Patents by Inventor Christian E. Gadda
Christian E. Gadda 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: 8125459Abstract: Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). The first input detection can be provided as a Radio Frequency (RF) system that detects a change in RF energy received by a RF receiver provided in the proximity of a user when the user touches a touchscreen. The second input detection can include an APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) or capacitive touchscreen (or multi-touch screen).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
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Publication number: 20120021824Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: IGTInventors: William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Ricky Lew, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, Harold E. Mattice
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Patent number: 8057302Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Ricky Lew, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, Harold E. Mattice
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Publication number: 20110269536Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
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Publication number: 20110269537Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
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Publication number: 20110269538Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
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Patent number: 8002621Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
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Publication number: 20110118013Abstract: A gaming machine includes a rotating object that has at least one configurable surface that may be configured electronically. The rotating object may be synchronized with a video display. Configurable surfaces can use bistable materials, electroluminescent materials, LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, projection, or other techniques. The appearance of the rotating object is changed without physically changing the rotating object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
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Publication number: 20100304819Abstract: A gaming system that is compatible with photonic-powered card devices is described. The gaming system may comprise a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines. The gaming machines may be operable to provide wagering on an outcome of a game of chance, display the outcome of the game of chance, accept cash or an indicia of credit and dispense an award, such as cash or indicia of credit, to a player utilizing the gaming machine. The gaming machines may be configured to accommodate a photonic-powered card including communicating with these cards via an optical communication interface. One or more transactions on the gaming machine, such as a transfer of cash or indicia of credit on or off the gaming machine or an initiation of a player tracking session, may be enabled using photonic-powered card devices and associated hardware/software.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: James W. Stockdale, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Christian E. Gadda
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Publication number: 20100062833Abstract: A portable casino gaming device includes a data preservation system and is operable to monitor movement activity relating to the portable gaming device, and generate movement information relating to movements of the portable gaming device. In at least one embodiment, the movement information includes at least one of: data relating to rotation of the portable gaming device, data relating to displacement of the portable gaming device, data relating to velocity of the portable gaming device, data relating to acceleration of the portable gaming device, and/or data relating to an orientation of the portable gaming device. The portable gaming device may also be operable to analyze the movement information with respect to a first set of threshold criteria in order to detect an occurrence of a first critical condition or event at the portable gaming device, and to initiate at least one action in response to detection of the first critical condition or event.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING PLAYER INTERACTION IN CONNECTION WITH A MULTI-PLAYER GAMING TABLE
Publication number: 20100009745Abstract: Method and apparatus for use with a gaming table. An apparatus includes a base, a user-actuated wheel coupled to the base such that the wheel is rotatable relative to the base, and a display configured to display an image corresponding to a position of the wheel to a player.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: James W. Stockdale, Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Richard L. Wilder, Christian E. Gadda -
Patent number: 7611411Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting cashless gaming or player tracking within a gaming environment are disclosed. Players with associated player accounts are provided player tracking instruments having rewriteable displays. Also provided are gaming devices or machines having display panels adapted to display content and scan input through set display and read regions. Data on player tracking instruments is updated and displayed thereupon, and the input display panels of the gaming devices are used to read this data. These input display panels can also be used to read biometric information from players to confirm proper player account associations. The player tracking instruments may contain an RFID tag to receive communications from a transceiver associated with the gaming device or machine. A feedback loop from a master gaming controller to a transceiver to a player tracking instrument to an input display panel and back to the master gaming controller can be created.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: IGTInventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Christian E. Gadda
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Patent number: 7578741Abstract: A wagering gaming device that physically stimulates an input device of the gaming device to stimulate a player. The input device, includes a component stimulator and an actuation member. The input devices sends a signal or plurality of signals to a processor upon actuation of the actuation member of the input device. The processor sends an electronic signal to the component stimulator. The component stimulator causes the physical stimulation of the actuation member. The player feels this movement, which may be in correlation to the image being displayed by a display device. This physical stimulation of an input device may be employed in any suitable manner in relation to a game in a wagering gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: IGTInventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, Nicole M. Beaulieu, Aaron T. Jones
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Publication number: 20090195518Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
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Publication number: 20090124321Abstract: A physical device that triggers a deal of a video card is described. The physical device triggers the deal when a subject moves an object of the subject on the physical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
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Publication number: 20090084612Abstract: Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). The first input detection can be provided as a Radio Frequency (RF) system that detects a change in RF energy received by a RF receiver provided in the proximity of a user when the user touches a touchscreen. The second input detection can include an APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) or capacitive touchscreen (or multi-touch screen).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
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Publication number: 20090054159Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a gaming device having a plurality of dynamically connectable modular gaming table components that provide a variety of configuration options. In one example embodiment, the gaming device includes a first modular gaming table component and a second modular gaming table component, where the first modular gaming table component and second modular gaming table component are connectable in a variety of arrangements. Each of the first and second modular gaming table components may include at least one gaming station having a gaming display, gaming control circuitry, structural connection means, and communication connection means, whereby the structural and communication connection means of the two components may be dynamically connectable in a variety of component arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: IGT, A NEVADA CORPORATIONInventors: Christian E. Gadda, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Chauncey Griswold, James W. Stockdale
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Publication number: 20090019188Abstract: Techniques for processing input based on the execution state of computer programs are disclosed. One or more discreet locations (e.g., points, areas, regions, surfaces) of the input device can be effectively selected for an execution state of an instance of computer program code. Only the selected input locations of input devices including those capable of receiving multiple input need to be monitored for input. Input is detected and effectively filtered for visually-based input devices (e.g., touch screens). A visual image representing the input surfaces (or areas) of the input device can be captured as graphics data (e.g., graphics data captured by a camera). Moreover, the captured image can be effectively filtered by only processing the portions of the graphics data that correspond or represent the selected input locations of the input device (i.e., the selected input locations for the current state of execution).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
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Publication number: 20080248844Abstract: Techniques for forming and using formal partnerships are disclosed. Two or more entities (e.g., individual players, groups, organizations) can form a partnership for the purpose of participating in one or more games. In effect, a game can be played for a partnership without the active participation of all the entities (or partners) that have formed the partnership. The game can, for example, be played by one or the partners or an authorized representative of the partnership. When a game is played on behalf of a partnership, the gaming activity is effectively tracked and verification data is stored for the partnership. Verification data can be made available to allow the partners to verify the outcome of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
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Patent number: 7413512Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a housing, a display unit, a value input device, a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The housing may include a first opening, a second opening and one or more light sources positioned around the second opening. The controller may be operatively coupled to the light sources. The display unit may be positioned relative to the housing so that a first portion of the display unit is visible through the first opening and the second portion of the display unit is visible through the second opening. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to cause the display unit to generate a first display on the first portion of the display unit, to cause the display unit to generate a second display on the second portion of the display unit, to cause the light sources to emit light when the second display is generated, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Richard L. Wilder, Christian E. Gadda