text:
DURHAM, N.H. -- Dick Umile, head coach of the University of New Hampshire men's ice hockey team, recently announced the team's schedule for the 2012-13 season. The schedule is subject to change.
After being defeated by Boston University in the Hockey East quarterfinals to end last season, the Wildcats open the 2012-13 campaign at home with an exhibition game against St. Francis Xavier on Saturday, Oct. 6 (7 p.m.). New Hampshire will officially kick off the regular season with four home games starting with a two-game series against St. Cloud State on Oct. 12 (7 p.m.) and Oct. 13 (7 p.m.). The 'Cats will play host to Hockey East rival Boston University to begin conference play on Oct.20 (7 p.m.). UNH then plays a home and home series with Northeastern at the Whittemore Center (Oct. 26 – 7 p.m.) and Oct. 27 (7 p.m.) at Northeastern.
To kick off November, New Hampshire travels to UMass (Nov. 2) to play the Minutemen, and travels up to Maine that same weekend to play the Black Bears on Sunday (Nov. 4 – 7 p.m.). UNH returns home for one game against Vermont (Nov. 10 – 7 p.m.) before hitting the road again for four games. UNH plays at UMass-Lowell (Nov. 16 – 7 p.m.) and at Boston U. (Nov. 18 – 7 p.m.). The 'Cats then travel to Colorado to participate in the Denver Cup playing Denver on Nov. 23 (7 p.m.) and Colorado College on Nov. 24 (7 p.m.). UNH plays its second game with UMass-Lowell on home ice on Nov. 30 (7 p.m.) to round out the month.
In the month of December, the Wildcats will complete their home-and-home series playing at Lowell (Dec. 1 - 7 p.m.) and finishing their series with Boston U. at home (Dec. 6 – 7 p.m.). Closing out December, UNH is taking part in the Dartmouth Tournament on Dec. 28 (7 p.m.) and 29 (4 or 7 p.m.). The Wildcats will play in-state foe Dartmouth on the 28th and either Bemidji State or UMass on the 29th.
On the non-conference side, UNH will also play host to the USA Under-18 team (Jan. 4 – 7 p.m.) in an exhibition game and take on ECAC opponent Rensselaer on Jan. 6 (4 p.m.). UNH will travel to Manchester, N.H. to play Merrimack at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Jan. 26 (7 p.m.).
In February, the Wildcats will play seven pivotal Hockey East contests including three at home and ending with a pair at Vermont.
The Wildcats cap off their regular season with four straight home games in March including a season-ending two-game series against Maine for "White Out the Whitt" (March 8-9).
UNH season ticket holders will have the opportunity to start renewing their seats for the 2012-13 season beginning June 1st. Fans interested in becoming a UNH season ticket holder can call the ticket office at 603-862-4000 extension 5, Monday through Thursday, from noon to 6 p.m. For more ticket information you may also visit www.unhwildcats.com. Log onto www.unhwildcats.com for all the latest on UNH men's hockey.


text:
Learn how to create realistic product renderings for print and video advertising with CINEMA 4D.
Use CINEMA 4D's sculpting tools to sculpt the head of an old man and paint a great-looking texture map with BodyPaint.
Add realism and character to your 3D models with materials in CINEMA 4D.
Introduces particles (used to simulate effects like snow, sparks, fog, or fire) and dynamics (which allow you to define how objects interact with their environment).
Shows how to lend 3D objects color, transparency, and life with materials, textures, and lights.
Introduces the CINEMA environment and illustrates the importance of the object hierarchy.
"Your training goes way more in-depth than most classes at my school, and you can pause and rewind it if you don't follow it the first time." —Jared L.
more from our members »

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Chitalpa tashkentensis
By Gwen Kilchherr, Sonoma County Master Gardener
The Chitalpa is as unlikely a tree as anyone might imagine. After all, who ever would have thought that the cross between Catalpa bignonioides (Southern catalpa), not the most desirable shade tree, and Chilopsis linearis, (Desert willow), not quite a stately specimen, would turn out so well? But it did! And here we have the Chitalpa! Scientifically, it is known as X Chitalpa tashkentensis. That 'x' is not a typo – it indicates that the plant is a result of a cross between two different genuses.
Chitalpa carries some of the best traits of both parents, yet doesn't produce the abundant, messy seed pods that each parent tree develops. That's because the flowers are sterile. Therefore, there are no seed pods to drop onto patios and sidewalks, causing a slippery mess. Anyone that has a desert willow knows how annoying this can be!
Chitalpa has a lot going for it. For one thing, it appears to be more tolerant of poorly drained soils than desert willow, and it produces larger, orchid-like flowers. It starts flowering in May or June and extends until frost, unlike the once-in-the-spring-flowering Catalpa. Chitalpa flowers are borne in large clusters, each containing 15- to 40-inch-long florets that attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Chitalpa is a sun loving, fast-growing, multi or standard-trunked, deciduous tree needing occasional watering once established. The multi-trunked tree branches out near the base and creates an oval shaped canopy. The standard-trunked trees also have an oval shape to them. They both have an open limb structure, allowing filtered sun to pass through so other plants can grow underneath. Its desert willow-like, glossy green leaves are about 1 inch wide and can grow up to 4-6 inches long.
Reaching about 25 feet high and wide, Chitalpa's appearance favors the desert willow, having the same open, breezy-like structure, but is much more lush-looking. This tree is considered drought-tolerant and is fairly hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 0 degrees F (USDA hardiness Zone 6). Its leaves and stems may suffer damage in cold weather, though it recovers in spring from the surviving roots. It can be grown throughout Sonoma County successfully.
Again, who would have thought such a terrific tree would be the result of a cross between desert willow and catalpa? Chitalpa certainly inherited the best of both parents, making this tree an outstanding performer in just about any garden!
©Sonoma County Master Gardeners


text:
A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer. The casino creates a player account accessible by the host computer. The account can accrue both player-tracking points and account credits. Account credits are applied to a player's account as sign-up incentive, bonus award or other player incentive. When the player inserts his or her card in a card reader at one of the gaming devices, the player has access to the account points and credits. When playing with account credits, the account is debited in the amount of the wager responsive to each game played. The credit meter is simultaneously credited, also in the amount of the wager, thereby effectively providing the player with a free game. In a related implementation, the player can convert account points to account credits thereby redeeming player-tracking points at the machine.
1. A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer comprising:
creating a player account accessible by the host computer;
applying an incentive credit to the player account;
providing access to the account responsive to a command initiated by a player at one of the gaming devices;
debiting the account responsive to a game played at said one gaming device;
crediting said one gaming device responsive to debiting the account; and
preventing the applied incentive credit from being cashed out.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. The method of
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer comprising:
creating a player account accessible by the host computer;
applying an incentive credit to the player account;
accessing information in the player account responsive to a command initiated by a player at one of the gaming devices;
detecting a wager made by the player;
detecting a game played on said one gaming device;
debiting the account in the amount of the wager responsive to the game played;
crediting the gaming device in the amount of the wager; and
preventing the applied incentive credit from being cashed out.
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. The method of
29. The method of
30. The method of
31. The method of
32. A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer comprising:
creating a player account accessible by the host computer;
applying an incentive credit to the player account;
accessing information in the player account responsive to a command initiated by a player at one of the gaming devices;
applying credit from the player account to said one gaming device responsive to a game played on said one gaming device; and
preventing the applied incentive credit from being cashed out.
33. The method of
associating said one gaming device with a card reader;
issuing a card to the player; and
associating the card with the player account.
34. The method of
35. The method of
36. The method of
37. The method of
38. A method of providing incentive to play a gaming device comprising:
applying incentive credit to a player account;
detecting a game played on the device;
debiting the player account responsive to the game played;
crediting the gaming device responsive to debiting the player account; and
preventing the applied incentive credit from being cashed out.
39. The method of
40. The method of
41. The method of
42. The method of
43. The method of
44. The method of
45. The method of
46. The method of
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/083,301, filed on Apr. 28, 1998.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to networked electronic gaming machines, such as electronic slot machines, and more particularly to a method for crediting a player of one of the machines.
2. Description of the Related Art
Linking together electronic slot machines on a computer network is known in the art. One example of such a network is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,882 to Acres et al. ("the '882 patent"), which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The '882 patent is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The '882 patent also discloses a number of different bonuses, which pay awards to players at their respective slot machines that are over and above any awards dictated by the pay tables of the machines.
One such bonus award is paid randomly to one of the players via that player's slot machine. Once a slot machine is selected for this type of award, a computer on the network transmits a command to the slot machine that causes it to pay a predetermined amount from the hopper of the machine to the player.
Another type of award is personal to each player and is based on the level of that player's play. As discussed in the '882 patent, a player may be issued a player-tracking card that is insertable into a card reader associated with each slot machine. The network collects data relating to the player's play and stores it in a central computer. Personal awards to the player may be a predetermined amount or a percentage of the player's total play. They are awarded upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g., when the player's cumulative wagers exceeds a predetermined level.
