Patents by Inventor Jamie W. Vann
Jamie W. Vann 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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Publication number: 20240087408Abstract: A method and system are described that involve operations to communicatively couple a personal mobile device to an additional device via a casino network. The operations are further to detect a user-input gesture, performed via one or more of the personal mobile device or the additional device, to transfer a gaming object between the personal mobile device and the additional device. The operations are further to, in response to detection of the user-input gesture, route communication of the transfer to a wagering game server connected to the casino network. The operations are further to transfer, via the wagering game server, the gaming object between the personal mobile device and the additional device and animate, via a display device of one or more of the personal mobile device or the additional device, transfer of the gaming object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Anthony J. BAERLOCHER, Dion K. AOKI, Larry J. PACEY, Jesse M. SMITH, Jamie W. VANN
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Patent number: 11823529Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that detects, via an electronic processor, a first orientation of a mobile device relative to an orientation of a gaming device. The method and/or apparatus further provides, by the electronic processor via a user interface of the mobile device, at least one bet placement option for a game conducted by the gaming device, in response to detecting the first orientation. After detection of a selection of the at least one bet placement option, the method and/or apparatus detects, via the electronic processor, a change from the first orientation of the mobile device to a second orientation different from the first orientation. The method and/or apparatus further presents, by the electronic processor via the user interface, at least one game play option for the game in response to detecting the change from the first orientation to the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: LNW Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dion K. Aoki, Larry J. Pacey, Jesse M. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
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Publication number: 20210319658Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that detects, via an electronic processor, a first orientation of a mobile device relative to an orientation of a gaming device. The method and/or apparatus further provides, by the electronic processor via a user interface of the mobile device, at least one bet placement option for a game conducted by the gaming device, in response to detecting the first orientation. After detection of a selection of the at least one bet placement option, the method and/or apparatus detects, via the electronic processor, a change from the first orientation of the mobile device to a second orientation different from the first orientation. The method and/or apparatus further presents, by the electronic processor via the user interface, at least one game play option for the game in response to detecting the change from the first orientation to the second orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Anthony J. BAERLOCHER, Dion K. AOKI, Larry J. PACEY, Jesse M. SMITH, Jamie W. VANN
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Patent number: 11055959Abstract: A method for transferring a wagering game object, monetary value, and/or non-monetary value between a mobile device and a second device is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include presenting, on a mobile device, a graphical user interface configured to receive user input. The method can further include receiving, via the graphical user interface, a gesture that initiates transfer of one or more of a wagering game object, monetary value, and non-monetary value between the mobile device and a second device. The method can further include transmitting, via a network in response to the gesture, one or more of the wagering game object, the monetary value, and the non-monetary value between the mobile device and the second device.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dion K. Aoki, Larry J. Pacey, Jesse M. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 10885744Abstract: A gaming system comprising a regulated gaming machine primarily dedicated to playing at least one casino wagering game. The gaming machine includes an electronic display device and one or more electronic input devices and game-logic circuitry configured to detect, via at least one of the one or more electronic input devices, a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance. The game-logic circuitry is further configured to initiate the casino wagering game in response to an input indicative of a wager covered by the credit balance. The game-logic circuitry is further configured to increment a progressive jackpot associated with the wagering game. The game-logic circuitry is further configured to conduct a skill-based bonus game that awards portions of the incremented progressive jackpot based on skillful inputs of a player in response to a triggering event occurring during the wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Jamie W Vann
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Patent number: 10699520Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
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Patent number: 10366561Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display device, and game-logic circuitry. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display device displays outcomes of the wagering game via a plurality of symbol-bearing reels each having a plurality of symbol positions occupied by symbols, at least one of the reels having a designated clump area comprising a predetermined number of the symbol positions. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the game-logic circuitry randomly determines whether to include a symbol clump in the designated clump area, the symbol clump comprising a plurality of identical symbols occupying adjacent ones of the symbol positions within the designated clump area.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 10339759Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of operating a gaming system, the method comprising receiving, over one or more networks from a mobile device, a check-in message indicating a physical location external to a wagering game establishment and an identification of a wagering game player account. The method can also include detecting log-in of the wagering game player account on a wagering game machine in the casino, wherein the wagering game machine is configured to present a wagering game and establish a credit balance upon detection of a physical item associated with value. The method can also include in response to detecting the log-in, determining modified game content that includes an attribute associated with the physical location, and transmitting the modified game content over the one or more networks to the wagering game machine to replace wagering game content of the wagering game machine for use in presenting the wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Michael V. Dicillo, Dave Savage, Jamie W. Vann, Matthew J. Ward
