Abstract: An inflatable vehicle for simulating a driving experience while playing realistic computer-video driving games such as the WII games and handheld game players. The vehicle is life-like in construction and allows a player to sit therein while playing driving game. A steering wheel or handle bar is configured to receive a game controller or a motion-sensitive handheld game player. Movement of the steering wheel, thus, correspondingly controls images on a video game screen.

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 vibrating headset capable of generating a vibration of variable operational characteristics in the earpiece of the vibrating headset is disclosed. The vibrating headset may include one or more earpieces, each of which includes a speaker and a vibrator mechanism, wherein the vibrator mechanism receives a vibration input signal which is distinct from the audio input signal received by the speaker and defines the variable operational characteristics of the vibration to be generated by the vibrator mechanism. A gaming apparatus including a gaming device and a vibrating headset communicably coupled to the gaming device for generating vibrations of variable operational characteristics in response to receiving a vibration input signal from the gaming device is also provided. Finally, a method of creating vibrations defined by at least one variable operational characteristic in an earpiece of a vibrating headset is provided.

Abstract: A convertible gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet, at least one display, and a convertible area. The gaming cabinet has a ledge portion with a top surface. The at least one display is mounted to the gaming cabinet and is configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The convertible area is located entirely below the at least one display and partially below the top surface of the ledge portion. The convertible area is convertible at least between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration including a player tracking system, the second configuration including an insert having a storage portion configured to store one or more patron items. The insert replaces the player tracking system.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A gaming machine and a cover assembly for use with the gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a plurality of input buttons that are coupled to a cabinet assembly. The cover assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the cabinet assembly and oriented with respect to at least one button of the plurality of buttons. The cover is movable between a first position wherein the cover at least partially encapsulates the at least one input button, and a second position wherein the cover does not encapsulate the input button such that the input button is accessible by a player of the gaming machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for issuing cashless instruments and providing a printer interpreter for a gaming machine are disclosed. A printer and specialized printer interpreter (controller) are provided to facilitate the conversion of a specific credit amount to a currency amount in differing units (first form of currency), and the subsequent issuance of a cashless instrument reflecting that currency amount. Where the printer interpreter is reconfigurable, a second currency amount in different units (second form of currency) could also be selected. Multiple different currencies and their corresponding languages can be available to the printer interpreter, such that a given credit amount can be issued to a cashless instrument in one of many different currencies. Game execution operations of the MGC are isolated from the printer interpreter, such that recertification of the gaming machine or system is not necessary when reconfiguring the printer interpreter from one form of currency to another.

Abstract: An accessory for electronic gaming that can receive part of a game console controller. The accessory has one or more actuators for operating one or more press buttons of the controller.

Abstract: An inflatable air cushion or other type seat a person can sit on is instrumented with electronic input devices that can sense motion of the cushion and/or motion of the person's body. Such input devices provide inputs to a computer graphics system that dynamically generates a responsive scene on a real time display. The sensed motion can be used to generate a graphics simulation of horseback riding.

Abstract: A removable player station and locking mechanism. In one implementation, a removable player station allows quick and secure replacement, swapping, and upgrade of a modular player station component for electronic games. In one context, an electronic game table may employ multiple of the removable player stations, each secured with a locking mechanism and a common or a unique lock. In one implementation of a latching mechanism, a pivotable cradle attaches to the electronic game or game table and seats the removable player station through a pivoting motion that also brings the cradle into a locking position. When the pivotable cradle is opened from the locking position, the cradle lifts the removable player station from the game or tabletop for easy manual removal. The accessible part of the locking mechanism may be located under an electronic game tabletop away from view of the players.

Abstract: An input device comprises a first storage section for storing game data, a first communication section for communicating with a game apparatus, a first reception control section for receiving game data from the game apparatus, a first write control section for storing the game data received from the first reception control section into the first storage section, and a first transmission control section for transmitting the game data stored in the first storage section to the game apparatus. The game apparatus comprises a second storage section for storing game data, a second communication section for communicating with the input device, a second transmission control section for transmitting the game data stored in the second storage section, a second reception control section for receiving game data from the input device, and a game process control section for executing a predetermined game process using the game data received by the second reception control section.