Player tracking points is another award sometimes given to players of networked gaming devices. Each player who uses their card accrues a predetermined number of points for each dollar wagered on the networking gaming machines. Some systems award points for jackpots won on the machines. In any event, the player is eligible to redeem his or her points for complimentary meals, merchandise, or other awards determined by the casino that operates the slot machines. In addition to point accrual based on play, points are often awarded to induce players to sign up for carded play.
In still another effort to induce play on machines, casinos sometimes provide a player with the ability to make complimentary wagers, or to make half price wagers. An example of the foregoing incentives implemented on networked slot machines are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/672,217 for A Method for Providing Incentive to Play Gaming Devices Connected by a Network to a Host Computer to Acres ("the '217 application"), which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The '217 application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
It would be desirable to provide the foregoing incentives, e.g., bonuses, inducements for signing up for carded play, player tracking points, complementary or reduced-price wagering, etc., with a single system. It would be convenient for both the casino and the players for the system to be accessible using the player-tracking card, which is already in use by many of the players. It would be advantageous for such a system to award player credit to machines under conditions determined by the casino whether or not the player was enrolled for carded play. Another advantage relates to providing such awards while permitting the player to continue play at the machines. A further advantage would be awards that can only be taken in further wagers on the machines. In other words, the player cannot cash out the award immediately but must apply it to subsequent wagers made on the machine. Also, the player should be able to cash out any awards won during play. This means the player can have ready access to his or her winnings—and casino overhead is reduced—rather than having to present their card to a casino cashier who gives the winnings to the player.
The foregoing advantages are especially significant in connection with redeeming player tracking points. The system permits conversion of player-tracking points to credits while the players remain at the gaming machines and permits the player to convert back and forth between points and credits that can be wagered. Traditionally, players have had to leave the gaming machines, wait in a line, and present their player-tracking card to redeem accrued points for an award. This system has several disadvantages. First, it requires the player to leave the gaming floor and often wait in line thus depriving the casino of revenues that might have resulted had the player remained on the floor and continued to play. Second, it would be advantageous to the casino to redeem the points for credits to promote additional play rather than for merchandise, meals or the like. If the player could redeem the points for cedits on the gaming devices while remaining on the floor, it would also reduce casino overhead devoted to maintaining and delivering awards such as merchandise.
In one aspect, credit is applied to the player's account. When a game is played, the player account is debited and the gaming device is credited in the amount of the wager.
In another aspect, gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. A credit is applied to a player account accessible by the host computer. Access to the account is provide responsive to a command initiated by the player at one of the gaming devices. The account is debited and the gaming device credited responsive to a game played by the player.
In still another aspect, points are accrued in the player account related to the level of player play on the gaming devices. Points in the account are converted to a credit in the player account responsive to a conversion command initiated by the player at the gaming device. The player thereafter wagers credit from the account on the gaming device.
It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages associated with prior art methods for awarding and redeeming player-tracking points, bonus awards, and other incentives that do not result from awards dictated by pay tables in the gaming machines.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in view of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of electronic gaming machines interconnected by a computer network to a host computer in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a slot machine and associated hardware implemented in accordance with the present invention.
Turning now to FIG. 1, indicated generally at 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating electronic gaming machines (EGMs), like EGMs 12, 14, interconnected by a computer network. Included therein are three banks, indicated generally at 16, 18, 20, of EGMs. Each EGM is connected via a network connection, like connection 22, to a bank controller 24. In the present embodiment of the invention, each bank controller comprises a processor that facilitates data communication between the EGMs in its associated bank and the other components on the network. The bank controller also includes a CD ROM drive for transmitting digitized sound effects, such as music and the like, to a speaker 26 responsive to 10 commands issued over the network to bank controller 24. The bank controller is also connected to an electronic sign 28 that displays information, such as jackpot amounts and the like, visible to players of machines on bank 16. Such displays are generated and changed responsive to commands issued over the network to bank controller 24. Each of the other banks 18, 20 of EGMs include associated bank controllers, speakers, and signs as shown, which operate in substantially the same manner.
Ethernet hub 30 connects each of the bank controllers associated with banks 16, 18, 20 of EGMs to a concentrator 32. Another Ethernet hub 34 connects similar bank controllers (not shown), each associated with an additional bank of EGMs (also not shown), to concentrator 32. The concentrator functions as a data control switch to route data from each of the banks to a translator 36. The translator comprises a compatibility buffer between the concentrator and a proprietary accounting system 38. It functions to place all the data gathered from each of the bank controllers into a format compatible with accounting system 38. The present embodiment of the invention, translator 38 comprises an Intel Pentium 200 MHz Processor operating Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.
Another Ethernet hub 39 is connected to a configuration workstation 40, a player server 42, and to bonus servers 44, 46. Hub 39 facilitates data flow to or from workstation 40 and servers 42, 44, 46.
The configuration workstation 40 comprises a personal computer including a keyboard, Intel Pentium Processor, and Ethernet card. It is the primary user interface with the network.
The player server 42 comprises a microcomputer that is used to control messages that appear on displays associated with each EGM. Player server 42 includes an Intel Pentium Processor and an Ethernet card.
Bonus servers 44, 46 each comprise a microcomputer used to control bonus applications on the network. Each bonus application comprises a set of rules for awarding jackpots in excess of those established by the pay tables on each EGM. For example, some bonus awards may be made randomly, while others may be made to linked groups of EGMs operating in a progressive jackpot mode. Examples of bonuses that can be implemented on the network are disclosed in co-pending application no. 08/1843,411, filed Apr. 15, 1997 and assigned to the Assignee of the present application (the '411 application), which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. This co-pending application also describes in more detail features of the network, like that shown in FIG. 1, that may be used to implement the present invention. The '882 patent also discloses bonuses that can be implemented by bonus servers 44, 46 and a network that could be used to implement the present invention.
As used herein the term jackpot indicates an award made resulting from the pay table on one of the EGMs while the term bonus indicates an award that does not result from the machine's pay table. The '411 application and '882 patent include many examples of bonuses. The term award is intended to encompass any payment given to a player of one of the EGM's and includes both jackpots and bonuses.
FIG. 2 is a highly schematic representation of an electronic slot machine—typical of each of the machines in the network—that incorporates network communications hardware as described hereinafter. This hardware is described in the '882 patent, and is referred to therein as a data communications node. Preferably the network communications hardware is like that disclosed in the '411 application, namely a machine communication interface (MCI) 50. MCI 50 facilitates communication between the network, via connection 22, and microprocessor 52, which controls the operation of EGM 12. This communication occurs via a serial port 54 on the microprocessor to which MCI 50 is connected.
Included in EGM 12 are three reels, indicated generally at 48. Each reel includes a plurality of different symbols thereon. The reels spin in response to a pull on handle 51 or actuation of a spin button 53 after a wager is made.
MCI 50 includes a random access memory (RAM), which can be used as later described herein. The MCI also facilitates communication between the network and a vacuum florescent display (VFD) 58, a card reader 60, a player-actuated push button 62, and a speaker 64.
Before describing play according to the invention, description will first be made of typical play on a slot machine, like EGM 12. A player plays EGM 12 by placing a wager and then pulling handle 51 or depressing spin button 53. The wager may be placed by inserting a bill into a bill acceptor 68. A typical slot machine, like EGM 12, includes a coin acceptor (not shown) that may also be used by the player to make a wager. A credit meter 70 is a numeric display that indicates the total number of credits available for the player to wager. The credits are in the base denomination of the machine. For example, in a nickel slot machine, when a five dollar bill is inserted into bill acceptor 68, a credit of 100 appears on credit meter 70. To place a wager, the player depresses a coin-in button (not shown), which transfers a credit from the credit meter 70 to a coin-in meter 72. Each time the button is depressed a single credit transfers to the coin-in meter up to a maximum bet that can be placed on a single play of the machine. In addition, a maximum-bet button (also not shown) may be provided to immediately transfer the maximum number of credits that can be wagered on a single play from the credit meter 70 to the coin-in meter 72.
When coin-in meter 72 reflects the number of credits that the player intends to wager, the player depresses spin button 53 thereby initiating a game.
The player may choose to have any jackpot won applied to credit meter 70. When the player wishes to cash out, the player depresses a cash-out button 74, which causes the credits on meter 70 to be paid in coins to the player at a hopper 78, which is part of machine 12. The machine consequently pays to the player, via hopper 78, the number of coins—in the base denomination of the machine—that appear on credit meter 70.
