Abstract: A video game system directed, for example, to a soccer game, employs opposing teams each having a plurality of players. At least one of the teams is under the control of a game player through a controller, while the other team is commanded by the system CPU or another game player. A mode of game play permits the carrying out of a penalty kick match, in which a monitor screen depicts, at least, characters representing the goal, a player acting as the kicker, a ball, and the player acting as the goalkeeper. A kicker cursor indicative of a shoot position to which the ball is to be kicked by the character representing the kicker is movably displayed on the monitor screen. In addition, a keeper cursor indicative of an area covered by the character representing the goalkeeper for checking the ball is movable displayed said monitor screen, the keeper cursor being movable on the monitor screen independently from the character representing the goalkeeper.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for playing and method of controlling a computerized dart game of simulated tug-of-war. The method generates on a display a goal graphic, at least one player graphic, and at least one challenger graphic. The goal graphic typically includes a first side on which the player graphic is initially displayed and a second side on which the challenger graphic is initially displayed. The method monitors the segments in at least one electronic dart board for hits by darts and determines at least one offset value associated with a segment hit by a dart. The offset value may represent the sum of one or more hits by a player, the sum of one or more hits by a challenger, of the difference between one or more by a player and hits by a challenger. In a single player game, the method itself may generate a random challenger value.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer system to provide a game of chance for players, based on a horse race in which horses are assigned post positions, in which a ticket is provided having two columns, one for horse post positions and the second containing a number of rows, each containing entry locations for all possible finishing positions. The player marks in each row one finishing position for each horse, a different finishing position for each row, thus producing a player data set, before post positions are assigned to the horses. The player data sets are entered in a central computer. Horse post positions are then drawn and a post position data set is entered in the computer. After the race is run, an outcome data set is entered in the computer and is compared with a combination of the player data set and the post position data set to see whether any player data sets correspond to the outcome data set.

Abstract: A computer network which manages multiple simultaneous bingo games having a potentially large number of bingo cards. The computers simultaneously and in parallel compare called bingo numbers to bingo cards stored in each respective computer (and also double-verfy winning cards). Called numbers may be applicable to one, many, or all of the simultaneous bingo games, and the games may have different times or different rules. Bingo cards are distributed in the network in accordance with number of hits needed by the cards: “one-away” computers handle bingo cards needing one more hit; “two-away” computers handle cards needing two hits. The computers in the network also generate statistics on the progress of bingo cards toward wining patterns. These reports can be collated to develop overall statistics for any game in progress; in addition, the computer system broadcasts personal information, or live audio or video, of winning or close-to-winning players.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the sale of a lottery ticket online includes and involves a data storage system and a data processing system. The data storage system is used for storing information related to a lottery ticket purchased online and to a purchaser of the lottery ticket. The lottery ticket includes a lottery game value. The data processing system is coupled to the data storage system and is operative to receive an online request from the purchaser to purchase the lottery ticket, to generate a secure lottery ticket purchase code, and to issue a purchase confirmation notice related to the lottery ticket to the purchaser. The purchase confirmation notice includes the secure lottery ticket purchase code. The data processing system is further operative to store the information and the lottery ticket purchase code in the data storage system.

Abstract: A method for maintaining input device identity in a speech application, comprising the steps of: storing a plurality of enrollments, each of the enrollments representing a speech file of training data associated with at least one of a specific audio input device and a specific audio environment for a specific user; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) display screen for prompting and enabling user selection of at least one of an audio input device and an audio environment; and, retrieving one of the enrollments responsive to the user selection, for use in a dictation or transcription session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a category from a plurality of categories, where each category comprises a number of elements, and corresponds to a category performance determinant that represents a measurement associated with a given category, and where a category performance determinant biases the selection of a given category.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method enabling a participant to control the multi-dimensional kinetics of their avatar in a virtual environment. The participant accomplishes this control by selectably transitioning among various movements (“motion states”) from which are derived avatar motions and motion-related positions. The participant's motion states not only comprise interaction data and are correlated to avatar motion, but also are associated with selected, minimal actual motion in the participant's physical surroundings. The apparatus comprises a mount, a motion base and a support: the mount interfaces with the participant, enabling the participant to have a selected range of motion; the motion base is disposed relative to the mount so as to enable contact with the participant and, associated with such contact, provides for detection of the motion states; and the support couples the mount and the motion base so as to provide the relative disposition thereof.

Abstract: An individual education program tracking system provides an automated means for creating and administering an entire individual education plan. Embodied in a computer software program and network, the individual education program tracking system enables teachers, school administrators, counselors and parents to enter a student profile, create an individual education plan for the student based on the student's profile, track the student's progress, and perform periodic evaluations and assessments. The individual education program tracking system also automates the completion and submission of various forms as required by a school district or state department of education. The individual education program tracking system integrates and automates procedures that meet a state's or district's legal requirements for administering an individual education plan, such as entry qualification evaluations and parental authorization.

