Patents by Inventor Rolland N. Steil

Rolland N. Steil 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: 9305422
    Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 9245416
    Abstract: A game token having a counter system including a denomination value, a housing, and a token identification element at least partially contained within the housing is disclosed. The token identification element includes an antenna configured to receive and transmit a signal, a memory configured to store a plurality of different types of token data, a counter configured to modify and maintain a read attempt value, and a processor or control logic. The processor or logic control configured to, upon a read attempt of the memory by a reader, compare a signature of the reader against the one or more authorized reader signatures, and generate an alert when the signature does not match any one of the one or more authorized reader signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20150253954
    Abstract: A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 8968090
    Abstract: A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20150011317
    Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 8851990
    Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20140087873
    Abstract: A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20130296034
    Abstract: A game token having a counter system including a denomination value, a housing, and a token identification element at least partially contained within the housing is disclosed. The token identification element includes an antenna configured to receive and transmit a signal, a memory configured to store a plurality of different types of token data, a counter configured to modify and maintain a read attempt value, and a processor or control logic. The processor or logic control configured to, upon a read attempt of the memory by a reader, compare a signature of the reader against the one or more authorized reader signatures, and generate an alert when the signature does not match any one of the one or more authorized reader signatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20130231185
    Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 8480484
    Abstract: A detectable identification device (DID) comprising a communication device, a power converter device, memory, and a processor and/or read-write logic and counter logic is disclosed. The counter logic of the DID may selectively increment a counter value stored in the memory ever time the DID has been accessed by a reader. Furthermore, a method for detecting and monitoring the number of times the DID has been accessed is disclosed. This may comprise comparing a reader access count to the DID counter values to determine if unauthorized access is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 8092293
    Abstract: A wagering monitoring system configured to detect player wagers at a roulette table. A table having antennas associated with the various wagering areas is provided for the players. A reader connects to each antenna to thereby communicate via the antenna with tokens equipped with an identification element. By monitoring wagers, game play is monitored and processing may occur to track each player wager and the amount wagered by each player. To facilitate play at a roulette table, the identification element associated with each token includes a token color identification code which identifies the color of the token. The token color identification code is associated with a specific player which in turn provides means to associated each wager and a total amount wagered with that player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Tim Richards, Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 8043153
    Abstract: In accordance with a game method, game information regarding one or more player selectable elements and awards associated with those elements is generated and stored. The player selectable elements are displayed and a player is permitted to select one or more of those elements. Each selected element is destroyed, unmasking or triggering an associated award. The award may be a monetary or credit value, symbol or secondary event. A secondary event may comprise an explosion or chain reaction destruction of other un-selected elements, which elements are unmasked to reveal associated awards or trigger additional secondary events. The game may be presented on a gaming machine, and may comprise a primary game or bonus round of another game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark Ross, Gene Bond, Jay DeGarmo, Aimin Cong, Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 7822641
    Abstract: A bet detection system which may execute on a computer based processing device is disclosed for use with DID tokens to detect unwanted or unfair betting patterns by players. The system utilizes a table equipped with DID token detection antenna associated with the one or more bet spots for the player positions. DID token antenna may detect DID tokens at the dealer position, other bet spots, or chip trays. A dealer interface allows the dealer to provide the game data to the detection system. The detection system processes the game data and the bet data, such as bet amount for the players. Based on this processing, bet patterns may be generated for the players and in relation to deck penetration information, deviations in bet patterns may be detected and appropriate notification provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Eric L. Abbott, Rolland N. Steil
  • Patent number: 7719424
    Abstract: A table monitoring system and method for monitoring a table games. In one embodiment, the system comprises an RFID system and a processing engine. The system may include a camera, and image controller, or both. The system creates RFID data and image data in response to table events and its processing engine cross-references this data with time stamps to monitor table events such as wagers, payouts, or other occurrences. The data is associated with a tag which represents a table event. Table events are tracked during play. In one embodiment, the RFID data and image data is mapped to a coordinate grid. With the coordinate mapping and by cross-referencing this data, the system can distinguish individual table events occurring within the detection zone of a single RFID antenna such as distinguishing wagers placed on multiple bet locations within the detection zone of a single antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20080234052
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the integrity and correct value of a game token. The token includes a primary and a secondary source of identification. The preferred primary token identification is an embedded RFID tag. The secondary token identification may be an alphanumeric serial number, a bar code or combination thereof. The game token is produced in conjunction with an electronic manifest. The manifest provides a production history of the game tokens and is a source of verification data. The data is subsequently used by a gaming establishment to verify the face value of the game token as compared to the physical appearance of the game token. In this way, counterfeit or altered game tokens may be identified prior to redemption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20080180250
    Abstract: A table monitoring system and method for monitoring a table games. In one embodiment, the system comprises an RFID system and a processing engine. The system may include a camera, and image controller, or both. The system creates RFID data and image data in response to table events and its processing engine cross-references this data with time stamps to monitor table events such as wagers, payouts, or other occurrences. The data is associated with a tag which represents a table event. Table events are tracked during play. In one embodiment, the RFID data and image data is mapped to a coordinate grid. With the coordinate mapping and by cross-referencing this data, the system can distinguish individual table events occurring within the detection zone of a single RFID antenna such as distinguishing wagers placed on multiple bet locations within the detection zone of a single antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Rolland N. Steil
  • Publication number: 20080076529
    Abstract: A wagering monitoring system configured to detect player wagers at a roulette table is disclosed. A table having antennas associated with the various wagering areas is provided for player. A reader connects to the antenna to thereby communicate via the antenna with token equipped with identification element. By monitoring wagers, game play is monitored and processing may occur to track each player wager and the amount wagered by a player. To facilitate play at a roulette table, the identification element associated with the token includes a token color identification code which identifies the color of the token. The token color identification code is associated with a player which in turn provides means to associated each wager and a total amount wagered with a player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Tim Richards, Rolland N. Steil