Patents by Inventor Jeffrey P. Laakso

Jeffrey P. Laakso 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).

  • Patent number: 8221218
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7892091
    Abstract: A gaming device and method for enhancing an award or a transfer of a plurality of credits. The gaming device and method initially displays one or more audio and visual signals as the device begins to transfer gaming device credits. At certain points, preferably in accordance with the gaming device theme, the device selectively adds one or more visual and audio signals to the original display, as the device transfers more and more credits. The method of adding consecutive layers of sound and visual displays creates denser, richer and more complex displays that associates with larger amounts of accumulated credits. The method contemplates basing the set points on a predetermined amount of time, or a percentage of total credits transferred or on a number of credits transferred. Preferably, when the final credit is issued, the gaming device and method provides a final sound and visual display, which terminates the previously built up layers and brings the credit accumulation to its conclusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20100160031
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7699699
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be slot although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game for a while using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7695363
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple interfaces for a gaming device is provided. The game can be slot although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. The interface which is displayed can depend upon the wager level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John J. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7355112
    Abstract: A gaming device having a sound generating device operable to produce a background sound. The gaming device tracks play session events and determines when the tracked events meet a designated characteristic or parameter. The gaming device modifies the background sound based on whether designated tracked events occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Laakso
  • Patent number: 7105736
    Abstract: A gaming device which, in one embodiment, has a sound generating device operable to produce a background sound. The gaming device tracks play session events and determines when the tracked events meet a designated characteristic or parameter. The gaming device selects one of a plurality of designated sound recordings associated with such designated parameter. The gaming device causes the sound generating device to produce the selected sound recording as part of the background sound during the game, in between games, after cash-out and other times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Laakso
  • Patent number: 6935955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which generates a sound effect when the player comes within a certain proximity of reaching an award or deduction but does not reach an award or deduction. The gaming device also generates sound effects when the player fails to reach an award a certain number of times. This feature, usable in primary games and bonus rounds, provides players with information and enhances the enjoyment and entertainment which players experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Jeffrey P. Laakso
  • Publication number: 20040242307
    Abstract: A gaming device and method for enhancing an award or a transfer of a plurality of credits. The gaming device and method initially displays one or more audio and visual signals as the device begins to transfer gaming device credits. At certain points, preferably in accordance with the gaming device theme, the device selectively adds one or more visual and audio signals to the original display, as the device transfers more and more credits. The method of adding consecutive layers of sound and visual displays creates denser, richer and more complex displays that associates with larger amounts of accumulated credits. The method contemplates basing the set points on a predetermined amount of time, or a percentage of total credits transferred or on a number of credits transferred. Preferably, when the final credit is issued, the gaming device and method provides a final sound and visual display, which terminates the previously built up layers and brings the credit accumulation to its conclusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 6769985
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device and method for enhancing an award or a transfer of a plurality of credits. The gaming device and method initially displays one or more audio and visual signals as the device begins to transfer gaming device credits. At certain points, preferably in accordance with the gaming device theme, the device selectively adds one or more visual and audio signals to the original display, as the device transfers more and more credits. The method of adding consecutive layers of sound and visual displays creates denser, richer and more complex displays that associates with larger amounts of accumulated credits. The method contemplates basing the set points on a predetermined amount of time, or a percentage of total credits transferred or on a number of credits transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow