Abstract: Described herein is a processor-based gaming machine with layered displays. The layered displays include a front screen and back screen that provide actual physical separation between visual representations on the front and back screens; the separation mimics the actual distance seen between a glass layer and mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical stepper gaming machine. This distance between video screens also provides parallax and increases the ability of a processor-based gaming machine to realistically emulate older mechanical reel gaming machines.

Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for presenting gaming wheels are disclosed. Gaming machines can include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, specialized wheel processor, speakers and a network interface. A multi-layer display device adapted to display a gaming wheel having a plurality of wheel stops distributed thereupon can include a display controller that generates or transmits display signals, a first display screen that presents a first visual display and a second display screen that presents a second visual display, where the second display screen is positioned behind the first display screen such that the first and second visual displays combine for a single visual presentation that can include a gaming wheel. Different portions of the gaming wheel can be presented on both of the first and second display screens. Multiple spinning wheels can overlap and/or align concentrically for alternative wager-based games.

Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine.

Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments described herein contribute to the emulation of a mechanical machine by simulating one or more visible mechanical imperfections commonly found in a mechanical reel machine.

Abstract: Techniques for authenticating one or more entities are disclosed. Authentication can be performed based on one or more attributes associated with an image and/or input provided in connection with an image. The image is effectively provided for authenticating one or more entities associated with a computing environment. The attributes which can be measures include the manner in which an image has been created and/or traced by a person being authenticated. A person can initially register with an authentication system by creating and/or tracing an image. Subsequently, the person can be provided with the same, similar and/or completely different image in order to be authenticated by the authentication system. It will be appreciated that the image needs not be a signature or provide any personal information about the person being authenticated.

Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine with layered displays and separable graphics that leverage the layered displays to enhance game play on a gaming machine. The separable graphics include separate but related content on each of the display panels for a game. The layered displays include a proximate screen and distal video display device that provide actual physical separation between graphics items output by proximate and distal video display devices. This distance provides parallax, which improves three-dimensional perception of video graphics and games by the gaming machine.

Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for presenting wager-based games having three-dimensional paylines are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, speakers and a network interface. A multi-layer display device that presents three-dimensional paylines includes a display controller that generates or transmits display signals, a first display screen that presents a first visual display and a second display screen that presents a second visual display, where the second display screen is positioned behind the first display screen such that the first and second visual displays combine for a single visual presentation. Each of the first and second visual displays includes symbols, symbol portions, stops and/or designations used to form a three-dimensional payline. A three-dimensional payline can jump from one display screen to the other at least once.

Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for providing more realistic emulations of rotating reels are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, speakers and virtual reels. A reel spin timer can be adapted to vary the spin times of the simulated rotating reels from one game play to another, and a reel sound generator can be adapted to provide reel sounds to one or more speakers with respect to the simulated rotating reels. Provided reel sounds can also vary from one game play to another, and both reel spin times and reel sounds can be selected randomly from stored values or files. Stored values or files can include samplings from actual physical reels. A remote host can provide downloadable reel spin times and reel sounds to gaming machines within an associated gaming system.

Abstract: A pipelined image processor generates an image of the information contained on first and second portions of a document. The pipelined image processor includes a first pipe for processing information contained on the first portion of the document, and second pipe for processing information contained on the second portion of the document. The pipes receive the output from two camera assemblies which are used for generating an electrical signal in response to information contained on the document, an image digitizer for generating digitized information from the electrical signal by the means for generating an electrical signal. In addition, both pipes also include a resequencer for generating resequenced information from the digitized information, as well as an image processor for generating processed information from the resequenced information.

Abstract: A pipelined image processor generates an image of the information contained on first and second portions of a document. The pipelined image processor includes a first pipe for processing information contained on the first portion of the document, and second pipe for processing information contained on the second portion of the document. The pipes receive the output from two camera assemblies which are used for generating an electrical signal in response to information contained on the document, an image digitizer for generating digitized information from the electrical signal by the means for generating an electrical signal. In addition, both pipes also include a resequencer for generating resequenced information from the digitized information, as well as an image processor for generating processed information from the resequenced information.

