Abstract: A method for providing incentive to players of networked slot machines includes a card reader associated with each machine and a card associated with each player. A player account accessible by a host computer on the network is created which associates the player's card with the account. A predetermined credit is applied to the player's account. In a complementary incentive, credit from the player's account is applied to the coin-in meter of a slot machine responsive to insertion of the player card into a card reader associated with the machine. In a matching incentive also implemented by the present invention, each time the player inserts a coin into the slot machine, an equal credit is debited from the player's account and applied to the coin-in meter of the machine. In both cases, the credit can only be used by the player to play the machines and cannot be cashed out by the player.

Abstract: Method of conducting a game of chance having a randomly enabled bonus game with controllable frequency of occurrence, including the steps of: making a wager to initiate play on a base game; initiating a random bonus enablement determination which is separate from base game outcome; and allowing bonus game play only if the bonus is enabled.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: A commercially-available chair is mounted on a rotatable platform. A U-shaped binocular mount is pivotally attached to either side of the chair to permit rotation between a first position in which binoculars received in the binocular mount are substantially in front of a person seated in the chair to a second position in which such binoculars are substantially over the head of the person. Counterweights on each end of the binocular mount offset the weight of the binoculars. The binocular mount is also slidable along its axis to permit movement of the binoculars toward and away from the face of a person in the chair. And binoculars in the binocular mount may pivot around an axis substantially through the binoculars. Platform rotation is accomplished with a battery-powered motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention offer multiple modes of portable light power control with a single momentary switch. In some embodiments, when the switch is pressed and held on, the laser operates in momentary mode and is active until the switch is released. If the switch is pressed and then immediately released, then pressed again and again immediately released, the laser will function under latching mode and stay on until the switch is pressed again to turn off the laser. Further, in some embodiments, if the switch is pressed three times in succession, the laser enters timed mode and will stay on for a predetermined duration, fifteen minutes for example. Different sequences of switch presses could be configured to cause the light source to be placed in various operation modes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a celestial identification device. According to some embodiments, the device includes a housing, a positioning sensor, and a light generator structured to generate an indicator beam that can be pointed at celestial objects. The positioning sensor can include sensors to determine altitude and azimuth of the device. The light generator can be a laser and mounted to a moveable pivot or deflected by mirrors and/or lenses such that the light beam points in a different direction than the housing. The device can be coupled to a feedback device, such as an audio player to communicate information about celestial objects to a user. The device can also contain or be coupled to a database of celestial objects such that, when combined with the positional data of the device, can determine at which object the device is pointing.

Abstract: Electronic gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. Software is downloaded from the host computer to the gaming devices. The software is stored as firmware at the gaming devices. Play occurs on the gaming devices and at least one function associated with play on the gaming devices, such as paying a bonus, player tracking, etc., is implemented using a processor associated with each gaming devices and the firmware.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

Abstract: A method for providing incentive to players of networked slot machines includes a card reader associated with each machine and a card associated with each player. A player account accessible by a host computer on the network is created which associates the player's card with the account. A predetermined credit is applied to the player's account. In a complementary incentive, credit from the player's account is applied to the coin-in meter of a slot machine responsive to insertion of the player card into a card reader associated with the machine. In a matching incentive also implemented by the present invention, each time the player inserts a coin into the slot machine, an equal credit is debited from the player's account and applied to the coin-in meter of the machine. In both cases, the credit can only be used by the player to play the machines and cannot be cashed out by the player.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic system for configuration, direction and recording of exercise program for an individual, based upon the attained heart rate of that person during an exercise period. Configuration data can be stored on an account accessible over a network. Configuration data can also be stored in an electronic device. The electronic device can provide information feedback to the user indicating the user's progress in a workout. In some embodiments the device can also send configuration commands to compatible exercise equipment according to heart rate or other exercise parameter.

Abstract: Electronic gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. The gaming devices award winners based on a first pay schedule. The pay schedule at a selected one or more of the machines is changed by sending information over the network. This change is accomplished by causing additional payouts, over and above the device pay table, or by changing the device pay table.

Abstract: A card reader is associated with each gaming machine on a network and a card is associated with each player. A player account accessible by a host computer on the network is created that associates the player's card with the account. A promotional credit is applied to the player's account. In a complementary incentive, credit from the player's account is applied to the coin-in meter of a slot machine responsive to insertion of the player card into a card reader associated with the machine. In a matching incentive also implemented by the present invention, each time the player inserts a coin into the slot machine, an equal credit is debited from the player's account and applied to the coin-in meter of the machine. In both cases, the credit can only be used by the player to play the machines and cannot be cashed out by the player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

Abstract: A method for providing incentive to players of networked slot machines includes a card reader associated with each machine and a card associated with each player. A player account accessible by a host computer on the network is created which associates the player's card with the account. A predetermined credit is applied to the player's account. In a complementary incentive, credit from the player's account is applied to the coin-in meter of a slot machine responsive to insertion of the player card into a card reader associated with the machine. In a matching incentive also implemented by the present invention, each time the player inserts a coin into the slot machine, an equal credit is debited from the player's account and applied to the coin-in meter of the machine. In both cases, the credit can only be used by the player to play the machines and cannot be cashed out by the player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

Abstract: A method for providing incentive to players of networked slot machines includes a card reader associated with each machine and a card associated with each player. A player account accessible by a host computer on the network is created which associates the player's card with the account. A predetermined credit is applied to the player's account. In a complementary incentive, credit from the player's account is applied to the coin-in meter of a slot machine responsive to insertion of the player card into a card reader associated with the machine. In a matching incentive also implemented by the present invention, each time the player inserts a coin into the slot machine, an equal credit is debited from the player's account and applied to the coin-in meter of the machine. In both cases, the credit can only be used by the player to play the machines and cannot be cashed out.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving and playing a computer game is provided. In one embodiment, the user executes a game program that is self-contained within an email message sent by a game server computer system. If the outcome of the game indicates success, then the computer game may display instructions on how to redeem a reward. Because the computer game is sent via email, and stored in the user's email system, the user can choose to play the game even when no connection to a game web site is established. The user can later redeem their rewards, if any, when a connection to a redemption web site is established. Thus, the user can play the computer games even when not connected to the game web site.