Abstract: A method for conducting bingo games includes using a server (101) to collect game play requests (501) from a plurality of electronic player stations (103). The server (101, 102) determines if a group of the collected game play requests meets one or more predefined conditions for establishing a quorum (502), and if so conducts a game with the group of game play requests (506, 507). Even after the game is started, the server continues to collect game play requests in preparation for conducting additional games (506, 500). When enough game play requests are collected (503), the server starts the next game, even if previous games are still in progress (506, 507).

Abstract: A pattern probability (302) is determined for each of a number of target patterns (301) achievable in a bingo-type game. Each pattern probability (302) comprises a probability of achieving the respective target pattern (301) in the bingo-type game. Different pattern sets are then associated with each different prize level in a desired prize distribution. The target patterns (301) and their respective pattern probabilities (302) are assigned or mapped to the different pattern sets so that the probability of achieving any target pattern included in a pattern set comprises a value approximating the desired probability of the prize level with which the pattern set is associated.

Abstract: A general automated method for synthesizing the design of both the topology and parameter values for controllers is described. The automated method automatically makes decisions concerning the total number of signal processing blocks to be employed in the controller, the type of each signal processing block, the topological interconnections between the signal processing blocks, the values of all parameters for the signal processing blocks, and the existence, if any, of internal feedback between the signal processing blocks within the controller. The general automated method can simultaneously optimize prespecified performance metrics (such as minimizing the time required to bring the plant outputs to the desired values as measured by the integral of the time-weighted absolute error or the integral of the squared error), satisfy time-domain constraints (such as overshoot, disturbance rejection, limits on control variables, and limits on state variables), and satisfy frequency domain constraints (bandwidth).

Abstract: A general automated method for synthesizing the design of both the topology and parameter values for controllers is described. The automated method automatically makes decisions concerning the total number of signal processing blocks to be employed in the controller, the type of each signal processing block, the topological interconnections between the signal processing blocks, the values of all parameters for the signal processing blocks, and the existence, if any, of internal feedback between the signal processing blocks within the controller. The general automated method can simultaneously optimize prespecified performance metrics (such as minimizing the time required to bring the plant outputs to the desired values as measured by the integral of the time-weighted absolute error or the integral of the squared error), satisfy time-domain constraints (such as overshoot, disturbance rejection, limits on control variables, and limits on state variables), and satisfy frequency domain constraints (bandwidth).

Abstract: The present invention is a genetic programming problem solver that automatically generates computer programs to solve problems. The genetic programming problem solver incorporates architecture-altering operations. In one embodiment, the genetic programming problem solver uses architecture-altering operations for automatically defined functions and loops, together with indexed memory, to generate the resulting computer programs. In a second embodiment, the genetic programming problem solver uses architecture-altering operations of automatically defined function, loops, recursions, and stores to generate the resulting computer programs.

Abstract: An automated design process and apparatus for use in designing complex structures, such as circuits, to satisfy prespecified design goals, using genetic operations. The present invention uses a population of entities which may be evolved to generate structures that may potentially satisfy the design goals. The behavior of such generated structures is evaluated in view of the design goals, and those structures more closely meeting the design goals are evolved further until a structure is generated that either meets the prespecified design goal or some other process completion criteria. In this manner, a design complex structure may be obtained.

Abstract: A lottery-type game is played with a first level game and at least one second level or additional level game. The first level game includes a plurality of first level game records, each having an associated outcome. At least one outcome is a negotiable outcome. The second level game is related to the negotiable outcome of the first level game and includes a plurality of second level game records. According to the present gaming method, a player is enabled to view a first level game representation associated with a particular one of the first level game records. This first level game representation indicates the outcome associated with the particular first level game record. When this first level outcome is the negotiable outcome, the player may choose to view a second level game representation which indicates the outcome of a particular one of the second level game records.

Abstract: A gaming machine produces truly random results using a noisy oscillator to randomly vary the frequency of a clock signal used to cycle a counter through its states. Multiple random numbers can be generated during the same game using the same circuitry, yet still achieve truly random results.

Abstract: A control for a DC motor coupled to a user interface to provide a counterforce which simulates a weight stack in an exercise machine. The control includes a position transducer coupled to the motor to provide a signal proportional to the displacement of the user interface. In one embodiment a circuit is provided to generate a control signal which follows the displacement signal when it is less than a maximum torque signal, the control voltage following maximum torque signal when it is less than the displacement signal. In a second embodiment a microprocessor control unit is responsive to the displacement signal to provide a control signal for the motor which starts increasing from a first value when the user interface is displaced an initial amount and which continues gradually increasing to a maximum value as the user interface is moved through a given displacement from the initial displacement.

Abstract: In order to provide a reel type gaming apparatus with the capability to pay out winnings having a higher value than an apparatus where the reels have an equal probability of stopping at each reel stop, a table is created in memory having pairs of lower and upper numerical limits which define groups of subintervals that in turn correspond to reel stops. A random number is generated and the subinterval which includes the number is identified and the reel is stopped at the corresponding reel stop. The interval between the upper and lower limits for each subinterval defines the relative stopping probability for the corresponding reel stop. In another approach probability factors are assigned to each reel stop and a microprocessor subtracts the value of each probability factor from a randomly generated probability value and increments a reel stop index until the probability value is less than the probability factor for the current stop index.

Abstract: A control system for a health club which stores user records including user activity data in order to monitor and control use of the club's facilities. A central controller includes a memory for storing the user records including attendance data and accounting data, and a main control which is responsive to the user record data for determining whether a user is authorized to use the club's facilities. The central controller is coupled to various club facilities and equipment such as a computerized scale to prevent use thereof if a user is not authorized. The central controller also stores user history data such as user weight data for the computerized scale to alleviate data storage problems.

Abstract: An optical card reader for reading marks made on the face of a preprinted card utilizes a video camera and a memory device to capture and store an image of at least a portion of the card. Positioning indices are printed on the card, and the reader has stored therein information defining possible locations of valid marks relative to the positioning indices. The centroids of the positioning indices on the cards are determined to define the possible locations of valid marks on the cards. The densities and centroids of the marks located in the possible locations are analyzed to determine if a valid mark is present.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the security of instant lottery tickets. A book number indicating from which packet a particular lottery ticket originated is printed on the back of the ticket and an integrity number is printed on the front of the ticket. The integrity number is related to the book number by an algorithm known only to the ticket manufacturer and the lottery administration. To further enhance the security of the ticket, the book number and integrity number are simultaneously printed onto the ticket.

Abstract: A video amusement gaming system with pool prize structures including remote game terminals and a central controller with two-way communications between the remote game terminals and the central controller. Prize awards are based upon random shuffling of a set of prize awards among a predetermined pool of plays for each remote game terminal. This ensures an equal distribution of prize awards to each remote game terminal. The shuffling of prizes is based upon a random seed produced either by the remote terminal of the central controller or by both.

Abstract: A video amusement game terminal for a gaming system for playing a game providing the illusion of skill. A game processor provides a video game presentation in response to player control wherein a prize award is disclosed through presentation of achievement by the player of a designated objective. The presentation provides to the player the illusion that the prize award is determined by player skill in achievement of the designated objective.