Patents by Inventor John F. Acres

John F. Acres 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).

  • ELECTRONIC WAGERING
    Publication number: 20210090381
    Abstract: The present system incorporates mobile computing devices to play games, such as electronic pull-tabs, in a plurality of venues, each having a local wireless network. Each network communicates with a central system that generates decks of game outcomes and associated awards. All wagers and awards for each game are tracked on the central system, which also provides each game award and associated outcome from a deck stored on the central system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: JOHN F. ACRES, WARREN WHITE, MARK N. DAILEY, WILLIAM DALE HERMANSEN, ANTHONY MORELLI, ALEX WHITE, CYRUS A. LUCIANO, JOHN G. SCHMITZ, ANDREW KING, PATRICK B. FERGUSON
  • Drawing with participant interaction
    Patent number: 10937272
    Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the play period, participants' gaming wagering is used to generate drawing tickets. Each player may text COUNT to receive a text message containing his or her current board position and total tickets accumulated. Alternatively, or in addition, he or she may go to the casino, text the word STATUS and have the same information depicted with accompanying animation on a video display. At the end of the play period each player may text PEEK to receive a message indicating whether or not he or she has won any prizes. To learn the number of prizes and their worth, the player may go to the casino, text the word REVEAL and have the prize details depicted with accompanying animation on the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: John F. Acres, William M. Adamson, Patrick B. Ferguson
  • System for processing gaming activity
    Patent number: 10933306
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gaming device configured to record gaming activity, a method of processing the recorded gaming activity to analyze player behavior, and a system including the gaming device. The gaming device may include a gaming display to display gaming events played on the gaming device by a player during a gaming session, a player interface panel including a plurality of gaming buttons and a game initiating button configured to initiate the gaming events, and a game processor configured to record each activity between the player and the gaming device, wherein each recorded activity is associated with a time stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • System for trade-in bonus
    Patent number: 10937276
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that allow customers to wager, or “trade-in” an object of value or winning situation for a chance to win an even more valuable award. The chance for valuable award may be a bonus game or chance to win a bonus game. Bonus awards are “funded” by the savings achieved from the players trading in their wins in the base game, which would otherwise be paid. Players who do not trade-in see no changes from the base game paytable, while those players who participate in the trade-in bonus have a different gaming experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • GAME DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE SPEED OF PLAY
    Publication number: 20210056802
    Abstract: This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: JOHN F. ACRES
  • METHOD FOR CONFIGURING CASINO OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20210049863
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of optimizing at least one performance variable, such as revenue or profitability, indicative of the performance of a casino. An initial set of operating parameters is set. At least one environmental variable, such as traffic, weather, time, cost of transportation, etc. are monitored as is the performance variable. An artificial intelligence program changes operating parameters, such as player-tracking rewards, bonuses, comps, advertising, etc. The program determines the effect of the change, and further changes the operating parameter as a function of the effect and the environmental variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventor: JOHN F. ACRES
  • Rapid play poker gaming device
    Patent number: 10922929
    Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to a video poker gaming device that deals five cards to a player and selects five more cards that represent the possible cards used in a later draw. From these ten cards, the gaming device if a winning combination above a threshold amount is possible. If such a winning combination is not possible, in some embodiments, the device automatically ends the game and deals a new hand. If a win over the threshold amount is possible, the gaming device allows the player to hold and draw cards. This increases the speed of play of the poker game and focuses game play on hands where winning combinations are likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Outcome determination method for gaming device
    Patent number: 10916100
    Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Method and system for dispatching casino personnel and tracking interactions with players
    Patent number: 10909803
    Abstract: The present embodiment includes a dispatch system and method in which a casino agent is equipped with mobile computing devices that receive a dispatch notification. The notification includes the identity of an electronic gaming device at which an identified player has started a gaming session and the identity of the player. The player's record is displayed on the mobile computing device and includes the number of times the casino agent has been dispatched to a gaming device at which the player is identified as well as descriptions of prior calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Method and apparatus for triggering a bonus
    Patent number: 10909810
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bonus game that is common to a bank of electronic gaming devices. One or more pools accrue with each wager placed. A player qualifies to play the bonus game when at least one tracked player or game criterion, such as wagers made, exceeds a threshold, triggers a mystery-jackpot counter, or is selected by a weighted pay table. The bonus game includes a video display of a wheel bouncing against a brick wall with bricks being exploded by coins. After an opening is formed in the wall and the wheel escapes, a wheel spin determines the bonus game outcome. More than one player may play the bonus game in sequence until the last player spins the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • COMMUNICATING INFORMATION ABOUT NETWORKED GAMING MACHINES TO PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS
