Patents Issued in April 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080096611
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a function key configured to select at least one of a first list of menu items and a second list of menu items, a selecting key configured to select a function from at least one of the first menu list and the second menu list, and a display configured to display at least one of the selected first list of menu items, the selected second list of menu items and the selected function. Further, the first list of menu items and the selected function are selectively displayed on a first display portion of the terminal, and the second list of the menu items is displayed on a second display portion of the terminal. The terminal also includes a controller configured to activate the function selected by the selecting key. In addition, when the activated function displayed on the first display portion is a screen occupation function which is not to be interrupted, the first display portion does not display the list of first menu items when the function key is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Chul-Min LEE
  • Publication number: 20080096612
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a thumbwheel subassembly having measurable rotatable and depressible input movements, for example, rolling the thumbwheel up, rolling the thumbwheel down and pushing the thumbwheel inwards. Pushing the thumbwheel with a measurable component of downward force may result in inadvertent rolling of the thumbwheel down. Software or hardware may be used to cancel the inadvertent rolling of the thumbwheel down when the timing of the push and the roll are too close. The thumbwheel assembly may be oriented in the device so that the direction of depressible input movement of the thumbwheel is substantially aligned with the direction of the push by a user's thumb or finger that includes a measurable component of downward force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080096613
    Abstract: An in-vehicle hands free device includes: a voice line coupling element for coupling with an external communication network through a voice line; a communication element for providing a communication link with a cell phone, wherein the communication element receives a reception signal from the network through the cell phone; and a controller for controlling reception of the signal from the cell phone when the communication element receives the signal. The controller determines whether it is possible to control the reception of the signal from the cell phone. The controller prohibits reception signal notice action of the cell phone when the controller determines that it is impossible to control the reception of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Karino
  • Publication number: 20080096614
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for, in a first wireless device, storing network resources in local memory for a second wireless device while the second wireless device is in an idle mode of operation, receiving a request from the second wireless device to exit the idle mode of operation, retrieving the network resources for the second wireless device from the local memory, and executing a network re-entry process using the retrieved network resources. A method, apparatus and system for, in a local memory of an active base station in a wireless network, storing network resources for an idle wireless mobile device in the wireless network, executing a network re-entry process for the idle wireless mobile device by retrieving and using the network resources for the idle wireless device, and signaling backend components of the wireless network to update the activation status of the wireless mobile device, wherein the network re-entry process is to be initiated prior to signaling the backend components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Muthaiah Venkatachalam
  • Publication number: 20080096615
    Abstract: A mobile device interface platform. The platform is configured to latitudinally receive any of a variety of mobile device sizes and shapes while being integrally associated with a stationary apparatus that is to communicate with the mobile device. Where wireless mobile devices are accommodated by the platform, the latitudinal reception affords a user a degree of imprecise placement and allows any number of wireless device types to be employed without regard to precise pin configurations or other non-wireless communicative coupling features. Nevertheless, a physically secure unitary association of the mobile device and stationary apparatus is present allowing for a functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: William Frederick Ryann
  • Publication number: 20080096616
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided that includes a housing having an opening formed therein, a cover disposed in the opening of the housing, the cover including at least one light transmission opening, an input switch located beneath the opening of the housing and the at least one light transmission opening, a light emitter to illuminate the at least one light transmission opening, and a light constraining member to direct light from the light emitter towards the light transmission opening and to minimize light emitted from the light emitter from being directed peripherally of the light transmission opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Byung-Sung Choi
  • Publication number: 20080096617
    Abstract: Provided is a locking device for an internal battery pack cover of a mobile phone, which is mounted on a lower case frame of a main body of the mobile phone, and which includes a locking member formed on the lower case frame; and a locking module coupled to the cover and rotating around a hinge axis with a sliding movement of a button unit to be mounted within or released from the lock member, thereby causing the cover to be coupled to or detached from the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Ung Hwang, Hong-Bae Kim, Sang-Hyuck Jung
  • Publication number: 20080096618