Abstract: A system for playing a live game of chance using electronic wagering. The system uses a gaming table equipped with a card-reading apparatus and multiple dual-mode player/dealer displays, each with a player interface. Physical playing cards are electronically read and delivered to the gaming table. Electronic information of at least one of rank and count is provided to a game processor. The game processor also sends and receives player information to and from a player display. The player display is divided into two areas a first area displaying player information and a second area displaying dealer information. The player enters wagers and other play decisions through the player interface. The system displays information useful to the player on the first area and information useful to the dealer on the second area at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a chair communicably coupled to a gaming device. The chair includes an audio playback device operable to receive audio playback commands. The audio playback commands may be received from a gaming device physically attached to the chair, a remote gaming device, or from a network interface communicably coupling the chair to a gaming establishment audio system, a player tracking system, or other gaming establishment system. Additionally, the chair may include an audio data storage device. Audio data from the storage device may be played through speakers on the chair, audio output devices on a gaming device, or audio output devices on a peripheral attached to the gaming device such as a top box or signage peripheral.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes at least a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor is disposed on a lower face of a housing portion, so as to face downward and face a cabinet main body. In addition, the gaming machine is provided with a sound sensor on an upper face thereof, and starts executing a game in a case where the human body detection sensor responds and then the sound sensor detects a player's voice.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a game module for presenting instances of a game title and a game transaction module for interfacing with a system controller of a game entertainment center. The gaming device further includes a printer for printing various items such as tickets, coupons, vouchers, and other promotional material. The gaming device further includes a printer manager for arbitrating print job conflicts.

Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent tracking and/or play and/or management of card gaming use an intelligent card distribution or holding device with detectors for determine the value and unique identity of individual cards and for recording card play. In specific embodiments, the system utilizes various types of sensors and electronic circuits and software to scan, track, monitor, compute, and interface with electronic devices, to enable the automatic operation of Casino table games. The system can scan playing cards, scan gaming chips, indicate a players win/loss/draw, increase and or decrease player betting positions. Compute awards to players based on their playing activity, photograph individual players, and transmit player's images to casino security/surveillance departments and or other authorized casino personnel.

Abstract: Composite tabletops for electronic game tables are described. In one implementation, the composite tabletop has a channeled core layer sandwiched between a bottom layer and top layer. The channeled core layer is constructed of foam, so that the foam forms enclosure spaces for player stations, displays, user-interface hardware, central control/server hardware, and cooling equipment. The foam is also shaped to form duct spaces between each player station and a central space in the channeled core layer. The ducts can be used to route wires between each player station and the central space and to direct cooling air to or from each player station. The channeled core layer reduces time and labor during manufacture of an electronic game table and results in an electronic game table that is more lightweight for shipping, absorbs noise generated by enclosed hardware and electronics, absorbs shocks, and optimizes cooling of enclosed components.

Abstract: Individuals can operate processor enabled devices at a high level of performance, even if they have little or no familiarity with those devices, by indirectly operating them through a first processor enabled device. The direct interactions of individuals with a familiar device can be communicated to one or more processors that perform signal processing functions in order to generate control signals that direct the operation of a second, unfamiliar processor-enabled device. In this closed-loop system, individuals can receive real-time feedback on the performance of the second device in a form associated with the operation of the first device.

Abstract: A video game console accessory providing a vest with sensory feedback rumblers at various positions on a vest. The game console may now provide sensory feedback to the game player by coordinating what occurs visually in the game with a physical sensation experienced by the game player. The rumblers are positioned against the gamer's torso to provide dynamic sensations to increase realism experienced during game play. Each rumbler is independently controlled. An optional feature is the availability of various skins to alter the appearance of the device and to match a particular theme of the game played.

Abstract: A game apparatus performs game processing on the basis of operation data output from a first input device including a first acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor and a second input device including a second acceleration sensor. The game apparatus calculates an orientation of an object within a game space on the basis of a first acceleration and a second acceleration, and causes the object to make a predetermined motion on the basis of the angular velocity data.

