Patents by Inventor Craig A. Paulsen

Craig A. Paulsen 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).

  • Publication number: 20210295652
    Abstract: Innovations in game design features of an electronic gaming device are presented. A progressive jackpot is associated with an escrow. At least a portion of the escrow can be applied to a reset amount for the progressive jackpot. The amount of escrow applied to the reset amount can vary, such as based on a current escrow value. The progressive jackpot can be associated with an increment rate and an escrow rate. The increment rate or the escrow rate may vary based on one or more parameters, including one or more game parameters. Game parameters can include game output parameters, such as a coin out amount, a number of games played, a handpay amount, or a number of players actively engaged in game play with a particular progressive jackpot. Changes in how escrow is applied, or how increment or escrow rates are determined, can be based on time periods or events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah O'Hara, James King, Rena M. Schoonmaker, Craig Paulsen, Nash Jaffer
  • Publication number: 20200388106
    Abstract: A gaming machine, system and method providing variable position display capable of display movement and an extendable screen responsive to gaming conditions. The gaming machine includes a cabinet, a variable position display, an extendable display screen, and a controller. The variable position display rotates, tilts, pans, or some combination of translation, rotation, tilting and panning, in relation to the cabinet and in response to at least one or more predefined gaming conditions. The controller initiates a movement sequence movement of the variable position display, from a first position to a second position, and initiates the game program tailored to retractably extend the extendable display screen with respect to the cabinet relatively to the movement of the variable position display, and present the game and game outcomes of the game on the variable position display in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Bruce Urban, Rajendrasinh Jadeja, Roberto Coppola, Craig Paulsen
  • Patent number: 10621817
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and related methods for implementing services over a plurality of gaming devices in a mesh network. A plurality of gaming devices are situated in a mesh network. A gaming device includes, a client processing module configured to provide play of one or more games of chance, and a mesh network interface configured to provide communications with a further one or more gaming devices. A gaming device also includes a server processing module configured to receive and transmit service data via the mesh network. The service data is independent of game play data for wagering on a game of chance at one or more of the gaming devices. The service data is capable of being stored at a gaming device and at the further one or more gaming devices to provide a level of redundant storage of the service data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Craig A. Paulsen, Richard E. Rowe
  • Patent number: 10249129
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 10235841
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20180082528
    Abstract: A method of connecting a wireless device to an electronic gaming machine is described. The method includes broadcasting, though a wireless transceiver of the gaming machine, a discovery message to wireless communication devices within a broadcast range of the wireless transceiver. The method further includes receiving, at the wireless transceiver, a response message from the wireless device. The method includes establishing, by the gaming machine, a wireless connection between the wireless device and the gaming machine. The method further includes requesting, by the gaming machine, a player identification and player preferences of a user of the wireless device. The method includes receiving, from the wireless device, the player identification and player preferences of the user. The method further includes broadcasting, through the wireless transceiver, an audio message customized for the user to the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen, James Stockdale, David Muir
  • Patent number: 9824534
    Abstract: A method of connecting a wireless device to an electronic gaming machine is described. The method includes broadcasting, though a wireless transceiver of the gaming machine, a discovery message to wireless communication devices within a broadcast range of the wireless transceiver. The method further includes receiving, at the wireless transceiver, a response message from the wireless device. The method includes establishing, by the gaming machine, a wireless connection between the wireless device and the gaming machine. The method further includes requesting, by the gaming machine, a player identification and player preferences of a user of the wireless device. The method includes receiving, from the wireless device, the player identification and player preferences of the user. The method further includes broadcasting, through the wireless transceiver, an audio message customized for the user to the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen, James Stockdale, David Muir
  • Patent number: 9640035
    Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. With the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply information required to obtain a game service. Types of interfaces provided with the gaming machine include a jackpot interface for displaying one or more jackpots selected by the player or one or more jackpots that the player is eligible to win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20170046915
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and related methods for implementing services over a plurality of gaming devices in a mesh network. A plurality of gaming devices are situated in a mesh network. A gaming device includes, a client processing module configured to provide play of one or more games of chance, and a mesh network interface configured to provide communications with a further one or more gaming devices. A gaming device also includes a server processing module configured to receive and transmit service data via the mesh network. The service data is independent of game play data for wagering on a game of chance at one or more of the gaming devices. The service data is capable of being stored at a gaming device and at the further one or more gaming devices to provide a level of redundant storage of the service data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Craig A. Paulsen, Richard E. Rowe
  • Patent number: 9483905
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and related methods for implementing services over a plurality of gaming devices in a mesh network. A plurality of gaming devices are situated in a mesh network. A gaming device includes a client processing module configured to provide play of one or more games of chance, and a mesh network interface configured to provide communications with a further one or more gaming devices. A gaming device also includes a server processing module configured to receive and transmit service data via the mesh network. The service data is independent of game play data for wagering on a game of chance at one or more of the gaming devices. The service data is capable of being stored at a gaming device and at the further one or more gaming devices to provide a level of redundant storage of the service data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Craig A. Paulsen, Richard E. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20160314660
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20160225231
    Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. With the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply information required to obtain a game service. Types of interfaces provided with the gaming machine include a jackpot interface for displaying one or more jackpots selected by the player or one or more jackpots that the player is eligible to win.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20160203679
    Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. With the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply information required to obtain a game service. Types of interfaces provided with the gaming machine include a jackpot interface for displaying one or more jackpots selected by the player or one or more jackpots that the player is eligible to win.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9384635
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9311772
    Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. With the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply information required to obtain a game service. Types of interfaces provided with the gaming machine include a jackpot interface for displaying one or more jackpots selected by the player or one or more jackpots that the player is eligible to win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9129488
    Abstract: A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Craig A. Paulsen, Chauncey W. Griswold, Joseph R. Hedrick, Richard L. Wilder, Harold E. Mattice
  • Patent number: 9105150
    Abstract: A gaming system includes: (i) a base wagering game requiring a wager to made by a player; (ii) at least one winning outcome for the base wagering game; (iii) a paytable for the at least one winning outcome; a secondary award provided randomly to the player, the secondary party award provided by a secondary award provider and kept separate and apart from the paytable; and (iv) advertising for secondary award provider, the advertising provided in exchange for the provision of the secondary award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20150141132
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 8974285
    Abstract: One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay Roper, Cara Iddings, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8968081
    Abstract: Disclosed are data processing apparatus, systems, and methods implemented over a gaming network for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wager-based gaming environment. A monitoring engine receives an identification of a promotional offer as having an unredeemed status. A determining engine determines that the promotional offer having the unredeemed status satisfies one or more parameters to designate the promotional offer for an auction. Such designation is independent of real-time wager-based game play in the gaming network. An auction control engine provides the designated promotional offer as an item to be auctioned in the wager-based gaming network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Craig A. Paulsen