Patents by Inventor Michael M. Oberberger

Michael M. Oberberger 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: 20210082240
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: James K. Kovacs, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael M. Oberberger, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20210065506
    Abstract: A method of determining rewards due to a player playing a regulated gaming machine may comprise providing a game configured such that a plurality of games assets within the game are configured as a corresponding plurality of Wagering Opportunities, the game being further configured to have an overall minimum return to player (RTP) and an overall maximum RTP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Michael M OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20210043040
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise accepting, in the regulated gaming machine, funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game having a plurality of stages and enabling, for a game session, game play and wagers at a current stage of the game. A determination may then be made whether game play has reached a stage complete state in which all requirements necessary for transitioning game play to a next or another stage of the plurality of stages, as may be a determination whether this is a first time, during the game session, that the game play has reached the stage complete state for the current stage. An incentive may be offered to the player to transition game play to the next or another stage when game play has reached the stage complete state for the first time and not offering the player the incentive otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Michael M OBERBERGER, Michael Low
  • Publication number: 20210035411
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a computing device, comprises enabling a player to play a wager-based game, the wager-based game being configured to present a plurality of wagering opportunities on a display, each of which being configured such that a player interaction therewith via a player interface generates a wager whose outcome is determined by a random process. First player interactions with at least some of the plurality of wagering opportunities may be received and corresponding wagers generated. Second player interactions with in-game items not associated with wagers may be received, the in-game items not associated with wagers having no present value to the player but having respective future potential values. During game play, it may be determined whether one or more predetermined in-game conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Michael M. OBERBERGER
  • Patent number: 10867470
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: James K. Kovacs, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael M. Oberberger, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20200372760
    Abstract: Various aspects described here are directed to dynamically configurable, electronic wager-based gaming devices supporting skill-affected payout configurations and chance-based payout configurations of skill-based, wager-based game titles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Georg M. WASHINGTON, Michael M. OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20200372761
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a computing device, comprising enabling a player to play a wager-based game, the wager-based game being configured to present a plurality of wagering opportunities on a display, each of which being configured such that a player interaction therewith via a player interface generates a wager whose outcome is determined by a random process. A first player interaction with a first wagering opportunity may be received and a first wager generated responsive to receiving the first player interaction. Responsive to the generation of the first wager, a first graphic may be generated that is representative of a first output of the random process, and such graphic may be rendered at a first location on the display. A second player interaction with a second wagering opportunity of the plurality of wagering opportunities may then be received and a second wager generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. OBERBERGER, Thomas M. STANKEVICH
  • Publication number: 20200364707
    Abstract: A cryptographic key is associated with an identifier (ID) of an electronic gaming machine (EGM). A computing device receives a coupon redemption request including an electronic payment coupon having the EGM ID and a credit amount. The computing device authenticates the electronic payment coupon based at least in part on the cryptographic key associated with the EGM ID and transmits a redemption confirmation when the electronic payment coupon is successfully authenticated. The computing device also stores a cancellation associated with the electronic payment coupon. The cancellation indicates that the electronic payment coupon has been redeemed for the credit amount. Such an electronic payment coupon may, for example, be generated by an EGM and/or be redeemed using an EGM and/or any other computing device capable of receiving the electronic payment coupon, transmitting a redemption request, and providing the credit amount to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Ben Lechlitner, Chris Jarrell, John M. Plunkett, Christopher John Thacker, Daniel William Milligan
  • Publication number: 20200357244
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a computing device may comprise accepting, by the computing device, funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game using the accepted funds. The wager-based game may be configured to present a plurality of in-game assets for player interaction during the game, at least some of the plurality of in-game assets being configured as wagering opportunities, such that player interactions therewith generates wagers. Player interactions with the wagering opportunities may be received and wagers generated upon receiving player interactions with the wagering opportunities. During game play of the wager-based game, a conditional prize may be presented to the player, an award of which being predicated upon receiving future player interactions indicative of the player having caused a predetermined in-game action or in-game result to have occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventor: Michael M. OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20200334950
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a gaming machine may comprise accepting funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game. The wager-based game may be configured to present a plurality of separate wagering opportunities for player interaction during the game, an at least partially successful player interaction with any of which generates a wager. An initial value may be associated with each of the plurality of wagering opportunities. A player interaction may be received with one or more wagering opportunities via a player interface. A wager may be placed when the received player interaction is determined to have at least partially successfully interacted with at least one of the plurality of wagering opportunities. The initial value associated with each wagering opportunity with which the received player interaction was at least partially successful may be selectively updated to generate respective updated values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Thomas M Stankevich
  • Publication number: 20200334949
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise accepting funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game using the accepted funds. The wager-based game may be configured to present a plurality of in-game assets for player interaction during the game, with each of the plurality of in-game assets being configured as a separate wagering opportunity, a successful player interaction with any of which generates a wager. Game play may then be enabled and a player interaction received via a player interface. It may then be determined when the received player interaction successfully interacts with a single one of the plurality of wagering opportunities and when the received player interaction successfully interacts with a predetermined plurality of individual ones of the plurality of wagering opportunities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventor: Michael M. OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20200286327
