Abstract: Systems and methods for a controller including controller memory and logic are presented herein. The logic is configured to control access to a persistent storage media and, in response to one or more commands, the logic determines an intermediate parity value based on a first parity calculation, and using the intermediate parity value determines a final parity value based on the intermediate parity value and a second parity calculation. Determining the intermediate parity value includes sending a uni-directional command to read an old data value from an address indicated in the uni-directional command, perform an exclusive-or operation on the old data value and a new data value indicated in the uni-directional command to determine the intermediate parity value and store, in the persistent storage media, the intermediate parity value at a location associated to an index indicated in the uni-directional command.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying visual focus points of meeting participants uses an image capture device to generate a real-time graphical representation of a physical meeting space containing collocated meeting participants. Remote display devices display the real-time graphical representation of the physical meeting space. Each remote display device is associated with a remote meeting participant located at a remote location. A viewpoint monitoring mechanism determines a remote participant visual point of focus within the real-time graphical representation. A remote participant simulator located in the physical meeting space has a unique remote participant representation for each remote meeting participant and a remote participant visual point of focus indicator associated with each remote participant representation to simulate the remote participant visual point of focus.

Abstract: In general, the disclosed apparatus is an internal combustion engine with a revolving gateway of fuel and exhaust ducts above the engine block. In operation, orifices in the fuel and exhaust ducts are interchangeably interfaced with an opening in a combustion chamber of the engine block during intake and exhaust strokes respectively of the combustion chamber's piston.

Abstract: A method for a provider to generate incentives for users to perform tasks includes the following steps. The tasks are assigned to the users to obtain a matrix of task assignments in which each of the users is assigned to at least one of the tasks and each of the tasks is assigned to at least one of the users, wherein each of the task assignments has a value and a cost to the provider, wherein for a given one of the task assignments the value less the cost to the provider is an economic utility to the provider, and wherein the step of assigning the tasks to the users is done so as to maximize a net benefit to the provider which is a sum of the economic utility for all of the task assignments. Incentives are offered to the users to perform the task assignments.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing a Sic Bo game. The controller (2) includes a display (5) on which is displayed a first dice tumbler (9) including a set of dice and betting board (10), as well as further dice tumblers (11) each including a further set of dice that can be bet on and played at the same time as betting on and playing the set of dice in the first dice tumbler (9). The apparatus may also allow multiple sets of dice betting using a plurality of physical sets of dice and an electronic betting terminal.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus 1 may include a number of player terminals 2, e.g. Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), which may be networked with a central controller 3 for implementing a linked feature game. When a feature game triggers from a basic game, the player triggering the feature may compete for a prize against a previous feature game winner. Other players may also be involved. A winner of a feature game becomes a champion, and plays in the next feature game that is triggered. Responsibility for running the feature game may rest with the player terminals 2 and/or with a central controller 3 as is appropriate to the implementation. A single player competitive feature game is also described.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1). Includes a controller (2) for implementing a roulette game. The controller (2) includes a display (5) on which is displayed a roulette wheel (9) and betting board (10), as well as a set of further roulette wheels (11) that can be bet on and played at the same time as betting on and playing the main wheel (9). The apparatus may also allow multi-wheel betting using a plurality of physical roulette wheels and an electronic terminal.