Abstract: A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a playing card and methodology of playing a game with the playing card comprised of the following steps, but not necessarily in the order shown, selecting from a set of gaming symbols, one or more winning gaming symbols for the play of the game, the selecting of one or more winning gaming symbols occurs prior to providing at least one playing card; and the selecting of one or more winning gaming symbols is preformed anew for each game; providing a playing card presenting gaming symbol(s) for the play of the game; and comparing the gaming symbols of the distributed playing card with the selected one or more winning gaming symbols to determine if the distributed playing card has any gaming symbols that match the one or more winning gaming symbols to establish the playing card as a winning game card.

Abstract: To achieve an information output device in which information of a medium disposed on a stage surface can be surely and efficiently read out, and a stage effect and a security are high. In the information output device, media are disposed on a stage surface in a state where the media are opposite to the stage surface, the media where dot patterns are printed on medium surfaces on the basis of a predetermined rule, the dot patterns are read by imaging units disposed in a space below the stage and converted into code values or coordinate values indicating the dot patterns from photographed images obtained by the imaging units, and information corresponding to the code values or the coordinate values is outputted.

Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.

Abstract: Various contact systems and methods for manufacturing and using such are disclosed herein. Examples of the contact systems include a surface with one set of pads biased at a first voltage level, and another set of pads biased at a second voltage level. Such a contact system can be used, for example, to transfer power to an electromechanical device disposed thereon. In one particular example, the electromechanical device can include a power storage element and two or more couplings. When one of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the first voltage level, and another of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the second voltage level, a circuit is completed where some derivative of the differential between the first voltage level and the second voltage level is placed across the power storage element. Completion of the circuit causes the power storage element to charge. Power can be drawn from the power storage element to operate the electromechanical device.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: A method of play and system of implementing a primary lottery game having a secondary individual game for a multiplier value of winnings of the primary lottery game and potential secondary winnings for the secondary individual game. A player enters the primary lottery game, which can provide a first monetary winnings, and then can enter a secondary individual game that, if won, provides either a multiplier value of first monetary winnings, separate secondary monetary winnings, or both. The possible total prize amount awarded to the player includes first monetary winnings awarded from the primary lottery game multiplied by any multiplier awarded in the secondary individual game, and any secondary monetary winnings from the secondary individual game. Alternately, a win solely in the secondary individual game can yield a separate award of secondary monetary winnings, regardless if the primary lottery game has winnings.

Abstract: The interactive modular tile system of the invention comprises a plurality of modular interactive tiles (11, 13). The system comprises electronic circuitry which is operative to determine a configuration of the plurality of modular interactive tiles, and determine whether a game can be played, which game can be played and/or which variation of a game can be played with the determined configuration. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to function as the interactive modular tile system of the invention.

Abstract: A handheld gaming machine including one or more actuators for providing vibrational cues or feedback during play of a wagering game to indicate the occurrence of a wagering-game event, such as a change in game rules, an input of a wager, and the like. The change in game rules may include a change in the odds of winning an award during the wagering game, a change in the type of award that can be awarded during the wagering game, eligibility for bonus play, or eligibility to accumulate one or more game elements associated with the wagering game. The vibration can be consistent with a wagering-game theme and can accompany or be a substitute for concurrently played audio sounds. The actuator(s) may include a haptic device such as a haptic touchscreen that overlays the display or an electromagnetic coil acting upon an unbalanced mass.

Abstract: A game that includes a stylus with differently shaped ends and a housing having stylus-receiving holes therein that are in at least two sets corresponding to the shapes of the stylus ends. Variable visual indicators and sensors are associated with each hole, with the sensors operative to detect the presence of the stylus in the corresponding hole. A controller causes the visual indicators to be sequentially activated. The controller causes a different indictor to be activated in response the stylus being present in the targeted hole. Thus, the stylus-receiving holes are progressed through in a targeting sequence. The controller is configured to terminate an active game session in response to the earlier occurring of: expiration of the timer and detection of the insertion of the stylus into an untargeted hole. Various game modes are described, including with a vibration sensor and a moving housing.

Abstract: A card game apparatus includes a large-size panel display, a main control unit that controls screens on the large-size panel display, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses that are communicably connected to the main control unit. A game player purchases an integrated circuit card and, for example, eleven player cards on each of which, a soccer player's photograph is printed. When the game player arranges the player cards on a player card arrangement panel of one of the terminal apparatuses, card data recorded on the back of the player card will be read by an internal image sensor. Then, a team is organized by the player cards, and a game starts. The game player can direct a player's position and formation by changing placement of the player card.