    Abstract: Taught is a mobile phone with a bidirectional swiveling display, comprising a display, a main portion and a rotating portion having a body and a second axis. The body comprises a hole horizontally disposed therein and a first axis perpendicular to the hole. The first axis is rotatably inserted in the hollow supporter. One end of the second axis is fixed at the back of the display. The other end of the second axis is rotatably inserted in the hole of the body, so that the display is capable of rotating around the second axis. The display is also capable of rotating around the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Zhanxin ZHU
  • Publication number: 20080096619
    Abstract: A sliding mechanism is provided to couple slidably a first housing having on its surface a vertically long liquid crystal display part long in the vertical direction to a second housing having on its surface an operating part. This slide mechanism includes a rail part which is mounted on the surface of the second housing in a manner of extending in the vertical direction and is configured such that when the first housing has slidingly moved by means of the slide mechanism to the upper end side of the second housing, the operating part of the second housing will appear. Further, by means of the cam mechanism (support mechanism), the first housing is supported relative to the second housing in a switchable manner between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ayako KUGA, Kohichi Matsuda, Kimiaki Imai
  • Publication number: 20080096620
    Abstract: A case of a mobile terminal includes a user input unit, a controller for manipulating an input signal, an interface for transmitting the manipulated input signal and protects a mobile terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Min-Soo LEE, Tai-Woo Kim, Seung-Woo Park, Woo-Young Kwak
  • Publication number: 20080096621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a straw removal method designed in particular to remove the leaves and other plant debris along agricultural products such as corn stalks or sugar canes. The invention also relates to a straw removal device for applying the method of the invention. The device comprises at least one transfer belt (9) carrying the agricultural products to be treated, a device (1-3) for blowing air through the transfer belt, and finally, an aeraulic bell (11-13) designed to orient (10) the air flow and/or the plant debris transported in the air flow and to tear off the unnecessary plant debris (A2) such as the leaves of the agricultural product and to transfer them to a receptacle zone (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ODDEIS
    Inventor: Maurice Perret
  • Publication number: 20080096622
    Abstract: Provided is a game machine which can raise the level of interest in a competitive game for making a given event happen by moving a mobile object toward a target marked out with a target frame. In the game machine, which provides a competitive game for making the given event happen by moving the mobile object toward the target marked out with a target frame, a storage unit (70) stores probability information in correspondence with a combination of an angle condition and at least one of a plurality of options related to the target frame, the angle condition being about an angle between a reference direction of the target frame and a direction running from a reference position of the target frame to a position of the mobile object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Terada
  • Publication number: 20080096623
    Abstract: A target information storage unit (203) stores information regarding a group of targets (target panels) which are disposed dispersedly on a virtual race course and which each have an objective speed set therefor. An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a moving object (racing car) to be run on the course. Then, a running condition managing unit (204) manages the running condition of the moving object based on this operation input. Meanwhile, a passage determination unit (206a) sequentially determines whether or not the moving object has passed on the course by contacting the respective targets, based on the managed running condition. Further, a speed comparison unit (206b) compares the speed of the moving object at the time of the passage and the objective speed of each target. Then, an evaluation unit (206) evaluates the operation input from a user based on the determination result and comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Fujii, Takeshi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20080096624
    Abstract: An electronic game card and a method for playing an instant lottery game which may provide a novel game experience as well as a game card which is cost effective to produce. The game card comprises a control chip, a start button, a random value generator and a display, which are each arranged on a flexible support of the game card, and the outcome of the lottery game is determined by said random number generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Matthias Rydberg
  • Publication number: 20080096625
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of conducting a wagering game having a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, comprising allowing a player to select one or more of a plurality of basic paylines to define active paylines and, in response to the player meeting certain criteria, allowing a player to activate an enhanced payline. The method further includes randomly selecting a game outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input, and displaying the game outcome as symbols aligned along the active paylines and the enhanced payline. Symbol combinations appearing along the active payline indicate awards according to a first paytable, while symbol combinations appearing along the enhanced payline indicate awards according to a second paytable. The second paytable includes at least one winning symbol combination that is different from symbol combinations within the first paytable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Dion Aoki
  • Publication number: 20080096626
    Abstract: A video poker gaming apparatus and method of playing a game in which a player is allowed to place a first wager and a portion of a first card hand is displayed to the player. The player can choose to play the first card hand or to place a second wager to play an additional second card hand. The second card hand is dealt identical to the first card hand. If the player chooses to place the second wager and play the second card hand, all of the first card hand and all of the second card hand are displayed to the player. The player selects cards to keep or discard from each of the first and second card hands. Replacement cards are dealt for each of the cards that were discarded. An award is paid for the card hands according to a pay table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20080096627