Abstract: Example systems and methods described herein relate to a remote control including an image sensor disposed on a front end portion thereof. First and second markers produced by a light source are detected at the image sensor. A first middle point is calculated based on the detected first and second markers and a second middle point is calculated based on the first middle point and a difference in direction between a reference direction and a direction from the first detected marker to the second detected marker. A position pointed to by the remote control is calculated based on a difference between a reference point and the second middle point. An image signal is generated for an image based at least in part on the pointed-to position.

Abstract: An entertainment chair includes a base, a bottom surface positioned on a lower portion of the base and a seating surface positioned opposite the bottom surface. The entertainment chair further includes a support surface formed or removeably attachable with respect to the bottom surface and permitting 360 degrees of rotation of the base relative to a floor surface. The entertainment chair further includes an internal control for translating movement of a user to an entertainment system and may further include a means for operably connecting the entertainment chair to an entertainment medium for receiving a signal produced by the entertainment medium.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which includes a housing with an opening in front thereof and a front door that is pivotally coupled to one side of the housing so as to open and close the opening. The front door includes a display, a decorative device, and an operation device. The display device is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. The decorative device is disposed in a lower portion of the housing. The operation device is disposed in a middle portion of the housing. A front portion of the operation device projects with respect to the display device and the decorative device. A rear portion of the operation device is internally installed in the front door. The operation device is configured to move backward such that a front surface of the front door is maintained substantially flush while the front door is opened.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle for simulating a driving experience while playing realistic computer-video driving games such as the WII games. The vehicle is life-like in construction and allows a player to sit therein while playing driving game. A steering wheel or handle bar is configured to receive a game controller—which controls the video game when the steering wheel or handle bar is manipulated like a real life equivalent thereof.

Abstract: A gaming, betting and/or entertainment machine, in particular a coin-and/or cash-operable gaming or betting machine, has a housing, a data processing unit accommodated in the housing, at least one display device for displaying game and/or entertainment signals, and an operating device for machine operation, which is disposed on the housing. The housing has a modular structure and a plurality of modules to be attached to each other, which each are preassembled with the electronic components attached thereto. A first housing module, which carries the data processing unit and possibly the operating means, includes a first connection interface, by which a respective second housing module, which carries the respective display device, can selectively be attached to the first housing module. The data processing unit in the first housing module advantageously has a detection device for self-detection of the respectively connected electronic components in or on the respectively attached further housing modules.

Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a gaming machine that automatically detects peripherals and enables or disables features in accordance with the detected peripherals are disclosed. One aspect of the systems and methods is that the peripheral has an identifier associated with it. The identifier may be used to identify the type of peripheral attached to the gaming machine. After determining the type of peripheral, features associated with the peripheral type may be enabled and other features may be disabled. A further aspect includes reading configuration data for the gaming machine. The configuration data may be compared to the peripheral types that are automatically detected by the gaming machine.

Abstract: A sports video game having a new and improved user interface that substantially increases the potential realism of the game uses a handheld controller that is able to sense its own position, orientation and/or motion and is affixed to a ball. The ball can be a model of a football that is provided with a depression that snugly accepts and retains the handheld controller. The handheld controller may sense motion, position and/or orientation of the ball and provide wireless inputs to a video game system. The video game system may process such inputs to provide a simulated sports action game play on a video display.

Abstract: In a gaming method for facilitating game play via a gaming apparatus, the gaming apparatus comprising a controller and a first display unit, the controller communicatively coupled to the first display unit, a game software application may be executed, and value input data may be received. The first display unit may be caused to display a game image representative of one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slots, keno, or bingo. A secondary software application may be executed, and an icon associated with the secondary software application may be displayed simultaneous with the display of the game image, wherein a foreground of the game image is substantially unobstructed by the icon, and wherein the icon is substantially unobstructed by the foreground of the game image. Information may be conveyed using the secondary software application upon detecting an event, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.

Abstract: A game apparatus sequentially acquires acceleration data outputted by an acceleration sensor of an input device (step S2). Further, smoothed data representing a value which is obtained by smoothing an acceleration represented by the acceleration data is calculated (step S3). A game process is executed using the acceleration data and the smoothed data (step S4). For example, the game apparatus controls an action of an object appearing in a game space by using the acceleration data and the smoothed data.