Abstract: A card game system, including a plurality of terminal apparatuses, a card data reading unit for detecting unique data of each of cards when an operator arranges and manipulates a set of cards selected by the operator on a flat surface of the panel on the terminal apparatus, and a game execution unit which is arranged to organize a playing team in a virtual game space based on the data detected from the cards placed on the flat surface of the panel and to execute a game against another playing team organized on another terminal apparatus connected via a network. A progress of the game is controlled in response to manipulation by the operator with the cards on the panel, a main control unit to which individual game data is transmitted from the plurality of the terminal apparatuses, and a display connected to the main control unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides local information indispensable for travelers or the like and serves as a guide satisfying the travelers' tastes at places where the travelers are staying on their journeys. Positional information is detected from an information request signal transmitted from a cellular terminal, and when the cellular terminal is within a specific area, information corresponding to the specific area is delivered to the cellular terminal in a form of a quiz or a game. Further to a response from the cellular terminal for the information delivered to the cellular terminal, a result record is delivered, and when the cellular terminal is not within the specific area, information other than that corresponding to the specific area is delivered. When giving a point according to the result, a point for the information corresponding to the specific area is set at a higher value as compared to that for the information other than that corresponding to the specific area.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: An apparatus to solve Sudoku puzzles, wherein each one of the 81 single-squares has nine sub-area squares, each having one of the 1 through 9 digits, with all digits set to ‘at-display’ at start, and by selectively setting to ‘no-display’ 8 digits at each one of the initially given number's single-square location of a given puzzle so as to set up the puzzle, followed by logically setting other digits to ‘no-display’ at other single-squares needing solutions, the process of ‘no-display’ setting can be continued until all the single-squares have for each one only one digit ‘at-display’ as per Sudoku rules.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided in which a certain level of the chance aspect of a game or other application is removed and a certain level of a skill aspect is added. This may be accomplished by using an indicator to establish a predetermined number of move numbers for one or more players in the game. For example, the indicator may be used to determine a first group of move numbers for a first player and a second group of move numbers for a second player. The players use the pre-established move numbers to advance according to the rules of the game. Depending on the particular embodiment, the move numbers within a group may be sequenced or non-sequenced. Move numbers may be replaced at each player's turn or when all or a subset of the move numbers of a group are used. Move numbers may be established by any type of indicator such as dice, dominos, or a random number generator. In some embodiments, move numbers may be traded in.

Abstract: A Halloween Afternoon at Dracula's Castle board game which comprises a game board having a first outer pathway level, a second middle pathway level and a third inner pathway level. A plurality of playing pieces is for use by players, wherein the playing pieces are positionable on the spaces. A plurality of player residences, trespass tokens for use by the players. A chance determining mechanism is for indicating a number of the spaces to be traversed by each playing piece. A plurality of play money, spookology cards, lucky/unlucky cards, Possession Cards, item cards are provided to the players. In addition, a plurality of player sound pieces is provided with light and a silhouette to replicate a spooky player and Halloween theme sounds. A three dimensional plastic pentagon shape castle was built on the game board. The 3-D castle has light and a silhouette to replicate Halloween theme sounds and songs.

Abstract: A system includes software for customization of one or more game boards or elements, and/or for educational game play. An example embodiment includes a plurality of polygonal game-board segments, which can be assembled into a game-board, where each game-board segment presents spots upon which a player may “land.” The spots for each game-board segment may be logically connected to form a path of the game. Additional accessories may include: player pieces, a timer token, game cards, game metric identifiers (e.g., points, money, etc.), and a randomized movement indicator (e.g., dice). The software may be used for selection of educational categories, sub-categories, and elements for construction of game segments of the game-board, and may also be used for constructing, administrating, grading, and storing results of quizzes (which may be used for construction and/or playing of the game using the game board) and a played game, and/or for otherwise facilitating game play.

Abstract: A basic idea of the present application is that in case of determining a position of the object on the surface, it is possible to also use transport mechanisms for the transport of the object on the surface which leads to less reproducible transport movements as the regulation may be executed directly on the basis of the observed movement as compared to the desired movement. Embodiments using compressed air, magnetism and/or bending waves are described.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus comprising a display unit capable of generating video images is described. The display unit can be a flat panel display with aspect ratio having a magnitude greater than or equal to 16/10. A wager-based game can be provided on the display unit.

