Patents by Inventor Erica Frohm
Erica Frohm 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: 20060252487Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael Casey, Erica Frohm, Jason Gilmore, Damon Gura, Darryl Hughes, Joel Jaffe, Ian Simmons
-
Publication number: 20060252492Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael Casey, Erica Frohm, Jason Gilmore, Damon Gura, Darryl Hughes, Joel Jaffe, Ian Simmons
-
Patent number: 7112135Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael P. Casey, Erica A. Frohm, Jason C. Gilmore, Damon E. Gura, Darryl W. Hughes, Joel R. Jaffe, Ian M. Simmons
-
Patent number: 6881146Abstract: A game of chance is played on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes an array of locations displayed on a video display and individually selectable by a player and the processor. The player and the processor make alternating selections of unoccupied ones of the locations in the array for placement of respective first and second symbol types. The probability of using a winning strategy for the selections by the processor increases with successive ones of the selections by the processor so that the processor appears to become more intelligent as the game progresses. A payout is awarded to the player based on an outcome of the game.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, John D. Flint, John J. Giobbi, Shridhar P. Joshi, Erica A. Frohm
-
Publication number: 20040142738Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael P. Casey, Erica A. Frohm, Jason C. Gilmore, Damon E. Gura, Darryl W. Hughes, Joel R. Jaffe, Ian M. Simmons
-
Patent number: 6746327Abstract: A gaming machine includes a presentation element and an animation feature. In response to a wager amount, a processor controls the presentation element. The presentation element is capable of presenting a plurality of action selections for a player. When a player selects one of the actions, the animation feature animates a multi-step event corresponding to the selected action. Combinations of multi-step events result in a continuing gameplay experience, and payoffs are rewarded to the player in response to certain multi-step events or certain achievements in the continuing gameplay experience.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, John J. Giobbi, Damon E. Gura, Joel R. Jaffe, Marc A. Raneses
-
Patent number: 6685561Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael P. Casey, Erica A. Frohm, Jason C. Gilmore, Damon E. Gura, Darryl W. Hughes, Joel R. Jaffe, Ian M. Simmons
-
Publication number: 20030199309Abstract: Gaining machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany
-
Publication number: 20030199307Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany
-
Publication number: 20030195029Abstract: A gaming machine includes a presentation element and an animation feature. In response to a wager amount, a processor controls the presentation element. The presentation element is capable of presenting a plurality of action selections for a player. When a player selects one of the actions, the animation feature animates a multi-step event corresponding to the selected action. Combinations of multi-step events result in a continuing gameplay experience, and payoffs are rewarded to the player in response to certain multi-step events or certain achievements in the continuing gameplay experience.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, John J. Giobbi, Damon E. Gura, Joel R. Jaffe, Marc A. Raneses
-
Publication number: 20030181238Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany
-
Patent number: 6592457Abstract: A gaming machine includes a presentation element and an animation feature. In response to a wager amount, a processor controls the presentation element. The presentation element is capable of presenting a plurality of action selections for a player. When a player selects one of the actions, the animation feature animates a multi-step event corresponding to the selected action. Combinations of multi-step events result in a continuing gameplay experience, and payoffs are rewarded to the player in response to certain multi-step events or certain achievements in the continuing gameplay experience.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, John J. Giobbi, Damon E. Gura, Joel R. Jaffe, Marc A. Raneses
-
Patent number: 6443837Abstract: A gaming machine bonus feature involving the selection of strategy options. The player selects strategy options, one at a time, in successive game stages. Each of the strategy options is associated with a game activity having a number of possible outcomes. After selection of the strategy options, a gaming machine processor determines the outcomes associated with the designated game activity. In one embodiment, the game program defines a selection probability for the possible outcomes which may vary in the successive game stages. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine and method of operating of the gaming machine to execute a game program defining a first and second strategy option. Each of the first and second strategy options are associated with a designated game activity. The method comprises a first step of selecting, under player control, one of the first and second strategy options.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, Damon E. Gura, Erica Frohm
-
Publication number: 20020039918Abstract: A game of chance is played on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes an array of locations displayed on a video display and individually selectable by a player and the processor. The player and the processor make alternating selections of unoccupied ones of the locations in the array for placement of respective first and second symbol types. The probability of using a winning strategy for the selections by the processor increases with successive ones of the selections by the processor so that the processor appears to become more intelligent as the game progresses. A payout is awarded to the player based on an outcome of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, John D. Flint, John J. Giobbi, Shridhar P. Joshi, Erica A. Frohm
-
Patent number: 6364766Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael P. Casey, Erica A. Frohm, Jason C. Gilmore, Damon E. Gura, Darryl W. Hughes, Joel R. Jaffe, Ian M. Simmons
-
Publication number: 20020037764Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventors: Peter Anderson, Michael P. Casey, Erica A. Frohm, Jason C. Gilmore, Damon E. Gura, Darryl W. Hughes, Joel R. Jaffe, Ian M. Simmons
-
Patent number: 6315660Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
-
Patent number: 6302791Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a spinning reel display showing a plurality of symbols on each of a plurality of rotatable reels. The reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols of each reel in visual association with a pay line. A winning combination of displayed symbols triggers a payoff. The distribution of payoff values and probabilities results in a high volatility index, so that the distribution is similar to a state-run lottery.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, John J. Giobbi
-
Publication number: 20010009865Abstract: A gaming machine is operated by a programmed micro-processor in which the first mode of operation, a basic gambling game, is implemented such as video poker or reel-type slot machine play. If bonus symbols are selected in the basic mode, a bonus mode is triggered. In the bonus mode the same or a different game is implemented by the micro-processor system employing a Bernoulli trial procedure in which the player continues to play and receive awards until a losing combination occurs. The hit rate for the bonus mode is greater than 50% although the overall hold percentage of the game remains below 100%.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 1997Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: LAWRENCE E. DEMAR, ERICA FROHM
-
Patent number: 6234897Abstract: A slot machine comprises a spinning reel display and a bonus game. The spinning reel display shows a plurality of symbols on each of a plurality of rotatable reels. The reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols of each reel in visual association with a pay line. The pay line is associated with at least one of the symbols on each of the reels. The bonus game is triggered in response to start-bonus symbols from the respective stopped reels appearing in the spinning reel display. The bonus game having different expected values based on different arrangements of the start-bonus symbols in the spinning reel display.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, Lawrence E. DeMar, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas