Abstract: A gaming machine printer. The gaming machine printer creates printed vouchers, tickets, receipts, etc. for use in gaming applications employing cashless enabled gaming systems. The gaming machine printer includes a voucher management system having a burster bar for separating vouchers and a serpentine voucher guide that may be opened for inspection. The gaming machine printer further includes various electrical features that protect the gaming machine printer from electrostatic discharges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video game system. The video game system includes a video game console, and a Compact Disc (CD) changing apparatus. The CD changing apparatus is connected to the video game console. Further, the CD changing apparatus is capable of accommodating, and reading a plurality of game CDs. Furthermore, the video game apparatus is capable of operating the CD changing apparatus to search and read a game CD from the plurality of game CDs for facilitating a user to play the video game stored on the game CD.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide user interfaces for playing games on portable electronic devices. One example provides a game accessory having input controls for playing video, audio, and other types of games. The game accessory can have input controls, such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads. Another example provides a game accessory having a thumb pad or keyboard. Other possible features include microphones, cameras and camera lenses, speakers, a second screen, rumble, and motion detection. The game accessory may have a recess sized to fit the portable electronic device. Inserts or removable adapters can be used to fit portable electronic devices having different sizes. The portable electronic device can be held in the accessory using sliding covers, clips, or other engaging members. In other examples, the accessory can communicate with another accessory for head-to-head game play. The accessory may include circuitry for power, identification, and authorization.

Abstract: A method, a system and an article of manufacture are provided to generally enable computer interactivity for any type of application. The method is also capable of providing interacting functionality with a computer game. The method includes presenting a pattern code defined by at least two tags. Applying a light toward the pattern code at a specific time. Then, the method moves to capturing a first video frame of the pattern code before the light is applied to the pattern code, such that the first video frame defines a first characteristic of the pattern code. A second video frame is then captured for the pattern code when the light is applied to the pattern code, such that the second video frame defines a second characteristic of the pattern code. The method then enables decoding of the first characteristic and the second characteristic of the pattern code to produce decoded information.

Abstract: Embodiments of a handheld wagering game machine and docking station are described herein. In one embodiment, the wagering game docking station is configured to dock with a handheld wagering game machine. The docking station can include a docking port configured to receive and adjustably hold the handheld wagering game machine at any of a plurality of viewing angles. The docking station can also include a plurality of buttons configured to send input to the handheld wagering game machine. The docking station can also include a mounting member configured to mount the docking station to a surface.

Abstract: A bill acceptor for a gaming machine including a receiving zone for receiving a tendered bill. A sensing device is arranged at an input region of the receiving zone for sensing at least one characteristic of the bill. A controller is in communication with the sensing device for receiving an output signal from the sensing device. An annunciator is controlled by the controller to be activated when a bill acceptance rate of the controller drops below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A gaming system service apparatus comprising: a memory for storing update data for at least one gaming system, wherein the update data includes one or more game programs or sets of game rules; a data communication interface; a programmer adapted to update a game controller connected to the apparatus via the data communication interface using the update data; and a service controller adapted control the programmer's updating of game data in accordance with service rules and service instructions.

Abstract: An arm support mountable onto a video machine housing has a first portion configured for resting on a console of the video game machine without blocking the machine's interactive controls. An optional second portion is unitary connected to the first portion and extends downwardly therefrom, partially extending along the front of the machine. The contact surfaces of the support are soft and pliant, allowing reduction of stress on the user's hands, wrists and arms. An optional food support tray is secured to the first portion and provides support for auxiliary items within easy reach of the user.

Abstract: A console includes a face plate that is removably mounted to a console body by at least one clip. The face plate includes a power button for turning on the console. The face plate further includes a DVD slot that provides access to a DVD tray and a DVD ejection button mounted on the console body. The face plate may include additional features as desired. The ability to readily remove the face plate allows users to switch between a first face plate with a first set of graphics to a second face plate having a second set of graphics. Thus, a console is provided with increased user customizability.

Abstract: A manipulation input device structure includes a foundation base and an operating base. The foundation base has a rotation slot, such that the operating base is pivoted therein, and the operating base may relatively pivots to the foundation base and is fixed at a using position or a packaging position. When the operating base pivotally rotates to the packaging position, a space occupied by the manipulation input device is smaller than a space occupied by the manipulation input device when the operating base is located on the using position.

