Abstract: The present invention relates to casino gaming machines such as slot machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine having cash or cashless playing capability. More particularly, the invention relates to a gaming machine having a code generating apparatus for generating a unique authorization code; a credit card having a means for recording the code; a gaming machine having a system of play authorizing input; cash acceptance apparatus for accepting a unit of cash and for authorizing a play of the gaming machine. It also relates to a system including a plurality of gaming machines connected to a central computer and to security measures for use in such machines.

Abstract: An improved testing system and method for testing a flat-panel display is disclosed herein. A display is positioned under a high resolution camera for detection of, for example, brightness uniformity across the display. Errors in the detected image due to aliasing are avoided in the present invention by incrementally shifting the displayed image relative to the camera and detecting the displayed image at various shifted positions. A resulting accurate display can then be reconstructed by identifying those detector pixels generating a maximum signal. A single image may then be reconstructed using only those detected maximum pixel signals. The reconstructed image will be free of aliasing. The reconstructed image may then be analyzed electronically, and any anomalies in the pixels forming the display panel can then be accurately detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for meeting the United States Internal Revenue Service's reporting requirements for electronic gaming machine devices such as slot machines.The present invention provides a separate storage means that keeps track of gross winnings on individual plays of a slot machine that exceed a predetermined amount (jackpots), and permits the accumulating jackpot winnings to be used by the player for additional play of the slot machine. The amount of winnings in the jackpot meter is then used to determine the amount of winnings to be included on an IRS reporting form called a W2-G Form. The present invention avoids the time consuming and error prone system currently used and provides the player with a more enjoyable gaming experience, and at the same time provides the IRS with more accurate information. Rather than numerous W2-G Forms for each jackpot exceeding the predetermined limit, only a single W2-G Form need be prepared at the end of a playing session.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for positioning a part or element in different inclinations relative to a plane normal to a central axis, and for also rotating the part about the central axis. A holder supporting the part is freely pivotable about a point on the central axis. A central spindle on the axis is coupled to a concentric tiltable ring assembly that is controllable in two directions of freedom from an input device. The tilt and rotational motions of the ring assembly are translated to the part holder by a multi-element linkage mechanism having low friction bearings at each end and allowing a wide range of motion. The part may be a semiconductor wafer to be inspected for flaws on a holder comprising a vacuum chuck. Alternatively the tiltable, rotatable mechanism may be used to support an optical camera or viewing device, or a robotic mechanism, for operation within a wide field.