Patents by Inventor Robert N. Silva

Robert N. Silva 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: 11386741
    Abstract: Various embodiments are provided for calibration of motion player tracking devices in electronic gaming machines (EGMs). A plurality of object sensors positioned adjacently to a display device of the EGM each record a plurality of data frames inclusive of a position of a plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors. At predetermined intervals, the plurality of object sensors are calibrated in three-dimensional space using the position of the plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors within the recorded plurality of data frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Tai Rosander, Thomas D. Waxman, Andreas Bean, Robert N. Silva
  • Publication number: 20210082234
    Abstract: Various embodiments are provided for calibration of motion player tracking devices in electronic gaming machines (EGMs). A plurality of object sensors positioned adjacently to a display device of the EGM each record a plurality of data frames inclusive of a position of a plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors. At predetermined intervals, the plurality of object sensors are calibrated in three-dimensional space using the position of the plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors within the recorded plurality of data frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Tai Rosander, Thomas D. Waxman, Andreas Bean, Robert N. Silva
  • Publication number: 20190197818
    Abstract: Various embodiments are provided for calibration of motion player tracking devices in electronic gaming machines (EGMs). A plurality of object sensors positioned adjacently to a display device of the EGM each record a plurality of data frames inclusive of a position of a plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors. At predetermined intervals, the plurality of object sensors are calibrated in three-dimensional space using the position of the plurality of fiducial markers relative to the plurality of object sensors within the recorded plurality of data frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Tai ROSANDER, Thomas D. WAXMAN, Andreas BEAN, Robert N. SILVA
  • Patent number: 7578736
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has a player selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. This sequence or feature may be employed in a bonus game, in a known base or primary game or in any stand alone game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva
  • Patent number: 7578737
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges at least two sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Patent number: 7578735
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of symbols displayed along a rearrangement path to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Kelly D. Frizzell, Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Patent number: 7578738
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Patent number: 7547252
    Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Lance R. Peterson, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, III, Randall D. Mead
  • Patent number: 7488250
    Abstract: A gaming device that has an award modification function for player selectable awards that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, a processor controlled gaming device randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. A plurality of modification methods can be employed to individually modify the digits of the award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, William J. Bussick
  • Publication number: 20080214283
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges at least two sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva
  • Publication number: 20080214272
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has a player selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. This sequence or feature may be employed in a bonus game, in a known base or primary game or in any stand alone game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva
  • Publication number: 20080207305
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva
  • Patent number: 7377849
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has a player selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. This sequence or feature may be employed in a bonus game, in a known base or primary game or in any stand alone game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva
  • Patent number: 7371170
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Patent number: 7172506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has an award modification function for player selectable awards that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. The present invention further provides a plurality of modification methods for modifying the digits of the award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, William J. Bussick
  • Publication number: 20040082378
    Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lance R. Peterson, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, Randall D. Mead
  • Publication number: 20030036419
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has an award modification function for player selectable awards that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. The present invention further provides a plurality of modification methods for modifying the digits of the award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, William J. Bussick
  • Publication number: 20030036422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has a player selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. This sequence or feature may be employed in a bonus game, in a known base or primary game or in any stand alone game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva