Abstract: A method for x-ray scatter correction during simultaneous bi-plane imaging using digital image processing. The basic concept includes correcting the image from each plane by combining it with an image of the scatter generated from the exposures of the opposite plane in such a way that the scatter effects are removed. The correction image is formed by sampling images from the detector with only the x-ray exposure of the scatter producing plane being active. These sampled images of scatter are processed to form the scatter correction image. The scatter correction image is stored in an image memory so that it is available for combination with subsequent x-ray images to remove scatter distortion.

Abstract: A system for verifying one or more downloaded components 54 of a gaming device 10 that includes the gaming device, which has an alterable hard drive 80 (or other persistent storage media 90), and the downloaded components that further include gaming-related content 92-96. A related method includes: enabling initiation of a game on the gaming device 10; downloading the gaming-related content 92-96 to the alterable hard drive 80 while the gaming device 10 is enabled for game play; reading an identifier associated with the gaming-related content 92-96; verifying that the identifier is valid (using verification software 70); and reconfiguring the gaming device 10 to utilize the newly-downloaded, gaming-related content 92-96 in response to an initiating event.

Abstract: A method for distributing software licenses for authorizing the installation of gaming software, by a user, onto a gaming machine is provided. The software installation process is initiated and an electronic key containing an encrypted license count interfaces with the gaming machine. The encrypted license count represents the number of licenses available for authorizing the installation of a particular gaming software. The encrypted license count is accessed and it is determined whether installation is permitted. Additionally a processing means for accessing a remote server, via a network connection, and increasing the licensing count stored in the electronic key is provided.

Abstract: An embedded additional user interface 10 includes a web page display screen 20 and an embedded processor 30, and is incorporated into a gaming machine 40 that in turn includes a gaming screen 50 and a gaming processor 60. The embedded processor 30 employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor 60. The embedded processor reads incoming data, translates the data into a web authoring language, and maps the data to the web page display screen. The display screen 20 presents web page information to a user via the display screen, thereby increasing user excitement by providing a richer gaming experience. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 70 (input/output peripherals) that have been used in the past to access service and system information, such as a 2-line, 20-character VF display and a 12-digit keypad.

Abstract: An embedded additional user interface is equipped-with a touch screen and audio device to operate as a user interface (UI) terminal to provide a gaming machine with the capability of executing applications from one or more web servers, and local applications executing in the gaming machine, simultaneously. The UI comprises a touch controlled web-browser rendering information from the local gaming machine, and interconnected web servers, providing the user with game data, local player session data, and back-end casino management data in a single interface.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser modular manifold routes carbonated water and non-carbonated water to a plurality of outlet ports for dispensing water for mixing with syrup and dispensing a beverage. A selector allows a store owner or manager to set the manifold to dispense one of carbonated water and non-carbonated water for each mixing and dispensing nozzle in the beverage dispenser. The manifold may be combined with similar manifolds to provide as many dispensing stations as desired in a beverage dispenser. Syrup modular manifolds may also be included.

Abstract: A method for managing gaming devices in a networked environment using a computer datastore includes: identifying one or more gaming devices within a network of gaming devices using one or more parameters associated with the gaming devices being identified, sorting one or more gaming devices identified within a network of gaming devices using one or more parameters associated with the gaming devices that were identified, and enabling the identified and sorted gaming devices to be targeted by an additional application/program for a target-specific management activity; thereby managing gaming devices with respect to various parameters that are associated with the gaming devices in the networked environment.

Abstract: An enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) utilizes a touch panel (40) as a user control device for mechanical assemblies and game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a mechanical gaming device environment. The enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) includes a gaming machine assembly (20), a touch sensor assembly (30) incorporating a substantially transparent touch panel (40), a touch panel controller (50), and touch panel software (60). The gaming machine assembly is a standard gaming machine assembly that has been modified to utilize touch-panel components. The touch panel (40) and the sensor assembly (30) produce touch data when activated, and provide viewing of mechanical assemblies behind the touch panel (40). The touch panel controller (50) acts to control and interpret the touch panel (40).

Abstract: A video gaming system including a primary monitor having a first screen for displaying at least one community video graphic. A portable game module is operatively connected to the primary monitor. The video gaming system also includes a plurality of hand controllers. Each hand controller is in independent operational communication with the game module, and includes a secondary monitor for displaying at least one private video graphic. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, each hand controller includes a cloaking device activatable to reveal the at least one private video graphic.

Abstract: A two wire exchange system is disclosed that enables a gaming device having one communication port to function as a gaming device having a plurality of communication ports. The two-wire exchange system allows a gaming device having only a single communication port to connect to two or more system hosts simultaneously. The two wire exchange system is an intelligent multiplexer that communicates using the same protocol as the system hosts to which it is connected. The two-wire exchange system has the ability to respond to a poll from the system host by indicating that the gaming device is busy, and that the system host should poll the gaming device again. This is provided to avoid and to prevent data collisions.