Abstract: A board game system including a game board that defines a playing surface, the playing surface being marked with indicia for directing placement of game pieces on the playing surface, and a support structure for supporting a mobile electronic device, the support structure being connected to the game board and rotatable relative to the game board about at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: Methods, systems and user interfaces for providing feedback to a user based on recognition of character-based ink input are provided. A first feedback is provided to the user to indicate a character as which ink input by the user is recognized. The first feedback is displayed in proximity to the displayed input ink so that the user knows to which ink character the first feedback corresponds. A second feedback may optionally also be provided indicating a correctness of the recognized ink input, as compared to a predefined correct value such as a correct word game solution or answer, by displaying the input ink in one format to indicate that the recognized value is correct, and by displaying the input ink in a second format to indicate that the recognized value is incorrect.

Abstract: An electronic game board contains a casing; a display panel in the casing exposed from a top side of the casing; a touch-sensitive module on the top side of the casing against the display panel; and a control device in the casing with a built-in game program. The electronic game board is able to provide multiple board games without acquiring sets of different game boards and game pieces. The electronic game board uses the display panel to present the grid and game pieces of a board game. A player is able to interact with the game board and plays a board game by moving the displayed virtual pieces through the touch-sensitive module. In addition, as the game pieces are actually displayed images, there is no need to worry that any game piece would be missing.

Abstract: A gaming table comprising a tabletop configured to receive gaming accessories, a base connected to and configured to support the tabletop, an antenna located in the tabletop and configured to operate by at least one of, detecting, reading, writing to, tracking, or any combination thereof, the gaming accessories, and a cup shield configured to keep the antenna from being read from outside the antenna system, shield and protect it from electromagnetic and RF interferences and prevent detuning, the cup shield being located under the tabletop and aligned with the antenna. The base can include a side wall connected to a back panel, a shelf connected to the side wall and the back panel, and a pipe configured to isolate, insulate or shield a plurality of wires, the back panel and the shelf having a plurality of openings configured to ventilate heat from inside the base to outside of the table.

Abstract: Various contact systems and methods for manufacturing and using such are disclosed herein. Examples of the contact systems include a surface with one set of pads biased at a first voltage level, and another set of pads biased at a second voltage level. Such a contact system can be used, for example, to transfer power to an electromechanical device disposed thereon. In one particular example, the electromechanical device can include a power storage element and two or more couplings. When one of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the first voltage level, and another of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the second voltage level, a circuit is completed where some derivative of the differential between the first voltage level and the second voltage level is placed across the power storage element. Completion of the circuit causes the power storage element to charge. Power can be drawn from the power storage element to operate the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A gaming article that includes a sensing layer, a non-metallic electroluminescent layer disposed over a portion of the sensing layer, a story layer that is at least substantially transparent and depicts a game board thereon, wherein the story layer is disposed over a portion of the electroluminescent layer, and a sensing device that interacts with the sensing layer when it is adjacent to the story layer and transmits light therethrough from the electroluminescent layer to a player to facilitate display of relevant information. Also included are methods of playing a game, preferably a mystery game, using the gaming article.

Abstract: A game apparatus and a method using a light source, a convex mirror and an optical sensor, all disposed within a housing, are described. The housing is transparent to the range of wavelengths from the light source and is composed of a low distortion scratch-resistant material. A game board is also used along with retro-reflective elements, such as moveable playing markers or game tokens, cards or regions affixed to and integrated into the game board. A data store stores the locations of the reflective elements and other game-related data, such as data needed to measure a player's score or position in a game or data to provide guided play. The convex mirror is disposed inside the housing such that light reflects from the light source, off the convex mirror, through the housing, and onto the game board. The one or more retro-reflective elements, when placed on the game board, receive light emanated from the light source.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment.

Abstract: The chip, in the general shape of a disk, of the type with a body obtained by multiple injection molding of plastics material, includes a core 14 obtained by a first plastics material injection molding operation having a central portion 24 defining the central portion of the body of said chip and a peripheral portion 31 defining, by means of radial projections 18, at least a portion of the edge of the body of the chip. The core 14 incorporates an insert 26 including a contactless electronic microchip identification device 27 that during the first injection molding operation is buried in the central portion 24 and retained at its periphery by projections or fingers attached to the injection-molding mold and defining apertures 36 in the core. The chip body includes a covering layer around the peripheral portion 31 of the core 14 obtained by a second plastics material injection molding operation to produce, with the core, the whole of the edge and the peripheral annular portion of the body of the chip.

Abstract: A rotatable illuminated game board system to adapt to contemporary board games or for use with newly-conceived games, the system including stained glass elements adhered to a translucent plate beneath a modified printed sheet of game instructions and rules, all atop a quadrilateral housing attached to a stationary platform by means of a Lazy Susan type bearing allowing rotatability, said housing containing a switchable electric light source that permeates the stained glass elements and accentuates such areas on the playing surface that are important to the game's strategy or esthetic quality.