    Abstract: A method and system for playing an interactive game includes inputting into a host computer an access code, wherein the access code is operatively associated with game data storing a predetermined outcome of a game play, transmitting from the host computer a game play for play by a player on a terminal device in response to the inputted access code, and increasing the amount of a progressive jackpot in response to the occurrence of at least one game playing event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Andre Nadeau, Michel Provencher, Lyse Trudel, David Brouillard
  • Publication number: 20080096628
    Abstract: A player authentication security system for wireless wagering system is disclosed. The system comprises a wireless data transmission device capable of transmitting wagering instructions. A data receiving device receives wireless data transmissions relating to wagering instructions. The system comprises a security enabling device that interacts with the wireless data transmission device to enable wagers from authentic users to be placed from the wireless transmission device to the data receiving device by the wireless transmission of wagering instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Zbigniew Czyzewski, Tautalatasi Autele, David B. Lopez, Andrew V. Brandt, Peter J. Shoebridge
  • Publication number: 20080096629
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus of the present invention comprises: a roulette; a roulette; a result determination device for determining a result of a game with the roulette; an expected-number-of-games input device that allows an input of an expected number of games of the identical result determined continuously by the result determination device; a counting device for counting a continuous number of games of the identical result determined continuously by the result determination device; and a first prize-offering device for offering a prize, when the continuous number of games counted by the counting device is identical to the expected number of games inputted through the expected-number-of-games input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080096630
    Abstract: In one embodiment a switch can be placed on any existing video gaming machine. A player can be informed that they have the option to play other games on the video gaming machine. The switch can be either an icon on the video gaming machine's video or a physical switch. Once the player touches the icon or presses the physical switch as an indication of his or her interest to play other games a server can take control of the video display and its touch screen. Similarly, when the player is playing any of the additional games available on video gaming machine, there will be an icon or a switch button to offer the option to go back to the slot's original game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: NEXT GAMING LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Merati, Robert J. Piechowiak, Roger H. Goeb
  • Publication number: 20080096631
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a gaming machine having an ECC memory are disclosed. One aspect of the systems and methods includes providing a data store in the ECC memory. The data store may be a pool of data blocks, a file system, or a database. Critical data generated during the course of the operation of the gaming machine is stored in the data store. Errors in accessing the data in the ECC may be corrected and logged. In addition, errors in accessing the data in the ECC may cause the system to shut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventor: Mark Gagner
  • Publication number: 20080096632
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) conducting a payout of a predetermined number of game media which accompanies the number of games reaching a specific number, and also conducting payout of game media in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof, in a
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080096633
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method of displaying an outcome of a game to a player comprising obtaining a stop position for each of a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols, each stop position specifying which symbols of the reel will correspond to respective ones of a plurality of win lines, obtaining a player selection of one or more win lines of the plurality of win lines, determining whether a suspense condition is met in respect of at least one player selected win line, displaying spinning of each reel to the reel's stop position, and making the display of the spinning of at least one reel different to the display of at least one other reel if it is determined that a suspense condition is met in respect of at least one player selected win line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kieran Power
  • Publication number: 20080096634
    Abstract: A method of displaying an outcome of a game to a player comprising obtaining a stop position for each of a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols at least one reel having a special symbol, each stop position specifying which symbol or symbols of each reel will correspond to a win line, displaying spinning of each reel to the reel's stop position, determining whether a special symbol condition is met, and making the display of the spinning of at least one subsequent reel different to display of at least the first reel if the special symbol condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kieran Power
  • Publication number: 20080096635
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method of displaying an outcome of a game to a player comprising obtaining a stop position for each of a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols, each stop position specifying which symbol or symbols of each reel will correspond to a win line, displaying spinning of each reel to the reel's stop position, determining whether a prize threshold condition is met, and making the display of the spinning of at least one subsequent reel different to the display of at least a first reel if the prize threshold condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kieran Power
