Abstract: A toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. The toy may be configured generically to include one or more platforms and a mounting bracket for connecting or supporting a variety of elements for transport and the remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn. In one embodiment the toy is utilized to entertain a pet, the toy having an animal likeness connected thereto. The animal likeness maybe animated and controlled remotely as well. The animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a graphical representation of a gaming environment and for providing information regarding individual components or persons located in the environment are provided. The invention includes a graphical user interface which displays a graphical representation of at least a portion of a gaming environment, such as a graphical representation of individual components of a gaming system and their surrounding physical environment. The components are graphically portrayed in positions corresponding to the relative positions of the actual components of the gaming system. The components are also graphically displayed in a graphically reproduced environment which represents the actual environment, such as a casino, in which the actual gaming system components are located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a graphical representation of a gaming environment and for providing information regarding individual components or persons located in the environment are provided. The invention includes a graphical user interface which displays a graphical representation of at least a portion of a gaming environment, such as a graphical representation of individual components of a gaming system and their surrounding physical environment. The components are graphically portrayed in positions corresponding to the relative positions of the actual components of the gaming system. The components are also graphically displayed in a graphically reproduced environment which represents the actual environment, such as a casino, in which the actual gaming system components are located.

Abstract: A game pad is configured for use on a desk or similar surface. The game pad simulates a casino game table, but is configured for use by a single player, and particularly in conjunction with a computer display. The game pad has a base. A raised rail extends around a portion of a periphery of the base. An opposing portion or end of the base is open. A covering, such as a felt, is located over a central portion of the base. The covering may be interchangeable, permitting the appearance of the game pad to be changed. In one embodiment, the game pad may include illumination devices.

Abstract: A plant watering system particularly suited for use in watering indoor, potted plants, includes a plurality of plant watering devices and a main controller. Each plant watering device including a fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet from which fluid may be dispensed to an adjacent plant, and an electronically controlled flow controller controlling the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the outlet. The main controller includes a user input and a control unit configured to generate watering device control signals. Control signals are transmitted from the main controller to each watering device wirelessly.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described that allow a casino to dynamically service patrons. The dynamic systems and methods collect data related to the behavior of multiple people in a gaming establishment, and collect data for entertainment resources in the gaming establishment, such as gaming devices and services. The data may be flexibly used. In one embodiment, a person is at least partially identified in the casino. The gaming establishment uses a model that selects tailor offerings for a person, such as advertisements for services that the person may enjoy or games on gaming machines that the person may enjoy. The model selects a tailored offering for the person based on the at least partial identification and the data previously obtained for multiple people and entertainment resources. The identification, selection and offering may be performed in real time.

Abstract: A gaming machine is arranged with a gaming machine controller and a secondary “queuing” device, preferably a player tracking controller having a memory. A communication link is provided between the player tracking controller and gaming machine controller, and the player tracking controller and a player tracking network including a player tracking host or server. A game code server is connected to the player tracking network. In accordance with a method, gaming machine code or data, such as game or other control code, is transmitted from the game code server over the player tracking network to the player tracking controller. The code may be processed by the player tracking controller, including by storing it in the player tracking controller memory. The code may then be transmitted to the gaming machine controller for storage and execution.

Abstract: A pet entertainment toy is capable of motion. The toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. An animal likeness is preferably connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the likeness is animated for movement and may be configured to generate sounds. A remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn, and in one embodiment, to activate the animal likeness animation. The toy is configured for high speed movement over long distances and over a wide range of surface. The toys animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Abstract: A gaming machine is arranged with a gaming machine controller and a secondary “queuing” device, preferably a player tracking controller having a memory. A communication link is provided between the player tracking controller and gaming machine controller, and the player tracking controller and a player tracking network including a player tracking host or server. A game code server is connected to the player tracking network. In accordance with a method, gaming machine code or data, such as game or other control code, is transmitted from the game code server over the player tracking network to the player tracking controller. The code may be processed by the player tracking controller, including by storing it in the player tracking controller memory. The code may then be transmitted to the gaming machine controller for storage and execution.

Abstract: A media display permits customization/personalization of a golf cart. The media display comprises a body having a top and bottom surface, and media, such as graphics, lettering or numbering. The media is associated with the body, such as by being located on the top or bottom surface of or being located within, the body. The media display is selectively connectable to a golf cart, preferably at the front or forward portion thereof for displaying the associated media. In accordance with a method, a golf cart is customized by locating a media display at the front of the golf cart, or by replacing or switching media display bearing different media with one another.