Abstract: An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.

Abstract: A game system 1 related to the present invention includes: slot machines 3A to 3J in each of which a base game is executed with a game value being bet; a shared display 201 which displays predetermined content; and a lighting device 120. The lighting device 120 related to the present invention includes: an LED 135 which emits light; a cover 121 which is positioned so as to receive light emitted from the LED 135, and has a hemispherical shape and translucency; and an aluminum layer serving as a metal layer which is vapor-deposited onto the cover 121, and transmits a predetermined amount of light emitted from the LED 135.

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 device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.

Abstract: A method for processing an audio signal received through a microphone array coupled to an interfacing device is provided. The method is processing at least in part by a computing device that communicates with the interfacing device. The method includes receiving a signal at the microphone array and applying adaptive beam-forming to the signal to yield an enhanced source component of the signal. Also, an inverse beam-forming is applied to the signal to yield an enhanced noise component of the signal. The method combines the enhanced source component and the enhanced noise component to produce a noise reduced signal, where the noise reduced signal is a target voice signal. Then, monitoring an acoustic set-up associated with the audio signal as a background process using the adaptive beam-forming inverse beam-forming to track the target signal component, and periodically setting a calibration of the monitored acoustic set-up.

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 video game controller holder for storing the controller when not being used is provided with a customizable appearance to a user's preference. The holder includes a cradle body with a controller support surface that contoured to compliment the controller permitting the controller to be placed on the support surface. The cradle body includes a display surface to which is mountable a display. The display may provide decorative indicia to the holder, which may be selected by the user to his or her individual preferences. The display may be removably mounted permitting a user to change the display as desired. The display may be a static display, such as an ornamental plaque, or may be a changeable electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The electronic display may be pre-programmed with various images or visual effects that are selectable by the user.

Abstract: A gaming control board having low-power circuitry and high-power circuitry for controlling the operation of a gaming machine. The low-power circuitry includes logic components including a CPU that executes instructions for randomly selecting a plurality of game outcomes in response to wagers inputted by a player. The high-power circuitry includes high-power components such as lamp drivers for interfacing high-power signals between the gaming control board and a game interface board. Two connectors are provided on the gaming control board, one to interface low-power signals and another to interface high-power signals. The high-power circuitry is located near the connector interfacing the high-power signals for optimal EMI suppression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring media between media source devices and media sink devices are disclosed. Remote control units are used to indicate the media sink and media source devices for transferring media data between these elements.

Abstract: A table game system comprises a plurality of playing cards and a card shooter apparatus. The cards include an ultraviolet-ray reaction code comprising at least two sets of code elements that are arranged along one side of a face of the card. The code represents at least the number of a card. The card shooter apparatus includes a card housing for containing the cards, a card guide unit that guides cards pulled out one by one from the card housing, one or more card detecting sensors that detect the existence or non-existence of a card pulled out along a card guiding direction of the card guide unit, and one or more black light sensors that read the ultraviolet-ray reaction code from the card guided by the card guide unit.

Abstract: A display unit and a vending machine having the same. The display unit includes a display panel to display an image, a circuit board to control the display panel, a board bracket installed at a rear of the display panel and formed with a receiving section to receive the circuit board, and a plurality of inlet holes and a plurality of outlet holes formed in opposite surfaces of the board bracket to allow external air to flow through the receiving section. The air travels through the inlet and outlet holes and passes through the receiving section in one direction to cool the display panel and the circuit board. Thus, the display unit is prevented from malfunctioning and the display panel is prevented from being degraded by heat even if tempered glass is installed at a front of the display panel.

Abstract: A gaming device having an award value or symbol display device is provided. The display device includes multiple interconnecting rotators that cooperate to drive an indicator to produce a translating motion. The translating indicator is positioned along linearly spaced apart award values to sequentially and intermittently indicate or point to various ones of those values and ultimately to one of the values, which has been generated randomly for the player. The value can be awarded to the player or be combined with another value to form an award for the player.

