Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for a one-pass approach for implementing metal-fill for an integrated circuit. Also disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill that is coupled to a tie-off connection. An approach that is disclosed comprises a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill having an elongated shape that corresponds to the length of whitespace. Also disclosed is the aspect of implementing metal-fill that matches the routing direction. Yet another disclosure is an implementation of a place & route tool incorporating an integrated metal-fill mechanism.

Abstract: Scheduling communications events on an electronic communications device, including (i) storing information about a future communications event, the stored information including stored address information identifying an address of the target recipient and stored time information identifying a scheduled time for the future communications event; (ii) displaying on a display of the communications device, at a time determined in dependence on the stored time information, a notification of the future communications event; (iii) monitoring for a confirmation input through a user input device confirming a user desire to proceed with the future communications event; and (iv) automatically providing the address for the target recipient to the communications module in dependence on the stored address information upon detecting the confirmation input.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a mobile device having a plurality of input devices, comprising associating groups of one or more keys of the input devices to define at least one input region and in response to an input received from said input devices, performing an associated action for operating the device, responding equally to any input from a same input region. A repeated input (multi-tap) to a same input region cycles through a plurality of actions associated with the input region. Auditory feedback comprising a vocalized description of the action is provided. The multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback may adapt a mobile device (e.g. PDA or smart phone) for use by visually impaired users.

Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for a mobile device and in communication with the mobile device, the apparatus comprising: at least one universal serial bus (USB) connector providing at least one connection; at least one USB host controller configured to control the at least one USB connection; a microprocessor configured to control the at least one USB host controller, the microprocessor having an operating system; a USB device control interface on the mobile device configured to communicate and control the universal connector apparatus; and a USB driver configured to operate within the operating system to enable the mobile device to connect to one or more peripherals via the at least one USB connector.

Abstract: A handheld device receives a request for information from a wireless accessory over a wireless communication link. The handheld device retrieves the information or a portion thereof and transmits all or a portion of the retrieved information to the wireless accessory over the wireless communication link.

Abstract: A handheld device is to generate a list of entities, in which no particular entity appears more than once, from participants in telephone communication sessions involving the handheld device, and one or more of a) participants in data communication sessions involving the handheld device and b) records of one or more databases that are stored in the handheld device.

