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.

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: A wireless headset having a user interface configured to allow the user to utilize the full functionality of the headset while minimizing the number of physical control inputs necessary is described. The user interface may have a user input control that is configured to control more than one function of the headset. The user interface may also provide audio as well as visual outputs to the user to indicate a particular functionality of the headset being controlled by the user or a particular status of the headset.

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 gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards. The gaming device includes a card read-write device for reading data cards, a plurality of vertically-stacked card holders for holding a plurality of data cards and one or more card transporters for moving data cards to and from the card holders. The gaming device is operable with a portable card changeover machine. The present invention increases the convenience and efficiency for playing and managing gaming devices.

Abstract: A toy capable of interchangeably activating an electronic controller and a projectile launching component through the same trigger mechanism providing for a fun and interesting toy with a variety of play modes. A holder assembly including a receiving compartment is capable of accepting the electronic controller and the projectile launching component. The electronic controller includes at least one human user interface input button for controlling an electronic game, and the projectile launching component includes a mechanical actuator for launching a projectile. The trigger mechanism is in mechanical communication with the holder assembly for engagement with the human user interface input button for controlling the electronic game and the mechanical actuator for launching the projectile.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system including numerous thematically-related elements, and particularly including one or more pliant, design-bearing ornaments which are transferable and/or attachable nearly anywhere. Each ornament includes and defines a character embodied in a design fixed thereupon, and such characters provide a thematic-basis and continuity throughout the numerous features and elements of the invented entertainment system. The ornaments are typically universally-interchangeable within the system embodiments, being operably attachable and detachable via reciprocal hook and loop fastener, for example, with any of a great variety of structures, each structure configured for coupling an ornament with one or more of a great variety of substrates.

Abstract: A gaming medium includes a wireless tag on a white side thereof, a wireless tag on a black side thereof and a high magnetic permeability member. Each wireless tag stores information to be read magnetically. The high magnetic permeability member is placed between the wireless tags, prevents a magnetic field from affecting the wireless tag on the black side at a time when the information stored in the wireless tag on the white side is magnetically read from the white side, and prevents a magnetic field from affecting the wireless tag on the white side at a time when the information stored in the wireless tag on the black side is magnetically read from the black side.

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: A gaming apparatus has several primary gaming devices. Each of the primary gaming devices is configured to accept a wager and to generate a bonus qualifying event. A central display device is mounted in association with the primary gaming devices. The central display device has several flexible belt displays having indicia thereon. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the central display device. The controller is configured to detect the bonus qualifying event and to position the flexible belt displays such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the flexible belt displays convey a game outcome. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

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: Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system.

Abstract: Apparatus for use by a player in a game of Texas Hold'em poker is disclosed and comprises and keyboard and a screen. The keyboard includes: a card identification key arrangement including one key for each of the cards of a standard 52-card deck suit; and a suitedness indicator key arrangement. Using the identification key arrangement, the user can: indicate, in two keystrokes, the cards constituting a hand; and indicate the number of players participating. Using the indicator key arrangement, the user can indicate, in a single keystroke, whether the cards in the hand are of the same suit. After the user has: indicated the cards constituting said hand; indicated the number of players participating; and indicated whether the cards in the are of the same suit, the screen displays information about the hand selected from: the pre-flop percentage odds of said hand winning the game; and the hand ranking.

Abstract: A riding simulation system includes a steering handle mechanism capable of being gripped by an operator for steering a front wheel of a motorcycle displayed on a display of a personal computer or the like. The system also includes a frame body for rotatably holding the steering handle mechanism, and a control unit mounted to the frame body for performing control based on the operation amounts of the steering handle mechanism, a clutch lever and a brake lever, with a circuit substrate being incorporated in the control unit and being connected to the detection units through connection cables. The riding simulation system provides a relatively small system with a control unit that is easily mounted to enhance maintenance and installation of system components.

