Electrical Patents (Class 273/237)
  • Publication number: 20100032900
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for electronically performing board-, role-, or collection card games through data transmission from and to a game console and RFID elements, for reading out and/or changing game status or game course representing data and data characterizing player features. According to the invention a game pad is provided with defined game fields for the purpose of receiving data carriers, like game cards, whose information can be read out, wherein an antenna coil device is embedded into the game pad, allowing the readout of a plurality of game fields from a predetermined location in the vicinity of a game field group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Wilm
  • Publication number: 20100013153
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Zhenya Alexander Yourlo, Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20100001464
    Abstract: A board game 100 comprising an enclosure 110 wherein one portion of the enclosure 110 includes a panel 114 wherein the panel 114 further includes a board game design 120 with the panel 114; a means for black light illumination 140; and a means for providing substantially even illumination 150 from the means for black light illumination for the panel 114 with the board game design 120.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN WESLEY WALKER
  • Publication number: 20090315257
    Abstract: A musical board game and playing method that permits players to respond to playing cards both visually and aurally without requiring additional manual intervention by the game player. By incorporating computer-readable indicia such as RFID tags or bar codes in player's cards and providing a suitable computer assisted reader in the game board, it is possible to play music when enabled player cards come within proximity of a reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: THREE OF HEARTS, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob H. Blumenstock, Gabriel M. Blumenstock, Claudia S. Blumenstock, Paul E. Spencer, Margot Spindeman
  • Publication number: 20090309303
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Wallace, Philip Trevor Odom
  • Publication number: 20090224477
    Abstract: A game apparatus for one or more players having at least a first game member that includes a puzzle or a game area having indicia forming a grid having a plurality of cells, the first game member displaying the solution indicia for some of the cells and the remaining cells are divided into a number of sub-cells bearing the possible solution indicia for the corresponding cell such that each sub-cell includes a distinct indicia. A player speculates which sub-cell bears the correct solution indicia for the respective cell using a process of elimination and the rules of play. Selection tools may be used to puncture the first playing member to reveal the third playing member, which bears indicia of correctness for each sub-cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Kriger
  • Patent number: 7572186
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim, Richard E. Rowe, Robert E. Breckner, Nicole M. Beaulieu, Greg A. Schlottmann
  • Publication number: 20090184468
    Abstract: An electrical chess module is disclosed. A LED and a first coil are configured at every chessman, and the LED and the first coil are parallel connection. A electric power and a second coil are configured at the chessboard, wherein the second coil makes the electromagnetic induction due to a magnetic field resulted from the electric current of the electric power, thereby the luminous apparatus of every chessman will shine because the first coil produces a electric current due to the electromagnetic induction between the first coil and the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Hsien-Jung Huang
  • Publication number: 20090102121
    Abstract: A board game with a timing feature is disclosed. The board game includes a board with several bonus spaces or premium spaces that can change in value and/or availability as a game progresses. The board also includes indicator associated with the bonus or premium spaces that indicate whether the bonus or premium spaces are available and whether their values have changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Brian M. Yu
  • Publication number: 20090042642
    Abstract: Gaming chips are provided with embedded radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags incorporated into a gaming chip for identifying and tracking the gaming chips within a casino, and even upon a gaming table. The gaming chips have a body in the shape of a disc which has a loss tangent of 0.0078 or less, and more preferably of 0.007 or less. For chips operating at 900 MHz, the body has a dielectric constant of 5 or less, and preferably 3-5. For chips operating at 2.45 GHz, the body has a dielectric constant of 5-8. Preferably, the body is made of a blend of plastic, such as PVC, and a dielectric ceramic. The RFID is preferably sandwiched between layers of a high frequency circuit material including top and bottom layers and a center layer have a hole for receiving the RFID. Preferably, the layers of high frequency circuit material have a dielectric constant of 2.5-4 and a loss tangent of 0.002-0.006.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: David Nissen
  • Patent number: 7469899
    Abstract: A game assembly that enables at least one person to play a board game against a computerized opponent. A game board is provided having a plurality of playing spaces. The game board is configured for a predetermined game having known rules of play. An animated figure is positioned proximate the game board. The animated figure has an arm that can be selectively moved. An automation mechanism is used to selectively move the arm of the figure over the game board during play without touching the game board. The animated figure therefore provides a false appearance that the figure is actually playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony R. Rogers, Paul Boxmeyer, Robert Butkiewicz, James Carty