Card reader 60 reads a player-tracking card 66 that is issued by the casino to individual players who choose to have such a card. Card reader 60 and player-tracking card 66 are known in the art, as are player-tracking systems, examples being disclosed in the '882 patent and '411 application. Briefly summarizing such a system, a player registers with the casino prior to commencing gaming. The casino issues a unique player-tracking card to the player and opens a corresponding player account that is stored on accounting system 38 (in FIG. 1). Accounting system 38 is referred to herein as a host computer. It should be appreciated, however, that the host computer can be distributed on the network and could include multiple processors or memories. The account includes the player's name and mailing address and perhaps other information of interest to the casino in connection with marketing efforts. Prior to playing one of the EGMs in FIG. 1, the player inserts card 66 into reader 60 thus permitting accounting system 38 to track player activity, such as amounts wagered and won and rate of play.
To induce the player to use the card, the casino awards each player points proportional to the money wagered by the player. Players consequently accrue points at a rate related to the amount wagered. The points are displayed on display 58. In prior art player tracking systems, the player may take his or her card to a special desk in the casino where a casino employee scans the card to determine how many accrued points are in the player's account. The player may then redeem points for selected merchandise, meals in casino restaurants, or the like, which each have assigned point values.
Before describing the manner in which the present invention is implemented on the network of slot machines depicted in FIG. 1, consideration will first be given to terminology used in the description.
First, a player-tracking account is one that is established by the casino, typically for an identified player—although the invention could be implemented with an anonymous account. The player-tracking account is referred to herein as a player account. When the player inserts his or her card into card reader 60 of EGM 12, information related to that player's account is fetched from the host computer, transmitted on the network, and stored in the RAM included in MCI 50 of EGM 12. Such information includes player-tracking points, which are referred to herein as account points. In accordance with the present invention, the player's account may also include credits that may be transferred by the player from the player's account to credit meter 70 on the machine and thereafter wagered by the player. These credits in the player's account are referred to herein as account credits and are awarded and redeemed as described hereinafter. Credits appearing on credit meter 70 of EGM 12 are referred to herein as meter credits.
One way in which account credits may be applied to a player's account is as an incentive to open the account. In other words, when the account is opened by the casino, an account credit, e.g., $5, is applied to the account. The following Table 1, which is described in more detail below, sets forth the sequence followed by the player to redeem the account credits for play on EGM 12.
When the player inserts card 66 into reader 60, the account information is fetched from the host computer in step 1 above. The amount of account credit available appears on display 58 in the denomination of the machine being played. In the example above, with an initial account credit in the amount of $5, when the card is inserted into a nickel slot machine display 58 shows: Account Credit=100. If the player was using a dollar slot machine, display 58 would show: Account Credit=5.
When a player account is accessed responsive to insertion of the player's card, the host computer prevents the account from being accessed from another slot machine. This blocks the use of a duplicate card to load the account into a second machine after the account information has already been fetched from the host computer and loaded into a first machine. This can be accomplished in a manner similar to that used to prevent a document from being loaded into a word processor operating on two different computers on a network. In other words, after the document is loaded, it is locked out from being loaded into a second word processor on the network.
In steps 2 and 3, the player places a wager, for example, in the amount of $0.15 via the coin acceptor and presses spin button 53 to play the game. If the player deposits coins or bills, via bill acceptor 68, in excess of the amount wagered, the balance appears on credit meter 70. But in the present example, assume that the wager is made via the coin acceptor and that there is a zero balance on the credit meter after the wager is applied to coin-in meter 72 and before the player pushes spin button 53.
When the player presses the spin button, the reels begin to spin. Also in response to pressing the spin button, coin-in meter 53 goes to zero, the account credits are debited by 3 (the amount of the wager in the number of coins applied to coin-in meter 72), and credit meter 70 is credited by 3—effectively restoring the player's initial wager. Display 58 now shows: Account Credit=97, credit meter 70 now shows a balance of 3, and the player has had a free game.
It should be appreciated that the credit applied to the meter after the reels spin, could be in amounts other than a one-to-one ratio. That is, instead of matching each credit bet with a credit applied to the credit meter, the casino could choose to award, e.g., a half credit for each credit bet, or could make the award greater, e.g., two credits applied to the credit meter for each credit bet. The present embodiment, however, is described with a matching credit applied to the credit meter for each credit bet.
The player may, if he or she so chooses, redeem the meter credits by depressing cash-out button 74, or may continue to play. Assume that the player elects to wager 2 credits on the next game. The player depresses the coin-in button (not shown) to transfer 2 credits from credit meter 70 to coin-in meter 72. Credit meter 70 then shows a balance of 1 and coin-in meter displays 2. When spin button 53 is depressed to play the game, 2 more credits are deducted from the account credits and added to credit meter 70. After the game, display 58 shows: Account Credit=95. And credit meter 70 shows a balance of 3, 1 credit remaining from before the game and 2 added from the account credits responsive to the play.
Assume this game resulted in a 10 coin win based on the pay table in EGM 12. This win is applied to credit meter 10, which now shows a balance of 13. The player may again decide to cash out and thus retrieve the 10 coin win and the initial 3 coin investment. All 5 credits wagered came from the account credits, which now has a 95 credit balance.
With this system, the player must wager each account credit he or she wishes to cash out. In other words, the player can not cash out the account credits without wagering them. All awards, whether from jackpots or bonuses, are applied to credit meter 70. When the player finishes wagering, he or she cashes out and removes his or her card. When the player wishes to resume wagering, on EGM 12 or on any other of the EGM's connected to the network of FIG. 1, the card is again inserted into the card reader, like reader 66, associated with the EGM played by the player. The display shows: Account Credit=95. And the player must again use their own money, recovered from cashing out at the last machine, to initiate the wagers.
Account credits can be applied by the casino to a players account as a player-tracking sign-up award, as in the example above. In addition, the casino might credit the account for a special date such as a birthday, an anniversary, etc., and send mail to the player notifying him or her of this credit.
Another promotion is described in the '411 application and is referred to therein as Welcome Back. In that promotion, a player who earns a predetermined minimum number of account points has their account credited for half-priced wagering as described in the '411 and '217 applications. This encourages the player to return to the casino at a later time. This award could be made in account credits that are redeemed as described in the present application.
Similarly, any of the bonus awards described in the '882 patent or in the '411 application could be made in account credits rather than being applied directly to the credit meter. For example, some random awards are funded by placing a preselected percentage of wagers made into a bonus pool. The wagers may be made either on a preselected group of machines or by a single identified, player playing on different machines. The group is preselected by the casino at workstation 40 with the host computer accounting for the bonus pool for that group, as well as other groups of machines. Such a preselected group is referred to as a link. After a minimum amount is accrued in the bonus pool, the pool, or a portion thereof, is awarded at random to an eligible player. Such awards, rather than being paid to the credit meter, could be in the form of account credits that must be redeemed as described above.
Another bonus award that could be made in account credits occurs when a big win is won. For example, assume that one of the slot machines pays a large amount, defined by the casino as being over a predetermined amount. This big win could be a result of a jackpot, dictated by the machine's pay table, or as a result of one of the random or other bonuses that does not result from the machines pay table.
When a big win occurs, all the same machines on the link (or all the machines on the network) can be paid a bonus, either in the form of a credit to the credit meter or as account credits or points. Such a bonus can be programmed at the host computer to occur responsive to the big win. The casino can impose eligibility criteria for awarding this bonus, such as a predetermined rate or level of play. In addition, the casino can also condition that such bonuses be paid only to carded players as a further incentive to enroll players in the player-tracking system. On the other hand, awards could still be made to uncarded players but carded players could give larger awards, also as an incentive to register for and use a player-tracking card. The big-win award is made to all of the players on the link by crediting the RAM in each MCI 50 on the link with a predetermined amount of account credit. Uncarded players therefore receive the same credit as a carded player. The uncarded player must, however, use all of the account credits on the machine to which the award is made. Thus, applying credit to a player's account may be done manually by the casino at a keyboard when, e.g., the player signs up for carded play. This credit is applied to the player's account on the host computer. As described above, the credit may also be applied to either a carded or uncarded player by awarding account credits over the network directly to the RAM in MCI 50 in the player's EGM.
The big-win award could be in a predetermined amount of money (in account credits) or as a multiple of the player's last wager. Alternatively, the award could be in account credits, e.g., 5 credits. A player on a $1 machine would get a $5 account credit and a player on a quarter machine would receive a $1.25 account credit.
Finally, big-win awards have an expiration time. If button 62 is not pressed within a predetermined number of seconds after the award is made, it expires and will not be granted. This prevents a nonplayer from collecting an award at a machine that a player has just walked away from. Display 58 coupled with audible signals from speaker 64 clearly indicate to the player the need to press button 62 to collect the prize.
Another important feature of the present invention permits a player to convert account points to account credits at the slot machine and without involvement of casino personnel. The following Table 2, which is described in more detail below, sets forth the sequence followed by the player to convert account points to account credit at EGM 12.
When the player inserts card 66 into reader 60, the account information is fetched from the host computer in step 1 above. In step 2, the amount of account points accrued appears on display 58. In the present example, assume the casino awards one point for every $0.01 wagered. A player having wagered $50 has consequently accrued 5,000 account points, which is the number appearing on display 58.
In step 3, the player pushes button 62 and thereby converts the account points to account credits, using the value assigned by the casino for each account point. Assuming the EGM is a dollar machine, display 58 consequently shows: Account Credit=50.
Steps 4 through 8 occur in the same manner as described for steps 2 through 6 in the example associated with Table 1. In other words, account credits are debited after each play in the amount of the wager with that amount being also credited on the credit meter. All awards, whether from jackpots or bonuses, are applied to the credit meter.
In step 8, when the player is finished playing, he or she may cash out any amount on credit meter 70 by pushing cash-out button 74 and withdraw card 66 from reader 60. When the player next inserts the card into one of the card readers on the network, the balance in points appears in display 58.
Any awarded account credits, e.g., as a result of a bonus or big-win award, cause the display to show those account credits and to indicate decreasing amounts as play proceeds. If the player has already converted account points to account credits—as described above—when the award is made, the awarded account credits (as opposed to the converted account credits) are played off first to protect the points. If, however, a player stops play before all the awarded account credits are used, the account has a balance in both account points and account credits, with the account-credit balance appearing on the display of the machine when the player next logs in.
Also, account credits that have been converted from points are always stored as points when the player logs out. For example, assume the player has 5,000 points and converts them to 50 account credits. The player then plays down to 42 account credits and when he or she logs out, the account balance shows 4,200 points. On the other hand, if the player converts the 5,000 points to 50 account credits and then receives a big-win prize of 20 account credits, the player's balance is 70 account credits: 50 converted from points, and 20 awarded. If the player logs out after only nine of the account credits are used, the system stores 5,000 account points and 11 account credits in the player's account. When the player next logs on to a machine, the number of account points—5,000— are displayed, and the display then changes to Account credit=11. These credits are used as play proceeds.
In another example, assume the player converts 5,000 points into 50 account credits and plays 8 of the account credits. If an award of 20 account credits is then made, the display indicates 62 account credits, and play continues. If the player then plays down an additional five credits, then logs out, the account has 4,200 points and 15 account credits, the account credits being displayed the next time the player logs in.
The activity described in the preceding examples takes place at the MCI 50 and associated RAM after the player's account information is retrieved from the host computer. When the player logs out, any remaining points or account credits are again stored in the account on the host computer.
Account credits awarded to uncarded players, for example, big-win, must be used at the machine or are forfeited.
With this system, player points are redeemed for additional gaming rather than for merchandise, meals, or the like. The casino would prefer to be providing gaming to players rather than maintaining and dispensing an inventory of noncash items. In addition, the present system prevents a break in gaming. Rather than the player waiting in line to redeem points, the player is on the floor playing the games, which again enables the casino to continue to provide gaming to the player. The player also has the flexibility of converting back and forth between account credits and account points, as he or she chooses. Because the points are converted to account credits rather than to credits on the gaming meter, the player can redeem the credits one wager at a time, i.e., they can not be cashed out at once.
In all embodiments disclosed herein, any jackpots or bonuses won are applied to the credit meter, which the player can cash out or wager as he or she sees fit. In addition, account credits can be applied either at the host computer or locally over the network. The account credits may be applied either manually, responsive to input by casino personnel at a keyboard, or in response to bonus rules that are programmed on the host computer. Finally, it is a significant advantage that this system is implemented with the player tracking card, because many players already have and use one.
Having illustrated and described the principles of my invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. I claim all modifications coming within the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
Founded in 1821, The George Washington University (GW) is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia, to include ten academic units, with a full-time equivalent enrollment of a little over 20,000 students and approximately 11,000 full-time and part-time employees (faculty and staff). The George Washington University is a community dedicated to learning, communication, respect, service and teamwork. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, the University seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University.
Employer Relationship Development Consultant
GW's Career Center and Career Services Advisory Council will pilot a new model to engage and develop employer relationships. During the six-month pilot phase the University seeks to temporarily employ both full-time and part-time Employer Relationship Development Consultants (officially "Employer Development Consultants" or "EDs").
The EDs will be responsible for increasing the number of interactions and enhancing relationships with local, regional, national, and international employers in focused sectors and industries, including:
• Healthcare (public health, nursing , and health sciences)
• STEM (science, technology, math, and engineering)
• Non-Profit
• Government
• NGOs
• International
• Sustainability
• Private sector (including small business and start-ups)
The EDs will build multi-faceted relationships with potential employers of GW students and alumni. The EDs will also enhance existing relationships with potential employers and contribute directly and indirectly to the education of career services staff, students, and alumni via electronic communication and event programming.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience working for or with businesses/organizations in the focused sectors/industries.
Desired Qualifications
• Strong communication, presentation, writing, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Five (5) or more years working for or with businesses/organizations in the targeted sectors/industries in Washington, D.C., the region, nationally and/or internationally.
• Demonstrated familiarity and competence with data mining and web based communication/social media including, but not limited to, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Experience with sales, business development, or recruiting.
• Experience working with or for institutions of higher education.
• Results orientation.
Special Considerations
Office space and meeting space on GW's Foggy Bottom Campus is available for EDs upon request. Otherwise, EDs are expected to work independently off-campus and expected to attend meetings and other events on GW's Foggy Bottom Campus as scheduled/requested.
To Apply
These roles will be hired through GW's ColonialTemps, the University's internal temporary staffing service and program of the Human Resources
For consideration, submit your resume via email to:
William Leung
Program Lead, ColonialTemps
email@example.com [1]


text:
What issues will your family confront after your death, and how will it shape their opinion of your life? Discover the dire consequences of not setting up a proper estate plan so you can take the simple steps to putting your affairs in order now. You'll learn how to create a legacy that benefits you today… and your family into the future.
Retirement Planning 101 Tutorial Guide
There's More To Retirement Planning Than Just 401(k)s And IRAs. See The Articles Below For The Information And Advice You Need To Know...
Your generation faces a very different retirement situation requiring a very different retirement planning strategy.
You can expect to live longer while receiving fewer pension and Social Security benefits during retirement. You will likely need more retirement savings to support a longer, more active and healthier lifestyle than previous generations.
An estimated 10,000 Americans will turn 60 every day over the next twenty years. Perhaps there is no other time in history where retirement planning has been such a great concern to so many people.
- How much money do you need?
- How do you invest it?
- How much can you afford to spend?
- What are you going to do with all the time?
You will find the answers to these and many more questions in this free retirement planning guide resource center:
- How Anyone Can Retire In 10 Years... Or Less! - Surprisingly, it's not that hard. Anyone can do it but almost nobody will. Discover why...
- One Minute Retirement Plan: A quick and dirty overview for those who want retirement planning made easy.
- Twelve Tips To Systematically Build Your Wealth For Early Retirement: How to retire early and wealthy.
- 5 Surprising Reasons Why Retirement Calculators Can't Be Trusted: They appear simple to use and scientifically accurate, but hiding behind that facade are dangerous assumptions that jeopardize the accuracy of your retirement estimate. Learn simple solutions to solve the problem...
- The Dirty Dozen Retirement Planning Mistakes To Avoid: There is more to retirement planning than just funding your 401(k) or IRA. Learn the mistakes you must avoid so that your golden years are financially secure.
- How Much Do I Need To Retire? What's the magic number for retirement savings and how much can you afford to spend? How do you calculate it? Is it an accurate estimate? Find out here...
- Early Retirement Planning - What You Must Know: If retiring early is on your radar screen then here are six strategies worth paying attention to.
- Are Safe Withdrawal Rates Really Safe? The 4% Rule is a myth! This article simplifies the complex research behind safe withdrawal rates and provides practical solutions you can implement today.
- 5 Essential Questions For Pre-Retirement Planning: Discover the "what", "where", "when", and "how much" of pre-retirement planning so that you can prepare for a successful transition into retirement.
- How To Determine Your Legacy In Life - Before Your Death: What issues will your family confront after your death, and how will it shape their opinion of your life? Learn what actions to take now so that you can put your legacy on the right track.
- Pension Trends Say "You Are On Your Own" For Retirement Planning: Socialized retirement planning is out and individual plans are in. Nobody wants responsibility for your retirement so they are passing the buck to you. Do you know how to benefit from these changes?
- 27 Retirement Savings Catch-Up Strategies For Late Starters: If your retirement looms large but your nest egg doesn't then this article can help you.
- 5 Ways To Reduce How Much Money You Need To Retire By $300,000 (or More!): The easiest, most certain way to bridge your retirement savings gap.
- 12 Retirement Planning Myths That Can Convert Your Golden Years Into Lead: Don't let these common misconceptions get in the way of your retirement security.
- Retirement Planning Checklist: Here is a checklist for your retirement planning guide at each stage of life so that you don't miss a single, important step.
- Free Retirement Calculators - A suite of 10 free retirement calculators to help you with all phases of planning - including "The Ultimate Retirement Calculator".