Abstract: A game machine is disclosed in which interest in the game is created by the operation of stop buttons 16 through 18, and back lamps 57a, 57b and 57c for illuminating rotating reels 3 through 5. Patterns which differ in accordance with the kind of prize modes are announced to the player, for example, by simultaneously extinguishing the respective back lamps 57a, 57b and 57c of the rotating reels 3 through 5 when the stop buttons 16 through 18 are actuated, and the possibility of erecting a “BB” hit flag, signifying a big hit prize, is announced to the player.

Abstract: A system for playing electronic games includes a game server and one or more player terminals. Game results are based on a random number generated in each of the game server and the player terminals. The game server and the player terminals cooperate to ensure that the random numbers are generated independently. As a result, game players and the game host, such as a casino, can be confident that play results are not fraudulent. In one embodiment, the random numbers are transmitted between the game server and the player terminals at substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the random numbers are encoded and exchanged between the game server and the player terminals. Then, keys to decode the random numbers are exchanged.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.

Abstract: A gaming machine, such as for example a slot machine, including a bill validator to accept paper currency to obtain game play credits, and a note hopper for dispensing paper currency, bank notes or cash equivalent scrip as at least a portion of the payout.

Abstract: A moving video image jigsaw puzzle game is provided that varies the level of difficulty in the game and that provides assistance to game players in solving a moving video image jigsaw puzzle. The moving video image jigsaw puzzle game is primarily implemented by a moving puzzle program (18). The moving puzzle program (18) generates a representative version of a moving puzzle image to be solved by a game player. This representative image is displayed on a display (14) along with puzzle pieces, each of which represents a portion of the full-color moving puzzle image. The representative image is used as a reference to reassemble the puzzle pieces to recreate the moving video image.

Abstract: A use enabling method and mechanism to enable use of a disabled game resident on multiple platform gaming machines. When a gaming operator elects to enable a particular disabled game, an enabling device of generates an encrypted Request Code (27) having components identifying the specific gaming machine and the specific game to be enabled. This Request Code (27) is then communicated through a communication coupling (55) to a compatible, mating encoder device (28) operated by the licensing game vendor or game manufacture. In response, the encoder device (28) generates an encrypted Enabling Code (31) which enables use only for the selected game or games, and only in the gaming machine (21) upon which the corresponding Request Code originated. Upon inputting the corresponding Enabling Code (31) into the enabling device (32) incorporated on the particular gaming device, the selected disable game or games may be subsequently enabled for use.

Abstract: An E-mail games processor includes computer software programs running on two or more computers connected through a computer network. The computer software automatically transmits, receives and processes E-mail messages containing move data for one or more games.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring a golf swing, human movement in other sports, and other activities involving human movement and for teaching and reinforcing desired human movement. A golf swing is monitored for a golfer swinging a golf club through a tee area while standing on a platform housing a tee manipulation mechanism. Six or more infrared (IR) transmitters transmit respective IR beams along predetermined lines in close proximity to the tee area. Each predetermined line defines a portion of three-dimensional space critical to the optimization of the golf swing. Respective IR sensors receive the respective IR beams. Each pair of IR sensors provides a respective output signal indicative of improper club shaft or body positioning. This device is designed to monitor club shaft and body position and alert the golfer to undesirable positioning via audible buzzer, signal lights, and a golf ball removal system.

Abstract: A video game system including a video game machine and a controller connected thereto, wherein the game machine is further connected with a display device. A video-game memory medium, detachably attached to the game machine, generates image data for displaying a player object, a plurality of courses, and objects other than the player object. A player chooses a course of play by operating the controller. A score-giving condition is detected according to a relation of the player object to another object. Depending on the detection, a first score is counted for the course. When the player object comes under a condition satisfying a course clear, the first score is memorized in a score-register area of a RAM. If the user chooses to play a same course, an initial value is written to the score-register area.

Abstract: A method for behavior modification and memory enhancement utilizing a central processing unit, comprising compiling a symbolic profile of a subject participant, interpreting the subject participant's stored symbolic constructs, instructing the subject participant using virtual reality means, evaluating and recording physiological parameters of the participant and delivering symbolic containers to the participant; and delivering symbolic prescriptions to the subject participant for behavior modification and memory enhancement. The methodology allows for accessing and recognition of stored memory symbolic constructs by isolating symbolic quests embodied within multiple multimedia virtual reality events, and delivering the multimedia virtual reality events to a user by artificial intelligence and multi-media means, applying the symbolic constructs to the user.

Abstract: A computer-based test creation system and method for generating test items. The test creation process includes creating items in electronic form and allowing access by a plurality of reviewers via a network. The reviewers may review the item for content, fairness and format, and collaborate with each other before indicating that the item is acceptable for inclusion in a test. After the administration of the items to test takers, item performance may be evaluated on-line by reviewing electronic feedback from the administrations and creating electronic evaluation reports. Since the items are created in an electronic form, the items may further include new forms of stimuli such as graphics and multimedia.