  • Patent number: 7465230
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim, Richard E. Rowe, Robert E. Breckner, Nicole M. Beaulieu, Greg A. Schlottmann
  • Publication number: 20080297317
    Abstract: A game can comprise a board with multiple RFID antennas and a game piece with a RFID antenna. When one of the multiple RFID antennas is adjacent to the RFID antenna in the game piece, the response characteristics of these RFID antennas can change so that the position of the game piece can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: RCD Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Robert R. Oberle
  • Patent number: 7452271
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g., the ‘GO’ square); (6) a feature in which bonuses are awarded for completing groups of stations (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany
  • Publication number: 20080265506
    Abstract: My child educational board game, “Electronic Word Battle”, requires players to approach word learning, sequencing, and construction from a naval/military strategist point of view in that instead of targeting objectives in a mere hit-or-miss salvo situation, where the goal in and of itself is to reach and eliminate occupied coordinates, he/she must locate and actually identify, through the support of computerized digital displays that connect opponents and which keep track of dispersal and success or failure of attacks, the quality of the opponents' pieces (these being letters) before the other competitors capture or eliminate out of play all his/her own word patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Milner Benedict
  • Publication number: 20080246215
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Patent number: 7431297
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kaji, Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Junichi Tsuchiya, Yoshitaka Maeyama, Jinichiro Okuda, Mitsuhiko Kakita
  • Patent number: 7428994
    Abstract: A toy or game piece for producing color includes a housing formed in the shape of a toy; a color reader to read a sample and generate data; a processing device to process the generated data and determine a color of the sample based on the generated data; and a light emitting element to produce light corresponding to the determined color. The light emitting element may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors. The processing device controls the intensity of each LED to cause the light emitting element to produce the corresponding color that is substantially similar to the determined color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Jr., Steven R. Casino
  • Publication number: 20080211183
    Abstract: A pawn is provided (10) with a bottom surface (11) for supporting the pawn (10) on a display surface (19) of a display (18). The bottom surface (11) comprises an image detector (12) for detecting a control image on the display surface (19), underneath the bottom surface (11). The pawn (10) further comprises control means (13, 14), coupled to the image detector (12) for controlling an appearance or position of the pawn (10) in dependence of the control image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Patent number: 7401783
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are new forms of computer inputs particularly using TV Cameras, and providing affordable methods and apparatus for data communication with respect to people and computers using optically inputted information from specialized datum's on objects and/or natural features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features and tracking of motion are disclosed, together with numerous applications in various fields of endeavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy R. Pryor
  • Patent number: 7306514
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of gaming is provided that comprises receiving a determination of a particular race participant in a race event having a plurality of race participants. The method continues by determining a particular position of the particular race participant at each of a plurality of intermediate points within the race event. The method continues by determining a plurality of simulated playing cards based at least in part upon the determined positions of the particular race participant. The method concludes by determining an outcome of a game based at least in part upon the determined simulated playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher
  • Publication number: 20070273095
    Abstract: A chessboard device with auto-electronic scoring at least provides a display component to generate at least a light, a color and a figure once an induction switch device is pressed, touched or felt. The central processing unit (CPU) of a microcomputer is capable of distinguish electronic signals produced by the induction switch device to calculate scores of the players and figure out the winner and the loser. At least a light-transmittable component is placed on top of the display component and each user can be identified by means of light points, quantity of the light, color of the light or figures on the surface of the light-transmittable component. Hence, scores of players can be obtained automatically in company with provisions of lighting, voice, music, light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), backlight LCD, backlight board or liquid crystal screen. Not only funs for the players can be enhanced but also fairness and justice of the chessboard game can be maintained completely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Yufu Cho
  • Patent number: 7264242