  • Publication number: 20080096636
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method of displaying an outcome of a game to a player comprising obtaining a stop position for each of a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols, each stop position specifying which symbol or symbols of each reel will correspond to a win line, displaying spinning of each reel to the reel's stop position with at least the first reel being spun normally to the first reel's stop position, making the display of the spinning of at least one subsequent reel different to the normal spinning if it is determined that at least one first suspense condition is met, and making the display of at least one later reel different to at least one intervening reel displayed as spun to a stop after the first reel, if at least one second suspense condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kieran Power
  • Publication number: 20080096637
    Abstract: When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. Particularly, in case a “RED7” symbol or a “BLUE7” symbol is included in the repositioned symbols, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of a volcano, a performance character, and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted by dragging and dropping the “RED7” symbol or “BLUE7” symbol to a crater of the volcano.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080096638
    Abstract: When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. Particularly, in case a “RED7” symbol or a “BLUE7” symbol is included in the repositioned symbols, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of a volcano, a performance character, and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted by dragging and dropping the “RED7” symbol or “BLUE7” symbol to a crater of the volcano.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080096639
    Abstract: When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. By dragging and dropping a repositioned symbol to a crater of a volcano, a performance character, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of the volcano and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted. In case the symbol is dragged and dropped to the outside of a display, a warning sign is indicated as well as a warning sound is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080096640
    Abstract: A gaming machine (10) includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine (10), a primary display (16) is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display (18) is also provided on which a scorecard (22), indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard (22) are controlled by the controller and the scorecard (22) is a dynamic scorecard (22) with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard (22) for that particular game changing from game to game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas Bennett, Philippa Graham, Natalie Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080096641
    Abstract: The invention provides a dice game machine which can be improved in amusement. A dice game machine 1 of the present invention includes a gaming section 3 in which a plurality of dice are rolled, player terminals 4 each including a BET display unit which enables a BET operation predicting rolled numbers on the plurality of dice when rolled and stopped in the gaming section 3, and a control unit which controls rolling and stopping operations of the plurality of dice in the gaming section 3 and controls payout processing of gaming values corresponding to the BET operations from the player terminals 4 and award ratios. When rolled numbers on the plurality of dice determined in the gaming section 3 are in a predetermined combination and a player has bet on the predetermined combination, the control unit executes additional bonus lottery processing with a winning probability different depending on the BET amount for the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080096642
    Abstract: To provide a dice game machine that can be improved in amusement, including: a gaming section 3 in which one or more dice roll and stop; a player terminal 4 having a BET display unit which enables BET operations predicting rolled numbers on the one or more dice rolled and stopped in the gaming section 3, a player gaming section 100 which is installed in the player terminal 4 and in which one or more dice roll and stop, and a control unit which controls rolling and stopping operations of the one or more dice in the gaming section 3 and controls BET operations from the player terminal 4 and payout processing of a gaming value corresponding to an award ratio, wherein this control unit accepts BET operations predicting rolled numbers on the one or more dice rolled in the gaming section 3 and rolled numbers on the one or more dice rolled in the player gaming section 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080096643
    Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that as a player becomes uncomfortable, visually observable aspects of the player's physiological state, such as the frequency of eye blinks, may change. By analyzing such changes and/or other image changes, as obtained from signals generated by an input device, the system is able to determine changes in a player's comfort level and change the game accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shalini Venkatesh, Srinivasan Laksmanan
  • Publication number: 20080096644
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Publication number: 20080096645
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for slot system and other dependent wagering. Certain embodiments include allowing a player to place a wager, wherein the wager is related to performance of a gaming system, monitoring performance of the gaming system, and awarding a prize based on the wager upon occurrence of a proposition related to performance of the gaming system. Certain embodiments include an interface converting an input of a wager into a wager record, wherein input of the wager includes selecting at least one event and selecting a relationship for the at least one event to form a proposition, an event monitor configured to monitor events occurring in one or more gaming terminals, wherein the event monitor identifies an event relating to the wager record, and an event handler configured to examine the wager record and the identified event to determine if the proposition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Frerking, Stephen Byng
