Patents by Inventor Rory L. Block

Rory L. Block 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: 7927210
    Abstract: An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Chih-Hui Jan, James P. Simmermon, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20100285857
    Abstract: A gaming system and method of conducting a wagering game having a fantasy-sports feature on a gaming system is disclosed. A wager is received from a user to play the wagering game. A roster having one or more player is created, via user selection. A projected team score and an actual team score for the created roster are determined. A ratio is calculated for the actual team score to the projected team score. An award is provided to the user if the calculated ratio meets a predetermined criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Rory L. Block, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Vincent Chan, Patrick H. Kelley, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7771276
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming network linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming network has a plurality of servers dedicated to providing a shared game to a plurality of gaming terminals. The shared game may be either competitive or collaborative between players and may be a combination of both competitive and collaborative game play. The dedicated game servers are connected to a core support network that has commonly used computer resources. The communication link between the gaming terminals and servers are supported by a communication server with message directing software that allows events that occur at individual gaming terminals to be broadcast to all other gaming terminals and servers associated with that shared gaming events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Beatty, Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Chih-Hui Jan, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20090215528
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a mechanism for a gaming machine to access game components on a file system of a file server using a remote file access protocol. The gaming components may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Rory L. Block, Muralikrishna Andra
  • Publication number: 20090117989
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes a method of conducting a wagering game. The method includes identifying a player as a member of certain group, and offering the player options related to the wagering game. The options are unavailable to players who are not members of the certain group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Michael J. Blankstein, Rory L. Block, Allon G. Englman, McLaurin H. Files, Mark B. Gagner, Brian R. Gamache, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Shridhar P. Joshi, Alfred Thomas, Jamie Vann, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20090036217
    Abstract: A gaming services framework includes web services extensions and comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a loosely coupled architecture that consists of software components that semantically encapsulate discrete functionality (self contained and perform a single function or a related group of functions—the component describes its own inputs and outputs in a way that other software can determine what it does, how to invoke its functionality, and what result to expect). These components may be distributed and programmatically accessible (called by and exchange data with other software) over standard internetworking protocols (TCP/IP, HITP, DNS, DHCP, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20090029767
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a way to verify that software downloaded to a gaming system is approved within a gaming jurisdiction. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a process for receiving approval for gaming software that is then made available for download onto gaming systems. A further aspect of the systems and methods includes the ability to audit and verify that software components that have been downloaded onto a gaming system are approved for use in a jurisdiction. The gaming configuration elements may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla, Jason A. Smith, Rory L. Block
  • Patent number: 7479063
    Abstract: A gaming machine network includes a plurality of gaming machines and a central controller. Each gaming machine further includes an associated peripheral device electronically coupled to the gaming machine. The peripheral device includes an audio speaker system broadcasting an audio output to a player of the gaming machine. The central controller is electronically coupled to each of the plurality of gaming machines and sends audio instructions for controlling the audio outputs from the audio speaker systems within the peripheral devices. Alternatively, or in addition to the aforementioned operation, the central controller may receive audio instructions from the peripheral device associated with one of the gaming machines and the central controller further transmits the audio instructions to selected other ones of the plurality of gaming machines. The peripheral device may be, for example, a top box for the gaming machine or a contoured chair for the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Rory L. Block
  • Publication number: 20080235323
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for transmitting content in wagering networks are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a first source for a first block of a wagering content file. The method can also include determining a second source for a second block of the wagering content file. The method can also include receiving the first block from the first source, receiving the second block from the second source, and using the first block and the second block to create a copy of the wagering content file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Rory L. Block
  • Publication number: 20040266532
    Abstract: An event management service for a gaming network including one or more gaming machines provides systems and methods for sending and receiving event related messages. The events include tilts, jackpot wins, software corruption, etc. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Chih-Hui Jan, James P. Simmermon, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040248645
    Abstract: An accounting service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for retrieving accounting information such as gaming machine meter information from gaming machines on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Chih-Hui Jan, James P. Simmermon, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040243849
    Abstract: An authorization service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for authorizing access requests to resources on the gaming network by service providers and other entities on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040242330
    Abstract: A name service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for returning name bindings to entities on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040243848
    Abstract: An authentication service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for authenticating entities on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040242328
    Abstract: A boot service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides communications addresses, boot file names and configuration details for gaming machine as the boot on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040242331
    Abstract: A time service for a gaming network including gaming machines provides systems and methods for processing time related requests on the gaming network by service providers, gaming machines and other entities on the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040242329
    Abstract: A gaming network includes a discovery service, gaming machines and services providers. The discovery service receives service information from the service providers and publishes the service information to gaming machines and other entities on the gaming network. The discovery service and service providers may be implemented as web services with a gaming services framework. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040235563
    Abstract: A gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a game update service that operates to publish service details, receive registration requests from gaming machines and other clients, and provides game update services to the gaming machines and other clients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040229699
    Abstract: A gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a loosely coupled architecture that consists of software components that semantically encapsulate discrete functionality (self contained and perform a single function or a related group of functions—the component describes its own inputs and outputs in a way that other software can determine what it does, how to invoke its functionality, and what result to expect). These components may be distributed and programmatically accessible (called by and exchange data with other software) over standard internetworking protocols (TCP/IP, HITP, DNS, DHCP, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Terry D. Warkentin
  • Publication number: 20040229684
    Abstract: A gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a gaming management service that operates to publish service details, receive registration requests from gaming machines and other clients, and provides gaming management services to the gaming machines and other clients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher W. Blackburn, Rory L. Block, Thomas A. Gentles, Vikram Swamy, Terry D. Warkentin