Abstract: A technique is disclosed for facilitating play of a casino table game at a casino gaming table system which includes a casino gaming table and at least one handheld device. At least a portion of operations or activities relating to the casino game may be performed at a first handheld device. Examples of such operations may include electronically dealing a first card to a first player via the first handheld device, displaying a representation of the first card to the first player via a display at the first handheld device, etc. In at least one embodiment, an association between a selected handheld device and the first player station may be created and used for subsequent game play activities to enable the selected handheld device to be operable to display game play data relating to game play activities associated with the first player station. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the features of a selected handheld device may be enabled/disabled based on the detection of one or more conditions or events.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for facilitating play of a casino table game at a casino gaming table system which includes a casino gaming table and at least one handheld device. At least a portion of operations or activities relating to the casino game may be performed at a first handheld device. Examples of such operations may include electronically dealing a first card to a first player via the first handheld device, displaying a representation of the first card to the first player via a display at the first handheld device, etc. In at least one embodiment, an association between a selected handheld device and the first player station may be created and used for subsequent game play activities to enable the selected handheld device to be operable to display game play data relating to game play activities associated with the first player station. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the features of a selected handheld device may be enabled/disabled based on the detection of one or more conditions or events.

Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a multimedia interface with a display and an interface to one or more sound projection devices and a multimedia board for processing digitally formatted program files for output on the multimedia interface. The player tracking unit may provide menus of audio and video programs, such as a menu for a musical jukebox or a menu for a video-on-demand service. Using a “TV-like” interface, a user may be able to select a program to output on the multimedia interface and control playback features of the program.

Abstract: A hinge for use in a motor vehicle, including first and second members pivotably coupled to each other. First and second position retainers are coupled between the first member and the second member to releasably secure the second member in a first holding position relative to the first member. The first position retainer has a first holding portion and the second position retainer has a second holding portion such that one of the first and second position retainers is structured and arranged to move relative to the other of the first and second position retainers such that the first and second holding portions move into and out from a first holding position. The first and second holding portions are structured and arranged to be releasably secured to each other in the first holding position.

Abstract: Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide methods and devices for various types of adventure sequences that preferably involve, at least in part, wagering games. Such sequences may involve wagering and/or other games at a plurality of gaming devices, tables and/or gaming establishments. Some implementations provide a virtual gaming experience wherein one or more other environments (e.g., environments that include gaming establishments) are simulated at a single location. Accordingly, adventure sequences described herein may comprise stages in one or more virtual environments, stages in one or more real environments or a combination of the two. Virtual players, also referred to herein as player game agents (“PGAs”), may act on behalf of real players. A PGA may be able to play games autonomously, e.g., when the associated player is at a different location and/or is not aware of the PGA's current activities. PGAs may be enabled to negotiate on behalf of real players, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting and/or preventing cheating in online gaming. Some implementations provide gaming information in formats that are difficult for a bot to interpret, but which are preferably easy for humans to interpret. Some implementations of the invention involve the tracking and analysis of players' gaming activities. Some implementations of the invention provide a multi-tier approach to data analysis. Some analyses may be performed, for example, by a centralized computing device such as a server, whereas other analyses may be performed by a host device. In some implementations, “challenge and response” measures will be employed. Some implementations of the invention involve detection and prevention of collaboration between players.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the precise dispensation of small volumes of liquids are presented. A fluid microdispenser comprises a liquid-filled tube, an actuator coupled to the tube, and a tip at one end of the tube. When the actuator applies an actuation pressure, a precise volume of liquid is ejected from the orifice of the tip. The orifice is manufactured to control the volume of liquid ejected by each actuation and, therefore, may have a diameter smaller than that of the liquid-filled tube. The invention comprises systems, methods, and devices so that the inner diameter of the liquid-filled tube is decreased (tapered) to that of the orifice so as to maximize transmission to the orifice of the pressure generated by the actuation stimulus. This enables the volume of liquid ejected by each stimulus to be reproducibly controlled by the amplitude of the actuation stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel broadcast gaming methods and devices. Some implementations involve broadcasting real-time video streams of game content to a player's receiver, such as a television, a mobile phone, a computer, etc. Various games may be simultaneously broadcast on separate channels. Players can purchase time slots during which the players will passively participate in the wins or losses of a game. Alternatively, players may elect to financially participate in a predetermined number of games. Based on the outcomes of games in which a player participates, a player's pre-established account is either debited or credited. Players may view gaming content at the time of broadcast or record it for later viewing.