Abstract: A method of scanning frequencies for registration onto a wireless service provider by a wireless device is provided. The inventive method comprises predefining a priority sequence of frequencies in association with each of a plurality of locations. Itinerary information is received and a current expected location of the device in real-time based is determined based on the itinerary information. The device then scans frequencies according to any priority sequence predefined for the current expected location.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for controlling a backlight level for a display in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises the display, a backlight system connected to the display, a controller controlling backlight levels generated by the backlight system, a light sensor, a keypad, an activation sensor, a microprocessor controlling aspects of the system and software operating on the microprocessor. The software monitors signals from the activation sensor for activation of the device and upon determining that the device has been activated, utilizes signals from the light sensor, a received signal or the keypad to determine a target backlight level about the device and then controls the controller to adjust to the backlight level produced by the backlight system in response to the target backlight light level.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling operation of a communication device. The communication device comprises: a casing for housing a display and a keyboard; and a microprocessor controlling aspects of the keyboard and display. The invention provides a power application operating on the microprocessor. The application monitors activation cycles of the device, stores activation data related to the activation cycles and identifies a new activation cycle for the device utilizing an activation pattern derived from the activation data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for a one-pass approach for implementing metal-fill for an integrated circuit. Also disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill that is coupled to a tie-off connection. An approach that is disclosed comprises a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill having an elongated shape that corresponds to the length of whitespace. Also disclosed is the aspect of implementing metal-fill that matches the routing direction. Yet another disclosure is an implementation of a place & route tool incorporating an integrated metal-fill mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for a one-pass approach for implementing metal-fill for an integrated circuit. Also disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill that is coupled to a tie-off connection. An approach that is disclosed comprises a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill having an elongated shape that corresponds to the length of whitespace. Also disclosed is the aspect of implementing metal-fill that matches the routing direction. Yet another disclosure is an implementation of a place & route tool incorporating an integrated metal-fill mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for a one-pass approach for implementing metal-fill for an integrated circuit. Also disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill that is coupled to a tie-off connection. An approach that is disclosed comprises a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill having an elongated shape that corresponds to the length of whitespace. Also disclosed is the aspect of implementing metal-fill that matches the routing direction. Yet another disclosure is an implementation of a place & route tool incorporating an integrated metal-fill mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for a one-pass approach for implementing metal-fill for an integrated circuit. Also disclosed is a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill that is coupled to a tie-off connection. An approach that is disclosed comprises a method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing metal-fill having an elongated shape that corresponds to the length of whitespace. Also disclosed is the aspect of implementing metal-fill that matches the routing direction. Yet another disclosure is an implementation of a place & route tool incorporating an integrated metal-fill mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system and method for capturing information, storing images and for encoding and printing a plurality of proximity devices. The system comprises a printer/encoder platform a card reservoir, a print station, an encoder station, a reject bin, an output bin and a transport mechanism. The present invention further provides a database for storing printable and encoded data together with administrative functions. A printer/encoder program manages operation of the database and the printer/encoder platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system and method for both local and remote players to play a casino game. More specifically, the system and method automatically transmits a video stream comprised of a plurality of video feeds to remote players showing in an efficient manner. In accordance with the present invention, a virtual video stream manager is associated with a gaming table. By monitoring movement and placement of detectable gaming objects, the virtual video manager determines both the game state and the location of the relevant gaming object. Based on the game state and the location of the gaming object, the virtual video controller selects one of a plurality of video cameras to transmit the video to each of the remote players. The virtual video manager selectively customizes the video transmitted to each remote player so that the remote players may independently and efficiently participate in the remote play of a casino game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system and method for enabling remote players to participate in the play of a casino game of chance through a selected proxy. The gaming system enables remote interactive gaming by a large number of remote players who place wagers with the outcome determined by the play of the proxy. The proxy is equipped with a personalized transmitter module so that audio signals spoken by the proxy and the ambiance of the casino are transmitted to remote players. The presence of the transmitter module is detectable by a gaming machine. Each gaming machine includes a machine manager and at least two video cameras. One video camera is internal to the game machine cabinet but positioned to capture the video image of the physical player. The other camera is positioned such that it is able to capture the result of the game of chance. Machine manager detects the result and transmits this information to a network manager for use in calculating payouts for winning wagers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the play of casino games. Casino games are played on a gaming machine that includes a processor and at least one video camera for detecting images of the user and a remote controlled electronic lock. A reader associated with the gaming machine detects a transponder circuit containing encoded user information. Using the detected information, the gaming machine may be used to play casino games or, if the user is authorized to gain access to the interior of the gaming machine, the electronic lock is activated to permit access to the interior of the cabinet. The decision to provide access is made at a casino server. If unauthorized play or access is detected, video images are transmitted by the casino server to wireless Internet cellular telephones so that security personnel can identify the individual attempting the unauthorized play or access.

Abstract: A new card game that may be played on as either a table game or a slot machine game and that is readily adapted for remote play via the Internet is described. The card game of the present invention is played with a standard 52-card deck plus either one or two wild cards. A banker covers all bets, and each player competes against the dealer. The objective of the game is to arrange a five card hand into a baccarat hand comprising a three-card hand that has a value of a multiple of ten and a two-card hand that totals as close to ten as possible. Each player's hand is then compared to the bankers' hand to determine a winner. If the player cannot arrange the cards into a baccarat hand, the five-card hand is treated as a poker hand and is compared to the dealer's five-card poker hand. A first wager is placed on the outcome of the baccarat hand and a second wager is placed on the outcome of the poker hand.

Abstract: A system and method for intelligent management of an interactive gaming system and casino games played by both local and remote players is described. The present invention tracks the play of local and remote players and dealers, provides a real-time inventory of wagers and players stakes, and provides casino management and regulators visibility of real-time play throughout the casino. The present invention also enables casinos to identify and reward loyal players regardless of whether the player is on-site or remote or playing a table game or a slot machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting the outcome of a game of chance in a casino. The system comprises an intelligent table adapted for playing a game of chance and a interface manager for interfacing the table to a communications network and detectable gaming objects. Gaming objects, such as cards, die, chips, tokens or roulette ball are programmed with a unique value that may be selectively detected by the intelligent table. Once detected, the value is transmitted to the interface manager. The interface manager is responsible for transmitting the detected values to the remote players over the communication network. The intelligent table includes the familiar bet board for a variety of different games of chance. The gaming object will vary depending on the selected game of chance. The present invention provides the capability to adapt common casino games, and particularly card games, to remote play by a plurality of remote players.