Abstract: A progressive controller includes a plurality of progressive jackpot award game configuration options. A subset of the progressive jackpot award game configuration options correspond to the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller automatically sends data representing the subset of progressive jackpot award game configuration options to the plurality of EGMs. The EGMs participate in the progressive jackpot award game in accordance with the EGM progressive jackpot award game configuration options.

Abstract: A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic gaming machines, methods and systems for gaming device configuration and gaming device software distribution. An electronic gaming machine is configured to detect whether a primary portable storage device is in communication with the electronic gaming machine. The primary portable storage device may be configured to store a boot image. The boot image may include a boot code, an operating system, and a framework application. The framework application may be configured to search and execute a pluggable module according to instructions provided by the pluggable module. The framework application may also include instructions configured to determine whether at least one of the one or more pluggable modules includes a signature and execute the at least one pluggable module when it is determined that the at least one pluggable module includes the signature.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining a gender and age of a player of a game. There is a method comprising capturing an image of at least one player, and determining the gender and age of the player based on the image. In this manner, the game may be customized to be more relevant or attractive to the player's gender and/or age group.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An illumination device is capable of receiving a signal from a display control device for displaying an image on a display screen. The illumination device includes a reception portion and a lighting portion. The reception portion receives a control signal from the display control device. The lighting portion emits a plurality of rays of visible light each having an elongated cross section in accordance with the control signal received by the reception portion. For example, the rays of visible light are shed on a wall surface behind the display screen.

Abstract: A game device in which a first comparison unit compares an exemplary model posture (posture that is supposed to be adopted by a player) at a reference time and a posture of the player indicated by posture data acquired by a posture data acquiring unit at a compared time. A second comparison unit executes at least one of: a comparison between a different posture from the exemplary model posture at the reference time and the posture of the player indicated by the posture data acquired at the compared time; and a comparison between the exemplary model posture at the reference time and a different posture from the posture of the player indicated by the posture data acquired at the compared time. An output control unit causes an output based on a comparison between results from the first and second comparison units.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for facilitating interaction with a virtual space via a touch sensitive surface. The user may interact with the virtual space via a touch sensitive surface in a wireless client device. The user may interact with the virtual space by providing control inputs to the touch sensitive surface. The control inputs may be reflected in one or more views of the virtual space. In some implementations, the system may be configured such that the one or more views of the virtual space include one or more views of a shooter game. The system may be configured such that the user may interact with the game primarily with fingers from one hand via the touch sensitive surface. The user may enter various command inputs into the touch sensitive surface that correspond to actions in the virtual space presented to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to gaming systems and methods configured to provide a musical game associated with unlockable musical instruments. In one embodiment, the musical game is associated with a plurality of different musical instruments that are initially unlocked or locked and a plurality of different instrument playing events, each of which is associated with one or more of the musical instruments. Upon an occurrence of one of the instrument playing events, the gaming system produces at least one sound and provides an award associated with each unlocked musical instrument associated with that instrument playing event. The gaming system does not produce any sounds or provide any awards associated with any locked musical instruments associated with that instrument playing event. Upon an occurrence of an instrument unlock event, if any of the musical instruments are locked, the gaming system unlocks at least one locked musical instrument.

Abstract: A controller cover includes a main body portion attached to an outer surface of a controller, and the main body portion includes a contacted portion where a contacted inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of the controller and a non-contacted portion where a non-contacted inner surface is not in contact with the outer surface of the controller. Elastic deforming protrusions are formed on the non-contacted inner surface. When the controller attached with the cover interferes with other thing, and the non-contacted portion of the cover is subjected to shock, the elastic deforming protrusion of the non-contacted portion is deformed to ease the shock, so that the controller and the interfering other thing are protected.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling gameplay with a character in a game environment on a mobile device. In the game environment, a player can play a game via a character. When there is an expectation of action from the character in the game, a touch gesture input is received on the mobile device. The fidelity of the touch gesture input is calculated with reference to an optimal gesture in a reference gesture table. If the fidelity is within a predefined range associated with the optimal gesture, the touch gesture input is matched to the optimal gesture and an associated game script is called wherein the character would be shown as having successfully completed the expectation.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for communicating information regarding movement of a gaming device are presented herein. A gaming device can include at least one sensor configured to measure information associated with at least one of a position of the gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device. Further, a communications interface component can be configured to communicate the information to a controller. A method can detect, via sensors of a handheld gaming device, information related to a movement of the handheld gaming device; and transfer the information to a controller communicatively coupled to the handheld gaming device. A system can include means for receiving information related to a position of a gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device, and means for predicting an anticipated position of the gaming device based on the means for receiving the information.