    Abstract: A board-type game to be played by two or more players. The game includes lasers where players selectively divert the path of the laser beams. The board apparatus comprises a surface, bounded by a frame, over which laser beams are directed down symbolic rows and columns which constitute a matrix of squares. Each square is a subregion of the surface piece, and is bounded along its four sides by raised edges which are parallel and perpendicular rows and columns of the board. The raised edges, creating recessed squares, assist in orienting the playing pieces. Playing pieces may contain no mirror, one mirror, or two mirrors (oriented back-to-back to produce separate surfaces reflecting in opposite directions). Playing pieces are placed in a predetermined “starting” configuration on the squares of the gridded surface piece. Depending on whether a playing piece contains a mirror or not, said piece may reflect an incident laser beam from a row to a column or from a column to a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Innovention Toys, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Luke Jackson Hooper, Del Alan Segura, Michael Charles Larson
  • Patent number: 7195558
    Abstract: A game of reasoning having a triangular game board is disclosed. Players are given a pre-defined time limit to respond to questions based on scenarios likely to be encountered by the game's preferred teenage players. Points and penalties correspond to the selected responses. By correctly responding, players advance from a base of the game board to a zenith thereof. Once all players of a participating team reach the zenith, that team is declared the winner. Responses to questions are input by means of a game pad. The game board is formed of independent blocks stacked in a triangular shape divided into two sides. Each block includes at least one viewable face sectioned into equal parts corresponding to the number of team players. The sections include means of unique color illumination such that the progress of each player can be monitored. The game is also playable in a computer environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Denise E. Perez
  • Patent number: 7177707
    Abstract: The invention discloses a specially designed resistor identity IC provided for products that require article identification on contact. The invention is further developed to provide a family of Variable Specification Functional Block ICs that can be selected to form a COB assembly. An Integrated Programming technology is developed to program all the different controllers on the COB with one single program. A Reduced Signal Communication Interface technology is also introduced to minimize EMI interference of the COB assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Patent number: 7172196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Patent number: 7168704
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for amusement and gaming is described. The apparatus includes a board comprising horizontal and vertical disposed lines that enclose a plurality of playing areas, wherein the playing areas are arranged into an equal number (N) of rows and columns of at least 10, and each playing area in a row and column contains an indicia corresponding to a first through an N-th number to identify the playing area in each row and column wherein each row and column may not repeat an indicia, and a plurality of game pieces comprising a first side and a second side wherein the first side is distinguishable from the second side and comprising N sets of game pieces having on both the first side and the second side the same indicia corresponding to a first through N-th number. The apparatus may tangible or virtually generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Lawless
  • Patent number: 7147555
    Abstract: A board is made of many grid points 1 & 2 arranged in a grid on a flat surface 6, and connected to a game manager 3 (a CPU+memory+software). Each grid point notifies the games manager when it is pressed, and the games manager can illuminate each grid point by one of two color. The boards plays a game in which a point is a legal move if its ‘visibility’ for the player is above or equal some value. The ‘visibility’ of a point is determined by checking in turn each of a predefined set of imaginary straight lines emanating from the point. If the line does not pass through any illuminated point, it is assigned a value of 0. Otherwise the line is assigned a value of 1 if the closest illuminated point that it passes through is illuminated in the colour of the player, or ?1 if it is in the opponent's color. The sum of the values of the lines is the ‘visibility’ of the point for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Yehouda Harpaz
  • Patent number: 7114829
    Abstract: A multi-facet full color illuminator is provided, including a case, a plurality of separated areas inside the case, a plurality of separators for forming separated areas and each separator being shared by two adjacent separated areas, a light source module inside each separated area, each light source module having at least two elements capable of emitting different colors of light, and a controller for adjusting the electric current to control the brightness of each light source module. By using the controller to adjust the electric current, a facet can display light of various color and brightness. This, combined with other facets can create more varieties of light patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 7086945
    Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Progressive Gaming International Corporation
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 7080837
    Abstract: A Mexican Train Dominoes game includes a game board that defines a central recess corresponding to the train station hub of the game. The recess includes a platform on which an “engine” domino tile is placed to commence the game. The platform can be depressed to activate a sound generation component that is operable to produce simulated train sounds. The game board can include a circuit board that carries a resiliently depressible switch that is operably coupled to the platform. The switch can support the platform in its normal position and can restore the platform to that normal position after the “engine” domino and platform have been depressed during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fundex Games, Ltd.