Abstract: A game system comprises a game board having a playing area and game pieces for playing a game on the game board. Each game piece comprises a mobile robot for sensing and decoding a position-coding pattern printed on the game board. Each game piece is in communication with a computer system. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each game piece relative to the playing area in response to position information corresponding to the game pieces.

Abstract: A board game, Bible Walk provides fun while testing one's knowledge of the bible and teaches as you play. The game Bible Walk is designed to be and interactive multi-player game which includes a board, playing pieces and an electronic device which displays questions. The board is generally rectangle on which the players would move their pieces around the board. The board has colors and writings on the squares as well as on the center of the board. The electronic device contains questions from Genesis to Revelation from the Holy Bible. The players must answer short questions correctly in order to move to the next square. All questions are T-true or F-false. The game is meant to move at a fast pace. The first player or group of players to land on the well done square wins. Game may continue with other players for second or third and so on if players desire.

Abstract: The control of motion in unpowered apparatus and an apparatus driven by electric motors and/or other prime movers utilizes electromagnetic force/torque for control of motion. One objective is to extend the domain of electric motor speed control, traditionally characterized by electronic techniques, to small apparatus such as bubble vibration toys, paper dispensers, toothbrushes and other appliances.

Abstract: An intelligent game system and apparatus comprises one or more sensors, a controller, a projector, one or more game pieces and one or more foldable three-dimensional terrain pieces. The game board and terrain pieces comprise one or more sensors each having an identifier for sensing when a game piece or terrain piece is located on the game board and/or terrain piece. The sensors obtain object information from the game pieces and/or terrain pieces and transfer the object information to a controller. The sensors of the terrain pieces transfer the object information to the sensor of the terrain piece below them until the bottom terrain piece transfer the object information to a game board sensor. The controller is thereby able to track properties of the game and/or terrain pieces, such as position, and adjust the gameplay accordingly.

Abstract: An improved antenna system, method and apparatus for interrogating and locating RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and other RF (Radio Frequency) devices, and various applications therefore and thereof, are disclosed. One embodiment is for reading and locating the physical position of RFID tags (such as is made by Phillips, Siemens's Infineon and Texas Instrument) that may be embedded in gaming chips (RFID gaming chips, such as is made by Gaming Partners International Corp.) used in a casino, TV or movie studio or elsewhere for wagering at table games and other gambling games including Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette, but the invention may be used for various other RFID applications.

Abstract: A system includes software for customization of one or more game boards or elements, and/or for educational game play. An example embodiment includes a plurality of polygonal game-board segments, which can be assembled into a game-board, where each game-board segment presents spots upon which a player may “land.” The spots for each game-board segment may be logically connected to form a path of the game. Additional accessories may include: player pieces, a timer token, game cards, game metric identifiers (e.g., points, money, etc.), and a randomized movement indicator (e.g., dice). The software may be used for selection of educational categories, sub-categories, and elements for construction of game segments of the game-board, and may also be used for constructing, administrating, grading, and storing results of quizzes (which may be used for construction and/or playing of the game using the game board) and a played game, and/or for otherwise facilitating game play.

Abstract: Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display.

Abstract: A game board has grooves aligned parallel to X and Y axes that define travel paths along pre-determined directions covering a surface area thereof. Notches are formed along end regions oppositely spaced from each other along an outer periphery of the board. Controllers are coupled to the board, and game pieces are positional along the grooves. Target zones are anchored to the board and spaced along the grooves. Projectiles associated with the game pieces are stored within the notches. A mechanism displaces each of the game pieces along the grooves based upon a user input through an associated controller, and maintains contact with a bottom surface of the grooves. A mechanism rotates one arm of each of the game pieces such that each player tosses one of the projectiles along a travel path terminating at one of the target zones.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided enabling real-time cash management to be performed, even while in the play of a game to be performed by employing game media rendering their items of recorded information readable. Having received a result of detection of game chips on a game betting board from a game betting device, a server device accumulates the result of the detection, and judges whether or not movement of game chips has occurred between a dealer and each player, in comparison with a past result. When movement of game chips has occurred between the dealer and such each player, data relevant to a game chip table, a player table, and a dealer table is updated so as to reflect a result of the movement.

