Patents by Inventor Thomas E Soukup
Thomas E Soukup 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).
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Patent number: 9619962Abstract: A system for use in providing gaming property services to a player via a gaming device is provided. The system includes a gaming property server, a gaming machine, and gaming tracking device. The gaming property server provides gaming property services to the player. The gaming machine includes a gaming display, a display device that is coupled to the gaming display, and a gaming controller that is coupled to the display device. The gaming controller is configured to randomly generate an outcome of a game and transmit game data indicative of the outcome to the display device. The gaming tracking device also includes a web browser program for displaying gaming property services via a website provided by the gaming property server. The display device configured to display a player interaction screen including the outcome of the game and the gaming property services.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey D. George, Thomas E. Soukup, Edward Sepich
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Patent number: 9452351Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Patent number: 9367985Abstract: A device for providing an interface to a gaming machine. The device includes a processor, an ID Card reader coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor for displaying a bezel and information within the bezel. The device also including a keypad coupled to the processor for receiving input. The processor instructing the display to display media according to a predetermined set of rules.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Martin Dempsey, Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Patent number: 9286762Abstract: A matching game is triggered for play by a plurality of players while the players are performing a transaction. A matching rule is established for playing the matching game and a jackpot pool is established for awarding prizes to the players. The players are allowed to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction and the players are identified. A selected set of symbols are established for each player and a match set of symbols are generated. The matching game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game. The match set of symbols are compared against each selected set of symbols. The prize is responsively awarded from the jackpot pool to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup, Steve Sutherland
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Patent number: 9202226Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn
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Patent number: 9129298Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn
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Patent number: 9033788Abstract: A system and method manages an electronic gaming environment. The gaming environment includes at least one gaming device. The system includes a database and a computer coupled to the database. The database stores system and user account data for at least one user and establishes a default language for the system. The computer is networked to the device. A user interface, associated with either the computer or the gaming device identifies a user, interacts with the user, and provides access to the system as a function of the identity of the user. The user interface is displayed in (a) in a preferred language of the identified user or (b) in the default language of the system if no preferred language is specified.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Martin Dempsey, Edward Sepich, IV, Thomas E. Soukup
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Publication number: 20150127423Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn
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Publication number: 20150087405Abstract: A system for use in providing gaming property services to a player via a gaming device is provided. The system includes a gaming property server, a gaming machine, and gaming tracking device. The gaming property server provides gaming property services to the player. The gaming machine includes a gaming display, a display device that is coupled to the gaming display, and a gaming controller that is coupled to the display device. The gaming controller is configured to randomly generate an outcome of a game and transmit game data indicative of the outcome to the display device. The gaming tracking device also includes a web browser program for displaying gaming property services via a website provided by the gaming property server. The display device configured to display a player interaction screen including the outcome of the game and the gaming property services.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Jeffrey D. George, Thomas E. Soukup, Edward Sepich
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Patent number: 8961297Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn
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Patent number: 8956219Abstract: System and system award a player of a gaming machine an incentive award. The gaming machine has first and second playable games. A computer is connected to the machine. The player chooses to play one of the first and second games and play on the gaming machine is tracked. The incentive award is awarded as a function of the tracked play on the gaming machine and a set of predetermined award criteria.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland
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Publication number: 20140274346Abstract: A system has one or more gaming devices including gaming machines and other devices. At least one transaction reading device is coupled to the gaming devices and reads information associated with the monetary instruments associated with the gaming devices. A host computer is operatively coupled to the transaction reading device. A database is associated with the host computer and is configured to retrievably store the information associated with monetary instruments. A data display device is operatively coupled to the host computer and retrieves and displays a list of the monetary instruments in response to input from a user. The data display device can be associated with a wireless remote device, wired to the host computer or associated with the gaming device. The list of the monetary instruments includes information associated with each of the monetary instruments. The list of the monetary instruments can include information from selected gaming devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Charles Wayne Miller, Michael Crittenden, David Smiley, Thomas E. Soukup, Edward Sepich
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Publication number: 20140256396Abstract: A matching game is triggered for play by a plurality of players while the players are performing a transaction. A matching rule is established for playing the matching game and a jackpot pool is established for awarding prizes to the players. The players are allowed to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction and the players are identified. A selected set of symbols are established for each player and a match set of symbols are generated. The matching game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game. The match set of symbols are compared against each selected set of symbols. The prize is responsively awarded from the jackpot pool to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup, Steve Sutherland
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Patent number: 8771057Abstract: A system has one or more gaming devices including gaming machines and other devices. At least one transaction reading device is coupled to the gaming devices and reads information associated with the monetary instruments associated with the gaming devices. A host computer is operatively coupled to the transaction reading device. A database is associated with the host computer and is configured to retrievably store the information associated with monetary instruments. A data display device is operatively coupled to the host computer and retrieves and displays a list of the monetary instruments in response to input from a user. The data display device can be associated with a wireless remote device, wired to the host computer or associated with the gaming device. The list of the monetary instruments includes information associated with each of the monetary instruments. The list of the monetary instruments can include information from selected gaming devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Charles Wayne Miller, Michael D. Crittenden, David Smiley, Thomas E. Soukup, Edward Sepich
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Patent number: 8727854Abstract: A matching game is triggered for play by a plurality of players while the players are performing a transaction. A matching rule is established for playing the matching game and a jackpot pool is established for awarding prizes to the players. The players are allowed to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction and the players are identified. A selected set of symbols are established for each player and a match set of symbols are generated. The matching game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game. The match set of symbols are compared against each selected set of symbols. The prize is responsively awarded from the jackpot pool to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Konami Gaming, IncInventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup, Steve Sutherland
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Publication number: 20140135130Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Publication number: 20140135118Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Publication number: 20130281196Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn
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Patent number: 8545322Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Patent number: 8425310Abstract: A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices and a server or computer. Each player tracking device is associated with one of the electronic gaming machines. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data associated with each wager made by the players and a respective electronic gaming machine in a database. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Soukup, Jeffrey George, Steve Sutherland, Jeffrey Cohn