Abstract: A system is described herein for streaming content to a plurality of client devices of the type including a video display. The system includes: a host server, a communication network to enable communication between the virtual machines and the client devices, and a data structure accessible by the host server storing a combined manifest for AV data assets loaded across at least a plurality of virtual machines. The host server is configured to include a plurality of virtual machines each configured to receive commands to load or cache audio-visual (AV) data assets into a memory for processing and delivery of content to a client device. Additionally, the host server is configured to intercept a command from a virtual machine to load or cache a data asset, compare the data asset to the manifest, and if the data asset exists in the manifest, enable the virtual machine to access an instance of the data asset stored in the manifest.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device.

Abstract: A system is described herein for streaming content to a plurality of client devices of the type including a video display. The system includes: a host server, a communication network to enable communication between the virtual machines and the client devices, and a data structure accessible by the host server storing a combined manifest for AV data assets loaded across at least a plurality of virtual machines. The host server is configured to include a plurality of virtual machines each configured to receive commands to load or cache audio-visual (AV) data assets into a memory for processing and delivery of content to a client device. Additionally, the host server is configured to intercept a command from a virtual machine to load or cache a data asset, compare the data asset to the manifest, and if the data asset exists in the manifest, enable the virtual machine to access an instance of the data asset stored in the manifest.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: A bitrate control and management system enables control of the compression module. In one embodiment, the system comprises a server in communication with a client device over a network. The server includes a processor and a compression module. The processor outputs data and one or more bitrate control commands to the compression module. The compression module encodes the data received from the processor according to the one or more bitrate control commands. In one embodiment, the data output by the processor may be rendered by another processor prior to being received by the compression module. Once encoded, the data is sent to the client device over the network. The client device includes a decompression module that receives and decodes the data received from the server. The client device may include a display and a video encoder that encodes the decoded data into a display signal compatible with the display.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: The invention features a method for adapting an advertisement (ad) for a user to be in compliance with applicable jurisdictional requirements requires the user to input product description data and transaction terms. The ad disclosures and layout guidelines that are necessary for compliance are then displayed as text and guidance for a compliant ad. After review by the user, the compliant ad can then be accepted, edited, or saved and color coded for future use or modification.

Abstract: A reliable, rotating, illuminated advertising display unit that utilizes independent display modules housing lights and advertising material. These are easily removed from the base unit for shipping, assembly, and replacement. Optionally, AMLCD, plasma, or similar flat-panel displays may be used in the display modules. The display modules surround a hollow central compartment that may be used for storing, collecting, or displaying products such as food or beverages, or as a trash container. Power is transmitted from the base via a slip ring to the lighting contained in the display modules so as to display advertising or similar matter. The rotational capability is provided via a motor, a gearing arrangement, a central tapered roller bearing, and rollers. The unit's power is provided by AC power when available, or by utilizing a fuel cell, e.g., a proton exchange membrane (PEM), methanol solid oxide, photovoltaic cells, battery, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A personal, customized, diversified securities fund may be created and managed through a World Wide Web site (“web site”). The web site in its preferred embodiment allows a customer to indicate individual companies, governments, or other entities in whose securities the customer would like to invest, and a dollar amount to be invested in each entity. The web site preferably also allows a customer to sell fixed dollar amounts of a specific security, to transfer securities held under one account into another, or to transfer securities to or from another brokerage. The system may periodically consolidate purchase requests into discrete sets of aggregate stock buy, sell, or transfer orders. A licensed broker/dealer may then use the consolidated orders to buy, sell, or transfer appropriate numbers of securities. When a broker/dealer has bought, sold, or traded shares, a purchase or sale price of each security involved may be transmitted to the system.