Abstract: A system for conducting gaming includes at least one gaming machine communicating with an award server. Optionally, the gaming machine communicates with the award server via a network server. In an optional embodiment, the gaming machine includes a bonus selection apparatus with a bonus award display. Bonus award indicia are transmitted from the award server to the bonus selection apparatus, optionally via the gaming machine, for display at the bonus display. A game is conducted at the gaming machine. A determination is made whether a bonus trigger has occurred. In an optional embodiment, the bonus trigger is random; in another optional embodiment, the bonus trigger is based on the outcome of the game. A displayed bonus award indicium is selected in response to a bonus trigger and the bonus award associated with the selected bonus award indicium is issued.

Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: Individual participants in a multi-participant collaborative computing application may be sent intermittent updates of actions taken by other participants. These updates need not be sent to a participant's device until the participant has interacted with a specified object in the application. The participant's device may then be sent an update including object interactions of the other participants occurring since the participant's previous object interaction. The update may be used to periodically inform the participant of the actions taken by the other participants during the period between the participant's interactions.

Abstract: A geogame utilizes wireless devices to track the movements of the players. As players move, virtual tails are generated behind each player, and their locations are determined and geocast, via a wireless geographic broadcast protocol, to all players of the geogame. Each player observes all players movements and tail locations on his/her wireless device. Players can draw sketches utilizing their respective virtual tails and/or players can traverse courses which involve various types of terrain. Players can try to avoid virtual obstacles that can be generated within the game. Players can be provided weapons to shoot through boundaries and tails.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a selection of a selectable object in a first area of a gaming display that is under control of a first application module associated with a wagering game session. The first application module can be for a social communication application or can provide social communication functionality. The operations can further include determining a selection purpose for the selection, determining transference instructions for an item representation of the selectable object, and transferring the item representation to a second area of the gaming display that is under control of a second application module. The second application module can be for a wagering game application or can provide wagering game functionality. The operations can further include performing a function associated with the second application module according to the selection purpose.

Abstract: A method of providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. An offer is generated for a sale of a combination of virtual items at a discounted price. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to a user. The presenting suggests to the user that the combination of virtual items is randomly selected from a set of virtual items and the discounted price is randomly selected from a set of discounted prices, the presenting of the offer being performed by a processor. However, in actuality, the combination of virtual items or the discounted price may not be selected randomly.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a video game permits valuation of a game environment and/or sharing value in the game. For example, players can buy and sell whole or fractional portions of the revenue sources derived from a particular game environment. The ownership may be represented as debt, stock or as some other allocations mechanism.

Abstract: A server device connected to a first player terminal used by a first player and a second player terminal used by a second player to communicate with each other, including: a storage unit that stores player information in which each of items owned by players is associated with each of the players; a reception unit that receives, from the first player terminal, an exchange request to exchange a first item owned by the first player for a second item different from the first item, and receives, from the second player terminal after the exchange request, an acquisition request that the second player acquire the first item in an exchange source from the first player; a judging unit that judges whether or not the second player owns the second item based on the player information when the reception unit receives the acquisition request; and an item exchange processing unit.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a light source concealed within a cabinet frame, a light pipe, and a contoured reflective surface. The light pipe has a distal end adjacent to the light source and a proximal end along the cabinet frame and directly viewable from the player position. The light pipe directs the initial light from the distal end to the proximal end such that (a) some initial light exits the proximal end as direct light viewable from the player position and (b) some initial light exits a pipe section, extending between the distal end and the proximal end, as washed light. The contoured reflective surface is adjacent to the proximal end along the cabinet frame, and is configured to receive the washed light from the pipe section and to reflect at least some of the washed light as indirect light viewable from the player position.

Abstract: A computer system includes an enclosure having a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and an environment monitoring system therein. The enclosure environment monitoring system includes a temperature sensor, and an air quality sensor. The computer system also has an indicator responsive to certain conditions being sensed.

Abstract: In a universal joint, a cross shaft member includes four shaft parts forming a cross-shape. Each of four bearing cups corresponding respectively to the shaft parts has a hollow-cylindrical shape having a bottom and is rotatably mounted to the corresponding shaft part through a roller disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the each bearing cup and an outer peripheral surface of the corresponding shaft part. Each bearing cup includes an inner bottom surface in sliding contact with a distal end surface of the corresponding shaft part, wherein the sliding contact is in an annular region encompassing a central axis of the corresponding shaft part. The distal end surface of each shaft part is formed with an annular groove encompassing the central axis of the first shaft part for storing oil.

