Abstract: Systems and methods for seamless transitions between game types for portable computer systems. In accordance with a first method embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method includes determining a location of a mobile device, determining a legal jurisdiction of the mobile device based on the location and automatically presenting a legal type of game to a user of the mobile device based on the legal jurisdiction. The method may include sending the location of the mobile device to an external computer system. The determination of a legal jurisdiction of the mobile device may be performed external to the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for on-line fantasy wagering. A method includes displaying a list of available fantasy game types. The method also includes responsive to a selected type of fantasy game received by the computer, displaying a list of available sporting contests that correspond to the selected type of fantasy game. In addition, the method includes responsive to a selected available sporting contest received by the computer, displaying a graphical user interface for micro event wagering. The method further includes responsive to a selected group of offensive or defensive players received by the computer, displaying, on the display, a graphical user interface for selecting details of a micro event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for on-line multi-player interactive wagering. In accordance with a first method embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes selecting an event as a subject of a wager, accepting, from more than one player, a position on a micro event of said event, comparing each of said positions to an outcome of said micro event and awarding or subtracting points to an account of each of said more than one player according to said comparing. The accepting, comparing and awarding are repeated for at least two different micro events of said event. The computer-implemented method further includes distributing winning earnings to an account of said more than one player based on a comparison on points accumulated in all accounts of said one or more players.

Abstract: Methods, systems and graphical user interfaces for pending wagers. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes displaying an icon on a graphical user interface corresponding to an accepted wager. The method may additionally include accessing an instruction to open a first bet on a first micro event, displaying a user interface to accept the first bet on the first micro event, and accepting the first bet on the first micro event to create the accepted wager. The method may further include accessing an instruction to open a second bet on a second micro event and displaying a user interface to accept the second bet on the second micro event.

Abstract: An efficient coding and modulation system for transmission of digital data over plastic optical fibers with low latency. In particular, the digital signal is coded by means of a two-level coset coding. The first level applies to the digital data a binary shortened BCH coding and performs coset partitioning by means of constellation mapping and lattice transformations. The second level is uncoded but undergoes mapping and lattice transformation. After an addition of the two levels, a second-stage lattice transformation is performed so as to obtain a zero-mean constellation. The symbols output from such three-level coset coder are then further modulated.

Abstract: Surgical tools having a tool portion, a handle and a light are disclosed. The tool portion has a first connector that couples to a second connector on the handle. The light can illuminate the working end of the surgical tool. The light can be energized when the tool portion and the handle are coupled. A plurality of different types of tool portions can be coupled to the handle. Methods of using surgical tools having a light are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmission and reception of data over a plastic optical fiber. In particular, the present invention provides for transmission and reception over the plastic optical fiber a particularly suitable frame structure. The frame structure includes a synchronization sequence and portions of user data alternating with alternating reference signal portions and control data portions. The length of the user data portions may be equal, the length of the synchronization sequence and the control data and reference signal portions may also be equal. The distances between the synchronization sequence and the reference signal portions and the control data portions are advantageously equal. The alternating of data and additional information avoids data decoding latency while maintaining the rate necessary for the additional information.

Abstract: The current invention is a system and method for facilitating high-quality broadband wireless communication in a mobile environment. The present invention also offers significantly improved performance over currently available land-based systems, as high bit rate data connectivity is made possible over long distances by utilizing multiple frequencies, antennas, polarizations, modulations, and radios to optimize propagation and accomplish the delivery of synchronous and asynchronous data connections to a seagoing vessel (or other such user, such as a plane or vehicle).

Abstract: The system provides a method and apparatus for creating additional interest and participation for attendees at, or viewers of, live events and for fans and audience members observing or following along on television or the internet. The system provides a “game within a game” for an event by allowing participating patrons to predict event outcomes before or during the event, even on a short term real-time basis. The participant is rewarded for correct guesses and can even be given recognition at the event on a display (e.g. scoreboard) or jumbo screen. The participant can also earn points for using the system, even when guessing wrong. Participation and attendance are rewarded and the user can redeem points at the venue, further encouraging attendance.

Abstract: A cooking appliance apparatus includes a power unit, and a communication unit which is configured to receive at least one information item from a data network. A control unit is operably connected to the communication unit and configured to change at least one operating parameter of the power unit at least as a function of the at least one information item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmission and reception of data over a plastic optical fibre. In particular, the present invention provides for transmission and reception over the plastic optical fibre a particularly suitable frame structure. The frame structure includes a synchronization sequence and portions of user data alternating with alternating reference signal portions and control data portions. The length of the user data portions may be equal, the length of the synchronization sequence and the control data and reference signal portions may also be equal. The distances between the synchronization sequence and the reference signal portions and the control data portions are advantageously equal. The alternating of data and additional information avoids data decoding latency while maintaining the rate necessary for the additional information.

Abstract: The system provides a method and apparatus for creating additional interest and participation for attendees at, or viewers of, live events and for fans and audience members observing or following along on television or the internet. The system provides a “game within a game” for an event by allowing participating patrons to predict event outcomes before or during the event, even on a short term real-time basis. The participant is rewarded for correct guesses and can even be given recognition at the event on a display (e.g. scoreboard) or jumbo screen. The participant can also earn points for using the system, even when guessing wrong. Participation and attendance are rewarded and the user can redeem points at the venue, further encouraging attendance.

Abstract: A visual aim indicator shows players the position of a selected one of a set of aim points during a video game. Each of the set of aim points has a predetermined position. The predetermined positions are within a target region, so that the visual aim indicator shows players the likely destination of their aim. Each aim point is associated with a range of control input values, so that players do not need to provide a precise control input value and can quickly select one of the set of aim points. The sizes of the ranges of control input values associated with the aim points can vary so that a player's aim inputs can be biased towards or away from specific aim points. The visual aim indicator is displayed intermittently during an aiming mode of operation and removed from view when the player completes the aiming mode of operation.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a burner box, a heat shield pivotably attached to a bottom of the burner box, a lock for locking the heat shield in a transport position, wherein the heat shield is self-pivotable from the transport position to an operational position after unlocking the lock, and when in the operational position the heat shield is pivoted further from the bottom of the burner box than in the transport position.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for immobilizing a thumb includes a main body having a wrist end and a thumb end. A wrist strap is located on the wrist end of the main body for fastening the wrist end of the main body to the wrist of a user, and a thumb strap is located on the thumb end of the main body for fastening the thumb end of the main body to the wrist of a user. The thumb strap is adapted to encircle a joint of a user's thumb. When the wrist and thumb straps are fastened, the main body substantially immobilizes the thumb.

Abstract: The invention is based on a protective device for a heating unit, in particular for a cooking apparatus (10), for protecting a heating unit against a hot air flow (44). To achieve an effective cooling effect, it is proposed that the protective device for a heating unit comprises a shielding element (68), which is provided for this purpose to shield a space (46) provided for a cold cooling air flow (42) for cooling the heating unit (14) against the hot air flow (44).