Abstract: A game chip writer for writing at least identification information in a game chip used for a game includes an encryption unit for encrypting at least part of recording-information with use of a private key and a writing unit for writing the encrypted information. A game chip reader includes a reading unit for reading the encrypted information from the game chip and a decryption unit for decrypting the read information with use of a public key.

Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an automated gaming chair for a gaming system that conducts a wagering game. The gaming chair includes a seat portion and a backrest portion that are supported by a base. The seat portion includes one or more sensing devices for detecting the position of the player relative to the seat portion. The backrest portion includes one or more sensing device for detecting the position of the player relative to the backrest portion. The gaming chair also includes at least one actuator for automating movement of the gaming chair. The actuator(s) limits one or more ranges of motion within which the gaming chair is moved based upon the position of the player as detected by the sensing devices of the seat portion and backrest portion.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a housing, which is playable by a plurality of players, that has a station provided for each individual player; an operation detection unit that detects an operation of a player present at each of the stations performing a bet operation through a bet image displayed on the image display unit; an image capturing unit, provided at the housing, that can capture images of a player present at each of the stations, and a determination unit that determines tampering or an error of a game by comparing image capturing information obtained by the image capturing unit with predetermined information.

Abstract: One or more gaming devices, such as slot machines, can be installed onto a gaming device base comprised of façade kits removably attached to a gaming device foundation. The tops of the gaming device bases either have replaceable top surfaces or adjustable attachment points in order to allow different gaming devices to be attached to any given base. In one embodiment of the later, adjustable mounting brackets are utilized that provide elongated bolt hole slots through which bolts can be inserted from a gaming device. The gaming devices are then secured to a base by use of nuts inserted and tightened over the bolts. The adjustable mounting brackets can be slid back and forth when bolts through them have not been secured with nuts. The mounting brackets can also be easily inserted and removed. The result is that the mounting points for gaming devices can be adjusted in two dimensions, allowing for the installation of most gaming devices, regardless of bolt and cable configurations.

Abstract: An example game system includes a game apparatus, an operating device, and a hand-held device. The game apparatus receives first operation data from the operating device and second operation data from the hand-held device, and performs a predetermined game control process. Furthermore, the game apparatus generates a first game image of a virtual game space representing a result of the game control process, based on a first virtual camera, and the game apparatus also generates a second game image based on a second virtual camera. The first game image is outputted to a first display device provided independently of the hand-held device. The second game image is outputted to a second display device of the hand-held device. Moreover, the game apparatus performs as the game control process a process for controlling an attitude of the first virtual camera based on the first operation data and a position of the first virtual camera based on the second operation data.

Abstract: A lens accessory for a video game sensor device and a method of adjusting a sensing distance of a video game sensor device. A lens accessory for a video game sensor device includes a first lens configured to cover an infrared light emitter of the video game sensor device, a second lens configured to cover an infrared light receiver of the video game sensor device, and a body portion coupling the first lens and the second lens together, the body portion being removably attachable to the video game sensor device, and the first lens and the second lens having a magnification for adjusting a sensing distance of the video game sensor device.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to a gaming system configured or designed for use with a bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may include a movable gaming unit, the movable gaming unit which is operable to be lowered below an upper surface of the bar top or table top, and which is operable to be raised, at least partially, above the upper surface of the bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to control a wager-based game played on the gaming system. The gaming system may be further operable to lower the gaming unit below the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one first condition or event. The gaming system may be further operable to raise a first portion of the gaming unit above the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one second condition or event.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments are provided. In one embodiment, a child deck may be created using one or more rules to resequence a parent virtual deck created from physical playing instruments, such as cards. In one embodiment, a player may be allowed to “cut” the deck of virtual playing instruments before a virtual deck is assigned to a game session. In another embodiment, a copy of the child (or parent) virtual deck is created before the child (or parent) virtual deck is transmitted for use in a game session, and a game may be electronically recreated using the copy of the virtual child deck to confirm the outcome of the game. Further aspects relate to allowing a player of a game to request a secondary audit of the game.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: A Sic-bo automated dice-cage has a control module, a dice module and a switch module. The dice module is connected to the control module and has a base, a dice container, multiple dice, a shaker and a cover. The dice container is pellucid and is mounted on the base. The dice are placed in the dice container. The shaker is mounted movably inside the dice container and is controlled by the control module to shake the dice at a variable frequency. The cover selectively covers the dice container and is controlled by the control module to cover and uncover the dice container. The switch module is electronically connected to the control module and comprises actuators to activate the control module to shake the dice, to cover and uncover the dice. The variable frequency of movement of the shaker may further change according to a position of the cover.

