Patents by Inventor Brian Underdahl
Brian Underdahl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8323087Abstract: A wager gaming machine having software and components allowing for automatic powering on and off (also referred to as remote out-of-band power control) bypassing the need for human operator intervention is described. The gaming machine has a master gaming controller and a network interface. The interface includes an input port supporting a TCP/IP connection which can be used by another network component having the gaming machine's IP address. The gaming machine may also include a Web server operating on the input port. The Web server may receive HTTP messages on the input port even when the gaming machine is powered off. Thus, the machine is capable of receiving an HTTP message at the input port instructing the machine to power on. The gaming machine may also contain a manageability engine processor for executing an active management system software component. This component implements the Web server on the gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Xuedong Chen, Binh Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Patent number: 8226474Abstract: Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20120115584Abstract: Gaming systems, devices, and methods are described for enabling wager gaming with a gaming operator using a game cartridge, such as a USB key, and game storage medium, such as a DVD. The cartridge and disc are inserted into a video game console and a connection with the gaming operator is made via the Internet. Once a connection is made and the identity of the game cartridge user has been verified and authenticated, the user can begin wager game play. Game play data are transmitted between the console and the gaming operator in an encrypted format. An encryption key is transmitted to the gaming operator via a digital certificate stored on the cartridge which has the corresponding private key. The game cartridge is capable of capturing a biometric sample of the user which is compared to a sample provided when the cartridge was issued to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20120094769Abstract: Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh T. NGUYEN, Brian UNDERDAHL
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Patent number: 8079905Abstract: Gaming systems, devices, and methods are described for enabling wager gaming with a gaming operator using a game cartridge, such as a USB key, and game storage medium, such as a DVD. The cartridge and disc are inserted into a video game console and a connection with the gaming operator is made via the Internet. Once a connection is made and the identity of the game cartridge user has been verified and authenticated, the user can begin wager game play. Game play data are transmitted between the console and the gaming operator in an encrypted format. An encryption key is transmitted to the gaming operator via a digital certificate stored on the cartridge which has the corresponding private key. The game cartridge is capable of capturing a biometric sample of the user which is compared to a sample provided when the cartridge was issued to the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20110281655Abstract: Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh Nguyen, Bryan D. Wolf, Brian Underdahl, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 8057298Abstract: Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh Nguyen, Bryan D. Wolf, Brian Underdahl, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 7909692Abstract: A remote gaming system and method provides for portable memory devices having predetermined game play outcomes for play on PGDs. The portable memory device having a memory to store at least one predetermined game play outcome for a wager-based game, a processor coupled to the memory, and a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor to measure at least one biometric data from a user to access the wager-based game. A remote gaming server may be in electronic communication with the PGDs or portable memory device to store the predetermined game play outcomes for the wager-based game on the portable memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20100087241Abstract: One aspect is directed to a system whereby a live gaming table system is provided with one or more handheld user input devices which, for example, may allow multiple different players to simultaneously or concurrently provide wager input data and/or other data to the gaming table system. In at least one embodiment, the handheld user input devices may form part of a multi-player touch input interface system which is operable to identify or determine where, who, and what transactions are taking place at a multi-player gaming table and/or multi-player gaming system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Rick Rowe, Mark Carlton Nicely, Bryan Wolf, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20100062838Abstract: According to some implementations, when a patron requests unavailable goods and/or services, at least one alternative option may be offered to that patron. The alternative option(s) may be determined in a variety of ways. For example, the patron's preferences may be compared to a database of available options. However, casino preferences and/or third party preferences may also be considered when determining an alternative option. In some instances, casino preferences and/or third party preferences may be accorded more weight than the preferences of at least some patrons. In some such implementations, however, third party preferences will be accorded less weight than the preferences of certain patrons, e.g., those patrons having a relatively high expected economic value to the gaming establishment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Paul D. Miltenberger, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20090149261Abstract: A wager gaming machine having software and components allowing for automatic powering on and off (also referred to as remote out-of-band power control) bypassing the need for human operator intervention is described. The gaming machine has a master gaming controller and a network interface. The interface includes an input port supporting a TCP/IP connection which can be used by another network component having the gaming machine's IP address. The gaming machine may also include a Web server operating on the input port. The Web server may receive HTTP messages on the input port even when the gaming machine is powered off. Thus, the machine is capable of receiving an HTTP message at the input port instructing the machine to power on. The gaming machine may also contain a manageability engine processor for executing an active management system software component. This component implements the Web server on the gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: IGTInventors: Xuedong