Abstract: A method and system for controlling a computer machine such as a casino game machine includes a remote activation arrangement that does not require the computer machine to complete an online communication or series of communications. The method and system utilize a QR type code associated with each computer machine to simplify the communication of necessary information to an online website supported by a computer server. A separate mobile device of an operator or user scans a QR type code of the machine and uses the QR type code to simplify the communication and registration with the server. An authorization code is transmitted back to the mobile device and manually entered in the machine allowing the machine to function in its intended manner.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a computer machine such as a casino game machine includes a remote activation arrangement that does not require the computer machine to complete an online communication or series of communications. The method and system utilize a QR type code associated with each computer machine to simplify the communication of necessary information to an online website supported by a computer server. A separate mobile device of an operator or user scans a QR type code of the machine and uses the QR type code to simplify the communication and registration with the server. An authorization code is transmitted back to the mobile device and manually entered in the machine allowing the machine to function in its intended manner.

Abstract: The music selection system allows a game terminal to use the logic processing and information of a remote computer server to provide fast relevant search results based on user keyed information. The search is carried out in parallel using different databases to provide possible results which are then combined and reduced by the server. This arrangement provides fast accurate results and advantageously uses search techniques well known to users. This familiarity in combination with the specialized databases provides relevant music search results with relatively few keystroke entries.

Abstract: A countertop entertainment terminal includes a terminal housing containing components for a pay to play game terminal including a stereo sound system. The sound system includes a pair of tweeter speakers adjacent an upper edge of the terminal housing and a pair of midrange speakers located on opposite sides of a touchscreen supported by the terminal housing. A sub-woofer speaker is provided within the housing and is open to a side of the housing. In a preferred embodiment the stereo sound system uses subassemblies for each of the tweeter speakers, the midrange speakers and the sub-woofer speaker, simplifying securement within or to the housing.

Abstract: An improved touch screen entertainment terminal for playing of games includes an attract mode having a simulation intended to attract possible patrons to use the terminal for playing of games and a game mode where a game is being played by a user interacting with a touch screen of the terminal. The attract mode provides the simulation on the touch screen in combination with at least one advertising banner positioned to one side of or above or below the simulation. Preferably, the advertising banner is provided on one side of the simulation and the game mode utilizes the touch screen without banner advertisement. The advertising banner can be changed and typically is not associated with the game provider.

Abstract: A media center component for receiving digital records (music/video) includes a web based communication function and includes a plurality of outputs for connecting to different audio outputs. These different outputs include an output for connection to a separate stand alone audio system or for connection to an output for speakers directly. The media center component includes its own controls for modifying the outputted signal controls. The media center component also includes an input for receiving digital records to be played.

Abstract: An entertainment terminal has an improved user interface presenting an effective more consistent interface for selection of particular games, music, video or other material for play. In particular the interface is adapted to provide better consistency whereby knowledge or experience in game selection or other categories simplifies selection in a different category.

Abstract: A durable input arrangement for a video game terminal uses a joystick controller protected by a player actuating a control assembly. This assembly protects the joystick controller from abusive forces that would otherwise render the controller inoperative.

Abstract: The video game terminal uses a center pedestal and two column members either side of the center pedestal for supporting a touch screen. The center pedestal holds the working components of the terminal including the CPU and payment acceptors. The center pedestal supports the touch screen at a raised position and the columns provide edge support of the touch screen. Preferably, an ambient light arrangement is provided either side of the terminal.

Abstract: The game terminal is designed to be structurally strong while providing good access to various electronic controls of the game and music system, and the electronic components of the payment devices. The terminal is horizontally divided into lower, mid, intermediate and upper portions. The two center portions include hinged front face panels to provide efficient access to internal components that preferably have been divided into modular components.

Abstract: A system for the play of digital content in a public establishment includes a digital content play system, a web accessible digital content server, a media center connected to the digital content play system and in communication with the digital content server to receive digital content, and independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices of users. These independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices allow a user to access the digital content server and select digital content for play on the in-house digital content play system.

Abstract: A media control system allows the play of media files from customers or users in a public establishment. A digital content review arrangement communicates with a control gate that forwards to the digital content review arrangement requested media files or summary information of the media files sufficient to identify the requested media files with known media files contained in a database of the digital content review arrangement or available thereto. The control gate includes an input for communicating with personal portable digital content devices of customer and/or users and receives therefrom requested media files to be played on a media play system of said public establishment. The control gate forwards the requested media files received from said personal portable digital content devices to said digital content review arrangement for identification.

Abstract: A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.

Abstract: An arrangement for effective updating of video game terminals uses a security key device which is capable of operating next major generation software that at the time of sale or distribution of the security device is not available. Once this software is available, the security key with this forward compatibility to the next major generation of software, allows the owner to update any terminal having the security device. Therefore, existing product, both terminals and/or software upgrades can be sold with the capability for the purchaser to upgrade without return of the security key device. Software can be made generally freely available as it requires a security key device to function. This system is convenient and effective, and allows continued sale of product up to the release of the next major generation of software. The purchaser is buying a next generation key and as such, is buying product that is not about to be replaced.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game that requires the multiple input of a single input device to provide a series of timed input signals relative to a start signal. The relative time of the input signal determines the result of a heat and the combined results of a series of heats provide game score. The game has a fast learning curve in combination with a player skill level that is not necessarily controlling. The game is based on timed player input that are sensitive about the optimal values to include a random or luck factor about the optimal values. In a preferred embodiment the game is a race theme game and requires the player to input shift signals. In a preferred embodiment of the game different levels are provided and points are awarded based on performance relative to a standard and relative to a variable standard determined by the player's performance in an earlier level.

Abstract: A combined game terminal and pay to play audio entertainment system including a promotional draw associated with at least one game provided at said game terminal and purchases completed at the game terminal for audio selections played by the audio entertainment system. The game terminal cooperates with a remote promotional server that administers a promotional draw based on particular game selections and/or qualifying audio selections made at the game terminal by a registered customer. The game terminal and the game promotional server extend the “qualifying purchase” to include purchases for audio selections. In this way, cross promotion of game and audio selections is provided at the game terminal and qualifying entries are preferably combined in a single draw.

Abstract: The networked game system uses a local area network to allow multi-player competition between terminals in real time. The game software of each terminal allows that terminal to act as the communication server if that terminal initiates an invitation to play in a networked mode. In a preferred aspect the game software allows an initiating player to send an open invitation or a restricted invitation that requires a PIN to respond. In a different aspect each terminal includes a player activated Do Not Disturb feature if the player does not want to receive invitations.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker game using a video game terminal includes one player using the video game terminal and three or more terminal generated and controlled players to play against. Each player has a starting point value used for play and scoring in the poker game. The poker game includes a series of elimination rounds where each elimination round comprises two or more hands and eliminating the player with the lowest score at the end of an elimination round. Each hand in an elimination round includes two down cards provided to each player and five common cards provided face up for use by all players in combination with their respective two down cards for forming of the best five card poker hand and thereby determining a winner of a “win” pool associated with the hand. Each hand in an elimination round includes one or more player wagering steps where players wager points from their starting points with said wagered points accumulating in the “win” pool or a player withdrawing from the hand.