Abstract: A system includes a media distribution system including displays located in guest rooms of a hotel. A game play system and player tracking system of a casino are linked to the media distribution system. A player located in a guest room is confirmed as enrolled in a player rewards program by confirmation of identity with the player tracking system or by enrolling the player in the program by sending identification information from a hospitality/reservation system of the hotel to the player tracking system. Game data is provided from the game play system to the media distribution system and is distributed to the player's in-room display. The data is used to generate a game for play by the player on a promotional/demonstrative basis without placing a wager or bet. The player's game play activities are tracked for use in generating a player reward independent of the outcome of the games played.

Abstract: The invention comprises a gaming system including at least one gaming machine arranged to accept and print receipts. In one embodiment of a method, a player playing a gaming machine is issued a receipt which represents credit or value belonging to the player, and includes secondary information. The secondary information may comprise promotional award information, such as a matching bet for use in playing another game or a prize, or information unrelated to the games, such as a horoscope. In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises issuing a first receipt at a first location, such as a parking garage, accepting the first receipt at a gaming machine, issuing a second receipt at the gaming machine and then accepting the second receipt at another location, such as a parking garage exit. In this method, the gaming machine serves as a validation mechanism to a player activity or event.

Abstract: A system includes a media distribution system including displays located in guest rooms of a hotel. A game play system and player tracking system of a casino are linked to the media distribution system. A player located in a guest room is confirmed as enrolled in a player rewards program by confirmation of identity with the player tracking system or by enrolling the player in the program by sending identification information from a hospitality/reservation system of the hotel to the player tracking system. Game data is provided from the game play system to the media distribution system and is distributed to the player's in-room display. The data is used to generate a game for play by the player on a promotional/demonstrative basis without placing a wager or bet. The player's game play activities are tracked for use in generating a player reward independent of the outcome of the games played.

Abstract: A bonus system and a method of awarding a bonus associated with a gaming machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, the bonus system includes a player tracking system comprising a player tracking device at the gaming machine, a remote player tracking host and a network by which information may be sent to and from the player tracking device and player tracking host. The bonus system includes a bonus system host associated with the network, the bonus system host capable of generating bonus event information which is transmitted to the player tracking device at via the network. In one embodiment, the player tracking device includes a player tracking device controller and one or more peripherals, such as a card reader, display and speakers. Bonus event information is displayed and audible information is generated in response to the sending of bonus event information from the bonus event host to the player tracking device controller.

Abstract: A toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. The toy may be configured generically to include one or more platforms and a mounting bracket for connecting or supporting a variety of elements for transport and the remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn, and in one embodiment. In one embodiment the toy is utilized to entertain a pet, the toy having an animal likeness connected thereto. The animal likeness may be animated and controlled remotely as well. The animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Abstract: A pet entertainment toy is capable of motion. The toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. An animal likeness is preferably connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the likeness is animated for movement and may be configured to generate sounds. A remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn, and in one embodiment, to activate the animal likeness animation. The toy is configured for high speed movement over long distances and over a wide range of surface. The toys animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Abstract: A player is permitted to participate in an interactive gaming event from a remote location, such as a hotel room or home computer, once the player's entitlement to participate has been confirmed using a biometric identifier. One method of the invention includes first verifying the identity of a potential player of a gaming event, such as by verifying the age of the player. If verified, the fingerprint of the player is obtained and the fingerprint is stored in association with an assigned identification code. When a player requests to participate in a gaming event from a remote location, the player's identification code is received from the player and is used to locate the corresponding stored fingerprint. The player then transmits their scanned fingerprint. If the transmitted fingerprint and stored fingerprint match, the player is verified as entitled to participate in the gaming event.

Abstract: The invention comprises a gaming machine adapted to print receipts. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is associated with a gaming system including a player tracking or reward system. The gaming machine includes a receipt printer/generator. Game play data is stored remote from the gaming machine. In the event the player's play reaches a predetermined level or satisfies particular criteria, the player is provided an award. Information regarding the award is generated and stored remotely, and the gaming machine is caused to print a receipt which may be redeemed for the award. The award may be goods or services, such as a free dinner or additional game play. The award is separate from any winnings associated with a winning outcome of a game played on the machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is arranged to print a receipt containing operational data, such as gaming machine accounting or diagnosis information.

Abstract: The invention comprises a gaming system including at least one gaming machine arranged to accept and print receipts. In one embodiment of a method, a player playing a gaming machine is issued a receipt which represents credit or value belonging to the player, and includes secondary information. The secondary information may comprise promotional award information, such as a matching bet for use in playing another game or a prize, or information unrelated to the games, such as a horoscope. In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises issuing a first receipt at a first location, such as a parking garage, accepting the first receipt at a gaming machine, issuing a second receipt at the gaming machine and then accepting the second receipt at another location, such as a parking garage exit. In this method, the gaming machine serves as a validation mechanism to a player activity or event.