Patents by Inventor Mike Oberberger

Mike 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: 20240066389
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 11850526
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20230106260
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 11534678
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20210236914
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 10994192
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20200061451
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 10463949
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20160217656
    Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Yarbrough, Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 9142082
    Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in a first position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the first position, a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a third operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 8961310
    Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in the initial position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20150018067
    Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in a first position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the first position, a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a third operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20140094245
    Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in the initial position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 7841942
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a first gaming unit, a second gaming unit, and a monitoring apparatus operatively coupled to the first and second gaming unit. The monitoring apparatus may include a display terminal and a monitoring apparatus controller operatively coupled to the display terminal. The monitoring apparatus controller may comprise a processor and a memory having encrypted license data representing a license parameter and a corresponding license parameter value stored therein, and may be programed to determine if the encrypted license data is authentic and may be programmed to determine if a configuration of the gaming system is in compliance with the license parameter value of the license parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20080064503
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a first gaming unit, a second gaming unit, and a monitoring apparatus operatively coupled to the first and second gaming unit. The monitoring apparatus may include a display terminal and a monitoring apparatus controller operatively coupled to the display terminal. The monitoring apparatus controller may comprise a processor and a memory having encrypted license data representing a license parameter and a corresponding license parameter value stored therein, and may be programed to determine if the encrypted license data is authentic and may be programmed to determine if a configuration of the gaming system is in compliance with the license parameter value of the license parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 7316616
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a first gaming unit, a second gaming unit, and a monitoring apparatus operatively coupled to the first and second gaming unit. The monitoring apparatus may include a display terminal and a monitoring apparatus controller operatively coupled to the display terminal. The monitoring apparatus controller may comprise a processor and a memory having encrypted license data representing a license parameter and a corresponding license parameter value stored therein, and may be programed to determine if the encrypted license data is authentic and may be programmed to determine if a configuration of the gaming system is in compliance with the license parameter value of the license parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20070178970
    Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides a gaming machine with a plurality of software units providing player tracking services. The software player tracking units eliminate the need for a separate hardware player tracking unit. The player tracking devices, including the card reader, are accessible to the master gaming controller on the gaming machine and may be utilized by the master gaming controller for other gaming applications. The player tracking software incorporates communication protocols for communicating with a variety of player tracking devices. Communication protocols, device interfaces and device drivers for operating the player tracking devices and performing player tracking services may be added or upgraded by loading the player tracking software to a memory mounted within the gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Steven LeMay, Richard Rowe, Mike Oberberger
  • Patent number: 6676522
    Abstract: A gaming system including hand-held, portable gaming devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to present at least one game to a player and includes a portable gaming device or interface having a display for displaying game and other information to a player. The portable gaming device is capable of receiving and sending information to a remote device/location. A game server generates game data, and transmits the game data to the portable gaming device and receives information, such as player input, from the portable gaming device. A payment transaction server validates payment and establishes entitlement of a player to play a game via the portable gaming device as provided by the game server. In one or more embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more stationary gaming machines capable of printing tickets having a value associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20030134675
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a first gaming unit, a second gaming unit, and a monitoring apparatus operatively coupled to the first and second gaming unit. The monitoring apparatus may include a display terminal and a monitoring apparatus controller operatively coupled to the display terminal. The monitoring apparatus controller may comprise a processor and a memory having encrypted license data representing a license parameter and a corresponding license parameter value stored therein, and may be programed to determine if the encrypted license data is authentic and may be programmed to determine if a configuration of the gaming system is in compliance with the license parameter value of the license parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Mike Oberberger
  • Publication number: 20030013527
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for providing information to a particular player or players of a game or gaming machine. In one embodiment, the information system includes a player tracking system comprising a player tracking device at the gaming machine, a remote player tracking host and a network by which information may be sent to and from the player tracking device and player tracking host. The information system includes a information system host associated with the network, the information system host capable of generating information which is transmitted to the player tracking device at the gaming machine via the network. In one embodiment, the player tracking device includes a player tracking device controller and one or more peripherals, such as a card reader, display and speakers. Upon identification of a player of a gaming machine and satisfaction of one or more criteria, the information system host generates information and transmits it to the player via the gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, Mike Oberberger