Abstract: A digital image preprocessing method for eliminating background patterns and scenes from digitized gray level document image data. The method accepts multi-gray level image data as input and produces a gray level output image containing a "white" background. Document image backgrounds are eliminated (or suppressed) by computing a separate (and typically different) threshold value for each gray level pixel of the original document image. Input image pixels whose gray level is greater (brighter) than the threshold value are assumed to be background picture data and are modified to be "white" pixels in the output image. The pixel threshold value is determined dynamically pixel-to-pixel based on gray level pixel data observed within the input image. Additionally, the pixel threshold can be automatically controlled to insure retention of written and/or printed information present in the input image.

Abstract: An image data processor including various subprocessors arranged in a pipeline for carrying out functions such as pixel normalization, background suppression, spot and void removal, image scaling, and size detection.

Abstract: Faults in the operation of a multi-phase A.C. generator are detected by monitoring the phase difference between two line-to-line voltage of the generator and comparing this phase difference with a predetermined value or range of values to indicate a fault.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing digitized images which contain useful image formation data and background features a background supression scheme used to convert each pixel value to preselected values in a smaller range in order to facilitate data processing such as compression and scaling. Provision is made for generating an adaptive or dynamic threshold value, as well as a much more stable background reference threshold value.

Abstract: A friction facing material and carrier assembly (2) for inclusion in a clutch driven plate. The assembly (2) comprises a metal carrier plate (4) having resiliently pliable spokes or paddles (14) at its outer periphery. Two annuli (20, 22) of friction material forming facings are bonded to opposite sides of the paddles (14) by a respective layer of an elastomeric material, for example a silicone rubber. Each elastomeric layer is in the form of a spiral stripe extending substantially continuously from the outer to the inner periphery of the respective friction facing. For example, the facing (22) is bonded by an elastomeric spiral having three turns (24A, 24B) and 24C. Preferably in a complete assembly (2), both spirals of elastomeric material are of the same hand with turns of one spiral opposite gaps between adjacent turns of the other spiral.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering digital image data which is initially presented in the form of an array of multi-bit pixels having plural scale values. Threshold means are provided for converting the scale value pixels to an array of binary pixels in which each pixel is associated with either background or image formation data. Patterns of neighboring pixels are examined and used to transform a center pixel in the window as a function of the detected pattern in a manner to remove isolated spots or voids from the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a dimension of a generally rectangular document in a system where the document is carried over a track to a station where the document is scanned by a sensor to create a digital image thereof. Pixel vales along a scan line which includes a portion of the track as well as the document are analyzed and provide an indication of the size of the document.

Abstract: A pipelined image processor is disclosed which contains a diagnostic apparatus which, under normal processing conditions, is coupled to and is in communication with resequencer, image processor, and transposer/compressor assemblies contained within the pipelined image processor. The diagnostic apparatus of this invention causes a diagnostic test pattern to be sent to the re-sequencer and image processor entities of the pipelined image processor and monitors the response thereof. This response is then used to detect faults which have occurred in these entities.

Abstract: A switching system for sequential connection of a plurality of loads to an alternating current supply comprises a computer for generating switch selection data in the form of serial bits along a single line to a distributor arrangement which decodes the selection data and provides control signals to switch devices which connect the loads to the supply. The distributor arrangement includes a circuit for inhibiting supply of the control signals to the respective switch devices unless the voltage of the supply phase connected by the device is substantially zero. Additionally the control signals are time-advanced with respect to the zero voltage conditions so that the switch devices can be placed in states in which they can connect a load before disconnection of a preceding load.

Abstract: An electrical power supply arrangement comprises an electrical generator having a field winding and supplying current through a switching device to external loads. The switching device is responsive to sequential switching signals from a control circuit, and the control circuit also provides a control signal to reduce the field voltage of the generator during each switching operation, so that switching if effected when no current is flowing to the loads.