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a computing device may comprise accepting, in the computing device, funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game that comprises a plurality of game levels. A plurality of payout schedules may be provided, each of which defining a respectively different Return to Player (RTP) percentage. The performance of the player during each of the plurality of game levels may be monitored and, during each of the plurality of game levels, a number of performance indicia may be awarded and displayed, depending upon the monitored player performance, such that a higher player performance is awarded a greater number of performance indicia than is a comparatively lower player performance. When game play has reached an end of a current level of the plurality of game levels, a bonus reward may be awarded, a value of the bonus reward being determined using a selected one of the plurality of payout schedules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. OBERBERGER, Michael M. LOW
  • Publication number: 20200286341
    Abstract: A game, configured for execution in a regulated gaming machine, may require skillful actions by a player to achieve an objective of the game. The game may be further configured such that outcomes are partially determined by randomness and partially determined by inputs to the regulated gaming machine from the player. A computer-implemented method may comprise, iteratively, during game play of the game: receiving inputs from the player via a player interface; generating a skillful action within the game based upon the received player inputs, and generating an outcome of the skillful action that is partially determined by randomness and partially determined by the generated skillful action based upon the player inputs. A reward may be selectively provided to the player according to the generated outcome and according to a predetermined target Return to Player (RTP) percentage for the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. OBERBERGER, Nolan K. BUSHNELL
  • Publication number: 20200265673
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise accepting funds, in the regulated gaming machine, from a player and correspondingly establishing player game credits. A game may be provided that comprises a plurality of in-game assets, each of which being configured to generate a wagering opportunity when interacted with by the player. One or more player interactions may be received, with at least one the plurality of in-game assets. For each generated wagering opportunity, it may be determined whether the received player interaction(s) resulted in a successful or an unsuccessful interaction with the in-game asset. For each successful interaction, a time elapsed until successful interaction and a wagering event may be generated. For one or more of the generated wagering events, the determined time elapsed until successful interaction may be used to select one of a plurality of payout schedules, each of which being associated with a different return to player (RTP) percentage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. OBERBERGER, Michael M. LOW
  • Patent number: 10740753
    Abstract: A cryptographic key is associated with an identifier (ID) of an electronic gaming machine (EGM). A computing device receives a coupon redemption request including an electronic payment coupon having the EGM ID and a credit amount. The computing device authenticates the electronic payment coupon based at least in part on the cryptographic key associated with the EGM ID and transmits a redemption confirmation when the electronic payment coupon is successfully authenticated. The computing device also stores a cancellation associated with the electronic payment coupon. The cancellation indicates that the electronic payment coupon has been redeemed for the credit amount. Such an electronic payment coupon may, for example, be generated by an EGM and/or be redeemed using an EGM and/or any other computing device capable of receiving the electronic payment coupon, transmitting a redemption request, and providing the credit amount to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Ben Lechlitner, Chris Jarrell, John M. Plunkett, Christopher John Thacker, Daniel William Milligan
  • Publication number: 20200193775
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise providing a game configured to generate a plurality of in-game assets on a display, the in-game assets being configured such that successful player interaction therewith selectively triggers. An opportunity for the player to reconfigure the game in exchange for value from the player may be selectively enabled during game play. When a received player interaction is indicative of the player accepting the provided opportunity, value from the player may be accepted and the game reconfigured by changing one or more of the in-game assets and/or changing what constitutes successful interactions therewith that triggers wagers. Conversely, when the received player interaction is indicative of the player foregoing the provided opportunity, the game is continued and wagers selectively triggered without reconfiguring the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventor: Michael M OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20200193776
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining rewards due to a player while playing a game on a regulated gaming machine may comprise providing a game configured to provide a plurality of in-game assets and a virtual avatar controlled by player inputs to interact with the plurality of in-game assets. A first health status may be established for the virtual avatar. First player inputs may be received and used to control the virtual avatar to interact with in-game assets and to make a first wager having first wager characteristics. As a result, the first health status may change to a higher or lower second health status. Second player inputs may be received to cause the virtual avatar to interact the in-game assets and to make a second wager having second, different, wager characteristics. The difference between the first wager characteristics and the second wager characteristics may be at least partially based upon the second health status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventor: Michael M OBERBERGER
  • Publication number: 20200184775
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may comprise providing, retrieving or otherwise accessing an electronic game in which skilled players most often achieve greater success than less-skilled players. The game may be configured to generate in-game assets configured such that interaction therewith by players during game play selectively triggers wagers. Before the player inputs are used to interact with the in-game assets, random perturbations are introduced in one or more characteristics thereof, the random perturbations being configured such that the selectively triggered wagers, in the aggregate, reward both the skilled players and the less-skilled players according to a predetermined target Return-to-Player (RTP) percentage for the game. The randomly-perturbed player inputs may then be used to interact with the plurality of in-game assets to generate outcomes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M. Oberberger, Nolan K. Bushnell
  • Publication number: 20200160660
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise enabling the player to play a wager-based game having a plurality of stages. Game play and wagers may then be enabled in a first stage of the plurality of stages of a game. A determination may be made that game play in the first stage has reached a first stage complete state in which all requirements necessary for transitioning game play from the first stage to a second stage have been completed. The player may be provided with an opportunity to win one of a plurality of prizes, a highest one of which being a first top prize. The player may then be awarded a random one of the plurality of first prizes. Game play and wagers may then be enabled in a second, later stage of the plurality of stages of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Michael M OBERBERGER, Michael LOW
  • Patent number: 10643430
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may comprise providing a regulated gaming machine and a game in which skilled players most often achieve greater success than less-skilled players. The game may be configured to generate in-game assets configured such that interaction therewith by players during game play selectively triggers wagers. Before the player inputs are used to interact with the in-game assets, random perturbations are introduced in one or more characteristics thereof, the random perturbations being configured such that the selectively triggered wagers, in the aggregate, reward both the skilled players and the less-skilled players according to a predetermined target Return-to-Player (RTP) percentage for the game. The randomly-perturbed player inputs may then be used to interact with the plurality of in-game assets to generate outcomes. Depending upon the generated outcomes, rewards may be provided to and displayed for the players, according to the predetermined target RTP percentage of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SYNERGY BLUE LLC
    Inventors: Michael M Oberberger, Nolan K Bushnell