Patents Examined by Lawrence Galka
  • Patent number: 10262493
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying non-gaming functionality of a plurality of gaming machines is provided. The plurality of gaming machines each includes at least one display device, an audio device, a gaming controller configured to execute machine readable instructions to present one or more games at the gaming machine, and a non-gaming controller configured to execute machine readable instruction to modify one or more non-gaming attributes of the gaming machine. A server is communicatively connected through a network to the plurality of gaming machines. The server is configured to send machine readable instructions through the network to the non-gaming controller to select one or more of the plurality of gaming machines and cause the selected one or more the plurality of gaming machines to modify one or more non-gaming attributes of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: AGS LLC
    Inventors: Arles Andrew Estes, Gerald Francis Wasinger
  • Patent number: 10242531
    Abstract: Systems and methods enable one or more players to play a game of chance. A system includes a processor and a memory device configured to store processor executable instructions to provide a game of chance in which a plurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of house indicia and in which one or more player indicia is provided. The processor is programmed by the instructions to randomly select a predetermined number of house indicia from the pool of house indicia, provide a random chance of selecting a bonus indicia, determine whether a winning number of matching indicia has been achieved by identifying each player indicia that matches one of the selected predetermined number of house indicia, and present a bonus to the player upon a determination that the bonus indicia matches a player indicia and that a winning number of matching indicia has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Gaming Arts, LLC
    Inventors: David Colvin, Eric D. Colvin
  • Patent number: 10232258
    Abstract: A method for fusing game control inputs includes, on a computing device, receiving a first game control input from a first input device having a first housing and receiving a second game control input from a second input device having a second housing. The first game and second game control inputs are fused into a fused game control input mimicking a game control input from a single input device having a single housing. The fused game control input is provided to a video game application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Evelyn Thomas, Glenn Lavigne, Rudy Opavsky, Hamze Kalache, Ali Aqel, Nicholas Freda, Susanne Lynette Schell, Melissa Natasha Alleyne, Richard Sauer
  • Patent number: 10230257
    Abstract: A wireless charging apparatus for use with an electronic gaming machine includes a pushbutton, a housing supporting the pushbutton and configured to be mounted in a pushbutton assembly of the electronic gaming machine, and a wireless charging device mounted between the pushbutton and the housing, wherein the wireless charging device is configured to wirelessly charge an electronic communications device, such as a mobile communications device, disposed over the pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Fredrick Dawson, III
  • Patent number: 10229562
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game providing an award if a shape of a symbol displayed at a symbol display area corresponds to a shape of that symbol display area. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game having a player-adjustable volatility. In certain embodiments, the game is the above-described game, while in other embodiments, the game is a different game. Generally, in certain such embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to tailor the overall volatility of a play of the game to the player's preference by selecting a desired combination of symbol display areas to employ for a play of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Brian F. Saunders, Timothy L. Isaacson, Ernest M. Lafky
  • Patent number: 10220320
    Abstract: A control program for a game device having a storage unit configured to store points associated with players. The game device may receive a request by a player to designate at least a portion of the points associated with the first player as region points of the first player, which may in turn be correlated with a game region designated by the first player. When the first player has the most points for a particular game region, the game region may be set to be a region of the first player. When the first player disposes a first and second game region in a predetermined arrangement, such that the first and second game region has game regions between them, the game regions between the first and second game region may have their point values swapped to put the first player on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Doi
  • Patent number: 10213698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a decision making system to assist users/coach in managing a sports team playing a virtual game/real game. The virtual game represents a real sports game received from a media feed. The decision making system includes a user database, a sports database, a decision model module, and a processing unit. The user database stores information about users. The sports database stores information related to each sport, including each game move for each sport, rules and regulations associated with each sport, and updated real-time statistics of each team and each player playing the sport. The decision model module coupled with the sports database, which determines possible game moves from the current on-field state of the real game, further the decision model module calculates a score based on the probability of winning the sports game after each possible game move using statistical information of teams and players, and rules and regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: SPORTS MAXIMIZATION INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Moh, Amarjot Thiara
  • Patent number: 10207187
    Abstract: A sound system presenting audio that supplements multi-player game-play in which multiple views of a 3D game object as seen from different viewpoints are simultaneously displayed. The audio includes audio characteristics responsive to behaviors of the 3D game object and depict a focus direction associated with respective behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Zoloto, Joseph Gordon Marcus, Edward G. Brunell, Michael P. Connelly, Nicholas Matthew Garoufalis, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 10198912
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multi-hand poker game having a persistent moving modifier. Generally, when a modifier triggering event occurs in association with a play of the multi-hand poker game, the gaming system activates a corresponding modifier, associates the active modifier with one of the hands of the multi-hand poker game, and uses the active modifier to modify any award for that hand. In one embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system moves the active modifier to another hand for the next play. In another embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system enables the player to determine whether to move the active modifier to another hand for the next play. When the modifier expiration event occurs for an active modifier, the gaming system deactivates the modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Bradford Brown, David R. Lark, Jonathan Leeds
  • Patent number: 10179290
    Abstract: A method for gaming, including receiving from a client device of a user selection of a video recording of game play of a player for a gaming application, and streaming the video recording to the client device. The video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at a first point in the recorded game play. Selection of a jump point in the recorded game play is received from the client device. An instance of the gaming application is initiated based on the snapshot to initiate a jump game play. Input commands used to direct the game play and associated with the snapshot are accessed. Image frames are generated based on the input commands for rendering at the client device, the image frames replaying the game play to the jump point. Input commands from the client device are handled beginning from the jump point for the jump game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Warren Benedetto