  • Publication number: 20080096646
    Abstract: There is provided a game system for improving a maintenance property of a game machine in which a replacement part is provided. A replacement part D has a part information recording device 34c in which uniquely given part identification information is recorded. A game machine main body K includes a part information obtaining device 24 and a server transmission device 23. The part information obtaining device 24 obtains the part identification information. The server transmission device 23 transmits to a center server CS, game machine identification information uniquely given to a game machine G together with the obtained part identification information. The center server CS has a server storage device 12 for storing the received part identification information and the received game machine identification information in association with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Ishida, Tetsuo Ishimaru, Yasufumi Kasuya
  • Publication number: 20080096647
    Abstract: A computer implemented gambling chip recognition system having the ability to capture an image of a stack of gambling chips and automatically processing the image to determine the number of chips within the stack and the value of each. The system processor determines the classification for each chip in a stack by way of processing performed in real time on the image of the stack of gambling chips. The system further includes the ability to communicate the information derived from the stack of gambling chips to a video monitor and the ability to communicate the information to a main database where information is being compiled and stored about an individual gambler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Thomas Lindquist
  • Publication number: 20080096648
    Abstract: A wagering game including a wheel and multiple section indicators. The wheel includes a plurality of sections having awards associated with each of the sections. The section indicators associated with the wheel simultaneously indicate sections on the wheel. The awards associated with the sections indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and provided to a player. The number of activated section indicators is predetermined, randomly determined, determined by the player's wager in the primary or base game, determined in a primary game or determined by a sub-game or a set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Bayard Webb, John Hostetler, Kimberley Karstens, Anthony Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20080096649
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring a location of a casino game for use in a gaming establishment wherein at least some of the components of the game include an attached radio frequency-responsive element, such as an RFID tag. In one example, RFID readers are located in stationary positions in gaming establishment to monitor a population of secure zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080096650
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including a tracking system or a player tracking system and plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines include at least one display device and a plurality of player preferences selections. These player preference selections enable a player to choose one or more elements of the background or an entertainment setting of the gaming machine while they are playing a game at the gaming machine. The gaming machine enables the player to enter identification information at the gaming machine and choose at least one preference. The gaming machine tracks all of the preference selections made by the player. Upon meeting certain promotional criteria, the gaming machine determines a promotion to provide the player based on the preferences of that player. That is, the player does not directly select any promotions. The gaming system determines personalized promotions for the player based on the preference selections made by that player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20080096651
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a projection unit that projects an image; an imaging unit on which the image projected by the projection unit is displayed; a position detection unit that detects a position pointed by a pointer on the imaging unit; a position settlement determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined position settlement requirement is satisfied based on positional information indicating the position detected by the position detection unit; and a processor that controls progress of a game based on a result of a determination made by the position settlement determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080096652
    Abstract: A symbol display device for a game machine includes a reel unit having a plurality of reels, each having a peripheral surface with a plurality of peripheral symbols. An end reel arranged at an end position of the reels has a lateral surface where a pointer is displayed. A reel supporting member that supports the reels rotatably independently includes a lateral wall having a window through which the lateral surface of the end reel is seen. The lateral wall of the reel supporting member has a plurality of lateral symbols arranged around the window, whereby any one of the lateral symbols is pointed by the pointer on the lateral surface of the end reel due to rotation of the end reel. A pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to a first position where the peripheral surfaces of the reels are observable and to a second position where the pointer on the lateral surface of the end reel and the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Toshiaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080096653
