Abstract:
A document-guiding device that clips onto the image sensor of a document scanner ensures that documents to be scanned are introduced into the scanner at an optimal angle and are applied to the transparent surface of the image sensor at an optimal pressure, thereby avoiding scratching and soiling the sensor glass surface. Moreover, the deep input guide clip includes a sharp edge that acts as a scrapper to remove or flatten protruding impurities to further reduce soiling the sensor transparent surface. The deep input guide clip has the added benefit of stopping parasitic ambient light and protecting the image sensor against hard falling objects thus avoiding breakage of the transparent surface. The deep input guide clip forms a compact enclosure that may also hold a set of document proximity sensors and associated control electronics for precisely detecting the leading edge of the document when it is introduced in the scanner, its width and its trailing edge.
Abstract:
A circuit implemented on a single piece of silicon or a low cost hybrid circuit that controls all the functions required to operate sheet-fed, flatbed, handheld, slides, duplex, drum and 2D still-image document scanners. The circuit performs monochrome image sensor management, color image sensor management, light source modulation, motor management, Anti-Skew Auto-Start, pixel correction, adaptative thresholding, black-sides removal, image enhancement, dithering, up/down sampling, image compression, scan and forward action management, memory management, and host interface management with plug and play capability.
Abstract:
Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
Abstract:
A method for a gaming terminal to authorize execution of downloaded software, comprising the steps of: running in the gaming machine a version of an operating system having Software Restriction Policy capability, and setting the Software Restriction Policy to authorize execution of software code signed with a certificate from a designated trusted party.
Abstract:
A method for gaming terminals, gaming kiosks and lottery terminals to ensure that the code-signing verification process of downloaded game software can be trusted. Drivers independently developed from the operating system supplier are embedded within the operating system kernel to verify that the micro-coded hardware components, the BIOS (808), the operating system components and the downloaded game software can be trusted.
Abstract:
An electronic controller for conducting trusted lightweight e-commerce transactions. A trusted transactional cache (212) and the associated transactional protocol allow e-commerce transactions to be committed to a remote server extremely quickly and with little network overhead. The end-to-end transactions are completed in just a few seconds or less. The invention operates equally well on robust private networks as on unpredictable Internet or wireless networks. The transaction is automatically completed following a temporary communication failure with the central site or following a temporary local controller failure. The invention can advantageously be used in embedded Internet products such as fixed or mobile Internet kiosks, transactional terminals, and Internet Appliances.
Abstract:
A sensor and a method for determining the state of conductive ink patterns applied to scratchable latex layers of instant-win tickets and other documents having scratchable latex layers affixed thereon. The device and method are based upon the generation of a radio frequency field across the conductive ink patterns on the document, using an array of miniature transmission RF antennas (340,440) and reception antennas (350,450), and the detection of the induced radio frequency signal. The presence, absence or state of the conductive ink patterns subjected to the RF field affects and changes the signal received on the receiving antennas. The signal received on the receiving antennas is conditioned and processed, so as to extract therefrom information relative to the state of the conductive ink patterns. This non-contact method does not damage the latex layer when the ticket or document is advanced at high speed through the sensor and is suitable for integration into high-speed optical scanners.
Abstract:
A universal method and system for downloading game software to legacy gaming machines (Fig 17, 1718). A gaming machine includes a locked enclosure; a first computing device disposed with the locked enclosure, the first computing device being programmed to enable game play of the gaming machine; a second computing device disposed within the locked enclosure of the gaming machine, the second computing device being configured for network access, and an interface between the first and the second computing devices. The second computing device is configured to receive game software components (Fig 17, 1702) over the network that are compatible with (e.g., executable by) the first computing device but not compatible with (e.g., not executable by) the second computing device and to transfer the received game software components to the first computing device over the interface. The second computing device may include, for example, a PC. When the first computing device is a PC, it may be configured with dual-boot capability between two operating systems. When the first operating system is booted, game play may be enabled and when the second operating system is booted (Fig 17, 1722), game software components may be received over the network.
Abstract:
An ergonomic adjustable 'integral' gaming terminal (102) configured to comfortably surround the player and provide audio isolation from the surroundings. The position and orientation of the various ergonomic elements including the sound volume and video brightness are computer controlled and memorized together with the player profile. A signal may be activated to allow ease of sitting-in and exiting the gaming terminal. Embodiments of the invention accommodate two or more seated players to play as a couple or as a team. The terminal (102) includes body-relaxing devices such as back massage, leg massage and foot massage as well as soothing audio that are available while the player is playing games. Some entertainment and information services may be activated for an additional fee, if a bonus or quota is attained or according to promotional scheme.
Abstract:
A method for a gaming terminal to authorize execution of downloaded software, comprising the steps of: running an operating system that includes a configurable policy functionality for restricting code execution to code that has been signed by a designated trusted party; configuring the restricting policy functionality to only authorize execution of software that is code-signed with a certificate from the designated trusted party.