Abstract: The device for torque transmission between a drive pulley (1) and a shaft (2) comprises a coupling flange (4) rotationally driven by the pulley and a hub fitted at the shaft end and rotationally joined to the shaft, with torque limitation means fitted between the coupling flange (4) and the hub (3), characterized in that the torque limitation means comprise a friction ring (28) comprising a plurality of projecting elastic portions in friction contact with a surface of the coupling flange (4) and/or of the hub (3).

Abstract: A composite tubeshaft comprising a composite substrate defined by a first surface and a second surface; and a metallic substrate having at least two teeth. The teeth of the metallic substrate engage the composite substrate such that at least one tooth is positioned over the first surface and at least one tooth is positioned over the second surface.

Abstract: A motorized driving device drives the counterweight between balancing positions for balancing the cabin around a predetermined angular orientation of the cabin relative to the horizontal, by gravity of the whole formed by the cabin together with a possible load in this cabin.

Abstract: An artificial surface suitable for making horse tracks includes fine siliceous sand with median granulometry less than 500 ?m and a silica content higher than 60 % wt., and a proportion by weight ranging from 3 to 5% of very fine hollow synthetic fibers of polyester or polypropylene.

Abstract: A motion apparatus for use in combination with a standard infant carrier, such as a car seat. The motion apparatus comprises a support structure and a frame for receiving the transportable base of an infant car seat, and a drive assembly, which, when activated causes motion of the infant carrier. Methods and devices of the invention are useful to soothe an infant.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to features for maintaining or providing a beach area that is adjacent a water feature and that includes beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures such that a multi-colored or illuminated beach surface is provided. Present embodiments may include multiple containment structures arrayed in an area adjacent a water feature, wherein each containment structure holds beach surface material of a different color. Further, present embodiments may include creating and/or distributing iridescent and/or phosphorescent beach surface material in one or more containment structures that define the beach area. Additionally, present embodiments may include adjustable or attachable barrier extensions to facilitate maintenance. Further, present embodiments may include transparent or translucent beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures and a lighting system under the beach surface materials.

Abstract: An amusement ride in the form of a boat regatta having a water-filled basin and boats traveling thereon with their own drive, where there is arranged in the basin a raisable platform which allows the boats to travel in the lowered position and lifts the boats out of the water in the travel breaks.

Abstract: A hybrid play set is disclosed which includes twin towers. Each of the towers includes at least two levels. A play house and an enclosed area can be provided within one tower. A sand box, a ladder, a slide and a climbing wall can be provided within the other tower. A swing set is also secured to one side of one of the towers. The components from which the play set is made can be plow molded plastic, wood or a composite of blow molded plastic and wood/metal reinforcement.

Abstract: A golf flagstick is provided with a metal ferrule having a cap. The cap is softer than the metal body of the ferrule. The cap reduces wear and tear on the golf cup into which it is placed. The cap may be applied to the metal ferrule by over molding.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a golfing glove that is configured to facilitate the proper grip of a golf club handle and a method of using the same. The palmar surface of the glove comprises a first indicator that extends along its width. A second indicator also disposed on the palmar surface. The thumb of the glove has a third indicator. The dorsal surface of the glove has a first elongated indicator aligned with the thumb and a second elongated indicator on the dorsal surface.

Abstract: A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip 8, a head cavity body 10 mounted to the head, a grip cavity body 40 mounted to the grip 8, a head weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 10, and a grip weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. A material of the grip cavity body is a polymer. A material of the head cavity body is a polymer. Preferably, the head weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. Preferably, the grip weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 40. Preferably, in the golf club 2, a club mass can be adjusted without substantially changing a club balance.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.