Abstract: The following types of processing are provided in the present invention. 1) Projection processing in which a shadow projected onto the ground of a flying object flying through a virtual space is prevented from becoming too small. 2) Viewpoint moving processing in which a viewpoint is moved automatically so that a character to be displayed is accommodated within the field of vision of the viewpoint at all times. 3) Semi-transparentizing processing in which, when display objects overlap, the display object with the smaller surface area according to [a comparison of] the displayed surface area is made semi-transparent. 4) Relative strength judgment processing in which the relative strength of teams in a team competition is determined on the basis of the sum of the fighting abilities. 5) Leader setting processing in which a leader character is determined and the outcome of the game is judged according to whether or not the leader character is active.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.

Abstract: A method and system for personalized digital game creation are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises storing a plurality of customizable games. Each game of the plurality of customizable games has personalization slots. Media assets are received from a user computer. A personalized game is generated using the media assets and a customizable game of the plurality of customizable games.

Abstract: A cushioned attachment (30) for a user-manipulatable actuator (12) of a controller device (10) provides extra support and comfort for the user (60). A preferred embodiment is a joystick thumb cushion that fits over a conventional joystick actuator of a video game controller.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting cashless gaming or player tracking within a gaming environment are disclosed. Players with associated player accounts are provided player tracking instruments having rewriteable displays. Also provided are gaming devices or machines having display panels adapted to display content and communicate with the player tracking cards or instruments. Data on player tracking instruments is updated and displayed thereupon. The player tracking instruments may contain an RFID tag to receive communications from a transceiver associated with the gaming device or machine. A feedback loop from a master gaming controller to a transceiver to a player tracking instrument to an input display panel and back to the master gaming controller can be created. Player tracking instruments may also have lights, speakers, vibration components, and other advanced features thereupon.

Abstract: In a first aspect there is provided a modular visual output component for a gaming machine, including a housing, at least one visual output device, an input connector electrically coupled to the visual output device, and an output connector electrically coupled to the input connector. The input and output connectors being arranged relative to the housing and shaped such that the output connector can be connected to an input connector of a further modular visual output component having the same configuration with the modular visual output components abutting one another, whereby two or more modular visual output components can be joined to one another and supplied from a common power source.

Abstract: A fencing strip includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. The light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip to project at least two different types of light through the perforations, indicating which fencer has scored. The light assemblies are located at spaced-apart positions along the overall length of the strip which includes an electrically conductive top surface that completes a circuit when a fencer's conductive blade contacts the strip surface (a non-scoring touch). The conductive top surface is perforated to maintain a continuous contact surface that can differentiate a non-scoring touch from a fencer's blade, via an interconnection between the top surface and scoring console. The perforations allow for transmission of light therethrough. A plurality of ramped placards extend outwardly from the overhang of the elevated subsurface and the adjacent floor in a downwardly angled direction.

Abstract: A discard rack moves and reads suit and rank of individual cards. The cards are provided to a card in-feed area and moved to a card collection area. Both suit and rank of each card is read in the card in-feed area or between the card in-feed area and the card collection area. The discard rack comprises a) a card in-feed area with card moving elements that move only a bottom card from a set of cards in the card in-feed area, b) a card collection area that receives cards from the card moving area in the same sense as cards are received in the card in-feed area, c) an image capture device that captures data from a card while the card is between the card in-feed area and the card collection area, d) preferably a communication port to send out captured data to a processor, and e) an elevator that lowers to maintain a level at which cards are received in the card collection area.