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Publication number: 20190096172Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
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Patent number: 10223859Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting initiation of a wagering game and determining, in response to the detecting the initiation of the wagering game, first content and second content to present for the wagering game. The operations can further include providing the first content for presentation on a display device, the first content being viewable through the gaming eyewear, and providing the second content for presentation as a virtual image via the gaming eyewear.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Massing, Damon E. Gura, Daniel P. Louie, Jesse M. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 10163298Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent DiCillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
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Patent number: 9972166Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of input devices for operating a wagering game feature. A level of adoption is determined and dynamically modified for one or more input devices based upon player interaction during the feature. A tailored level of messaging is presented to the player corresponding to the level of adoption. A level of adoption may be maintained separately for each feature of the wagering game and for each input device. The level of adoption may be based on determined player familiarity, proficiency, desirability, usage, etc., of the input device, during one or more features of the wagering game. The level of adoption for a player, the one or more input devices, and all available feature contexts of the wagering game may evolve during a single gaming cycle session, starting at a predetermined default value and changing in response to player interaction with the input devices and operation of the gaming features.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jamie W. Vann, Erik W. Funkhouser, Yokeshwaran Srinivasan
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Publication number: 20180082524Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
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Patent number: 9916720Abstract: A method for selecting content for delivery to devices is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include registering a plurality of devices of one or more device types. The method can further include receiving usage information indicating usage of the devices and affinity information indicating user affinities associated with the devices. The method can further include detecting that a device of the plurality of devices is in-use. The method can further include determining, based on the usage information and the affinity information, game content for the device currently used. The method can further include transmitting, to the device, the game content.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Damon E. Gura, Michael J. Irby, II, Scott A. Massing, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9858751Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
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Patent number: 9836925Abstract: Presented herein are gaming systems, gaming machines, and methods for conducting wagering games. Gaming machines are disclosed which include a gaming cabinet, display device(s) and input device(s) coupled to the cabinet, and game-logic circuitry disposed within the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9773378Abstract: A gaming system presents a wagering game that includes a bonus wheel having a plurality of wheel segments. A player directs the placement of at least one award marker on a wheel segment of the plurality, and the wagering game randomly selects a winning wheel segment of the plurality.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Louie, Jamie W. Vann, Allon G. Englman
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Patent number: 9734665Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one memory device that stores instructions that cause a processor to operate with a display device an input device to display a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game having a first end-game outcome, trigger a first instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, provide a first number of award opportunities during play of the first instance of the bonus game, complete the first instance of the bonus game in response to the first end-game outcome, store any remaining award opportunities in the at least one memory device in response to the first end-game outcome being achieved with at least one award opportunity remaining, trigger a second instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, and provide any stored remaining award opportunities during play of the second instance of the bonus game.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jason W. Chan, Benjamin T. Gomez, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9704352Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include providing a wagering game for presentation, wherein the wagering game includes a first symbol set used to indicate one or more wagering game outcomes before initiation of a secondary contest. The operations can further include initiating the secondary contest, wherein the secondary contest is separate from the wagering game, and providing a second symbol set for use during the secondary contest, wherein the second symbol set is configured to indicate a promotional award for the secondary contest. The operations can further include incorporating the second symbol set into the wagering game. The operations can further include ending the secondary contest, and removing the second symbol set from the wagering game after the secondary contest ends.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Michael J. Irby, II, Jamie W. Vann, Thomas R. Wood
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Publication number: 20170148254Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie, Jeremie D. Moll, Jeffry L. Nauman, Jamie W. Vann