Abstract: A gaming system including a chair having a base and a mechanical connector mounted to the base, and a gaming machine having a rotary locking mechanism to mate with the mechanical connector of the chair to latch the base to the gaming machine. The gaming machine and base can include an electrical connection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for changing firmware in a gaming printer. The printer containing computer memory, internal and/or external to the printer, with the memory divided logically into multiple parts; a first section containing computer codes, a second section containing the data describing the format of gaming vouchers, and a third section containing data describing the format of promotional coupons. A mathematically unique identifier is created as an individual signature for each section of the memory, with each signature being independent of the other signatures, thus allowing for the changing the contents of one or more sections of the memory without affecting the contents of the unchanged sections of the memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for identifying and tracking gaming objects and game states on a gaming table. Through the use of imaging devices and identity and positioning modules gaming objects are detected. An identity and positioning module identifies the value and position of cards on the gaming table. An intelligent position analysis and tracking (IPAT) module performs analysis of the identity and position data of cards and interprets them intelligently for the purpose of tracking game events, game states and general game progression. As a game progresses it changes states. A game tracking module processes data from the IPAT module and keeps track of game events and game states. Ambiguity resolution mechanisms such as backward tracking, forward tracking and multiple state tracking may be used in the process of game tracking. All events on the gaming table are recorded and stored on video and as data for reporting and analysis.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for supporting the light-transmitting sheets of material in a gaming cabinet includes an upper retaining structure that secures an upper edge of the sheet, and a lower support surface upon which a lower edge portion of the sheet is disposed. A retaining bracket or the like secures at least the lower portion of the sheet of material to the gaming cabinet.

Abstract: A playing card shuffling device has a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the shuffling device.

Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.

Abstract: A gaming machine (10) is provided having a plurality of modules. The gaming machine (10) may be used to provide a flexible architecture gaming machine. The plurality of modules include a play module (12) containing a display device (14) and a computational device (100) for controlling the operation of the gaming machine (10), and a base module (24) shaped and dimensioned to either directly or indirectly support the play module (1 2). The play module (12) includes a communication interface device (104) operable to communicate with a transaction handler that may be a transaction handling module (16). Also described and claimed is a method of supplying and a method of manufacturing a flexible architecture gaming machine.

Abstract: A system to present the user a 3-D virtual environment as well as non-visual sensory feedback for interactions that user makes with virtual objects in that environment is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a system comprising a depth camera that captures user position and movement, a three-dimensional (3-D) display device that presents the user a virtual environment in 3-D and a haptic feedback device provides haptic feedback to the user as he interacts with a virtual object in the virtual environment. As the user moves through his physical space, he is captured by the depth camera. Data from that depth camera is parsed to correlate a user position with a position in the virtual environment. Where the user position or movement causes the user to touch the virtual object, that is determined, and corresponding haptic feedback is provided to the user.

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A control mechanism adapter for a game console having a circular base with an upper surface, an under surface, and a central opening, wherein the central opening allows a user's finger to rest directly on the control mechanism of a game console. There are legs on the under surface of said base, and attachment elements on the legs to attach the base to a control mechanism of a game console. The base has two raised control elements on the upper surface and on opposing sides of the base. The open center allows the user's thumb to rest on the same standard control geometry that the user is accustomed to using. The user has the option to press against the raised elements, either laterally or with the tip of the thumb. The raised element feature allows the user to manipulate the control lever with less downward muscular force and with improved dexterity.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing gaming voucher images are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes recording voucher information on a gaming voucher, creating an image of the gaming voucher, causing the image to be stored, and dispensing the gaming voucher.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for providing a user interface for a game performed on a mobile communication terminal. The invented apparatus supports a network game using a mobile communication terminal by providing network game functions through voice communications, various operational and manipulation functions, realistic video/sound presentation and a support for a mass capacity game. The invented apparatus enables on-line network game through mobile data communication network as well as voice communications and it provides various and improved user interface for a game using mobile communication terminals.

Abstract: Methods for determining input to be supplied to a computer program are provided. One of the methods include processing a first video frame having a pattern code before light is applied to the pattern code. The first video frame defines a first characteristic of the pattern code, and the pattern code is defined by at least two tags. The method further includes processing a second video frame having the pattern code when light is applied to the pattern code, such that the second video frame defines a second characteristic of the pattern code. Then, decoding the first characteristic and the second characteristic of the pattern code to produce decoded information. An interactive command is then initiated to the computer program. A type of the interactive command is defined by the decoded information, wherein one of the tags has a reflective surface and one of the tags has a non-reflective surface.

Abstract: A digital camera accessory is provided for use with a game system having a processing system to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a user to generate video game control signals. The digital camera accessory includes an image sensor for capturing video images, communication circuitry configured to transmit the captured video images, and a connector that, in use, electrically connects the digital camera accessory to the game system.

Abstract: A screensplitter for splitting a viewing screen of a gaming device which has a first opaque panel having a first end, a second end, and opposed edges and a second opaque panel having a first end, a second end, and opposed edges. Engagement means are provided for securing the first opaque panel to the second opaque panel at an angle with the first opaque panel being vertically offset from the second opaque panel. Securing means are also provided for attaching the first end of the first opaque panel and the second end of the second opaque panel to a viewing screen.

Abstract: A tactile garment, such as a gaming vest (420) or other garment or body-enveloping device. A pneumatic force-generating device (425) is embedded in the vest in multiple cell zones for selectively applying a modulated force to a user wearing the multi-layered vest. A compressed air source comprising a compressor (612) and an associated canister (606) selectively actuates the pneumatic force-generating devices to produce a tactile response. A control valve assembly couples the pneumatic force-generating device to the compressed air source. A controller (426) selectively opens and closes the control valve to modulate the pneumatic force-generating device and generate forces simulating real forces, such as impact and G-forces. Force sensors may be deployed in the cell zones to provide force data for generating secondary forces.

Abstract: A card game apparatus 12 includes an image sensor 54. The image sensor photographs a design (31: FIG. 2) printed on a card 30. A photographic signal from the image sensor is sampled by a game processor 64, and is further re-sampled to form a photographic pixel data array. A ROM 66 is provided with a database (67A: FIG. 7) which is assigned a comparison data array and a card ID for each entry. By searching the database based on the photographic pixel data array, the processor 64 obtains one card ID and displays card data of the card identified by the card ID on a television monitor.

Abstract: A used card handling device includes both a card cancelling device and a card sorting unit, as well as an imaging device, a transport mechanism for transporting cards between the card imaging, cancelling, and sorting devices or units, and a controller for controlling the card imaging, cancelling, sorting, and transporting devices or units. The sorting device includes a holding device for each type of card, and output pockets to which the holding devices distribute the cards in a desired order.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating bill acceptor for use with a gaming device. The gaming device includes a cabinet with a locking mechanism, where the bill acceptor is rotatably mounted within the cabinet and removably engages the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes one or two pins connected to the cabinet, wherein the pins are engaged by an engagement member on the bill acceptor. The bill acceptor rotates between a bill insertion position and a bill removal position and includes a cash box removably connected to the bill acceptor, which stores the bills until removed and emptied.

Abstract: A video image capture component includes a light source operable in a first spectrum, a first image detector operable in the first spectrum, a second light source operable in a second spectrum, and a second image detector operable in the second spectrum. A filtering component generates a combination image by filtering a first image obtained by the first image detector with a high-contrast filter, resulting in a high-contrast image, and masking a second image obtained by the second image detector using the high-contrast image. A compositing component creates a composite image from the combination image and a selected image. A display component displays the composite image. Alternative systems and methods for creating a combination image include techniques involving thermal imaging, laser detection, and narrow band frequency detection.

Abstract: A lighting controller can be configured to control a variety of immersive lighting structures proximate to a wagering game machine (e.g., surrounding, affixed to, flanking, etc.) in accordance with game events (e.g., the wagering game being played, a bonus game, a portal game, etc.) and/or non-game events (e.g., emergency notifications, non-emergency casino announcements, etc.). The lighting controller can control the immersive lighting structure for a single wagering game machine and/or immersive lighting structures of multiple wagering game machines to produce light effects based on a lighting scheme that corresponds to a game event or non-game event.

Abstract: The present invention is for a storage rack for game controllers and a method of using it. The present invention provides a safe convenient and practical way of storing game controllers when the game controller is not in use by a gamer. The advantage of the present invention is that it organizes the controllers as well as provides a decorative element to a room. The game controller rack includes a vertical member and one or more pairs of cantilever angle members or posts wherein the members have a predetermined lateral spacing and are angled outwardly and upwardly in a predetermined range of angles to provide support for retaining various game controllers.

Abstract: A gaming chair includes a plurality of speakers, at least one electronic display device, a network interface configured to couple to a network, and a processor coupled to the speakers, the electronic display device, and the network interface. The processor is configured to receive game data from a remote server via the network interface, wherein the game data includes audio signals and video signals, and to cause the speakers to output audio based on the audio signals. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display at least one image based on the video signals.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing access to a virtual object corresponding to a real object. There is provided a method comprising authenticating a user account for a networked application, confirming a validity of a user provided code, wherein the code is visible on the real object or on accompanying materials of the real object, and granting the user account access to the virtual object for use in the networked application in response to the confirming of the validity. As a result, users are enabled to enjoy interactions with real objects as well as corresponding virtual objects both in an offline video game context and in an online network application context.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for enabling a microphone module that connects to a headset jack on a game controller. The microphone may include directional or omni-directional microphone element(s) that pick up voice input from people near a peripheral, such as a game controller, but reject background sounds from the room. User controls may also be available to set the microphone gain level, either manually or automatically, and/or to mute or unmute the microphone. The microphone of the invention can be used on a wired or wireless game controller. When used with a wireless game controller, wireless microphone capabilities and freedom of movement are provided without headdress requirements imposed by headsets.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs.

Abstract: A video game chair for enhancing the enjoyment of a video game includes a chair member formed of a horizontal seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. This is a chair that utilizes arm movement, torso movement, leg movement and finger movement to control video games. The chair's movement is under resistance which is variable to suit the needs of the person playing the game. This resistance allows for a video gamer to benefit from extreme cardio and bodybuilding workouts while having their mind “in the game”.

Abstract: A game is presented to a player via a personal gaming device of the invention. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a display screen, a processing unit including a processor and a memory, and a wireless communication interface associated with the processing unit. Game code is stored at the gaming device. A player pre-purchases game play, and information enabling the game device to present the game is provided, such as via a smart card, to the gaming device for use by the game code. The information may comprise game outcome information. The outcomes of played games are verified against stored information regarding the purchased games. Activation information is transmitted to the gaming device to enable operation of the device.

Abstract: A CPU of a game apparatus sequentially obtains, from a gravity center position detection device, gravity center position data indicative of the gravity center position of a user, and detects a variation range of the gravity center position of the user during a predetermined period to the current time, based on previously obtained gravity center position data. In addition, the CPU executes a predetermined information process based on a relative position of a gravity center position, indicated by a latest gravity center position data, with respect to the variation range detected thus.

Abstract: On adding a newly selectable scene selection screen to an imaging device having a shooting condition setting section which sets the imaging device for a shooting condition, upon receiving a selection of any one of scene selection screens corresponding individually to shooting scenes, by reading out the selected shooting condition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, from a storage section that stores the shooting conditions individually in association with the shooting scenes, a template composed of separate areas on each of which to display a display element being different from other display elements to be displayed on other areas is prepared, each display element is input individually to each area, and the template, to which the display elements are input, is set as the scene selection screen to be added.

Abstract: Identifiers are read from playing cards collected after completion of at least one hand of a card game, such as blackjack, and the value of a hand is determined from the resulting sequence of read identifiers (i.e., ending sequence). The playing cards are collected in a defined order, such as from players in order from a dealer's right to left, and finally from the dealer. The cards, and the play of the game, can be validated based at least in part on the ending sequence. Identifiers may also be read from cards before or while dealing the card game to produce an initial sequence.