Patents by Inventor Mark E. Herrmann

Mark E. Herrmann 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: 8157630
    Abstract: A game of skill and chance is provided in which a random element selection device is used to indicate an element a player or computer is to remove from a grid of objects. When a predetermined outcome in the game is obtained, then the player is a winner if the outcome is attained within a predetermined period. A player may play against the odds or may play against other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8147325
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and systems for playing tournament-style games, such as the World Series of Poker, and other games of skill or chance. The present invention additionally is systems and methods for using an alternate method of entry to enable a player to participate in a wagering game of skill or chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Stuart Roseman, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20120077562
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8118667
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play in a multiplayer game which has a stated jackpot award. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to accept the invitation at a gambling location. According to one embodiment, a player may be required to maintain their qualified status through play of games at the gambling location. According to another embodiment, the multiplayer game is capable of accommodating an almost unlimited number of players. In one example, the multiplayer game is a bingo game with a large number of participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Mark E. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8109828
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type or casino-based game. A partial result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in an offline portion of the game. The remaining portion of the result is revealed to the player in an online portion of the game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a slot machine game. In one example, the online/offline game includes a bingo game. In yet another example, the online/offline game includes a game of roulette. In one example, particular game features are associated with either the online or offline portions of the game. In this way, players are motivated to participate in both portions of the game, enhancing and prolonging the game experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8100759
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Jr., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20120015705
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a reveal element game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20120013071
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of BEJEWELED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet
  • Patent number: 8070585
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20110275438
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8047917
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a game in which elements are selected, and in response to the selection, a prize is revealed (or not) to the player. In another example, the player is permitted to predict the outcome of a characteristic of the online game, a game-playing computer determines an outcome to be displayed to the player that reflects a result of the game of chance. In one example game format, the player is permitted to predict the most frequently-occurring element in a group of drawn game elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8047907
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game using a pull-tab ticket. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8038529
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of COLLAPSE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8029361
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8025567
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of BEJEWELED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet
  • Patent number: 8016668
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to casino frequent player programs, and more specifically to providing special incentives for remote entry of casino affiliation or membership cards. The special incentives may include providing a prize or award to frequent player program members that remotely use his or her membership. The member may or may not be told of any winnings upon entry. In one example, the player is provided an indication of winning an incentive during play of an online game. In another example, the player may be required to obtain the winnings at the casino to encourage players to return to the casino. Also, the player may be required to redeem any winnings within a specified period of time. Further, the player incentives may be offered periodically, encouraging the player to periodically check their status remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110177855
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to lotteries and gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting casino-based gaming. After a player subscribes to play multiple games on a video gaming machine, the player may choose to finish playing the games elsewhere. The video gaming machine may then determine the outcomes for the games yet to be played and then may issue a ticket to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 7976374
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a reveal element game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 7959502
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a poker game. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20110111821
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a dice game in which the result is revealed. In another example, the dice game is coupled with a second level game in which at least a portion of the result is revealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet