Abstract: A device for communicating a plurality of distinctly identifiable touches through a capacitive touch sensor includes a conductive element electrically coupled to a power source through a switching mechanism and including a conductive tip. The conductive tip includes a plurality of conductive pads. The device further includes a controller operatively coupled to the switching mechanism that directs the switching mechanism to switch on and off the electrical properties of the conductive tip between an on condition and an off condition. The off condition provides no identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor and the on condition provides a uniquely identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on the capacitive touch sensor. The on condition provides a movement pattern by switching on and off each conductive pad in an alternating pattern. The device further includes a selector for selecting between the off condition and conducting the on position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for communicating information through a capacitive touch sensor based on patterns. In one example, a device for communicating a plurality of distinct patterns through a conductive element includes: a conductive element adapted to conduct a first pattern and a second pattern, wherein the first conducted pattern and the second conducted pattern each provide a uniquely identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor; and a selector for selecting between conducting the first pattern and the second pattern. A method of communicating through a capacitive touch sensor, includes the steps of: providing a device for communicating a plurality of distinct patterns through a conductive element; placing the conductive element in contact with a capacitive touch sensor; and interpreting the parasitic capacitance effect on the capacitive touch sensor to determine whether the device is communicating the first pattern or the second pattern.

Abstract: Devices and methods for communicating information through a capacitive touch sensor based on patterns. In one example, a device for communicating a plurality of distinct patterns through a conductive element includes: a conductive element adapted to conduct a first pattern and a second pattern, wherein the first conducted pattern and the second conducted pattern each provide a uniquely identifiable parasitic capacitance effect on a capacitive touch sensor; and a selector for selecting between conducting the first pattern and the second pattern. A method of communicating through a capacitive touch sensor, includes the steps of: providing a device for communicating a plurality of distinct patterns through a conductive element; placing the conductive element in contact with a capacitive touch sensor; and interpreting the parasitic capacitance effect on the capacitive touch sensor to determine whether the device is communicating the first pattern or the second pattern.

Abstract: A system and method of organizing and administering contests or other promotions for physically dispersed currency, card, or ticket video games enable an organizer to conduct such contests or promotions from a single location. Software executable locally enables the organizer to define a contest, transmit contest or promotional information to the various video games, and stage the contest or promotion at a plurality of such games during a predetermined time interval. Contest results can be retrieved by the organizer at the location. The organizer can determine contest or promotion winners and transmit those results to the various video games.