Achieving your retirement goals doesn't happen automatically: you must make it happen.
Use these articles to educate yourself so that you know how to do it right the first time - because you never get a second chance at retirement planning.
With the right information, proper planning and commitment, the retirement security you desire can be yours.
Below you'll find a listing of our most recent articles about retirement planning providing you with additional strategies and information so you can take the next step…
How To Retire Early: 6 Essential Strategies You Must Know…
The goal of retiring early means you have less time to accumulate assets and more time to live off them. Traditional methods for building wealth that work for others won't work for you. In this article, you'll discover the 3 paths you can take to accelerate you asset growth, 3 simple rules to create perpetual income streams, and how you can beat the inflation enemy…
Are Safe Withdrawal Rates Really Safe?
Retirement income planning is inherently problematic because you're trying to convert a volatile pool of assets into a stable, reliable income stream that you'll never outlive. How do you do that? In this article I deep-dive into the history of safe withdrawal rate research and the resulting 4% Rule – warts, blemishes, and all. I reveal what is true and false about conventional wisdom. This knowledge is inextricably intertwined with proper investment strategy making it essential to your financial security…
12 Tips To Build Wealth For Early Retirement
Building wealth for a secure, early retirement is actually very simple – in theory. It requires just three easy-to-understand principles. However, few people ever retire early because it has little to do with understanding these principles, and everything to do with taking effective action. Discover how you can overcome the two hurdles that block action so you can achieve breakthrough results…
Retirement Planning Checklist
Retirement planning doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need a degree in finance and you don't have to read a bunch of books to understand the important action steps. For the bulk of your working years, there are just a few important and very simple actions that need to be done right. The rest can be figured out in the years immediately preceding the day you retire. That is why I created this retirement planning checklist: to demystify the vagueness around retirement planning, simplify the process where appropriate, and provide a step-by-step guide so that you can do those few important things right at each stage of your life. Use this retirement planning checklist as a handy reference guide…
Retirement Planning Is Dead
Traditional retirement planning is dead. It's an old world model in need of a major facelift. The problem is baked into how the the system is designed—it's not realistic. The skills and knowledge required to execute a traditional retirement plan are beyond most worker's abilities. But there is an alternative…
The Smart Alternative To Retirement Planning
It's so "old-skool" to work like a dog for 40 years scrimping and saving so you can retire and do nothing of substance for the remaining 30 years. That's no prescription for happiness. It makes no sense. Increasing longevity has changed every aspect of retirement planning – from asset allocation to life fulfillment and everything in between. It is time to retire the word "retirement" and redefine our lives toward fulfillment – which means…
The Essential Wealth Building Principle Revealed By Roth IRA Conversions (It's Not What You Think!)
In 1998 I sold my hedge fund business and foolishly traded a sizable income stream for a chunk of capital. It was one of the dumbest financial decisions I've ever made. But every cloud has a silver lining. In the same year Roth IRA conversions began and that allowed me to convert that lemon of a decision into lemonade. Learn the essential wealth building principle behind this strategy…
Retirement Planning Myths Revealed – 2 "Must Know" Formulas
How Anyone Can Retire In 10 Years (or Less)
Surprisingly, it's not that hard. It doesn't require hitting the lottery or inheriting a windfall from ol' Aunt Myrtle. Similarly, you don't have to become a brilliant investor or possess any unusual skill. After all, the title to this post claimed "anyone" can do it so the strategy has to be repeatable and predictable. We're talking science – not random luck. Here's how you do it…


text:
A standard electrical outlet provides a 120-Hz sinewave. How do I determine the Peak-to-peak value?
1 Answer | Add Yours
The plot of voltage in an AC circuit over a period of time is a sine wave and the meter voltage is actually the root mean square (rms) voltage (refer to the attached graph, where the dotted red line represents the rms voltage; yellow lines, the peak voltages).
The peak voltages (+) and (-), can be obtained from, the rms voltage as:
Peak voltage=rms voltage/0.707=120/0.707=169.73, or 170 V.
Therefore, peak to peak voltage=2*peak voltage=2*169.73=339.5 V.
Join to answer this question
Join a community of thousands of dedicated teachers and students.Join eNotes


text:
West Volusia Beacon
110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
Report Comment Abuse
You have chosen to report the following comment for abusing our terms of service:
Journal Reader | posted Dec 21, 2012 - 11:15:54pm
DeBary Pop is like reading the Enquirer and I can do my own homework on what goes on in the city. Plus I see the tie between Culligan and DeBary Pop that is not the government I want for our city.The chicken issue is settled lets move on.
Are you sure this is what you would like to do?
Photos - Real Estate - Newcomer's Guide - Beacon Magazines - Advertise - Local Web Sites - About Us - Beacon Archives


text: There is no bitter expression hidden underneath Dirk Nowitzki's mangy beard. No covert biting of the tongue, either. The Dallas Mavericks star may have been critical of his owner's approach in the past, back when the wounds of Mark Cuban's cold and calculated roster-building ways were still fresh. But as Nowitzki nears the end of this memorable stretch of 12 consecutive postseason berths and ponders his future, the future Hall of Famer who vowed not to shave until his team reached the .500 mark swears he's not still upset about the way Cuban broke up the 2010-11 championship team and ushered in all this mediocrity.


text:
Results 11 to 12 of 12
Registered Member
- Join Date
- Feb 2008
- Posts
- 123
Posted On:
1/25/2010 5:11pm
Style: Southern Kung Fu, BJJ, AK--
youtube vids?
Nope, that's it, as far as I know. It's pretty self-explanatory, though ...Check out the Bullshido.net Western Martial Arts Forum for all things Western, martial and arty.
Bartitsu: the Gentlemanly Art of Self Defence (est. 1899)


text:
Every now and then we like to take a break from all the words and just post some numbers. And some words describing the numbers, as otherwise it would just be a whole bunch of numbers with no context, which would be really weird. Big Numbers is a weekly feature on Pass it to Bulis in which we identify the numbers and statistics that really matter or, frequently, the ones that don't matter at all but are still pretty interesting.
3 | The point gap between the Canucks and the third-in-the-Pacific Los Angeles Kings, whom the Canucks need to catch in order to be in a playoff spot. That's really not too bad. Granted, catching the Kings is easier said than done, but considering the Canucks have been among the worst teams in hockey over their last 10 games (at least in terms of getting points), you'd think they'd be a little further back.
5 | The point gap the Canucks would face in the Central Division if they were trying to catch the third-place Colorado Avalanche, and it's even worse than it looks. Colorado has four games in hand. Same goes for the St. Louis Blues, who are one point up on Colorado. In other words, for all this talk about how difficult the Pacific Division is, the Central might be even tougher, at least at the top. That's a tough go for Minnesota, Nashville, Dallas and Winnipeg. It's probably already time to start focusing on the Wild Card. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Canucks should be glad they're in the Pacific.
5 | Outside of the San Jose Sharks, the most wins any team in the Pacific has collected in their past 10 games. Here's why I bring this up: the Canucks are 3-4-3 in their last 10, which is pretty crummy, admittedly, but not uniquely so. It's not that much worse than anyone else in the grouping. Anaheim is 3-4-3 as well. The LA Kings are 5-1-4. Phoenix is 4-4-2. In other words, the Canucks really haven't lost that much ground at all because, despite what you're hearing, they aren't the only team in the NHL struggling right now.
1 | Again, outside of the San Jose Sharks, the longest winning streak in the Pacific Division. It belongs to the Canucks, Oilers, and Flames.
0 | Alex Burrows' stunning goal total. It's amazing. Chris Tanev has a goal. Jeremy Welsh has a goal. Dale Weise and Tom Sestito have 2 goals. David Booth has 3. Meanwhile, Burrows is now up to 49 shots on goal without scoring, and to show you how absurd that is, the average number of goals scored for the NHL's 10 other 49-shot shooters is 5. Milan Lucic has taken 48 shots. He's got 11 goals. Poor Burrows.
2 | The number of Canuck prospects invited to Team Canada's National Junior Team Selection Camp, as Bo Horvat and Hunter Shinkaruk were named among Canada's final 25.
1 | The number of Canucks still among the top 30 in NHL icetime. It's Alex Edler, whose 24:03 a night is tops on the Canucks and 26th in the NHL. This is notable for two reasons: first, after causing an uproar with the big minutes he was handing to Ryan Kesler and the Sedins, John Tortorella has backed off a little on their icetime of late. Second, while Edler has become the new Canucks scapegoat after cameras caught him receiving a terrifying earful from the coach the other night, Tortorella still seems to prefer him on the ice rather than not.
-12 | The temperature in Calgary today (although it feels like -24), as well as Edler's plus/minus on the year. That's cursed frogurt bad. He's 749th out of 755 NHLers. Now listen: plus/minus is a dumb stat. As Trevor Daley recently said, it's the worst stat in hockey. After all, you can hop onto the ice at the same time a goal is scored in your own zone and get a minus. On a game-to-game basis especially, plus/minus is almost entirely useless. But when you're the best or the worst in the league at something, it's probably time to take heed, at least a little. Edler's due for a run of good luck not unlike Dan Hamhuis was earlier in the year, but he also needs to tighten up his defensive game. We'll suggest that's what Tortorella was telling him the other night, albeit with more swears.
37.5 | Tom Sestito's Corsi For percentage at even-strength. In other words, when Sestito is on the ice, the Canucks are attempting 37.5% of the shots. That's league-worst among guys with at least 22 games played. No player in the entire NHL craters his team's possession numbers on the regular quite like this guy. But nevermind that. He's tied for the league-lead in fighting majors at 9, and he's 6'5″. Gotta get that size on the ice from time to time, right?
Tags: Big Numbers
Just ran a few quick numbers:
Canucks record vs. teams in playoffs if started today: 4-12
Vice versa: 10-3
I think this one stat tells us everything we need to know about this team. They can play with the bottom half of the league and struggle against the top half.
Yeah, let's just mock the guy instead of saying something about the stat he's put forth.
I think it is troubling, although not terribly shocking. They handle the poor teams, and while they don't exactly get dominated by the good teams, they've had a tough time beating those teams with any sort of consistency.
i hear ya, mb13, but i also recently watched the team dominate the kings, coyotes, hawks, sharks and ducks, not on the scoreboard but winning battles, moving puck and limiting chances.
there are a ton of good teams this season. a ton. your stats are pretty much what i'd expect from most teams, that points against lesser teams are easier to come by.
and no one is planning any parade routes just yet. nobody. if you list one stanley cup favourite, you'd have to list five. that's just how it is. i'm going to go way out on a limb and say that , over the rest of the season, i predict the canucks will lose some more games against really good teams.
sestito is doing his job. he's keeping the peace in that weird nhl way and the result is that the canucks are not getting messed with nearly as much as in the past. and he has decent hands. a couple of goals and some posts too. i'm not sure what some people expect out of their 4th-line enforcers but sestito's doing what he's supposed to and doing it rather well, id' say.
Thats a good point Akiddd but he is just such a weak player, It would be very nice if he could play and be an enforcer. His is a brutal job and I agree he does what hes supposed to do as far as protecting his team mates. Either way though he is a liability when he hits the ice, but not when he hits some one!
Not to fact check you or anything, but Michael Chaput, Cody McCormick and Douglas Murray all have worse Corsi For stats than Sestito, and that's only among guys with 100+ minutes on the ice. Truth be told I was more amazed that Sestito has actually found his way to being on the ice for almost 160 minutes this season.
"The point gap between the Canucks and the third-in-the-Pacific Los Angeles Kings, whom the Canucks need to catch in order to be in a playoff spot."
Don't we need to catch PHX for the Wild Card spot? That seems a little more relevant than catching the 3rd seed. And although PHX is only 1 point ahead of us, they have 3 games in hand.
Wouldn't a Fenwick Close examination of the Canucks vs. playoff teams to this point be more useful than a simple regurgitation of win-loss stats? I mean, when LA won the cup, they weren't on a roll at all the whole year and made the 8th seed on a Minnesota loss, if I remember correctly. Regurgitating win-loss records is pointless.
Nice rebuttal (except not).
I actually care how the Canucks played in their loses, because that matters, unless you have an agenda in some way. I'm not even saying they played well or poorly in all those games, but your methodology is, even to an extreme stats layman like me, extremely flawed.
It does not matter which position the Canucks get into the playoffs at. What will matter is if they can keep dominating teams and put pucks in the net. I would feel very good about our chances right now if we were scoring on the PP while still controling the game the way we have been. They will also need to find another gear in the Playoffs.


text:
A system and method for securing access to network resources are described. One embodiment includes an exemplary method for securing access to a network element and can include associating a network element with a set of data, and configuring a portion of the data to be responsive to a first subset of access rights. In accordance with other embodiments, an exemplary method and system provide for selection of an appropriate security to govern access by a user to network resources.
1. A method of selecting a security set for controlling an access to a network element comprising:
discovering a plurality of security sets, each security set including an associated access right relevant to the access to the network element;
identifying at least two of the plurality of security sets where the associated access right of each of the at least two security sets are in a conflict;
determining whether each of the at least two security sets are associated with two or more groups; and resolving the conflict between the at least two security sets;
wherein discovering the plurality of security sets further comprises:
traversing a hierarchical data structure; and determining for each security set an association with a node on the hierarchical data structure;
wherein resolving the conflict further comprises:
determining that the at least two security sets are associated with two or more realms;
analyzing each of the security sets associated with the nodes of each of the two or more realms to determine whether the associated access right exists; and
rejecting access if none of the security sets associated with at least one of the two or more realms includes the associated access right;
wherein resolving the conflict further comprises:
selecting a higher-level node from which to propagate the associated access right if all of the two or more realms includes the associated access right.
2. The method of
determining that the at least two security sets are associated with two or more groups; and
generating a dynamic security set for selection as the associated security set.
3. The method of
4. The method of
determining that the at least two security sets are associated with only one group and that the least two security sets are associated with higher-level nodes;
identifying one of the at least two security sets as having a more direct path; and
selecting the identified security set as the associated security set.
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. A system for controlling an access to a network element comprising:
a security set repository configured to store one or more security sets, where a first security set subset of the one or more security sets relates to an associated access right relevant to the access requested by a user, and further configured to maintain a hierarchical data structure having at least one node associated with the first security set subset;
a directory configured to store one or more configuration records, where at least one configuration record is associated with the at least one node; and
a security manager configured to select a security set to govern a request of the user to access the at least one configuration record, the security manager further comprising:
a discovery module configured to locate the first security set subset where the associated access right is in a conflict with a second security set subset; and
a resolution module configured to resolve the conflict between the first and second security subsets
wherein the security manager further comprises a multiple-realm module configured to determine whether multiple realms are affected by the request of the user and further configured to reject the access if any of the security set subset relate to at least two or more realms that do not include the associated access right.
11. The system of
12. The system of
The present application claims priority from commonly owned U.S. patent application No. 60/401,578, filed on Aug. 7, 2002, and entitled System and Method for Network Device Management, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The present application is related to commonly owned application numbers:
The present invention relates to securing networked communication systems. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods for securing access to network resources.
Network devices, such as routers and switches, configurations for such devices, and networking infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex. Such complexities require network engineers to know hundreds or thousands of commands and to master different syntaxes and idiosyncrasies for configuring each uniquely manufactured networked device. Because fewer skill network administrators are available to successfully configure network devices manually, suboptimal configuration, maintenance and monitoring of networks typically result. To minimize such deleterious effects, security management techniques have been employed to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized changes to a network's infrastructure.
But as demand increases for greater visibility into the specifics of network and for more flexible and reliable network configurations, the conventional techniques of securing networks are not satisfactory for application with emerging network management technologies. As an example, corporations and other entities increasingly desire to delegate network management responsibilities to managed service providers ("MSPs"). These entities, however, refrain from turning such responsibility over to the MSPs because these entities typically lose complete control of managing their networks as well as adequate visibility into their own network infrastructure.
What is desired is a system and method for overcoming the drawbacks of current network security methodologies and systems to enhance secure access of network elements.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are more fully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the forms described in this Summary of the Invention, in the Abstract or in the Detailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims.
The present invention can provide a system and method for securing network devices and network-device configurations. In one embodiment according to the present invention, a method of securing access to an element of a network can include associating a network element with a set of data, and configuring a portion of the data to be responsive to a first subset of access rights.
In another embodiment, a exemplary method selects an appropriate security set to secure an access to a network element. This method can include discovering a number of security sets, where each security set includes a specific access right relevant to the access, identifying at least two security sets where the specific access right is in conflict, and resolving the conflict between the at least two security sets.
In yet another embodiment, a exemplary system secures an access to a network element by using a security set repository configured to store a number of security sets. The system is further configured to maintain a hierarchical data structure. Also included is a directory configured to store a number of configuration records and a security manager configured to select an appropriate security set. A user then can access a network element in accordance with the appropriate security set.
As previously stated, the above-described embodiments and implementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous other embodiments, implementations, and details of the invention are easily recognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptions and claims.
Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
In operation, user 110 provides device-generic instructions 145 to network manager unit 140 irrespective of the heterogeneous nature of network devices 135. The device-generic instructions can include an indication to configure a device over a network (or subnetwork), a request to perform a device-specific process, or other like network instructions. In response to device-generic instructions 145, network manager unit 140 generates and communicates device-specific instructions 155 to a target network device for implementation.
