Patents by Inventor Steven G. LeMay

Steven G. LeMay 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).

  • Redemption of virtual tickets using a portable electronic device
    Patent number: 11967201
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson, Jim A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • Retrofit devices for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine
    Patent number: 11954973
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, James A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • RETROFIT DEVICES FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL TICKET-IN AND TICKET-OUT ON A GAMING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20240112538
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, James A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SECURE LOGON TO A GAMING MACHINE USING A MOBILE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20240087406
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SECURE LOGON TO A GAMING MACHINE USING A MOBILE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20240046747
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SECURE LOGON TO A GAMING MACHINE USING A MOBILE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20240046748
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • RETROFIT DEVICES FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL TICKET-IN AND TICKET-OUT ON A GAMING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20240005734
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, James A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • Retrofit devices for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine
    Patent number: 11861982
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, James A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING TICKET VOUCHERS ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT BETTING OPPORTUNITIES
    Publication number: 20230360481
    Abstract: Systems and methods employing a ticket voucher handling device, such as an electronic gaming machine or a ticket voucher redemption kiosk, that issues and/or redeems ticket vouchers associated with different ticket voucher systems corresponding to different activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, William Brosnan, Steven G. LeMay, Kevin Higgins
  • Methods and apparatus for providing secure logon to a gaming machine using a mobile device
    Patent number: 11798360
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • DIRECTIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20230302352
    Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
  • Retrofit devices for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine
    Patent number: 11769371
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, James A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • System and method for processing ticket vouchers associated with different betting opportunities
    Patent number: 11735004
    Abstract: Systems and methods employing a ticket voucher handling device, such as an electronic gaming machine or a ticket voucher redemption kiosk, that issues and/or redeems ticket vouchers associated with different ticket voucher systems corresponding to different activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, William Brosnan, Steven G. LeMay, Kevin Higgins
  • EMAILING OR TEXTING AS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MOBILE DEVICE AND EGM
    Publication number: 20230252844
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Via E-mailing or texting, a server can mediate communications between a user-controlled device, such as a mobile device, and an EGM. In one embodiment, for a transaction involving interactions with a user-controlled device and an EGM, the server can be configured to create a temporary e-mail or text message address. In particular embodiments, a transaction can involve transferring credits to or from the EGM or transferring game play related information from the EGM to a user specified location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson
  • GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A MOBILE DEVICE TO FUND A GAMING SESSION
    Publication number: 20230252845
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Bill acceptors and printers for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine
    Patent number: 11715348
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson, Jim A. Vasquez, Scott T. Gowin
  • Gaming system and method for utilizing a mobile device to fund a gaming session
    Patent number: 11657672
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Emailing or texting as communication between mobile device and EGM
    Patent number: 11645885
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Via E-mailing or texting, a server can mediate communications between a user-controlled device, such as a mobile device, and an EGM. In one embodiment, for a transaction involving interactions with a user-controlled device and an EGM, the server can be configured to create a temporary e-mail or text message address. In particular embodiments, a transaction can involve transferring credits to or from the EGM or transferring game play related information from the EGM to a user specified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson
  • Gaming system and method for utilizing a mobile device to fund a gaming session
    Patent number: 11636728
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne A. Davis, Dennis T. Kleppen, Warner R. Cockerille, IV, James A. Vasquez, Bradley Boudreau, Suzanne Cockerille, Marc A. Espin, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Directional wireless communication
    Patent number: 11623136
    Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay