Abstract: A seal card game system providing multiple levels of non-progressive play. The game system awards a master case award to a winning ticket not among the population of individual deal winning tickets. A winning ticket of each deal set does not qualify for the master case award level. The game features segregated deal sets, each set containing break-open tickets. Each deal set is segregated by deal identifier indicia. In one exemplary embodiment, the deal identifier indicia is a selected color which is imprinted on each of the playing tickets comprising a deal set. The play tickets may be serialized by deal or by case for security. A seal card may includes the serialization of each ticket associated with the case. The non-progression scheme benefits the game operator in retaining the interest and participation of a higher population of players throughout the multiple deal play.

Abstract: A method for supporting the end-user of a software application program is provided, wherein the end-user is provided the capability of communicating directly with the application program vendor and/or developer to request enhancement, provide comments, report defects and/or to ask questions. Moreover, this method provides an automatic communication that provides the developer of an application program such critical information as usage of program or document information, defects, and user comments. This invention provides a technique that minimizes the load and/or requirements for specially trained customer service personnel while simultaneously decreasing the feed-back lag time, thereby providing information, which is sufficiently timely to aid in the improvement of the quality of application software.

Abstract: A system and method for remote delivery of software-based simulated training and certification for technicians/operators involved in the management of programmers, programmer-IMD interface and related procedures is disclosed. Preferably a web-based expert data center directs the software-based simulated training and certification which is remotely imported to a programmer. The programmer or equivalent device is coupled to the web-based expert data center via preferably one of many data communication systems. A set of skill-based training activities corresponding to a plurality of software applications on the programmer is accessible from the programmer. The operator issues a training request from the programmer to the expert data center for a specific software application. The expert data center builds a simulated training module based on the operator's request, and returns the training module to the programmer.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method can determine flight characteristics of an object propelled by a player from a launch site toward a backstop. The foregoing can operate with a launch detector located at the launch site for producing a launch signal in response to launching of the object. A backstop sensing arrangement may be employed at the backstop having at least one spaced pair of sensors for producing a pair of arrival signals in response to arrival of the object at the backstop. A processor may be employed, which is coupled to the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement. The processor can (a) determine the relative response times of the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement, and (b) produce a characteristic signal as a function of the relative arrival times of the pair of arrival signals.

Abstract: An epoxy-based soldering flux is used to solder a flip-chip IC device to a metallic bond site on a substrate material. The soldering flux is composed of a thermosetting epoxy resin and a cross-linking agent with inherent flux activity. When heated the cross-linking agent cleans the metal oxides from the metal surfaces on the chip and then reacts with the epoxy resin to form a thermosetting epoxy residue. The flux residue left on the board after soldering does not inhibit the flow of an underfill encapsulant. The underfill binds to the thermosetting residue of the flux which increases adhesion strength preventing delamination of the chip during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether wager data for players' wagers placed on a drawing game have been altered after winning game elements are drawn includes a host computer and a verification device. The host computer stores the wager data and generates a first hash value for the wager data at a time prior to drawing the winning game elements. The host computer is capable of generating a second hash value for the wager data at a time subsequent to drawing the winning game elements for comparison to the first hash value. The verification device receives the first hash value for the wager data prior to drawing the winning game elements and receives the winning game elements.

Abstract: A method of grading an essay using an automated essay scoring system is provided. The method comprises the automated steps of (a) parsing the essay to produce parsed text, wherein the parsed text is a syntactic representation of the essay, (b) using the parsed text to create a vector of syntactic features derived from the essay, (c) using the parsed text to create a vector of rhetorical features derived from the essay, (d) creating a first score feature derived from the essay, (e) creating a second score feature derived from the essay, and (f) processing the vector of syntactic features, the vector of rhetorical features, the first score feature, and the second score feature to generate a score for the essay.

Abstract: A gaming device security system is disclosed which includes two processing areas linked together and communicating critical gaming functions via a security protocol wherein each transmitted gaming function includes a specific encrypted signature to be decoded and validated before being processed by either processing area. The two processing areas include a first processing area having a dynamic RAM and an open architecture design which is expandable without interfering or accessing critical gaming functions and a second “secure” processing area having a non-alterable memory for the storage of critical gaming functions therein.

Abstract: An imaging system includes two sets of cameras: a first set for capturing optical mark or optical character recognition data and a second set for capturing visual images. Full visual images of pages containing answers to open-ended questions are retained and are retrievable by a reader such that an area of interest wherein the answer is expected is displayed, but the remaining area is also available for viewing. The system permits the alignment of a page based upon edge detection if the page contains only an open-ended answer, obviating the need for timing tracks. Hardware and software elements cooperate to store the image temporarily in a server having a response time commensurate with the scanner. The image is then processed with the use of high-performance index imaging for optical storage and retrieval, and then routed to a long-term storage device.