Abstract: A casino game is implemented on the basis of a wireless mobile player unit adapted to play poker, slots, bingo and other casino games. The unit obtains random game outcomes from a central computer over a radio channel utilizing a data encryption technique relying on an authentication key. The authentication key is downloaded into the unit from the central computer via a secure wired communication channel while the unit is stored, recharged and locked in a dispensing kiosk controlled by the central computer. A player rents the unit from the kiosk, plays it throughout the casino and returns the unit to the kiosk to obtain prizes and/or bonus points earned. The central computer tracks the inventory of the units in the kiosk and on the casino floor.

Abstract: A disk for identifying individual symbols on a reel displayed in a symbol display region of a mechanical slot machine, the disk being concentric with the rotational axis of the reel and rotatable along with the reel, the disk surface being provided with a plurality of convex members protruding radially around the rotational axis, and the plurality of convex members each having at the top a detection surface whose distance from the rotational axis is within a unique range.

Abstract: A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (C) executing a common game, when a number of the gaming machines joining the game is equal to or more than a specific number.

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

Abstract: A set of controllers can be communicatively linked to a gaming console. One of the controllers can be programmatically designed as an active controller and another can be programmatically designed as a fail-over controller. A failure of an active controller can be determined. Responsive to this determination, the fail-over controller can be automatically substituted for the active controller.

Abstract: A remote control device, including: a housing having first and second elongated sides opposite each other, the first side including a plurality of user-operable switches for controlling a display device, and the second side including a plurality of user-operable switches for enabling a user to play a video game on the display device.

Abstract: A protective restraint system is disclosed for a hand-held remote control device. While providing protection, the protective restraint system simultaneously allows smooth and accurate interaction with the hand-held remote control device, and protection against accidental launching of the hand-held remote control device as a projectile during use. The protective restraint system has a protective membrane that permits button interaction, and a cut-out permitting interaction with a trigger button. The protective restraint system is further adapted to allow for infrared and other communication signals to and from the hand-held remote control device while said device is in use in conjunction with said protective restraint system. Further, port connections with external devices can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

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 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 infeed 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 apparatus for identifying unexpected cards in a card handling device are disclosed. The method comprises providing a card handling device, wherein the card handling device comprises card storage area, an output end for the manual removal of cards, a processor with associated memory and a card recognition system capable of reading at least a rank of a card, wherein the associated memory has a data file of a set of expected card values, reading a value of a card, comparing the read card value to the set of expected card values, and when the card value is not an expected card value, generating an error signal indicative of a card not belonging to the set.

Abstract: A tether for securing a game controller to a user's wrist includes a retaining band or strap that encircles a portion of the game controller, a wristband, and a link that extends from the elastic band or strap to the wristband. In this way, a motion sensing game controller that does not provide an attachment point for a strap is capable of having a tethering mechanism associated therewith.

Abstract: Playing cards carry conductive material which may be wirelessly interrogated via radio frequency transmission to identify a rank and/or suit for monitoring a card game. Chips carry conductive material which may be wirelessly interrogated via radio frequency transmission to identify a value for monitoring wagering in a card game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating special effect are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving an input information from a game controller; generating an output data set based on the input information received by the game controller at a game console; transmitting the output data to a stage kit; and generating special effects at the stage kit based on the output data received from the game console.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a media dispenser, such as a ticket printer. The media dispenser is located in a belly portion of the gaming machine below a console portion. The media dispenser may be located in front of a cabinet portion of the gaming machine and behind a door thereof. The media dispenser preferably extends horizontally through the gaming machine. A portion of the media dispenser may be located in front of a currency box of a currency acceptor of the machine. The location of the media dispenser simplifies the configuration of the gaming machine as well as access to the media dispenser.

Abstract: A simulated character module and method of operation are presented. The simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control a simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character is displayable on the display. Further, the image is displayable on a second display of a second module to simulate movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates via an electronic network with the second module using the communication device. The electronic network can be the Internet. Further, the image is not displayed on the display of the module if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module.

Abstract: A handheld device and peripheral, and game using the handheld device and peripheral. The peripheral includes user inputs, with the peripheral interfacing with the handheld device by way of a handheld device memory port, for example a memory port generally configured for use with game cartridges.