    Inventor: Carl E. Voigt, IV
  • Patent number: 7031938
    Abstract: A system for causing investment returns for individual investors in a fund to correspond to occurrence of selected events with respect to investment options selected by said individual investors, the system including instructions for: defining a plurality of said investment options each having a yield calculator, said calculator having a value related to occurrence of predefined events; selecting a nominal yield of said fund; allocating a portion of said nominal yield to each of said investment options ratably with respect to the portion of said value of each said yield calculator bears to all values of said yield calculators; calculating, on a periodic basis, a change in total value of assets owned by said fund and ratably allocating said change to investors in said fund; and periodically redetermining said values in each of said yield calculators by measuring occurrence of said predefined events during a selected measuring period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: James Fraivillig, Brian K. High
  • Patent number: 6986711
    Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mikohn Gaming Corporation
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 6843724
    Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert R. Lech
  • Patent number: 6835131
    Abstract: A game module has a signal generator for generating a signal for supply to a playing piece when the playing piece is electrically coupled to the games module. The playing piece has a memory for storing data and is arranged to derive a power supply from the signal supplied by the game module by coupling to a user so as to complete an electrical path via the user back to the game module and to communicate data with the game module when power is thereby derived by the power deriving means from the signal provided by the game module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Innovision Research & Technology PLC
    Inventors: Andrew David White, Marc Adrian Borrett, Glen Pitt-Pladdy
  • Publication number: 20040195767
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Publication number: 20040180717
    Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 6755739
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a winner in a bingo game. Players may obtain bingo cards from point-of-sale (POS) terminals that physically prints bingo cards for players in an embodiment where the player appears in person to purchase tickets, or from point-of-sale (POS) terminals that permit players to play bingo in an on-line environment. A game processor maintains a linked list identifying each card in play containing each possible value. Each entry in a linked list includes a pointer to the next element in the linked list. Each bingo card is represented as a bitmap containing an entry corresponding to each square on the bingo card. Each entry in the linked list also identifies the particular square on the bingo card containing the corresponding value, thereby allowing the appropriate entry in the corresponding bitmap to be identified. As each number is drawn, the game processor utilizes the linked list to identify all of the bingo cards in play having the drawn number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Bingo Innovation Software
    Inventor: John A. Santini, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6739874
    Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Tinkers & Chance
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Publication number: 20040080107
    Abstract: A light projection assembly includes a laser, particularly a diode laser, positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser. The trigger is repeatedly and rapidly moved up and down to oscillate the laser in approximately a five degree arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. Mirrors can be positioned on the arena surface to reflect the light emitting from the laser to create a plurality of continuous visible lines of light on the arena surface. A variety of entertaining games can be played in conjunction with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: B. Keith Triplette
  • Patent number: 6726562
    Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Mikohn Gaming Corporation
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 6712359
    Abstract: A game involving simultaneous moves by opposing players comprises a game board having separate lanes extending in discreet steps from starting positions to ending positions. Player controlled linked gates control movement along the lanes. Players simultaneously select lanes and gate positions and then move through all open gates in the selected lane. Each time a player reaches the ending position, he scores a point and starts over. A predetermined total score wins the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Vanlier
  • Patent number: 6692353
    Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert R. Lech
  • Patent number: 6688973
    Abstract: A system for using trading cards interactively through an electronic network, such as the Internet, combines uniquely identified trading cards with specially designed electronic services. Each trading card, which designates a game player, such as a sports talent, has associated therewith a unique identifier of alphanumeric characters. The game playing rights to a subset of these trading cards is sold to a plurality of card collectors, the game players designated by the cards of each subset forming a game playing “team” to be managed by the respective card collector. The collector registers selected ones of the cards from his/her subset of cards with a game service provider, thus placing the game players designated by the selected cards “in play”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Satloff, Dustin N. Satloff
  • Patent number: 6690156
    Abstract: A device for detecting physical objects, each object having a detectable identifier, the objects being disposed in association with a graphic display device, comprising a detector operable to detect a location of said identifier relative to said graphic display device, and to output a signal bearing information of said first location, wherein said device is operable to determine, by electronic processing, from said signal, a relative location of said physical object in relation to said graphic display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: N-trig Ltd.