Abstract: A slot machine with multiple payoff modes and award presentations. The payoff modes in one embodiment are associated with a basic game and include a first and second payoff mode, the second payoff mode defining a “SUPER SCATTER” feature. Game outcomes are selected in the first and second payoff mode and symbol groups associated with the game outcomes are evaluated in the first payoff mode for symbol combinations displayed relative to one or more paylines and in the second payoff mode for symbol combinations displayed in scatter-pay format. In one embodiment, the machine operates in the first payoff mode until the occurrence of a symbol combination triggering the second payoff mode, then operates in the second payoff mode for a single spin before returning to the first payoff mode.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for providing online language instruction to a student. A student client computer logs into a host system to commence an instruction session. The host assigns an instructor to the instruction session. A scene is simultaneously displayed on a student client computer and a client computer operated by the assigned instructor. A voice communication link is also provided. A predetermined lesson plan can be executed during the instruction session. The lesson plan can be selected according to a student profile stored on the host system. Study goals can also be listed on the computer operated by the instructor. Completion of a study goal can also be stored in the student profile. The student profile can be used to determine a next study goal for a particular student. The scene can be an interactive scene manipulated via the student client computer or via the client computer operated by the instructor.

Abstract: A signal input device having control levers projected out of an upper case, and a movement transmitting member movable with movement of each control transmitting member so as to change the resistance value of corresponding resistance elements by changing the contact area between the resistance element and the electrically conductive rubber in accordance with the movement of the movement transmitting member.

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 locatians among 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: A tool which accurately controls the thickness of a thermal grease applied to an integrated circuit that is mounted to a printed circuit board. The tool includes a bracket that supports the printed circuit board and the integrated circuit. A thermal grease is applied to the top surface of the integrated circuit. A lid is attached to the bracket to capture the printed circuit board. The lid has a platen that is separated from the integrated circuit by a space which has a predetermined thickness. The space defines the thickness of the thermal grease. Any excess thermal grease is pushed out of the space by the lid so that a consistent thickness of thermal grease is applied for each integrated circuit assembly. The bracket, lid, integrated circuit and printed circuit board can be mounted to a motherboard as a single integrated circuit module. Alternatively, the lid can be detached from the base so that the grease covered integrated circuit can be removed from the tool for subsequently assembly.

Abstract: An electronic performance support system is provided for creating individualized courses of instruction to each user. An authoring mechanism is used to create at least one knowledge base relating to a particular topic. An assessment mechanism evaluates each user's knowledge on a particular topic and devises a course of instruction based on the assessed knowledgeability of each user. After interacting with the assessment mechanism, each user navigates through a corresponding, individualized course of instruction. Each individualized course of instruction includes data items selected from a learning mechanism and a research library. The system may include a communication medium through which users are able to communicate with each other.

Abstract: In a game system, performance data which stipulates sequences of manipulations and allocation of sound effects for the manipulations can be set practically. The game system has memory device which stores performance data stipulating manipulations of a controller provided in correspondence with a predetermined musical piece; the performance data comprises information specifying a manipulation timing relating to at least one timing manipulation member provided on the controller, and information specifying which one of a plurality of selection manipulation members provided on the controller is to be manipulated in correspondence with the manipulation of the timing manipulation member; either one of the information specifying the manipulation timing included in the performance data and the information specifying the selection manipulation member can be edited independently of the other based on a command supplied via the controller by a player.

Abstract: An image matching gaming method suitable for use as bonus game on a slot machine is provided. The method includes allowing the player to have an active role in selecting the bonus award. The player is allowed to see all the awards associated with possible selection after his choices have been made.

Abstract: The Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) uses the Internet as a constructivist learning environment and aims to provide intelligent assistance to improve both quality of training and distribution of knowledge in a distance learning situation. The assistance is based on various intelligent Agents which act collaboratively to support learning at different steps. A first Agent (pedagogical Agent), close to the learner, is able to detect his difficulties using a learner model and provides local explanations when needed or on request. A second Agent (dialog Agent) provides access to other explanations or learners available on the Web, in synchronous or asynchronous mode. Taking into consideration all possible helps a third Agent (negotiating Agent) is in charge of finding and selling explanations according to a market of requests and helps.

Abstract: To a CPU 10 in a portable game machine 1, a temperature detector 5 and a voltage detector 6 are connected. The temperature detector 5 detects an operating temperature of an LCD 4, and the voltage detector 6 detects a power supply voltage supplied by the LCD 4. Following a program stored in on-chip ROM 13, the CPU 10 calculates a driving voltage for the LCD 4 based on the detected temperature and voltage. At the same time, the CPU 10 selects, from among a plurality of character data items which are previously provided, at least one character data item and writes the selected data item into display RAM 11. The detected temperature and voltage each correspond to the character's age and action. As a result, correct colors can be displayed even in a case where the LCD 4 is adopting an Electrically Controlled Birefringence method. Further the character selected based on the temperature and voltage is displayed on the LCD 4.

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.