Abstract: Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for controlling a wager-based game played at a gaming system. In one embodiment the gaming system may include a handheld device operable to communicate with a gaming controller. In one embodiment, the handheld device may include a gesture input interface device operable to detect movements gestures associated with one or more persons. The gaming system may further include a gesture interpretation component operable to identify selected movements or gestures detected by the gesture input interface device, and operable to generate gesture interpretation information relating to interpretation of the selected movements or gestures.

Abstract: Various techniques are described for controlling a wager-based game played at a gaming system. In one embodiment the gaming system may include a gesture input interface device operable to detect movements gestures associated with one or more persons, and a gesture interpretation component operable to identify selected movements or gestures detected by the gesture input interface device. In at least one embodiment, the gesture interpretation component may also be operable to generate gesture interpretation information relating to interpretation of the selected movements or gestures. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to automatically detect a gesture by a player participating in a game session at the gaming system; interpret the gesture with respect to a set of criteria; generate gesture interpretation information relating to the interpretation of the gesture; and advance a state of the game session using at least a portion of the gesture interpretation information.

Abstract: Device and method of fabricating device. The device includes a dual damascene line having a metal line and a via, and a redundant liner arranged to divide the metal line. The method includes forming a trench in a metal stripe of a dual damascene line, depositing a barrier layer in the trench, and filling a remainder of the trench with metal.

Abstract: Device with a damascene interconnect for integrated circuits with improved reliability and improved electromigration properties. The device including a dual damascene line having a metal line and a via, and a redundant liner arranged to divide the metal line.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the precise dispensation of small volumes of liquids are presented. A fluid microdispenser comprises a liquid-filled tube, an actuator coupled to the tube, and a tip at one end of the tube. When the actuator applies an actuation pressure, a precise volume of liquid is ejected from the orifice of the tip. The orifice is manufactured to control the volume of liquid ejected by each actuation and, therefore, may have a diameter smaller than that of the liquid-filled tube. The invention comprises systems, methods, and devices so that the inner diameter of the liquid-filled tube is decreased (tapered) to that of the orifice so as to maximize transmission to the orifice of the pressure generated by the actuation stimulus. This enables the volume of liquid ejected by each stimulus to be reproducibly controlled by the amplitude of the actuation stimulus.

Abstract: A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a first player, displaying an image representative of a game, determining an outcome for the game represented by the image, and associating a first payout with the first player according to the outcome. The method also includes receiving an exchange of communications between the first player and a second player regarding an exchange of the first payout and a second payout, associating the second payout with the first player, and associating the first payout with the second player.

Abstract: In a first method, branched polysilanes are prepared via a Wurtz-type coupling reaction by reacting a mixture of a dihalosilanes and a trihalosilanes with an alkali metal coupling agent in an organic liquid medium. The reaction mixture is free of tetrahalosilanes. The branched polysilanes are recovered from the reaction mixture. In a second method, capped-branched polysilanes are prepared via the same Wurtz-type coupling reaction noted above, with the addition of a capping agent to the reaction mixture. The capping agent can be a monohalosilane, monoalkoxysilane, or trialkoxysilane. Capped-branched polysilanes are re-covered from the reaction mixture. The branched polysilanes are soluble in organic liquid mediums.

Abstract: Novel wager gaming systems and methods for wager game license management in a network utilizing peer networking technology are in the various embodiments. A network component, such as a server computer or a gaming machine, is deputized by a central licensing authority or other authorized license management component. The network component is deputized once it receives what may be referred to as a license deputizing certificate. Upon receiving this certificate or at some point thereafter, the deputized component is provided with various data relating to devices in the gaming network, wagering games available in the network, and network configuration data. The gaming network may have a primary network backbone and local peer gaming networks operating in conjunction with each other via the network backbone. A local peer gaming network may share wager game code, memory space, and other gaming-related resources.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method for selecting a prize to be awarded in an outcome for a game of chance has means for providing one or more games of chance, means for accepting a wager, a prize display, and a prize selector to allow a player to select at least one displayed prize. At least one memory device stores a list having one or more prizes with similar values, each list linked to a predetermined pay table and at least one player preference associated with each of the prizes. The gaming machine and method also has at least one logic device configured to: a) receive an indication of a selected prize from the prize selector; b) control the prize display to display one or more of the prizes; c) determine an outcome of a game of chance; and d) determine whether the selected prize is associated with the outcome.

Abstract: Device and method of fabricating device. The device includes a dual damascene line having a metal line and a via, and a redundant liner arranged to divide the metal line. The method includes forming a trench in a metal stripe of a dual damascene line, depositing a barrier layer in the trench, and filling a remainder of the trench with metal.