    Inventors: Avish Jacob Weiner, Haim Perski, Meir Morag
  • Patent number: 6682427
    Abstract: A keypad used for dialing telephone numbers to establish a communications link is also used to display game moves. Once the communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators (e.g., LEDs) and player identification displays (e.g., LCDs) at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. Player identification indicators are incorporated into a touch-tone keypad located on each of the terminals. Each key of the keypad has two or more color-coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move. Thus, the touch-tone keys represent a game board and/or game accessory when the terminal is placed in a game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Interactive Telegames, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Wolinsky
  • Patent number: 6659836
    Abstract: An figure data input device is provided, by which prompt and accurate simulation learning is realized by automatically reading out type identifying data and location data of a figure piece when the piece figure is placed on a mounting board. The educational figure data input device includes a figure piece composed of a figure portion replicating the outward appearance of an object and a storage unit for storing the type of the figure portion, which are combined into one body; a mounting board provided with a plurality of sectional mounting planes in such a manner that one figure piece is placed on only one of the plurality of sectional mounting planes; and a reading device, incorporated in the mounting board, for reading out type identifying data stored in the storage unit of the figure piece placed on the mounting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushi Yamasaki, Motonobu Jinushi, Fusako Kusunoki, Hiromichi Hashizume, Masanori Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6648756
    Abstract: In connection with a game of chance in which numbers are selected, a player may wager that the lowest of the selected numbers may be a “high” number or the highest of the selected numbers may be a “low” number. If the player has correctly wagered on the “high” number or the “low” number, the player receives a payout with the amount of payout varying depending on how low the “high” number is or on how high the “low” number is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest W. Moody
  • Patent number: 6650870
    Abstract: Data communication apparatus comprises a master unit (2) and at least one physically separate, passive slave unit (4). The master unit (2) has a first part (29) of an inductive communication system, and a processor (20) connected to the first part of the inductive communication system. The slave unit has a second part (40) of the inductive communication system, a data store (48), and a modulator (44,49) responsive to data from the data store and connected to the second part (40) of the inductive communication system. The first and second parts of the inductive communication system (29,40) are constructed so that when the slave unit (4) is brought into proximity with the master unit (2), power is inductively coupled from the master unit to the slave unit via the inductive communication system. The modulator (44,49) in the slave unit (4) is thereby activated to cause data from the store (48) to be inductively communicated from the slave unit (4) to the master unit (2) via the inductive communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Innovision Research & Technology PLC
    Inventors: Andrew W White, Marc A. Borrett
  • Patent number: 6619662
    Abstract: A wager sensor which is employed on the bottom of a gaming table. The sensor identifies when a wager has been placed on the top surface above the sensor and communicates a signal of this occurrence to a controlling computer which monitors the flow of the game. Ideally a number of tables are equipped with the sensors and a single controlling computer is then able to monitor the operation of the entire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Gold Coin Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: John Raymond Miller