Abstract: A golf club shaft extending from a tip end to a butt end and made of fiber reinforced resin, comprises a weight being in a range of from 30 to 55 g, a whole length LS between the tip end and the butt end, a center of gravity of the shaft located with a distance LG from the tip end, a ratio of the distance LG to the whole length LS being in a range of from 0.54 to 0.65, a tip end portion which has a length of 300 mm from the tip end toward the butt end, the tip end portion including fibers including a pitch based carbon fiber and a PAN based carbon fiber, and said fibers in the tip end portion comprising, in weight, the pitch based carbon fiber of from 15 to 25% and the PAN based carbon fiber of from 85 to 75%.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating a trip step feature located on the crown section. The benefits associated with the reduction in aerodynamic drag force associated with the trip step may be applied to drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. A portion of the trip step is located between a crown apex and the back of the club head and may be continuous or discontinuous. The trip step enables a reduction in the aerodynamic drag force exerted on the golf club by forcing the air passing over the club head from laminar flow to turbulent flow prior to the natural separation point of the airstream from the crown. This selectively engineered transition from laminar to turbulent flow over the crown section slightly increases the skin friction but results in less aerodynamic drag than if the air were to detach from the crown section at the natural separation point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head having features that permit adjustment to the principal moment of inertia angle, the center of gravity location, turf interaction, loft, and overall club forgiveness. In particular, the golf club head includes a rear cavity sized to receive a weight cartridge composed of one or more materials, the adjustment of which changes one or more of the mass properties of the golf club head and also changes the interaction of the golf club head with turf during play. The weight cartridge may comprise one or more high density materials, and may be located in or proximate the sole.

Abstract: The mallet putter head in this present invention is comprised of a body cast in 304 stainless steel having a smooth putting face with a 3 degree loft and also balancing weights starting at the putter face and continuing to the rear curve of the putter head giving a proper look, weight and feel. There are three painted grooves perpendicular to the putter face to assist the golfer in aligning the putter to the intended line of the putt. A hole just smaller than a golf ball is also provided that will assist the golfer in aligning the putt. The sole of the putter is curved to permit easy movement of the putter head in the pendulum swing and also in or out in front of the body. The rear end of the putter allows the golfer to pick up a golf ball, if desired.

Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a reinforced face of a club head. Other embodiments for related reinforced faces of club heads and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with apertures and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6, and a cover 8. The core 4 includes a center 10 and an envelope layer 12. The ratio of the volume Ve of the core 4 to the volume of a phantom sphere of the golf ball 2 is equal to greater than 76%. The ratio (Co/Do) of an amount of compressive deformation Co of the center 10 to the diameter Do of the center 10 is equal to or greater than 0.085 but equal to or less than 0.130. The ratio (Ce/De) of an amount of compressive deformation Ce of the core 4 to the diameter De of the core 4 is equal to or greater than 0.015 but equal to or less than 0.020.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4, an envelope layer 6 positioned outside the core 4, a mid layer 8 positioned outside the envelope layer 6, a reinforcing layer 10 positioned outside the mid layer 8, and a cover 12 positioned outside the reinforcing layer 10. The mid layer 8 has a thickness Tm less than 1.0 mm. The envelope layer 6 has a Shore D hardness Hs of 60 or greater. The mid layer 8 has a Shore D hardness Hm of 50 or greater and 65 or less. The cover 12 has a Shore D hardness Hc less than 40. The golf ball 2 satisfies that Hs>Hm>Hc. The principal components of the base materials of the envelope layer 6, the mid layer 8 and the cover 12 are an ionomer resin, an ionomer resin and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, respectively.

Abstract: A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.

Abstract: A swing training method using a “flat bat” that breaks down swing motion into individual components. The flat bat has a handle connected to a flat member. The flat member has opposing flat surfaces that are beneficially color-coded to remind a user how to swing through a contact zone and follow through with a swing.

Abstract: A tennis training aid can be used to teach proper wrist and racket position for swings such as a forehand ground stroke, two-handed backhand stroke, or volley. Such a tennis training aid is provided herein and includes a forearm attachment member operable to be releasably attached to a forearm of a player. In some implementations, the tennis training aid may also include a tether attachment having a first and second end, such that the first end is attached to the forearm attachment member and the second end is attached to a tennis racket throat in order to hold the wrist of the forearm holding that racket at a desired angle so as to allow the player to practice a plurality of different tennis strokes.

Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer includes a bar rotatably mounted in an enclosure. A clamp plate includes a lower member attachable to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar. The clamp plate and the bar are then rotated in a forward manner and downwardly into the enclosure. A cover is placed over the enclosure both when the clamp plate is in use and when it is being stored.

Abstract: A self-propelled flying toy includes a body defined as having a front section, a center section and a back section each along a longitudinal axis. A ducted fan is located within the body substantially centered about the longitudinal axis. A motor is mechanically coupled to the ducted fan and a power source is coupled to the motor. An air-inlet is located substantially within the front section in airflow communication with the ducted fan. An air-outlet is located substantially within the back section in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least two angled surfaces are fixed relative to the body and located substantially within the front section. Each of the at least two angled surfaces are evenly centered about the longitudinal axis and facing an opposite thrust-generating rotational direction relative to the ducted fan.