Abstract: Disclosed are gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including stored value cards. Networked gaming systems are described which include one or more gaming machines with a stored value card acceptor, casino and/or slot management systems with a stored value server for authenticating stored value cards, verifying stored value, and updating value associated with the stored value cards, and a kiosk system for issuing, validating, and accounting for value associated with updateable stored value cards.

Abstract: Networked gaming systems with anonymous player biometric identification and tracking, and associated methods, are disclosed. Also disclosed are a responsible gaming system and method, an anonymous player Bonusing method and system, a money laundering identification system and method, a distributed casino surveillance system and on electronic gaming machines, and a method and system for electronic re-configuration and/or download of a gaming machine based upon anonymous player identification using biometrics at the gaming device.

Abstract: A system and method provides efficient and highly reliable customer and asset tracking. A Personal Digital Key (PDK) is associated with and carried by a user or fixed to an asset. The PDK wirelessly communicates with a receiver/decoder circuit (RDC) that can be coupled to a variety of electronic devices. The RDC authenticates the PDK based on received data and stores information to track customers and provide improved service. The RDC can be coupled to or integrated with a variety of electronic devices. The operation of the electronic device is determined based on an identification code of the detected PDK and an identification code of the RDC. The electronic device, the PDK or both can be configured with a personalized user interface and execute specific functions based on stored state information associated with the PDK and RDC identification codes.

Abstract: A system and method provides efficient and highly reliable customer tracking. A Personal Digital Key (PDK) is associated with and carried by a user. The PDK wirelessly communicates with a receiver/decoder circuit (RDC) that can be coupled to a variety of electronic devices. The RDC authenticates the PDK based on received data and stores information to track customers and provide improved service. A PDK can be assigned to one more groups of PDKs based on the received data. Specific functions can then be executed based on the group assignments. In a casino environment, the system enables functions such as group gaming, back betting, event tracking, and notification services.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.

Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: A method for performing computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery includes the steps of: (1) producing and displaying three-dimensional geometrical models of first and second bones, the first and second bones forming a joint; (2) identifying a zone of impingement between the first bone and the second bone on at least one of the bones; and (3) generating and displaying a color map of at least one surface of at least one bone, the at least one surface being within the zone of impingement, the color map including different colors representing different depths of bone to be removed in order to achieve an increased range of motion between the first and second bones.

Abstract: A method of providing a gaming or non-gaming feature across affiliated properties, comprising: associating a plurality of properties so that each is affiliated with the others; locating a first gaming device in a first affiliated property; locating a second gaming device in a second affiliated property; and communicating via a server with each of the gaming devices located in the affiliated properties to provide a gaming and/or non-gaming feature only to those gaming devices located in the affiliated properties.

Abstract: A gaming system, comprising: a plurality of affiliated properties; a plurality of gaming devices, wherein at least one of the gaming devices is located in a first affiliated property and a second gaming device from the plurality of gaming devices is located in a second affiliated property; and a server in communication with the plurality of gaming devices and capable of providing a gaming and/or non-gaming feature to each of the plurality of devices located within the affiliated properties, whereby the gaming and/or non-gaming feature only is provided to the affiliated properties.

Abstract: A progressive game is implemented on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a game server, and wherein the progressive game has a progressive prize value that increases according to a progressive prize growth rate. The progressive game includes a selectable targeted progressive prize value, a selectable targeted progressive prize time, and one or more enticement factors. The progressive prize growth rate is calculated using the selectable targeted progressive prize value, the selectable targeted progressive prize time, and the one or more enticement factors. Additionally, a random number generation algorithm tests to determine if there is a progressive prize win at each predetermined time period. The selectable targeted progressive prize time is used to calculate the predetermined time period for testing for a progressive prize win.

Abstract: An electromechanical indicator including a body with an axis of rotation. The rotary body is provided with a number of segments radiating from the axis of rotation which are associated with at least two different indicia. A motor is coupled to the rotary body such that the rotary body is adapted for a rotating mode and a stationary mode about the axis of rotation. A pointer associated with the rotary body is adapted to point to a predetermined segment of the number of segments when the rotary body is in the stationary mode. A segment detector detects a rotary position of each of the number of segments. In operation, the motor rotates the rotary body to point the pointer to the predetermined segment.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus server connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus server receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus server may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: A game redemption system is provided by allowing a game to be played in exchange for a monetary input and awarding either prize credits or one or more merchandize prizes based on an event that is associated with play of the game. Either a video selection interface screen or a prize-selection mechanism that is associated with the game redemption system can be used for redeeming the prize credits or the one or more merchandize prizes.

Abstract: A method for testing an assembled telephone (10) includes activating the telephone (10) and automatically transmitting a poll command from a processor (60) of the telephone on a bus (66) of the telephone (10). The method also includes receiving a test command from a testing device connected to the bus (66) in response to the poll command. The test command is operable to automatically initiate a test of the telephone (10). The method further includes automatically initiating a standard operational mode of the telephone (10) if the test command is not received by the processor (60) in response to the poll command.

Abstract: A housing (100) for a unidirectional microphone (102) is described which has an enclosure (104, 106) for holding the unidirectional microphone. The enclosure has a first plurality of apertures (108, 110, 114) for transmitting acoustic energy to the front and back of the unidirectional microphone. An assembly (116) is movably coupled to the enclosure which, in a first position, facilitates transmission of acoustic energy to both the front and the back of the unidirectional microphone via a first subset of the first plurality of apertures thereby facilitating unidirectional operation. In a second position the assembly inhibits transmission of acoustic energy to the back of the unidirectional microphone by blocking a second subset of the plurality of apertures thereby facilitating omnidirectional operation.