output gaming device to randomly generate game outcomes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting a set of game symbols, assigning a probability of occurrence to each symbol, selecting a plurality of outcome templates, each template comprising X variables, selecting a probability of occurrence for each outcome template, assigning a subset of symbols from the set of game symbols to each template for filling the positions, defining payouts for selected outcomes, and configuring a video output gaming device, which randomly selects a template, randomly selects a symbol for each variable in the template from the subset of game symbols assigned to the selected template, randomly fills at least a portion of the positions in the template and displays the outcome on a video output display. A video output gaming device programmed to randomly select a template, randomly select symbols to define the variables and randomly display the selected symbols is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing reading skills comprised of recording and digitizing sound waves generated by a subject's voice in response to a series of stimuli. The sound waves are decomposed into sequences of articulation and pause periods. The articulation and pause periods are determined by first scanning the generated sound waves and identifying locations along the sound waves where the sound amplitude raises above or drops bellow a given value. The reading ability of the subject is profiled by analyzing the series of pause and/or articulation periods. The method allows for the diagnosis of reading deficiencies. Based on the diagnosed deficiencies in the subject's reading skills, drill exercises are proposed and rounds of testing and drill exercising are repeated until the diagnosed reading deficiencies are corrected. The method is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with computerized equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for aligning information input by multiple users into a common reference frame. In the invention, a computer accepts an input causing an event in a reference frame. The computer generates a specific state and at least one abstract condition describing the event. The specific state and abstract condition describing the event is transmitted to a receiving computer. A receiving computer has a corresponding reference frame and determines whether moving to the specific state is consistent with the abstract condition transmitted when applied to the receiving computers corresponding reference frame. If moving to the specific state is not consistent with the abstract conditions, the receiving computer generates an alternative state which satisfies as many high priority abstract conditions as possible.

Abstract: An interventional radiology interface apparatus and method interfaces peripherals in the form of mock medical instruments to a medical procedure simulation system to enable performance of a medical procedure on a virtual patient. The interface apparatus includes a guidewire, catheter and sheath, an injection syringe, an inflation syringe and a foot switch to realistically simulate the instruments utilized during an actual medical procedure. A user manipulates guidewire, catheter and sheath peripherals to traverse an arterial network toward a simulated blockage shown on the medical procedure simulation system display. The foot switch controls the display to provide a fluoroscope image showing the position of the guidewire, catheter, sheath and blockage within the arterial network. The injection syringe may be manipulated to simulate injections of contrast fluid or other pharmaceutical substances through the catheter or sheath into the virtual patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of client and server software communicating with each other via the internet to create and maintain a multi-user role-playing game. The virtual world of the game is presented to each user by means of text and dimensional audio. The virtual world of the game is infinitely expandable and updateable, and the software reacts to user inputs to make the virtual world change according to user actions. New users may join an in-progress game at any time.

Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable and easily deployable simulator system includes a plurality of vehicle personality kits and at least one frame to support a single crewstation. Members of a selected kit are coupled to the frame. A multi-platform control system provides on-the-window and in vehicle instrument displays in real-time in response to the crewperson manipulating platform controls. An editor with a graphical user interface provides a capability to modify program segments of the control system thereby altering the behavior of the simulated platform.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in a cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13. a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. The game display means 11 comprises a video display screen 11 controlled to display a game image divided into a matrix of elements or player selectable zones. The video screen is preferably of the touch sensitive variety, having an array of touch sensitive areas located on its display surface with one such area associated with each matrix element 40-54. The player may select one of the matrix elements (eg. 41) by touching the screen within the area of the respective element to be selected, thereby causing the image in the element to change to reveal whether or not a prize value is associated with that zone.

Abstract: Composing an image with fragments. The fragments of an image are downloaded from a server. The fragments are displayed in an initial configuration within the image. One of the fragments located at one of the positions within the image is then selected. The selected fragment is then moved to a second position within the image which has defined characteristics. The selected fragment is then visually altered to conform to the defined characteristics of the second position. The visual alteration may include altering the size or the aspect ratio or both of the fragments to conform to the defined characteristics of the respective positions, such as a positions within a grid, or altering the size or orientation or both of the fragments to conform to the defined characteristics of their respective positions, such as C-shaped fragments arranged radially around a center of the image. After the appearance of the selected fragment is altered, a new configuration of the image fragments may be displayed.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide an image synthesis method, games machine, and information storage medium that make it possible for a game to be satisfyingly enjoyable, even when a single player is playing it. History information relating to the performance of the player is recorded during one game session, and this history information is reproduced in another game session. A virtual player performs based on the thus-reproduced history information, and thus acts so as to affect the game result of the player. The virtual player either assists the player or acts as a combat opponent. This makes it possible to implement a game that is interesting even in single-player mode.

Abstract: A video game is played on a video game system by moving objects successively introduced into a game field in one direction on a display screen, determining whether a leading object or a leading cluster of objects introduced into the game field reach a predetermined position in the display screen or a memory, and ending the video game if the leading object or the leading cluster of objects introduced into the game field reaches the predetermined position. It is determined whether objects of one type are successively connected in the game field or not. The objects of one type are removed from the game field if they are successively connected in the game field. An object present ahead of the removed objects in the direction is moved in a direction opposite to the direction. An object indicated by a cursor is exchanged for an object present in the game field.