    Abstract: The video game terminal uses a center pedestal and two column members either side of the center pedestal for supporting a touch screen. The center pedestal holds the working components of the terminal including the CPU and payment acceptors. The center pedestal supports the touch screen at a raised position and the columns provide edge support of the touch screen. Preferably, an ambient light arrangement is provided either side of the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Boris Itskov, Igor Starovoitov, Genaki Peari
  • Publication number: 20080096654
    Abstract: A method for use in an interactive system includes receiving position information for a controller that is being manipulated by a user, analyzing the received position information to determine whether a predetermined movement of the controller has been performed, and changing the user's viewpoint of a scene displayed on a display in response to the predetermined movement of the controller being performed. Another embodiment provides a method for use in an interactive system that includes moving at least a portion of a character in a scene displayed on a display in response to the predetermined movement of the controller being performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventors: Marc-Edouard Mondesir, Lamont Gilkey, Christian Davis, Josh Hart, Remi Benoist, Joanne Teresa Wright, Steve Johnson, Dennis Tierney, Dana Mackenzie, George Chen, Joe Greene, Andrei Booriakin, Tim Moss, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Publication number: 20080096655
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming machine has a primary game display operable to display the outcome of a game, and a secondary display overlaying the primary game display. The secondary display may have a stand alone transmissive LCD display and at least one backlight assembly, the backlight assembly spaced apart from the transmissive LCD display and located between the transmissive LCD display and the primary game display. With the backlight assembly spaced apart from the transmissive LCD display, the backlight assembly may be removed from or inserted into the gaming machine. This permits different games to be installed in the gaming machine during manufacture or as a retrofit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: James Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080096656
    Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows a game flow software module used to generate a game of chance on the gaming machine to be decoupled from a game presentation software module used to present the game chance. Thus, a group of games may be designed where the games share a common game flow software module but use different game presentation software modules to change the look and feel of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Steven LeMay, Dwayne Nelson, Robert Breckner, Greg Schlottmann, Nicole Beaulieu, Johnny Palchetti, Jamal Benbrahim
  • Publication number: 20080096657
    Abstract: A method for use in an interactive system includes providing a controller that includes a middle portion, a first handle portion on one side of the middle portion, and a second handle portion on an opposite side of the middle portion. Three-dimensional motions of the controller are tracked as it is manipulated by a user who holds the controller by grasping the first handle portion with one hand and positioning the controller so that the middle portion and the second handle portion are extended away from the user. One or more images displayed on a display screen are caused to be responsive to the tracked three-dimensional motions of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventor: Remi Benoist
  • Publication number: 20080096658
    Abstract: A gaming method provides a dual game function and is implemented using a gaming apparatus. The gaming method includes: a) starting a first game, and enabling collection of a plurality of objects of an object suite as predetermined object collection criteria are satisfied while playing the first game; and b) if all the objects of the object suite are collected while playing the first game, starting a second game that is played independently of the first game. A gaming apparatus and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Arden YANG
  • Publication number: 20080096659
    Abstract: A system and method for wireless communal gaming in a casino environment. The system includes one or more wireless gaming devices each equipped with a display, one or more gaming servers configured to communicate wirelessly with the wireless gaming devices, and one or more financial servers configured to record financial transactions for players playing communal games of chance on the handheld gaming devices. The wireless approach to communal gaming allows greater player mobility within the casino establishment and also allows a large number of players (players playing wirelessly as well as players playing traditionally at a physical player station) to participate in a common game, thereby increasing the capacity of existing communal game tables. When the wireless game-playing option is available, a player can participate in the communal game regardless of whether there is a physical player station available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shawn D. Kreloff, Peter J. Shoebridge, Andrew V. Brandt, Zbigniew Czyzewski, Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Publication number: 20080096660
    Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU allows a game to proceed according to input data transmitted from a controller performed a swing operation by a player. When a ball hit by a player character according to a swing operation performed by the player collides with a target object, a collision location thereof is detected. For example, a normal target image and several different types of broken target images are prepared and one of the broken target images is selected according to the collision location. In addition, a determinant is calculated for placing the broken target image in a virtual three-dimensional space such that a direction oriented toward the collision location from a center of a target object matches a reference direction of the broken target image. Then, the broken target image is placed and thereafter display is provided in such a manner that the target object is breaking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keizo Ota