Chen, Binh Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20090055205Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide methods, devices and systems for acquiring patron data in real time. A plurality of networked cameras may be used to acquire information regarding casino patrons. The cameras may include “smart cameras” having an integrated machine vision system. The real-time information may be used to populate one or more databases of a player loyalty program. Patron information may also be used to determine trends associated with patron demographics, with levels of a player loyalty program, etc. Some implementations of the invention involve monitoring patron event data and determining when predetermined events of interest occur. When a defined event occurs, patron data relating to the associated patron may be monitored, analyzed and used to populate one or more player loyalty databases. In some implementations, patron data acquired prior to the time of the defined event may also be analyzed and used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080153588Abstract: Novel wager gaming systems, machines, and methods for ensuring that wager game code on a game disc executes on an authorized wager gaming machine are described. To prevent an unauthorized copy of a wager game disc or other storage medium is not able to execute on a gaming machine, the machine checks whether an authorization code has been previously written to the disc. If the disc does not have a code, the gaming machine generates a first segment of an authorization code which is used, along with other data, by a game provider to generate a final authorization code. This is done after the game provider verifies that the machine operator has permission, such as a license, to execute that game code contained on that specific disc. The final authorization code is transmitted to the gaming machine, equipped with a writeable optical disc drive, where it is written or “burned” onto the game disc. At this stage the game disc is tied to or associated with the gaming machine and can execute on that machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: IGT, Inc.Inventors: David Muir, Binh Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080108426Abstract: Novel gaming systems, devices, and methods are described for enabling wager gaming with a gaming operator using a game cartridge, such as a USB key, and game storage medium, such as a DVD. The cartridge and disc are inserted into a video game console and a connection with the gaming operator is made via the Internet. Once a connection is made and the identity of the game cartridge user has been verified and authenticated using, for example, a biometric data sample such as a fingerprint scan, the user can begin wager game play using the video game console and controller. Game play data are transmitted between the console and the gaming operator in an encrypted format using a public and private keys belonging to the game cartridge. The public key is transmitted to the gaming operator via a digital certificate stored on the cartridge which has the corresponding private key.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080076572Abstract: Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: IGT, Inc.Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080076528Abstract: A device and method is provided to create an anonymous account to play a wager-based game of chance on an mobile gaming device comprises obtaining a cashless ticket voucher having a unique identifier, the cashless ticket voucher having a monetary value, inputting the unique identifier into the mobile gaming device to expend the monetary value of the cashless ticket voucher, validating the unique identifier, and generating a game of chance on the mobile gaming device if the unique identifier is validated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080070652Abstract: Novel wager gaming machines, gaming servers, and power consumption control methods for intelligently controlling power consumed by a wager gaming machine in a manner that does not discourage or prevent use of the gaming machine are described. A component of a gaming machine, for example, a ticket printer, is powered down when it has been determined that, based on usage pattern data, the component is not likely to be used. Usage pattern data are derived from raw activity usage data for a machine and its components. Components that are not powered based on the usage pattern data can be powered upon detecting an action implying that a user will be using the machine, for example, a card read or bill insert. A power controller processes signals conveying rules based on the usage pattern data and may also process a signal conveying a user-initiated action if there is one, to form a command to power up or turn off one or more gaming machine components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: IGT, Inc.Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20080020827Abstract: Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Brian Underdahl, Binh Nguyen, Yuliya Hungate, Steven LeMay
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Publication number: 20080004107Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting and/or preventing cheating in online gaming. Some implementations provide gaming information in formats that are difficult for a bot to interpret, but which are preferably easy for humans to interpret. Some implementations of the invention involve the tracking and analysis of players' gaming activities. Some implementations of the invention provide a multi-tier approach to data analysis. Some analyses may be performed, for example, by a centralized computing device such as a server, whereas other analyses may be performed by a host device. In some implementations, “challenge and response” measures will be employed. Some implementations of the invention involve detection and prevention of collaboration between players.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Binh Nguyen, Bryan D. Wolf, Brian Underdahl
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Publication number: 20070293320Abstract: The present invention provides a novel broadcast gaming methods and devices. Some implementations involve broadcasting real-time video streams of game content to a player's receiver, such as a television, a mobile phone, a computer, etc. Various games may be simultaneously broadcast on separate channels. Players can purchase time slots during which the players will passively participate in the wins or losses of a game. Alternatively, players may elect to financially participate in a predetermined number of games. Based on the outcomes of games in which a player participates, a player's pre-established account is either debited or credited. Players may view gaming content at the time of broadcast or record it for later viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Binh Nguyen, Craig Paulsen, Brian Underdahl