Abstract:
A method and a structure for an Autonomous Train Control System (ATCS) are disclosed, and are based on a plurality of autonomous train control elements that operate independent of each other. An autonomous train control element operates within an allocated track space, and based on predefined rules. Further, autonomous train control elements are paired together to exchange operational data. Pursuant to the predefined rules, an autonomous train control element acquires needed track space from a paired element, and relinquishes track space that is not required for its autonomous operation to a paired element. Further, an autonomous train control element is assigned a priority level with respect to the acquisition/relinquishment of track space.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for a train control system are disclosed, and are based on virtualization of train control logic and the use of cloud computing resources. A train control system is configured into two main parts. The first part includes physical elements of the train control system, and the second part includes a virtual train control system that provides the computing resources for the required train control application platforms. The disclosed architecture can be used with various train control technologies, including communications based train control, cab-signaling and fixed block, wayside signal technology. Further, the disclosure describes methodologies to convert cab-signaling and manual operations into distance to go operation.
Abstract:
An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.
Abstract:
A gaming device that does not employ pay lines is provided, and has a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality of groups. The configuration of the groups could be done manually by the player, or at random, and changes for each game. At least one key group is used to define key symbols that must be repeated at other groups for a winning combination of symbols to occur.
Abstract:
An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is provided which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.
Abstract:
A gaming device method and apparatus are disclosed, and are accomplished by a slot machine that provides the result of a spin, or a game, to the player in two steps. In the first step, the machine provides partial, or incomplete information related to the occurring symbols during a game. The player is permitted to place, or change, his or her wager after said partial or incomplete information is made visible to the player. Upon depositing, or increasing a wager, the machine provides the complete result of a spin to the player, and a win determination is made.
Abstract:
An electronic game, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes individually operable electric switches to control the device, and electric light emitting means to provide multi-color displays. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches until all multi-color displays indicate the same color. The device functions by matching electrical operating codes, transmitted from its left and bottom edges, with electrical operating codes stored at its top and right edges, to generate electrical color codes. The electric switches control the routing of the operating codes within the device, and the distribution of the color codes to the multi-color displays. In the preferred embodiment, the device utilizes a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, monitor the position of electric switches, and control the display of multi-color indications. The microprocessor also controls the generation of operating codes, the routing of operating codes from the left and bottom edges to the top and right edges, the determination of color codes at the top and right edges, and the distribution of those color codes from the top and right edges to the multi-color displays. The preferred embodiment also includes multi-color lighted switches to implement the electric control switches and the multi-color displays. The device also comprises an electric control means to select a new game, provisions to varry the level of difficulty of any particular game, and means to generate audible signals.
Abstract:
An interactive play device, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes means to generate a plurality of interactions, entry control means, means to store responses to interactions and control means to select the next interaction based on memorized responses. One object of this invention is to provide a new class of interactive play devices which is founded on personalizing a play device so that its current functionality is based on past interactions with a player rather than providing an identical operation or a randomly activated function each time the device is turned “on.” The invention also provides a plurality of toy devices which operate in a plurality of states that mimic human behavior. A preferred embodiment discloses an interactive doll device which generates interactions that require responses from the player. The responses are memorized by the doll device and are used to select the next interaction. An alternate embodiment discloses an interactive toy car device which uses the same concept of memorizing responses to interactions to generate the next interaction. Both the doll and car play devices are controlled by a generic flow diagram disclosed in the specification.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for a train control system are disclosed, and are based on virtualization of train control logic and the use of cloud computing resources. A train control system is configured into two main parts. The first part includes physical elements of the train control system, and the second part includes a virtual train control system that provides the computing resources for the required train control application platforms. The disclosed architecture can be used with various train control technologies, including communications based train control, cab-signaling and fixed block, wayside signal technology. Further, the disclosure describes methodologies to convert cab-signaling and manual operations into distance to go operation.
Abstract:
A method and a structure for an Autonomous Train Control System (ATCS) are disclosed, and are based on a plurality of autonomous train control elements that operate independent of each other. An autonomous train control element operates within an allocated track space, and based on predefined rules. Further, autonomous train control elements are paired together to exchange operational data. Pursuant to the predefined rules, an autonomous train control element acquires needed track space from a paired element, and relinquishes track space that is not required for its autonomous operation to a paired element. Further, an autonomous train control element is assigned a priority level with respect to the acquisition/relinquishment of track space.