Patents by Inventor Marc A. Espin

Marc A. Espin 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: 20230252845
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Patent number: 11657672
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Patent number: 11636728
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Publication number: 20220044519
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Publication number: 20210073843
    Abstract: A method, server, and system for managing electronic records is provided. As an example, a method is provided that includes receiving an entitlement redemption message from a communication device, where the entitlement redemption message includes a campaign identifier and an entitlement identifier, determining that the campaign identifier and the entitlement identifier belong to a valid campaign, generating, in response to determining that the campaign identifier and the entitlement identifier belong to a valid campaign, an electronic record for a ticket with a redeemable status, where the electronic record for the ticket is associated with the entitlement identifier and includes a ticket validity period and a ticket redemption amount, and transmitting a ticket presentation message that includes an indication of the ticket validity period and the ticket redemption amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffery Shepherd, Marc Espin, Kevin Higgins
  • Publication number: 20200410813
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Publication number: 20170092054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Publication number: 20150348021
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to facilitating cashless digital transactions. In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes: (1) a memory storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering; (2) a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device; and (3) a secure transaction device configured to: (a) transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information, (b) receive from the portable electronic device an indication that the second amount of credit has been updated in accordance with the request when it is determined that the security authorization information complies with one or more security authorization requirements, and (c) update the first credit balance stored in the first memory device in accordance with the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham, II, Scott J. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 9123204
    Abstract: Various embodiments described or referenced herein are directed to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating cashless digital transactions (e.g., in a casino environment). A wager-based gaming machine may include a memory device capable of storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering. The wager-based gaming machine may include a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device capable of storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device. The wager-based gaming machine may include a secure transaction device. The secure transaction device may be operable to transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham, II, Scott J. MacMillan
  • Publication number: 20120214577
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for facilitating communication with a smart card in communication with a gaming machine. In some implementations, a smart card interaction device may be activated. A smart card interaction device coupled with an electronic gaming machine may be identified within an operating system running at the electronic gaming machine. The smart card interaction device may be capable of facilitating communication between the electronic gaming machine and a smart card in communication with the smart card interaction device. A communication protocol interface may be initiated within the operating system. The communication protocol interface may provide a mechanism for transmitting messages between the electronic gaming machine and devices in communication with the electronic gaming machine. A first message may be transmitted via the communication protocol interface between the smart card interaction device and a first host server via a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Jeffery S. Shepherd, Regan J. Snyder, Larry R. Hollibaugh, Jelani Brandon, Kevin Higgins, David Salls, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, Marc Espin, Tanya McClinton, Robyn Hylton, Scott MacMillan
  • Patent number: 8216059
    Abstract: The present invention provides gaming machine systems and methods that enable outsourced printing and generation of printed credit devices for use with a gaming machine. The systems verify the print status of an externally printed credit device before redeeming any value on the credit device at a gaming machine. The ability to employ outsourced gaming printing services providers increases the number and sophistication of printed credit devices that may be manufactured and distributed to potential customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin
  • Publication number: 20100197383
    Abstract: Various embodiments described or referenced herein are directed to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating cashless digital transactions (e.g., in a casino environment). A wager-based gaming machine may include a memory device capable of storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering. The wager-based gaming machine may include a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device capable of storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device. The wager-based gaming machine may include a secure transaction device. The secure transaction device may be operable to transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham II, Scott J. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 7707507
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a graphical user interface, including methods and apparatus for configuring and implementing such an interface. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a graphical user interface comprising a main window including a navigation viewport and a data viewport, the navigation viewport arranged to display navigation selectable elements and the data viewport arranged to display information associated with an application associated with one or more of the navigation selectable elements. One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of configuring a graphical user interface based upon user or device information. One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of controlling the navigation of the graphical user interface based upon user or device information. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the graphical user interface is associated with a gaming system which includes at least one gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, David N. Myers, Marc A. Espin
  • Patent number: 7454385
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting transaction information stored in a database of a gaming network. To accomplish this, a transaction signature is generated each time the user completes a transaction on a gaming machine. The transaction signature is generated using transaction information from a particular transaction. The transaction signature and transaction information are stored together in a network database. Upon subsequent access to the transaction information in the database, the transaction signature for the transaction information is recalculated based on the transaction information at that time. The new transaction signature is then compared to the transaction signature previously stored. Any differences between the two transaction signatures may be used to signal unauthorized alteration in the database transaction information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin, Richard E. Rowe
  • Patent number: 7062470
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting transaction information stored in a database of a gaming network. To accomplish this, a transaction signature is generated each time the user completes a transaction on a gaming machine. The transaction signature is generated using transaction information from a particular transaction. The transaction signature and transaction information are stored together in a network database. Upon subsequent access to the transaction information in the database, the transaction signature for the transaction information is recalculated based on the transaction information at that time. The new transaction signature is then compared to the transaction signature previously stored. Any differences between the two transaction signatures may be used to signal unauthorized alteration in the database transaction information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin, Richard E. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20060106704
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting transaction information stored in a database of a gaming network. To accomplish this, a transaction signature is generated each time the user completes a transaction on a gaming machine. The transaction signature is generated using transaction information from a particular transaction. The transaction signature and transaction information are stored together in a network database. Upon subsequent access to the transaction information in the database, the transaction signature for the transaction information is recalculated based on the transaction information at that time. The new transaction signature is then compared to the transaction signature previously stored. Any differences between the two transaction signatures may be used to signal unauthorized alteration in the database transaction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin, Richard Rowe
  • Patent number: 6892182
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and accounting for vouchers or tickets is disclosed. In accordance with a method of the invention, a voucher is issued by a voucher generation device associated with a gaming system which includes one or more gaming machines and a host. The method includes generating data regarding a voucher to be printed, creating a record regarding the voucher and printing the voucher at the voucher generation device. The generated voucher information is transmitted from the remote voucher generation device to the host. The printed voucher may be presented at the naming machine, with the authenticity of the voucher and its value determined by utilizing the voucher information stored at the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, Bhavani Prasad, Franco Crivelli, Gary H. Sullivan, Marc A. Espin
  • Publication number: 20050096126
    Abstract: The present invention provides gaming machine systems and methods that enable outsourced printing and generation of printed credit devices for use with a gaming machine. The systems verify the print status of an externally printed credit device before redeeming any value on the credit device at a gaming machine. The ability to employ outsourced gaming printing services providers increases the number and sophistication of printed credit devices that may be manufactured and distributed to potential customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin
  • Patent number: 6675152
    Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting transaction information stored in a database of a gaming network. To accomplish this, a transaction signature is generated each time the user completes a transaction on a gaming machine. The transaction signature is generated using transaction information from a particular transaction. The transaction signature and transaction information are stored together in a network database. Upon subsequent access to the transaction information in the database, the transaction signature for the transaction information is recalculated based on the transaction information at that time. The new transaction signature is then compared to the transaction signature previously stored. Any differences between the two transaction signatures may be used to signal unauthorized alteration in the database transaction information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin, Richard E. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20030144965
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting transaction information stored in a database of a gaming network. To accomplish this, a transaction signature is generated each time the user completes a transaction on a gaming machine. The transaction signature is generated using transaction information from a particular transaction. The transaction signature and transaction information are stored together in a network database. Upon subsequent access to the transaction information in the database, the transaction signature for the transaction information is recalculated based on the transaction information at that time. The new transaction signature is then compared to the transaction signature previously stored. Any differences between the two transaction signatures may be used to signal unauthorized alteration in the database transaction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Bhavani Prasad, Marc Espin, Richard E. Rowe