Security manager 170 governs the ability of user 110 to effectuate the generation of device-specific instructions 155. In particular, security manager 170 can permit communication of device-specific instructions 155 to network device. But it also can restrict or completely deny communication of such to a network resource. Moreover, security manager 170 can permit, restrict or completely deny a user request to access one or more documents as well as the contents of those documents. A document or a portion thereof can represent a command for, or a configuration of, one of devices 135 such as a router or switch. Security manager 170 governs by determining whether a particular user has access rights to a specific network resource, a particular document or only a portion of a document. Access rights of user 110 can include, but are not limited to "view," "add," "modify," and "delete." In accordance with the present invention, user 110 can be any principal, or any entity, such as an administrator, engineer, or like network personnel, or a collection of entities.
Security, as described herein, includes at least two tiers of security. The first tier ("tier one") includes a set of rules for providing basic resource security. That is, tier one security defines "who" can operate on a network resource and/or can access a folder or a document. After applying tier one security, exemplary security manager 170 applies a second tier ("tier two") of security. Tier two security includes a set of rules for governing access based on the contents of a document, such as a portion of a configuration record. By restricting access in relation to a document's content, a more fine-grained approach to configuring, managing and monitoring network resources is realized. Hence, tier two security restricts a user to data constituting a portion of an entire document rather than providing complete or no access to that document. For example,
As described herein, a folder is a container that includes other documents, but also can contain other folders (e.g., subfolders) and/or documents. A folder can represent a "realm," which can be a subset of parent-child relationships of a hierarchical data structure (e.g., a tree structure). An example of a realm is shown in
Similarly, a folder can also represent a network resource because a network resource can contain a number of network resource configurations. For example, a folder identified as "routers 1-100" can include 100 documents, each document being a configuration file for a uniquely identifiable router (e.g., router #45). A document can also represent a network resource because a document and its contents can be separately related to a hierarchy of network elements. Again, a document or a portion thereof can represent a command for, or a configuration of, a network element such as one of devices 135 (e.g., a router or switch). In some embodiments of the present invention, such relationships between realms, subrealms, documents and document portions can be graphically presented to a user to perform an action in relation to a network resource. Realms can represent geographically-diverse, functionally-diverse, and/or any other type of diverse groups.
Since access rights can be applied at a folder level, a subfolder can inherit access rights from anything in that same folder or from parent folders. This inheritance scheme applies recursively throughout sub-folders unless a specific sub-folder, or a resource, has its own explicit data access rights. In this case, the sub-folder representing access rights will override the access rights of the parent folders. For example, route-map folder 208 can inherit access rights from IP folder 204, unless, for example, the access rights of nat folder 206 countermand such rights. Furthermore, access rights can be applied at a resource level such that any type of data or a document in system 100 that can be secured explicitly by assigning access rights to that data or document. For example, optical device 125 can be specifically associated with certain limitations on a user's rights, such as "view" only. Tier one security thus governs inherency in relation to resources and realms, but not portions of documents.
Under tier two security, one or more access rights govern the access to one or more portions of a document. As described herein, a "security item" is a set of access rights related to one or more documents or to a folder containing one or more documents. As an example, route-map folder 208 of
A "security set," as described herein, is a predefined set of security items having data access rights to define the boundaries from which contents of a document can be accessed. A security set is maintained independent of its assignment to users and/or folders. That is, the security set describes neither "who" is permitted to access contents of document nor "what" container of data (e.g., such as a folder) is applicable to what realm. Under tier two security, any security set that does not explicitly assign a permission to a section (i.e., a portion) of a document, then that document inherits permissions from the that realm for that device, or a higher-level realm. The discussion of
A user request can be interrogated against the list of resources to which it could apply. If there is only one resource that is affected, then the first security item up the hierarchy (i.e., associated with the parent node) will provide for the inheritance of the subset of access rights for that resource. For requests that operate over a number of resources, each resource is considered. That is, a hierarchy of resources can be traversed to determine possible security set from which to select for enforcement of a security policy. An example of this is discussed in connection with
Once a consolidated list of security sets has been computed, the resources operated on by the request must be applied against the security sets. When enforcing tier two security, the most explicit matches are discovered first, and then for all matches found, the most stringent security is applied.
Consider an example where a supervisor, such as a senior engineer, assigns to a subordinate, such as a junior engineer, a subset of access rights to a request for viewing a configuration of a network device, as shown in security set 300 of
In this case, members of blue group 502 are afforded more freedom to access network devices as well as document contents over the entire corporate structure. But note that blue group 502 is assigned security set "strict" 530 ("SS-S") to form association 512 with Ohio realm 514. Apparently, the activities of blue group 502 are under more scrutiny in relation to Ohio realm 514. Perhaps this scrutiny is warranted if the corporation's core routers reside in Ohio realm 514. As shown in
By contrast, red group 504 has a stricter security set applied at the corporate realm 540 to form association 506. But red group 504 is given a little more freedom in Indiana realm 516 because it is, for example, an area of responsibility of red group 504. So, with this greater responsibility, red group 504 needs greater control in Indiana realm 516. Therefore, red group 504 is given a more lax security set 520 ("SS-L"), but only in Indiana realm 516.
This example, therefore, illustrates the enforcement of security sets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This allows the more-trusted blue group greater access to the whole company, but more limited access to the company's core assets. But the less-trusted red group is granted only limited access to the whole company with greater access to a subrealm for which its members are responsible. And all this is accomplished with the two security sets 520 and 530.
As shown in
If user 602 makes a "/router/bgp" configuration change at a router document at subrealm 632, security manager 170 of
As depicted in
In another example, consider that a request to "add" a /router/bgp configuration change that affects only in a single realm (which does not include subrealms). To accomplish this action, security manager 170 of
Next, consider that the user requests to add a new "/router/bgp/neighbor" at 736. Security manager 170 of
Given security set definitions 822 and 832, consider first that user 802 requests to add a "/router/bgp/neighbor" instance 862 under subrealm 890 ("BGP"). Although security set definition 832 in SS-ABC denies the "add" access right (i.e., with an explicit "off"), security set definition 822 in SS-XYZ does permit an "add" access right (i.e., with an explicit "on"). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, security manager 170 of
But consider a scenario where user 802 attempts to "modify" a "/interface/Ethernet/0-0-0 interface" at subrealm 864. Here, security set definition 824 shows that for "/interface" 826, an explicit "on" is assigned to the "modify" access right for subrealm 892 ("interface"). Similarly, security set definition 834 shows that for "/interface/Ethernet" 836, an explicit "off" is assigned to the "modify" access right for subrealm 894 ("Ethernet"). Although security set definition 824 of SS-XYZ permits the "modify" access right (i.e., "on") for /interface changes at subrealm interface 892, security set definition 834 of SS-ABC denies that "modify" access right (i.e., "off"). Again, security manager 170 of
As depicted in
Given security set definitions 922 ("/router/BGP") and 932 ("/router/BGP"), consider that user 902 requests to add a "/router/bgp/neighbor" instance 962 under subrealm 990 ("BGP"). Although security set definition 932 in SS-ABC denies the "add" access right (i.e., with an explicit "off"), security set definition 922 in SS-XYZ does permit an "add" access right (i.e., with an explicit "on"). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, security manager 170 of
In this case, multiple security sets 922 and 932 shown in
But consider a scenario where user 902 attempts to "modify" a configuration "/interface/Ethernet/0-0-0 interface" at subrealm 964. Here, security set definition 924 shows that for "/interface" 926, an explicit "on" is assigned to the "modify" access right for subrealm 992 ("interface"). Similarly, security set definition 934 shows that for "/interface/Ethernet" 936, an explicit "off" is assigned to the "modify" access right for subrealm 994 ("Ethernet"). Although security set definition 924 of SS-XYZ permits the "modify" access right (i.e., "on") for /interface changes at subrealm interface 992, security set definition 934 of SS-ABC does not permit that "modify" access right (i.e., "off") for subrealm Ethernet 994.
To select an appropriate access right, security manager 170 of
Relatively speaking, realm 992 is a parent realm and realm 994 is a child realm (or a subrealm of realm 992). As such, a security set definition associated with realm 994 "as a subrealm" has a "more explicit path" (e.g., xpath) that will override any security set definition set forth in any higher-level realm. Consequently, security set definition 934 of (sub)realm 994, which countermands security set definition of realm 992, will govern whether user 902 can modify a document, for example, at realm 964. Therefore, user 902 will be denied the access to modify a network device configuration, for example, at realm 964.
Exemplary method 1000 begins optionally with block 1002. At block 1002, each security set that is relevant to the request is identified. For example, security set identification can be accomplished by traversing the realm in which the request pertains (e.g., from the node of interest, such as a /router/BGP realm, up to the root node of a hierarchical tree) and by storing the associations of each security set to a particular node (e.g., or realm).