Abstract: Location system and location method are provided to identify and measure the positions of multiple objects located on a plane, such as a game board. Each of the objects includes means for transmitting an identification signal. The location system includes at least two sensors and a processor. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes at least two sensors positioned at the peripheral of a plane such as the adjacent corners of a square or rectangular game board for receiving a first and a second identification signals sent by a first object and a second object respectively positioned on the game board. The processor is coupled to the two sensors for identifying and determining the positions of the objects according to the signal strengths and identities of the first and second signals received.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto racing board game comprising a foldable planar member, a plurality of toy cars, and at least one die. The foldable planar member comprises a race track imprinted thereon. The race track comprises a plurality of lanes, each of the plurality of lanes divided into a plurality of move spaces. One or more of the plurality of move spaces in each of the plurality of lanes is colored in a color of a plurality of distinct colors. The foldable planar member further comprises at least one speaker operatively coupled to a plurality of distinct colored buttons, the at least one speaker adapted to produce a distinct sound upon pressing each of the plurality of distinct colored buttons. Moreover, the foldable planar member comprises a microcontroller operatively coupled to the at least one speaker and to each of the plurality of distinct colored buttons.

Abstract: An electronic game card allows participants to play multiple game faces, and enables simultaneous game play at different locations. A plurality of display faces are displayed on each card, and additional faces are stored for simultaneous play. Most probable winners of the stored faces are displayed along side the display faces so that the participant can follow stored faces as well. The card may be electronically networked to a local computer which in turn is networked over a larger area to a remote central computer to thereby increase the number of participants in the play group and to increase jackpots.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating tracking locations of players and/or wireless communication devices in a casino network. In at least one embodiment, an electronically switched Doppler antenna array may be utilized to detect a first wireless signal from a first signal source. Bearing information may be generated using information from the detected signal. In at least one embodiment, the bearing information may include a first directional bearing to the first signal source. Using at least a portion of the first bearing information, a first location of the first signal source may be determined. According to specific embodiments, the first signal source may correspond to a wireless communication device such as an RFID-enabled player tracking card or gaming chip. In at least one embodiment, a current location of the wireless communication device may be automatically tracked in real-time as the wireless communication device is moved through a first region of the casino.

Abstract: A board game uses a board (1) which is marked with centre (2) middle (3) and outer (4) playing circuits and player tokens (107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113) which move on the board (1). The game ends when a player's token (107, 111) lands on an End of Game square (6, 7) and that player also holds an End of Game card which has been obtained by the player's token (107, 111) landing on a square that is marked with a star (12, 13, 14, 16). Player tokens (108, 112) moving on the middle circuit (3) may land on mystery (17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25), Score (34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48), and Question squares (27, 28, 29, 31, 32 and 33). Player tokens (109, 113) moving on the outer circuit (4) may land on mystery (57, 58, 59, 61), decision (62, 63, 64, 66) and Question squares (67, 68, 69 and 71). Player tokens may also land on six squares (49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56) which are marked with the words “Miss a Turn”.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes the following elements. An image data acquisition unit acquires image data of a captured image including a code having a fixed area in which a predetermined fixed area code is formed and a variable area in which a variable area code formed by a combination of a plurality of codes is formed. A fixed area code recognition unit analyzes the captured image to recognize the predetermined fixed area code of the fixed area. A variable area code default value setting unit sets the default value of the variable area code based on the predetermined fixed area code. A variable area code recognition unit analyzes the captured image to recognize the variable area code. A comparator compares the variable area code with the default value to determine the difference therebetween. A command designation unit designates a command to be executed based on the difference.

Abstract: A touch screen (10) is disclosed comprising a plurality of light emitters (Lo . . . L15) and light detectors (So . . . S11) arranged around a periphery thereof. The position, shape and size of objects (16) may be determined by switching the light emitters on one-by-one and detecting shadows (18) caused by the objects. The objects comprise at least a first part with optical properties of IV a first type and a second part with optical properties of a second different type. By determining the optical phenomena caused by the second part, the orientation of the objects may be determined and/or the objects may be recognized or identified.

Abstract: The interactive modular tile system of the invention comprises a plurality of modular interactive tiles (11, 13). The system comprises electronic circuitry which is operative to determine a configuration of the plurality of modular interactive tiles, and determine whether a game can be played, which game can be played and/or which variation of a game can be played with the determined configuration. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to function as the interactive modular tile system of the invention.

Abstract: A gaming device of the type wherein a play generates one of multiple possible outcomes having reverse payout information. The gaming device comprises a memory device containing a first set of data correlating possible outcomes to a first set of payouts and a second set of data correlating possible outcomes to a second set of payouts second set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to positive payouts and the first set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to other than positive payouts. The gaming device also includes a payout selector indicating which of the first set of data and the second set of data the gaming device is to access. In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device includes a memory having only the second set of data.