    Publication number: 20210027570
    Abstract: On a network of electronic gaming machines, data regarding the performance of the machines or the players of the machines is collected and processed to make predictions of future jackpots and recommendations of games to play. The predictions and recommendations are delivered via at least one virtual persona that communicates with players or potential players via displays in a casino or on a web browser, via smartphone. Players can conduct conversations with the persona using cellular telephone, text messaging, or other types of Internet communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventor: JOHN F. ACRES
  • System for promoting play on electric gaming devices and engagement with casino personnel
    Patent number: 10896576
    Abstract: A method for promoting play on electronic gaming devices and for promoting engagement with casino personnel comprising in which a code is displayed on a sign. When the code is received in a text from an identified player, drawing entries are associated with the player as a function of play on the gaming devices. At least one drawing entry is also associated with the player when he or she actuates a service button on a gaming device. Drawing prizes, if any, are revealed in response to another text from the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Method for sharing game play on an electronic gaming device
    Patent number: 10891827
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that facilitates wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play on such a gaming device, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming stations, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Electronic wagering
    Patent number: 10872504
    Abstract: The present system incorporates mobile computing devices to play games, such as electronic pull-tabs, in a plurality of venues, each having a local wireless network. Each network communicates with a central system that generates decks of game outcomes and associated awards. All wagers and awards for each game are tracked on the central system, which also provides each game award and associated outcome from a deck stored on the central system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Warren White, Mark N. Dailey, William Dale Hermansen, Anthony Morelli, Alex White, Cyrus A. Luciano, John G. Schmitz, Andrew King, Patrick B. Ferguson
  • OPTIMIZING DRAWING PRIZE AWARDS
    Publication number: 20200380824
    Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the player period drawing entries are generated proportional to play on electronic gaming devices, play of the promotional game, or retail purchases. Some players receive a multiplier for their drawing entries to enhance chances of winning the promotional game. In one embodiment, the multiplier is removed for a player after a cutoff threshold for prizes awarded to that player is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: JOHN F. ACRES
  • EVENT-BASED GAMING OPERATIONS FOR GAMING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20200380818
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement event-based gaming operations. Here, a gaming device includes a game event list that has game outcomes associated with each entry in the game event list. The game event list is generated before game play on the gaming device by selecting general game outcome types or specific game outcomes for each of the entries in the game event list. During game play, a game counter is incremented to a next entry in the game event list and an associated game outcome is displayed on the gaming device during the gaming event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: JOHN F. ACRES
  • Method for configuring casino operations
    Patent number: 10846982
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of optimizing at least one performance variable, such as revenue or profitability, indicative of the performance of a casino. An initial set of operating parameters is set. At least one environmental variable, such as traffic, weather, time, cost of transportation, etc. are monitored as is the performance variable. An artificial intelligence program changes operating parameters, such as player-tracking rewards, bonuses, comps, advertising, etc. The program determines the effect of the change, and further changes the operating parameter as a function of the effect and the environmental variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Game device having variable speed of play
    Patent number: 10846977
    Abstract: This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
    Patent number: 10832518
    Abstract: On a network of electronic gaming machines, data regarding the performance of the machines or the players of the machines is collected and processed to make predictions of future jackpots and recommendations of games to play. The predictions and recommendations are delivered via at least one virtual persona that communicates with players or potential players via displays in a casino or on a web browser, via smartphone. Players can conduct conversations with the persona using cellular telephone, text messaging, or other types of Internet communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND PROVIDING SERVICES TO ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES
    Publication number: 20200342710
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to distributed systems that include networked master and slave circuits that are each connected to a plurality of electronic gaming machines on a casino floor. Each circuit receives data from a data port on an electronic gaming machine to which it is connected and also transmits commands, such as TITO commands, to the electronic gaming machine via the data port. If a master circuit fails, the system automatically selects one of the slave circuits to be the new master circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: JOHN F. ACRES, MARK DAILEY