At 1004, a determination is made as to whether a specific, permissive access right associated with the request exists in at least one security set for each realm selected by the user. For example, if the user selects to access a network resource spanning over four realms, then each of the four realms should be associated with at least one security set with a permissive access right. If at least one permissive access right (e.g., "add") exists for each and every selected resource, then it is confirmed that the selected resources over all selected realms. With this confirmation, method 1000 flows to 1006. But if at least one of the selected realms has no permissive access rights of interest, then the user's request is rejected, such as described in connections with case II above.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, 1004 is performed only if applicable. That is, 1004 is applicable if any of the following occurs: the user has selected to access resources over more than one realm (rather than just selecting one realm), the user belongs to a single group and there are multiple security sets spanning over multiple realms, or like criterion is met (see e.g., case II). But otherwise, if 1004 is not applicable, then method 1000 skips 1004 and flows to 1006.
At 1006, an optimum security set will be determined by propagating an associated security set's access rights to the realm in which the user's request will be fulfilled, unless an intervening explicit access right countermands that access rights otherwise inherited from the parent. In other words, a security set is wholly inherited from a parent realm in the absence of any security set assignments to a subrealm. The method then can flow to 1012 to apply the optimum security set if 1008 to 1010 are not applicable.
At 1008, the most explicit path overrides least explicit paths. This can be performed, for example, when a user is a member of only a single group and multiple security sets have been discovered at 1002. Further, at least two of the multiple security sets are each associated with nodes (i.e., realms) residing at different hierarchical levels. The nodes typically associated with the two or more multiple security sets are intervening between the node of interest and the rood node (e.g., see case IV). In a case where the above conditions are met, then the most explicit path (e.g., xpath) overrides the least explicit path, and a security set associated with the most explicit path is used to enforce tier two security. If the following portion 1010 of method 1000 does not apply, then the method can flow to 1012.
At 1010, a user is granted greater access than of the associated, constituent security sets. Greater access is granted by taking the union of the all like access rights to form a security set definition having greater access rights. For example, 1010 is typically performed when a user is a member of more than one group and there are multiple security sets intervening between the node of interest and the rood node (see e.g., cases I and/or III). In a case where the above conditions are met, then the union of relevant access rights form a dynamic security set permitting the user greater access. The method then flows to 1012.
At 1012, at least one of the optimum security set definitions is applied to enforce tier two security in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, when a user tries to modify any of the configurations for a target device of network devices 135 of
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer storage product with a computer-readable medium having computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The media and computer code may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs and holographic devices; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), programmable logic devices ("PLDs") and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer code include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, an embodiment of the invention may be implemented using XML, Java, C++, or other object-oriented programming language and development tools. Another embodiment of the invention may be implemented in hardwired circuitry in place of, or in combination with, machine-executable software instructions.
In conclusion, the present invention provides, among other things, a system and method for securing network devices and network-device configurations. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. For example, other access rights, such as "open," "execute," "move," etc., and other actions, such as synchronization of files and/or devices, one or more instructions of a command set, etc., can be used to supplement the enforcement of the security set definitions described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
HOME MLB Texas Rangers Gear Texas Rangers Ladies Texas Rangers Ladies Shoes & Socks (42 items) Product ID: 1621101
Main Content
This item ships within one business day.
$4.99 flat rate shipping. See other shipping options.
Celebrate your Texas Rangers fandom with these Rookie 2 sandals from Cuce! These stylish sandals feature Texas Rangers graphics embroidered on each side and a zipper closure on the heel. They also have suede lining, a rubber sole and 4.5" heels for added style to your Texas Rangers game day wardrobe. Shop for your favorite MLB gear at Fanatics.com
- 100% Man made materials
- 4.5'' Heel
- Animal free product
- Fit: Sandal runs small in length and width, we recommend ordering a size larger than you normally wear.
- Lightly padded foot-bed for extra comfort
- Quality embroidery
- Slightly textured rubber sole
- Synthetic suede lining
- Wrapped platform
- Zipper on back heel
- Officially licensed
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
I giggle.
And, of course, don't forget my
To enter the Feel Better Giveaway,
soooo good!
You and me both!
hahaha very clever commercial! I thought it must have been for a dating website :)
I dont remember seeing this on tv.
Me too! I was actually sitting in a bar drinking a Miller Lite first time I saw it!
thanks for the laugh :)
i love that commercial! well, wait. let me rephrase. i love that commercial when i am not watching it with M. he always seems to laugh just a LITTLE louder when we see it together and i'm not sure i like that.
thanks so much for the feedback!
and i laugh every time I see this commercial.
thanks for sharing x
Ditching the cute babe for the beer...SERIOUSLY?
OH my favorite is the one of them sitting at the bar and she says "I Love You" and he can't return until the waitress asks him if he'd like another beer and he says "I'd love one!" Hahahaha...yeah....a woman wrote these.
HaHa, I have never seen that commercial until now. Thanks for sharing - love it. :)
haha me too. i remember the first time i saw this. too funny!
I've never seen it before. Pretty funny.
LOL I love it.
Hilarious! I'd never seen that one. I'm surprised Match.com hasn't come after them.
lol agreed. clever commercial. thank you for the lovely comment on my blog. absolutely love your "wive diaries" blog - great concept!
Love it!!
that was just too funny!!
i hadnt seen that one yet!
Ha ha that is funny, I love how the girl takes off after he finds the perfect beer. Sorry dude - you can't have both! :P


text:
Posted at: 07/31/2013 4:04 PM
Updated at: 07/31/2013 5:51 PM
By: Bill Lambdin
ALBANY - Demonstrators outside the state Capitol Wednesday said Obamacare doesn't go far enough, leaving too many still uncovered. They advocate universal health coverage through an expansion of the Medicare system to include everyone.
Third-year medical student Janice Lee told the crowd she observed a case where doctors were debating not what care would work, but what treatment the uninsured patient could receive.
"We were talking about whether or not he should receive an operation because he would not be able to obtain the necessary post operative care and also the rehabilitation that he needs," said Lee. "I feel like this is a real shame."
Advocates argue treatment would be much more often based on medical need, not the quality of insurance available, if the Medicare system that now covers most medical expenses for people 65 and over was extended to everyone.
"It's a right and we need to fight for it and we need to say that we're paying for it already, we're just doing it in ways that are unfair and that create pain and suffering in our families and it has to stop," Albany City Treasurer and candidate for mayor Kathy Sheehan said.
In all the debate that continues to rage over implementing or repealing Obamacare, whether it will save money or drive up costs, only a few individuals like the demonstrators are looking beyond the current politically influenced dispute to argue for something more extensive, single-payer health coverage, Medicare for all.


text:
|Holiday Inn Alba properties are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Holiday Inn hotel rates in Alba, TX for your group or personal travels. We list the best Holiday Inn Alba hotels/properties so you can review the Alba Holiday Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
Our site will also provide discounted Alba, TX hotels + motels that have similar quality of Holiday Inn.
All Holiday Inn in or near Alba
Similar hotels to Holiday Inn
Next: Show All Available Comparable Hotels with Pricing >


text:
That's odd, I followed the DX2 guide not long ago, and it shows that old? Strange indeed...newbie and still learning.
Can you explain as to why it was working perfectly 2 weeks ago with this setup then?
Thanks for the link, will give it a read later and post back if required.


text:
Captain America's Powers and Abilities:
Captain America has no superhuman powers, although as a result of the Super-Soldier serum and vita-ray treatment, he is transformed from a frail young man into a "perfect" specimen of human development and conditioning. Captain America's strength, endurance, agility, speed, reflexes, and durability are at the highest limits of natural human potential. It has been established that Rogers' body regularly creates the super-soldier serum; it does not wear off.
The formula enhances all of his metabolic functions and prevents the build-up of fatigue poisons in his muscles, giving him endurance far in excess of an ordinary human being. This accounts for many of his extraordinary feats, including bench pressing 1100 pounds (500kg) and running a mile (1.6 km) in little more than a minute. Furthermore, his enhancements are the reason why he was able to survive being frozen in suspended animation for decades. Rogers is also unable to become intoxicated by alcohol and is immune to many diseases, as he also heals faster than normal.
Mentally, Rogers' battle experience and training make him an expert tactician and an excellent field commander, with his teammates frequently deferring to his orders in battle. Rogers' reflexes and senses are also extraordinarily keen. He is a master of multiple martial arts. Years of practice with his indestructible shield make him able to aim and throw it with almost unerring accuracy. His skill with his shield is such that he can attack multiple targets in succession with a single throw or even cause a boomerang-like return from a throw to attack an enemy from behind. In the comics, he is regarded by other skilled fighters as one of the best hand-to-hand combatants in the Marvel Universe.
Rogers has vast U.S. military knowledge and is often shown to be familiar with ongoing, highly-classified Defense Department operations. He is an expert in combat strategy, survival, acrobatics, military strategy, piloting, and demolitions. Despite his high profile as one of the world's most popular and recognizable superheroes, Rogers also has a broad understanding of the espionage community, largely through his ongoing relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. He occasionally makes forays into mundane career fields, including commercial arts, comic book artistry, education (high school history) and law enforcement.