  • Patent number: 10159885
    Abstract: A golf club having a sensor that is removably connected at one or more positions of the golf club where the sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit including an accelerometer capable of measuring linear accelerations in three orthogonal axes and a gyroscope capable of measuring an angular rate of rotation around the same axes. The sensor may further comprise a processor which may perform instructions to detect the impact of the golf club with a golf ball and determine the start of the golf swing without any additional input from the user. The sensor may further have a power management system to extend the life of the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Thornton, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn
  • Patent number: 10143913
    Abstract: A system for operating an interactive electronic multimedia puzzle, comprising a puzzle generation engine that receives a variety of audio, video, still graphic, or text-based content, divides content into portions, associates portions of content with puzzle tiles, and presents a puzzle comprising a shuffled arrangement of puzzle tiles to a user, and a method for operating an electronic multimedia puzzle with options which allow both cooperative and competitive social interaction between a plurality of puzzle-solving participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: POLYTANGLE IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Geoffrey James Akwei Baddoo
  • Patent number: 10147264
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a gaming system and method are disclosed as having one or more scatter symbols that may trigger one or more game functions and result in payout awards. For example, the scatter symbols may trigger a game feature when the gaming system generates a predetermined quantity of the scatter symbols for a play of a game in any visible symbol areas. The scatter symbols may also result in payout awards when the scatter symbols are generated in certain symbol areas relative to other each other. In one embodiment, the certain symbol areas relative to each other may include visible adjacent symbol areas across reels along a wagered pay line. In one embodiment, the gaming system may provide the payout awards based on the designated symbols when the same scatter symbols or a mix of different scatter symbols are generated in certain symbol areas relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ADP GAUSELMANN GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Charles Halvorson
  • Patent number: 10143917
    Abstract: An example connected device includes a first battery for supplying electric power to a game controller, a first terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a resistor connected to the first terminal. The game controller includes a controlled component, a second battery for supplying electric power to the controlled component, a second terminal electrically connected to the connected device, a voltage detecting circuit detecting a voltage value in accordance with a current which flows through the resistor when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, and a control circuit. The control circuit discriminates a device connected to the game controller based on the detected voltage value, and switches from the second battery to the first battery when the discriminated device is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the controlled component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiki Oizumi, Shumpei Yasuda, Ryo Fukasawa, Tomofumi Ikeda, Yuki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 10140814
    Abstract: A wagering game machine includes a processor and a wagering game module, executable on the processor, configured to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered to a wagering game player. The machine includes a receiver configured to communicate with a transmitter of a mobile device to receive a mobile payment from the mobile device. The machine includes a bill validator that is communicatively coupled to the receiver. The bill validator configured to receive the mobile payment from the receiver, wherein the bill validator is configured to output a first communication to issue a first wagering game credit for the wagering game machine in response to receipt of a monetary bill, wherein in response to receipt of the mobile payment from the receiver the bill validator is configured to output a second communication to issue a second wagering game credit on the wagering game machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Alfred Thomas, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 10137372
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer-readable medium for determining an illumination component for a selected point in a multi-dimensional space. The method comprises identifying a set of probes associated with the selected point, the probes located in the multi-dimensional space; for each selected one of the probes, determining which of a plurality of zones for the selected probe contains the selected point and determining visibility of said determined zone from the selected probe; and deriving an illumination component at the selected point by combining scene irradiance data associated with those of the probes from which the corresponding determined zone is determined to be visible. The illumination component being determined may be the diffuse component of global illumination as applicable to computer graphics rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SQUARE ENIX LIMITED
    Inventors: Luc Leblanc, Jean-Francois Dufort
  • Patent number: 10124263
    Abstract: A computer implemented device has a display which displays game elements of a computer implemented game board. A use selects via a user interface a game element and moves that game element. A processor will update a count value for each move made. When the count reaches a certain value, the use is prevented from making further moves. If a user back tracks, the count value is correspondingly updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Jakob Braunisch, Matthew Buxton
  • Patent number: 10121318
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson, Jim A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • Patent number: 10109148
    Abstract: A system and computer program for managing casino operations. The system includes a player cage module configured to manage financial transactions between the player and casino, including cash transactions for each player. The player cage module includes a cashier interface that stores information regarding all transactions performed by a cashier during a time period. The system further includes a multi transaction log module configured to store multiple transactions for an individual player and to merge transactions for each said individual player, the multi transaction log being further configured to identify unknown players based on at least one image received of each unknown player. The system permits tracking and reporting of suspicious transactions. The system further permits tracking and reporting when a player's transactions exceed a reporting threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: IT Casino Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Julian Risnoveanu, Mircea Draghici
  • Patent number: 10102686
    Abstract: A lap counting system includes a pool that has an outer wall. The outer wall has an inside surface and the pool may contain a liquid. A tracking unit is coupled to the pool. The tracking unit is positioned on the inside surface such that the tracking unit may be submerged in the liquid. Thus, the tracking unit is accessible to a swimmer. The tracking unit is sensitive to touch such that the tracking unit may be engaged by the swimmer each time the swimmer completes a lap in the pool. Thus, the tracking unit records and times each lap swam by the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Dennis Kent Oberhelman, Donna Gwen Oberhelman