Abstract: A generic device controller unit system (10) includes a generic “true real time” peripheral device controller and a data and protocol communications interface that uses a common set of instructions from a meta-message set. The system (10) is generic, in that the system (10) is capable of connecting a processor (40) to any number of various peripheral devices (50), instead of being designed to interconnect a processor (40) only to a specific peripheral device (50). The system (10) interfaces between a standard non-true real time operating system and peripheral devices (50) in such a manner as to employ true real time peripheral device control using the meta-message set. The device controller of the system (10) allows a standard non-true real time operating system to send instructions from the meta-message set to implement true real time control of peripheral devices (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of a charge regulator for a battery that will be easy to use, have less maintenance, and automatically adjust itself to varying conditions of use. This method of charge regulation eliminates some of the problems encountered when a traditional type of charge regulator is used with photovoltaic cells. The charge regulator will determine the initial charge remaining in the battery before charging begins, calculate what is needed to bring the battery to full charge, then start charging the battery. Charging is discontinued after the initial charge plus the charge received equals the equivalent of a fully charged battery.

Abstract: A two wire exchange system is disclosed that enables a gaming machine having one communication port to function as a gaming machine having a plurality of communication ports. The two-wire exchange system allows a gaming machine having only a single communication port to connect to two or more system hosts simultaneously. The two wire exchange system is an intelligent multiplexer that communicates using the same protocol as the system hosts to which it is connected. The two-wire exchange system has the ability to respond to a poll from the system host by indicating that the gaming machine is busy, and that the system host should poll the gaming machine again. This is provided to avoid and to prevent data collisions.

Abstract: A rollback attack prevention system 10 for a gaming machine 20 includes a configuration log 30 and a revocation list 40. Preferably, the configuration log 30 includes a protected record of software that has been installed on the gaming machine 20. Further, the revocation list 40 includes an inventory of unauthorized software that the prevention system 10 prevents from being installed and/or used on the gaming machine 20.

Abstract: A verification system has an operational component registry 10 that includes an interface 20, a memory device 30, and a processor 40. Preferably, the interface 20 in the operational component registry 10 communicates the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60 to the operational component registry. The memory device 30 preferably stores registered identification data 70 for the gaming units 60. Preferably, the processor 40 in the operational component registry 10 then analyzes the registered identification data 70 and the installed identification data 50 from the gaming units 60, after which enablement of the gaming units is determined based upon the examination of the registered identification data and the installed identification data. An operational component registry 10 may also monitor changes, services, requirements, enablement, and productivity of the gaming units or components of the gaming units.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for displaying data captured via analog hardware means. Embodiments of the present invention are directed at visualizing data for the purpose of hardware development, hardware testing, and data analysis. In one embodiment, data analysis is directed at analyzing data received from bio-discs containing biological samples. Another embodiment is a development kit suitable for analyzing the responses received from an A/D card or equivalent hardware. The present invention offers a user interface for interacting with data displayed in linear, two-dimensional, three-dimensional and animated fashions. User can select data range, change display options, save the data, and view data with the help of various levels of zooming and scrolling. Various interpolation techniques are used to generate visually appealing data display when over zooming occurs.

Abstract: A gaming machine has at least one video screen, but preferably three. One screen displays a primary game and the other two screens preferably display pay tables, a secondary game, or artwork related to the primary and/or secondary game. The content of the video screens is reconfigurable. The content may be downloaded over a network connecting a plurality of gaming machines to a central computer or the content of several different games may be stored locally within the gaming machine.

Abstract: A canister assembly includes a canister, a plug enclosure, a vent mechanism, a delivery valve mechanism, and a protective handle. The plug enclosure may be attached to the canister at an opening and forms a pressurized seal of the interior cavity of the canister. The vent mechanism automatically reduces pressure when pressure inside the canister exceeds a preset level. The delivery valve mechanism can be automatically and remotely activated subject to a user's control to provide gaseous flow from the canister. The protective handle is fastened to the canister and includes the handle docking element. A docking assembly includes a canister assembly, a manifold assembly, a docking station, and a docking mechanism. The docking mechanism includes a handle docking element and a port docking element. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and at least one port attached to the manifold. The docking station includes a canister bay, protective housing, and the port docking element.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image-data collection station (1) having a platform (2) which is rotatable about an azimuthal axis. Several image sensors (3) are mounted on and rotate with the platform (2). A static monitoring station (7) includes a computerized sensor control system (10) for selectably and independently turning the sensors (3) ON and OFF during the rotation of the platform (2). Station (7) additionally monitors the data output from the sensors (3) and delivers a visible output at a VDU (8).