Abstract: A motion platform configured as automobile racing vehicle simulator is disclosed. The apparatus that embodies the geometry and various methods of articulation related to a motion platform having advantageous geometric relationships are also set forth. In one embodiment enhanced performance of a motion-generating device having a rider or driver is accomplished through the location of the center of mass of a payload as near as practicable to the pivotal center of the payload support. The device has a base supporting an upstanding column and a sled pivotally mounted to the top of the column. The rider is accommodated on the sled. To achieve the event simulated results intended various acts are performed in configuring the motion platform.

Abstract: Token including a token body obtained by at least one injection of material around an insert including a contactless identification device attached to a rigid plate sandwiched between two layers of injected material, the rigid plate including at least one through-hole. The invention also concerns the method of manufacturing such a token, including placing the insert in a mold, injecting a plastic material around the insert to form at least a portion of the core of the token, and at least one injection of plastic material around the assembly formed by the insert and the portion of the core obtained after the first injection of plastic material.

Abstract: A releasable mounting system that includes a mounting assembly and a release assembly attached to a display assembly. The mounting assembly includes a hub assembly having spokes that connect a wheel to the hub, which is mounted to a trunnion. At the intersections of the spokes and wheel are protrusions adapted to mate with corresponding detents arranged radially about the trunnion and formed in a plate against which the hub assembly is positioned. The release assembly includes a release attached to a release plate, the release being movable relative to the plate. A channel formed in the release receives the hub assembly and a hook portion on the release holds the hub assembly in the release until movement of the release causes it to release the hub assembly. The display is pivotable about the trunnion in fixed stops defined by the detents and is also releasable by operating the release.

Abstract: A doll catching game set includes a base and a display portion in which dolls are put and a claw is controlled by the user to catch a doll in the display portion. An electronic roulette is located in the display portion and includes a circuit board which is activated to display a code on the roulette when no doll is caught by the user. A dispensing portion is connected in the display portion and includes a threaded member which is driven by a motor which is activated to rotate the threaded member. A treat is mounted to the threaded member and located in one of pitches of the threaded member. The tread drops from a free end of the threaded member and the user can have the treat.

Abstract: A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that enables the possibility of adding promotions or themes to a printed cashout ticket without a need to modify the central system controller or modifying the host gaming machine.

Abstract: The controllers are designed specifically for play with football games on the Playstation and Xbox consoles. The player now has the ability to call plays without the opponent being able to see them. FIG. 1 is in similar form of current controllers on the market, while FIG. 2 is in the form of a wristband that quarter-backs wear in games that have their plays listed.

Abstract: An adaptation structure for a video game console includes an adaptation mechanism provided with a conversion control unit, a first connection interface, a second connection interface, and a power supply unit; an output equipment provided with a first link unit to engage in corresponding communication with the first connection interface; and the video game consol provided with a second link unit to engage in corresponding communication with the second connection interface; accordingly, the adaptation mechanism links to and communicate with the output equipment and the video game console thus to avoid complicated wire distribution and running to achieve the purpose of easy mounting for use and dismounting for storage of the adaptation structure.

Abstract: A cartridge, which is an attachment device, is mountable into an insertion slot 8 in a game apparatus. At a side surface inside the insertion slot 8, provided is a slide member 41 movable from a near side to a far side of the insertion slot 8. The attachment device includes a housing 11 and a hook 14. When the attachment device is inserted into the insertion slot 8, a predetermined portion of the housing 11 abuts against the slide member 41, and the slide member 41 is caused to move toward the far side of the insertion slot 8 when the predetermined portion is inserted further inside while abutting against the slide member 41. The hook 14 is protrusible from a side surface of the housing 11, and is inserted into a recessed portion (an air gap A1) generated at the side surface inside the insertion slot 8 when the slide member 41 moves toward the far side of the insertion slot 8, and then latches onto the inside wall.

Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.

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: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and table games and, more particularly, to gaming machines and table games that include a player tracking module navigation device. A processor is configured to generate a changeable predetermined control signal in dependence on the PTM's status and/or user input received into the PTM, with the control signal corresponding to possible additional user input acceptable to the PTM given its current and prospective functionality. At least one button is provided. At least one light emitter also is provided, with each said light emitter being associated with one said button. Light activation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one light emitter in dependence on the control signal. Button actuation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one button in dependence on the control signal.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.